DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to straddle type two wheeled vehicles or three wheeled vehicles and particularly, but not exclusively, to a coolant tank.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Straddle type vehicles typically employ a cooling mechanism to draw away heat from heat-generating components such as an engine or a traction motor. The cooling mechanism includes a coolant that acts as a medium for heat exchange to facilitate the cooling process.
[0003] The coolant is usually placed in a coolant tank to enable storing of the coolant as well as to act as a reservoir to hold the coolant when the coolant expands due to absorption of heat from the heat-generating components. The coolant tank is preferably located close to the cooling mechanism in order to keep the length of coolant ducts to a minimum level.
[0004] Studies show that over-heating is a major cause of straddle type vehicle breakdowns on highways. Engine cooling systems must operate efficiently at all times to avoid costly repairs that result from excessive temperature. In this regard, cooling systems contaminated by rust, scale build-up and sludge cannot provide adequate heat transfer and cooling system efficiency; in addition, thermostats fail to open, hoses deteriorate, impellers bind or break-off, and engine blocks can become distorted or crack.
[0005] While the arrangement as prevalent in state of the art is effective in enabling a closed circuit for the flow of coolant to absorb heat from the heat-generating components and dissipating the absorbed heat to outside atmosphere, the arrangement as known in the art does not allow direct communication of level of coolant present in the coolant tank to a rider or user of the straddle type vehicle. Also other disadvantages occurred like as volume reduction of the coolant, over heating of devices etc. occurs.
[0006] Therefore, a coolant tank that allows easy monitoring and refilling of the coolant by the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle, without requiring removal or displacement of components of the straddle type vehicle, is desirable in the art. Accordingly, there is need for efficient engine cooling system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of a coolant tank mounting area of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a right view of a coolant tank of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0011] Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the coolant tank mounting area of the straddle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0012] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the coolant tank mounting area of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Straddle type vehicles comprise of an engine or a traction motor or both to provide force of propulsion for the straddle type vehicle. Components like the engine and the traction motor generate considerable amount of heat while functioning. The heat thus generated is required to be drawn away from the heat-generating components to preserve the longevity of said components, as well as to protect components surrounding the heat-generating components from damage due to exposure to high heat radiation for long spells of time.
[0014] It is customary to draw heat away from the heat-generating components through a cooling mechanism which employs a coolant. The coolant functions as the medium of heat transfer. On absorption of heat from the heat-generating components, the coolant is subject to expansion. A coolant tank is provided to act as a reservoir for the expanded coolant as well as to store the coolant.
[0015] The coolant tank is generally located in an unseen inner location of the straddle type vehicle, preferably close to the cooling mechanism and apparatus of the cooling mechanism to enable minimum possible length of coolant ducts which transfer the coolant between the coolant tank and the apparatus of the cooling mechanism.
[0016] While the arrangement as prevalent in state of the art is effective in enabling a closed circuit for the flow of coolant to absorb heat from the heat-generating components and dissipating the absorbed heat to outside atmosphere, the arrangement as known in the art does not allow direct communication of level of coolant present in the coolant tank to a rider or user of the straddle type vehicle.
[0017] Although the coolant is circulated in a closed circuit, it is likely to reduce in volume, due to the coolant’s volatility, through evaporation. Such loss of the coolant due to evaporation accumulates over time leading to a considerable diminishing of the coolant level. Therefore, it is additionally necessary for the level of coolant present in the coolant tank to be indicated to the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle.
[0018] Running the straddle type vehicle on low levels of coolant results in ineffective cooling of the propelling devices, be it the engine or the traction motor or both. Under performance of the cooling mechanism leads to over-heating of the propelling devices, causing them to function at continually high temperatures which reduces their efficiency, thereby increasing over all fuel consumption or hampering the mileage of the straddle type vehicle.
[0019] Moreover, in the long run, the engine and the traction motor tend to damage and wear out when made to run at continuously high temperatures. This accelerates failure of the heat generating devices, leading to a decrease in their respective lifetime.
[0020] Disposal of the coolant tank in an inner location of the straddle type vehicle renders the coolant level invisible to the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle. Monitoring of the coolant level, in the straddle type vehicle known in the art, would require removal of one or more components of the straddle type vehicle, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.
[0021] The coolant level, when observed to have fallen below a certain pre-determined lower level must be replenished to facilitate effective cooling of the heat-generating components. The replenishment of the coolant in the coolant tank requires removal and displacement of one or more components of the straddle type vehicle and the coolant tank itself. The location and construction of the coolant tank, as known in the art, renders refilling of the coolant also cumbersome and time-consuming.
[0022] Therefore, a coolant tank that allows easy monitoring and refilling of the coolant by the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle, without requiring removal or displacement of components of the straddle type vehicle, is desirable in the art.
[0023] The present invention provides a coolant tank of a straddle type vehicle located substantially under a seat assembly. The coolant tank is disposed to be located on one side below the seat assembly, adjacent to a storage box of the seat assembly. The storage box of the seat assembly is formed to surround at least a portion of the coolant tank. The location of the coolant tank, as disclosed, additionally enables effective space utilization in the straddle type vehicle.
[0024] As per one embodiment of the present invention, at least one face of the coolant tank is adapted to be exposed to be at least partially viewed from outside the straddle type vehicle. The at least one face has a coolant level indicator to allow monitoring of level of coolant present inside the coolant tank. The coolant level indicator is made of a transparent material or translucent material to enable the coolant to be seen by a user or rider of the straddle type vehicle.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant level indicator includes a substantially vertical portion made of transparent material or translucent material that indicates the exact level of the coolant in the coolant tank. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, a scale is provided adjacent to or on the substantially vertical portion to allow the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle to read the exact volume of the coolant present in the coolant tank. Alternately, the scale itself is substantially vertically inclined.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant level indicator includes at least one marker made of transparent material or translucent material, the at least one marker denotes a lower level of the coolant, implying to the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle that the coolant in the coolant tank is in need of being refilled.
[0027] As per one embodiment of the present invention, at least one marker has two markers to indicate two levels of the coolant. An upper marker of the two markers issues a first warning to the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle of a reduction in the coolant level in the coolant tank. A lower marker of the two markers issues a second and more urgent warning to the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle of the reduction of the coolant level in the coolant tank. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, at least one marker is substantially horizontal in inclination.
[0028] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank is shaped to have uniform breadth and variable width and variable length, wherein the coolant tank is mounted to the straddle type vehicle in such a manner that the variable length and the variable width are visible in a right side view of the straddle type vehicle, and the uniform breadth and the variable length is visible in a rear view of the straddle type vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the variable length and variable width are tapering length and tapering width respectively.
[0029] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank has a top portion which is surrounded, at least partially by the storage box of the seat assembly. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank has a middle portion that continues seamlessly from a lower end of the top portion, the middle portion having a width that reduces from the lower end of the top portion to a lower end of the middle portion. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank has a bottom portion where the width of the coolant tank reduces from the lower end of the middle portion to a base of the coolant tank, resulting in giving exact reading of the coolant level in the coolant tank.
[0030] As per one embodiment of the present invention, rate of reduction of the width of the middle portion is greater than rate of reduction of the bottom portion. This ensures that the coolant tank tapers the largest in the middle portion and tapers gradually in the bottom portion. This implies that top portion is widest, followed by the middle portion where the width reduces largest and the bottom portion has the smallest width. The coolant level indicator is located on the at least one face of the coolant tank adapted to be exposed to be viewed from outside the straddle type vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, at least one face is formed by the variable length and the variable width. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant level indicator is located on the middle portion of the coolant tank, on at least one face, to give the better accessibility to the customer to know the level of coolant in the straddle type vehicle.
[0031] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the coolant tank, takes on a funnel-like shape with volume of the coolant decreasing from the top portion to the bottom portion of the coolant tank. This enables application of optimum pressure on the coolant flowing out of the coolant tank due to force of gravity exerted by the remaining coolant in the coolant tank.
[0032] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the coolant tank and the location of the coolant level indicator, enable a major volume of the coolant to be situated above the transparent coolant level indicator, thereby facilitating the issue of warning by the coolant level indicator to the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle, when the major volume of the coolant is exhausted and only a reserve quantity of coolant remains below in the lower marker of the two markers of the coolant level indicator of the coolant tank.
[0033] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the lower marker of the two markers of the coolant level indicator of the coolant tank is adapted to issue a second and more urgent warning to the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle of the reduction of the coolant level in the coolant tank. The lower marker is located at the lower end of the middle portion such that the bottom portion of the coolant tank contains the reserve quantity of coolant.
[0034] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the coolant tank, with the widest top portion being surrounded by the storage box of the seat assembly, the largely tapering middle portion and the least wide bottom portion which tapers gently, allows the coolant tank to be mounted below the seat assembly without the coolant tank interfering with other components close to a coolant tank mounting area.
[0035] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank is mounted adjacent to a side cover of the straddle type vehicle such that the side cover acts as a shield to protect the coolant tank from direct external impact. The coolant tank with respect to the side cover are so arranged as to enable unimpeded visibility of the coolant level indicator to the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, a lateral gap exists between the side cover and said at least one face of the coolant tank adapted to be exposed at least partially to be viewed from outside the straddle type vehicle.
[0036] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank has an opening in the top portion for refilling the coolant in the coolant tank. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the opening is located on top of the coolant tank, such that the opening is accessed through the storage box of the seat assembly. The arrangement of the coolant tank with the storage box is such that the storage box surrounds the top portion of the coolant tank at least partially. The opening of the coolant tank is connected to a corresponding orifice at the base of an area of the storage box adapted to surround the top portion of the coolant tank at least partially.
[0037] Further, as per one embodiment, the corresponding orifice and the opening of the coolant tank are connected to allow the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle to refill the coolant in the coolant tank by opening the storage box, and further opening the orifice and the opening which are closed together, by a cap. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the cap is adapted to close the orifice of the storage box and the opening of the coolant tank. The cap is adapted to seal the coolant tank in an air-tight fashion so as to prevent the coolant from evaporating. Further, as per one embodiment of a present invention, a seat of the seat assembly forms a lid of the storage box with the seat being opened on a hinge to open the storage box.
[0038] As per another embodiment, the coolant tank can be mounted at an angular position, so that the customer will have maximum accessibility to the coolant level indicator and also without the interfering with other components close to a coolant tank mounting area.
[0039] Thus, the present invention provides a coolant tank disposed below a seat assembly of the straddle type vehicle, without cluttering or over-crowding a congested rear portion of the straddle type vehicle, which facilitates ease in monitoring of level of coolant in the coolant tank as well as refilling of the coolant in the coolant tank when the level of the coolant falls below a pre-determined measure of volume.
[0040] As per one embodiment of the present invention, location of the coolant tank below the seat assembly and adjacent to the storage box has the advantage of conserving space at a lower rear end of the straddle type vehicle. The lower, rear end of the straddle type vehicle is very congested owing to the transmission member being located there. Therefore, the present invention facilitates easing of space congestion and lessens cluttering that follows congestion of a number of components being mounted in one region of the straddle type vehicle.
[0041] Moreover, the location of the coolant tank, as disclosed, also ensures that the advantage, prevalent in the construction in the known art, of having the coolant tank located close to apparatus of the cooling mechanism is not lost. The coolant tank being located close to the transmission member ensures that the ducting pipes or ducting tubes to transfer the coolant between the coolant tank and the apparatus of the cooling mechanism is kept to a minimum length.
[0042] The coolant tank has a transparent coolant level indicator which directly relays warnings of coolant level when approaching or having fallen below a reserve volume level to a rider or user of the straddle type vehicle. The transparent coolant level indicator dispenses with the need for a sensor-based monitoring and electronic relay of coolant related information to the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle. Therefore, the present invention proposes an economical solution which also dispenses with the need for additional components.
[0043] The coolant tank of the present invention facilitates easy and inexpensive means of coolant level monitoring. It also enables easy refilling of the coolant in the coolant tank without having to dismantle or detach any component of the straddle type vehicle. The user or rider of the straddle type vehicle can simply open the storage box, open the cap securing the orifice of the storage box and the opening of the coolant tank and pour in the coolant into the coolant tank, in order to replenish the coolant.
[0044] The present invention provides a coolant tank which allows easy monitoring and refilling of coolant without the need to detach from the straddle type vehicle the coolant tank or other components of the straddle type vehicle and also provides a solution to reduce congestion of rear portion of the straddle type vehicle. Therefore, the present invention addresses the drawbacks, as explained earlier, which are prevalent in the state of the art.
[0045] Apart from the advantages already mentioned, the described invention has several advantages over conventional arrangements prevalent in state of the art. The present invention ensures maintenance of adequate amount of coolant in the coolant tank, thereby ensuring optimum functioning of the cooling mechanism to control the temperature of heat-generating devices, which in turn leads to longevity of the heat generating devices.
[0046] An embodiment of the present invention is described in further detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description. The following description relates to a straddle type vehicle, however, it is understood that “vehicle” refers to straddle type two-wheeled and three wheeled vehicles.
[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a straddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Typically, the frame assembly (not shown) comprises a head tube (not shown), a main tube (125) and a pair of side tubes (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is disposed towards a front portion. The main tube (125) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (not shown). The other end of the main tube (125) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (not shown) through a bracket member (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (104) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (105) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (106).
[0048] Two telescopic suspensions of the front suspension system (104) are attached to a holding member (not shown) on the lower part of the steering tube (not shown) on which is supported the front wheel (109). The upper portion of the front wheel (109) is covered by a front fender (108) mounted to the bottom portion of the steering shaft (not shown). The front end of the straddle type vehicle (100) is protected by a front panel assembly (120). A head lamp assembly (140) is disposed in the front portion with the head lamp (not shown) adapted to be surrounded by the front panel assembly (120).
[0049] A seat assembly (150), on which a rider may sit, is supported on a rear portion of the straddle type vehicle (100). A tail cover assembly (141) is connected to the seat assembly (150) to form a storage space (not shown) disposed below the seat assembly (150). A coolant tank (shown in figure 2) is also disposed below the seat assembly (150) in a coolant tank mounting area (shown in figure 2). At least one side cover (130) of a side cover assembly serves to shield the sides of the straddle type vehicle (100), also, coolant tank mounting area (131) is partially covered by the side cover (130)
[0050] There is front brake (111) and rear brake (not shown) arranged on the front wheel (109) and a rear wheel (110) respectively. The rear wheel (110) is covered by a rear wheel hugger (113) and a rear fender (114) with a tail light (not shown) disposed near it, at the end of the seat assembly (150). The rear wheel (110) is supported towards the rear side of the frame by a horizontally coupled transmission member (180). The transmission member (180) which also acts as a structural member and referred interchangeably as a swing arm, connects the rear wheel to the straddle type vehicle frame. The transmission member (180) is secured to the rear of the frame assembly (not shown) of the straddle type vehicle (100) through a rear suspension system (181).
[0051] Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of a coolant tank mounting area (131) of the straddle type vehicle (100). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank mounting area (131) has a coolant tank (201) located below the seat assembly (150). The coolant tank (201) is partially shielded by at least one side cover (130). The coolant tank (201) has a coolant level indicator (210) disposed on at least one face (205) of the coolant tank (201), at least one face (205) is adapted to be seen externally by a rider or user of the straddle type vehicle (100), results to easy accessibility to the customer.
[0052] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant level indicator (210) is transparent and presence or absence of the coolant may be seen through the transparent coolant level indicator (210). The coolant level indicator (210) includes a substantially vertical portion (202) or a scale and at least one marker (202a, 202b). The substantially vertical portion (202) enables the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle (100) to gauge the level of coolant in the coolant tank (201). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, at least one marker (202a, 202b) is used to communicate a warning to the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle (100) about depletion of the coolant level and the need for replenishment of the coolant in the coolant tank (201).
[0053] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the substantially vertical portion (202) has a scale marked adjacent to or on the substantially vertical portion (202) in order for the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle (100) to be able to read the exact level of coolant in the coolant tank (201).
[0054] As per one embodiment of the present invention, as described in figure 2, at least one marker (202a, 202b) has an upper marker (202a) and a lower marker (202b) to issue a first warning and a second warning respectively, to the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle (100). The presence or absence of the coolant at the upper marker (202a) and the lower marker (202b) may be seen through the transparent material of the upper marker (202a) and the lower marker (202b). If the coolant can be seen, it is understood that volume of the coolant is sufficiently high as to not require replenishment. If the coolant cannot be seen through the upper maker (202a) but can be seen through the lower marker (202b), it is to be understood that the first warning has been communicated and that the coolant level is nearing reserve level. If the coolant cannot be seen through the lower marker (202b) as well, the second and more urgent warning is communicated, with the second warning implying that the coolant level has fallen below the reserve level and immediate replenishment of the coolant in the coolant tank (201) is required to ensure proper cooling of heat-generating components such as engine and traction motor.
[0055] The coolant tank (201) is located close to the heat-generating components such as the engine and the traction motor, thereby, ensuring that coolant transferring ducting or tubing is kept to a minimum length. As seen in figure 2, the coolant tank (201) is located close to the transmission member (180) of the straddle type vehicle (100). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank (201), is disposed on one side so as not to interfere with components such as a rear suspension system (181) disposed in the coolant tank mounting area (131).
[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a right view of the coolant tank (201) of the straddle type vehicle (100). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank (201) includes a top portion (301), a middle portion (302) and a bottom portion (303). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, at least one face (205) formed by tapering length (L-L’) and tapering width (W-W’) where the tapering length (L-L’) and the tapering width (W-W’) are variable across the plane in which at least one face (205) lies.
[0057] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the top portion (301) has the largest tapering width (W- W’) which continues more or less uniformly until a lower end of the top portion (301). The tapering width (W- W’) of the middle portion (302) reduces acutely from the lower end of the top portion (301) to a lower end of the middle portion (302). The tapering width (W- W’) of the bottom portion (303) reduces from the lower end of the middle portion to a base of the coolant tank (304) and rate of reduction of the tapering width (W- W’) in the middle portion (302) is greater than rate of reduction in the bottom portion (303). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank (201) tapers acutely in the middle portion (302) and less acutely in the bottom portion (303). The tapering width (W- W’) of the bottom portion (303) is least and the width of the top portion (301) is largest, thereby utilizing the coolant present in the coolant tank.
[0058] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the tapering length (L-L’) of the coolant tank (201) increases as one moves from a rear side of the straddle type vehicle (100) to the front side of the straddle type vehicle (100). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the tapering length (L-L’) of the coolant tank (201) is greatest on a front side of the coolant tank (201) where the coolant tank (201) is mounted to the straddle type vehicle (100). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank (201) is mounted to the straddle type vehicle (100) in a cantilever fashion with the front side securing the coolant tank (201) and the rest of the coolant tank (201) being unsupported. The tapering length (L-L’) of the coolant tank (201) is greatest on the front side of the coolant tank (201) and reduces from said front side to the rear side, also results into the minimum length of the ducting pipes, ease in manufacturing and have the economic significance also.
[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the coolant tank mounting area (131) of the straddle type vehicle (100). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank (201) mounted to one side under the seat assembly (150) with the top portion (301) of the coolant tank (201) being surrounded by a storage box (401), the storage box (401) also being mounted under the seat assembly (150). The coolant tank (201), being disposed to one side under the seat assembly (150), does not interfere with other components of the straddle type vehicle located in or near the coolant tank mounting area (131) such as the rear suspension system (181).
[0060] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the top portion (301) of the coolant tank (201) is surrounded by the storage box (401) and hence not visible in figure 4. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the middle portion (302), as seen in the figure, shaped as it is with reducing tapering width (W-W’) from the lower end of the top portion (301) to the lower end of the middle portion (302), and the bottom portion (303) with the smallest tapering width (W-W’) ensures clearance between the coolant tank (201) and other surrounding components located below the storage box (401) of the seat assembly (150). As may be seen in figure 4, the side cover (130) shields the coolant tank (201) while leaving the coolant level indicator (210) visible.
[0061] Further as per one embodiment of the present invention, the top portion (301) of the coolant tank (201) has an opening that is connected, in an air-tight manner, to an orifice in the storage box (401) of the seat assembly (150). The opening of the coolant tank (201) and the orifice of the storage box (401) are closed air-tightly by a cap. The cap may be opened by the rider or user of the straddle type vehicle by opening the storage box (401). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the storage box (401) is opened by raising a seat of the seat assembly (150) where the seat forms a lid of the storage box (401). The coolant in the coolant tank (201) may be replenished by the user or rider of the straddle type vehicle by opening the storage box (401) followed by opening the cap inside the storage box (401) to pour in the coolant. The cap is secured after the coolant is poured into the coolant tank (201) to prevent evaporation of the coolant.
[0062] Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the coolant tank mounting area (131) of the straddle type vehicle (100). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the rear view of the coolant tank (201), shows the coolant tank (201) having uniform breadth (B-B’). The side cover (130) and the coolant tank (201) have a lateral gap (G), as may be seen in the figure. The coolant tank (201) is located close to the transmission member (180) of the straddle type vehicle (100). However, it may be seen that the coolant tank (201), as mounted in the present embodiment, does not interfere with other components mounted in the coolant tank mounting area (131).
[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the coolant tank mounting area (131) of the straddle type vehicle (100). As per another embodiment of the present invention, the coolant tank (201) is projected at an angle X with respect to vertical plane. Further, as per another embodiment of the present invention, the angle X is in range 45-50 degree. Further this kind of embodiment ensures clearance between the coolant tank (201) and other surrounding components. Also, it ensures the rider’s comfortability to check the coolant level while sitting on the straddle type vehicle itself. It increases the accessibility of coolant tank to the riders.
[0064] Thus, the present invention describes a coolant tank (201) mounted to be located on one side of a seat assembly (150) and at least partially surrounded by a storage box (401) of the seat assembly (150), wherein the coolant tank (201) includes a coolant level indicator (210) to enable easy monitoring of coolant in the coolant tank (201) and the coolant tank (201) also includes an opening connected to an orifice in the storage box (401) through which the coolant tank (201) may be filled easily.
[0065] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of References:

Fig.1:

100: Straddle Type Vehicle
105: Handle Bar Support Member
106: Handle Bar Assembly
120: Front Panel Assembly
108: Front Fender
109: Front Wheel
104: Front Suspension System
111: Front Brake
140: Head Lamp Assembly
181: Rear Suspension System
180: Transmission Member
110: Rear Wheel
113: Real Wheel Hugger
141: Tail Cover Assembly
114: Rear Fender
131: Cooling Tank Mounting Area
130: Side Cover
150: Seat Assembly
125: Main Tube

Fig.2:

131: Cooling Tank Mounting Area
130: Side Cover
181: Rear Suspension System
180: Transmission Member
205: one face
202a: Upper Marker
202: Vertical Portion
202b: Lower Marker
210: Coolant level Indicator
150: Seat Assembly
201: Coolant Tank

Fig. 3:

201: Coolant Tank
205: One Face
301: Top Portion
302: Middle Portion
303: Bottom Portion
304: Base of the Coolant Tank
202a: Upper Marker
202: Vertical Portion
202b: Lower Marker
210: Coolant Level Indicator
L-L’- Tapering Length
W-W’- Tapering Width

Fig.4:

131: Coolant Tank Mounting Area.
130: Side Cover
181: Rear Suspension System
302: Middle Portion
401: Storage Box
303: Bottom Portion
210: Coolant Level Indicator
201: Coolant Tank

Fig.5:

131: Coolant Tank Mounting Area
201: Coolant Tank
180: Transmission Member
130: Side Cover
B-B’: Uniform Breadth
G: Lateral Gap

Fig. 6

131: Coolant Tank Mounting Area.
180: Transmission Member
201: Coolant Tank
X: Angle
130: Side Cover
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A straddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (not shown) adapted to provide skeletal support to the straddle type vehicle (100);
a seat assembly (150) supported by said frame assembly,
a storage box (401) being disposed below said seat assembly (150);
a coolant tank (201) is disposed on a side below said seat assembly (150), includes a top portion (301), a middle portion (302) and a bottom portion (303) and a coolant level indicator (210) at one face (205) of said coolant tank (201).

2. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said storage box (401) is located adjacent to said coolant tank (201).

3. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coolant tank (201) is mounted in a cantilever fashion with the front side securing said coolant tank (201) and the rest of said coolant tank (201) being unsupported.

4. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coolant tank (201) mounted to one side under said seat assembly (150) with said top portion (301) of said coolant tank (201) being surrounded by said storage box (401), said storage box (401) also being mounted under the seat assembly (150).

5. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said storage box (401) is opened by raising a seat of said seat assembly (150) where the seat forms a lid of said storage box (401).
6. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side cover (130) and said coolant tank (201) have a lateral gap (G).

7. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coolant tank (201) is mounted to be located on one side of said seat assembly (150).

8. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said storage box (401) includes an orifice adapted to be connected to an opening of a coolant tank (201).

9. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said one face (205) of said coolant tank (201) is adapted to be at least partially exposed when seen in the side view of the vehicle.

10. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said coolant level indicator (210) includes one or more of a substantially vertical portion (202) and at least one marker (202a, 202b) adapted to denote a lower level of coolant, said at least one marker (202a, 202b) being horizontally inclined.

11. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said coolant tank (201) is mounted adjacent to a side cover (130) of said straddle type vehicle (100), said side cover (130) being located above said coolant level indicator (210).

12. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said coolant tank (201) is shaped to have one or more of a uniform breadth (B-B’), a tapering length (L-L’) and a tapering width (W-W’).

13. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 12, wherein said tapering width (W-W’) of said coolant tank (201) being adapted to reduce from the lower end of said top portion (301) to a lower end of said middle portion (302) and said tapering width (W-W’) of said coolant tank (201) being adapted to reduce from the lower end of said middle portion (302) to a base of the coolant tank (304).

14. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 12, wherein rate of reduction of said tapering width (W-W’) of said coolant tank (201) in said middle portion (302) is greater than rate of reduction of said tapering width (W-W’) of said coolant tank (201) in said bottom portion (303).

15. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said storage box (401) being adapted to surround said top portion (301) of said coolant tank (201) at least partially.

16. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said coolant tank (201) is projected at an angle X with respect to vertical plane.

17. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said angle X is in range 45-50 degrees.