DESC: FUEL LID LOCKING STRUCTURE
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[001] The present invention relates to vehicles having fuel lid located rearward of vehicle seat and, more particularly to fuel lid locking structure.
BACKGROUND

[002] In conventional scooter-type vehicles, fuel tank is arranged below a seat. A fuel filling port, through which a spout of fuel dispenser is introduced into the fuel tank, is also disposed below the seat. In such arrangements, the seat is required to be opened for supplying fuel into the fuel tank. Hence, in such arrangement of the scooter-type vehicles, user has to get off the vehicle and then unlock and lift the seat upward for filling fuel into the fuel tank which is a cumbersome operation.
[003] Sometimes, a fuel filler neck of the fuel tank is located on the rear side of the vehicle body, behind the seat and above the tail light. A separate lid is used to cover and lock the opening of the fuel filler neck. However, while fueling the fuel tank, or at the time when a fuel gun is brought to or taken away from the fuel tank, some fuel is spilled in the vicinity of the opening of the fuel filler neck. In such scenarios, spilled fuel, if get in contact with surrounding body parts of the vehicle, particularly made up of plastic or similar material, such as body cover, reflector of tail light etc, can damage it.
[004] Hence, it would be advantageous to provide techniques to overcome the above-said problems and to provide a fuel lid locking structure for precluding damage of surrounding areas of the opening of the fuel filler neck, in addition to providing other benefits.
SUMMARY

[005] In an embodiment, a fuel lid locking structure in a two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The fuel lid locking structure comprises a lid cover comprising a locking hook. The lid cover is configured to swing between an open position and a closed position. The fuel lid locking structure further comprises a locking assembly mounted to a wall through one or more lock mounting provisions. The locking assembly comprises a complementary locking member overlapping with a locking slot configured in the wall. The fuel lid locking structure further comprises a protective member detachably coupled to the wall through the one or more lock mounting provisions. The protective member comprises one or more flaps members overlapping with the locking slot. When the lid cover is rotated to assume the closed position, the one or more flaps members are elastically deformed by a movement of the locking hook thereby allowing the locking hook to fit with the complementary locking member of the locking assembly, whereby the one or more flaps members regain their original shapes after the locking hook crossed the one or more flaps members to fit with the complementary locking member.
[006] In an embodiment, the fuel lid locking structure comprises a connecting member disposed above a tail light assembly and between a rear end portion of a left side cover and a rear end portion of a right side cover of the two-wheeled vehicle. The connecting member comprises a base portion and a wall structure. The wall structure comprises a first lateral side wall, the wall being a lower wall and a second lateral side wall for defining a cavity formed therebetween with an open end portion. The wall comprises the locking slot and the one or more lock mounting provisions.
[007] In an embodiment, the fuel lid locking structure further comprises a fuel filler neck, wherein an end portion of the fuel filler neck is disposed in an opening configured in the base portion of the connecting member.
[008] In an embodiment, the first lateral side wall comprises a peripheral flange comprising one or more provisions for mounting the rear end portion of the left side cover. The second lateral side wall comprises a peripheral flange comprising one or more provisions for mounting the rear end portion of the right side cover.
[009] In an embodiment, the lid cover comprises a hinge member adapted to be pivotally supported by a pair of guide members configured in the connecting member.
[0010] In an embodiment, the protective member further comprises a first surface comprising one or more mounting holes adapted to be fixed to the wall and to the locking assembly through the one or more lock mounting provisions; and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The first surface comprises a front flaps member, and the second surface comprises an upper flaps member. When the protective member is fixed to the wall, the front flaps member overlaps with the portion of the locking slot on the wall and the upper flaps member overlaps with the portion of the locking slot on a lower portion flange configured on the wall.
[0011] In an embodiment, the front flaps member is of double door structure comprising a first front flap (LF) and a second front flap (RF). The first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) are configured such that first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) have retractably openable relationship with the first surface in a transverse direction to the first surface. The upper flaps member is of a double door structure comprising a first upper flap (LU) and a second upper flap (RU). The first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) are configured such that first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) have retractably openable relationship with the second surface in a transverse direction to the second surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0012] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanied drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a tail light assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a view of a connecting member, a headlight assembly and side covers, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a fuel lid, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a connecting member and a protective member in an exploded view, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a connecting member and a protective member in an assembled view, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] Figure 8 illustrates a connecting member and a locking assembly in an exploded view, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] Figure 9 illustrates a view of a protective member, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] Figure 10 illustrates a working embodiment, according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0023] Figure 11 illustrates the lid cover in an open condition, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[0026] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0027] An object of the present invention is to at least partly address the aforesaid lacunas. Various embodiments of the fuel lid locking structure are described herein reference to figures 1 to 11. For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures and description below. Further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[0028] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / upward”, “down / downward / lower / lowerward” that may be used therein represent the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr in the drawing figures. Further, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” that may be used herein represent the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.
[0029] Further, the terms “two-wheeled vehicle”, “two-wheeled motor vehicle” and “saddle riding type vehicle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description of the invention. Also, the terms “lid cover”, “lid” and “lid member” may have been used interchangeably throughout the description of the invention.
[0030] As shown in Figure 1, a two-wheeled vehicle or a saddle riding type vehicle (200) comprises, inter-alia, a front wheel (202) steered by a handle bar (204), a rear wheel (206) driven by a power transmission unit (208). The power transmission unit (208) comprises an engine and a transmission unit. The engine (e.g., internal combustion engine) is preferably, but not limited to a single cylinder engine with a crank shaft placed along the vehicle width direction. The handle bar (204) is steerably supported by a head pipe (110) at a front end of a vehicle body frame (100) (see, Figure 2). The power transmission unit (208) is pivot-supported / swingbly supported to the vehicle body frame (100) so as to be able to swing in a vertical direction. A portion between the handle bar (204) and a seat (212) supported by the vehicle body, whereupon an operator of the two-wheeled vehicle (200) places his feet, is referred to as a step floor (210).
[0031] Further, the two-wheeled vehicle (200) is covered by a body cover, generally, made up of resin material, and the leg shield. Generally, the leg shield comprises an inner leg shield (214a) and an outer leg shield (214b). The inner leg shield (214a) and the outer leg shield (214b) are arranged ahead of the seat (212). The body cover comprises a center cover (216), a left side cover (306a) and a right side cover (306b) (not visible in the Figure 1, shown in Figure 4). The center cover (216) and left and right side covers (306a, 306b) cover the rear portion of the vehicle body frame (100). The inner leg shield (214a) and the outer leg shield (214b) extend towards right-and-left direction of the two-wheeled vehicle (200). The inner leg shield (214a) and the outer leg shield (214b) are substantially disposed on the lower part from the head tube (110). The inner leg shield (214a) is arranged behind the head tube (110) and the outer leg shield (214b) is arranged from front side of the inner leg shield (214a). Generally, the inner leg shield (214a) and the outer leg shield (214b) are arranged such that the head tube (110) and some portion of the main frame (112) (and the components mounted on these elements) are covered and are not visible from outside. The seat (212) is disposed on an upper side of the center cover (216) and the left and right side covers (306a, 306b).
[0032] A rear wheel axle is rotatably supported in a rear end portion of the power transmission unit (208). Further, a rotational power of the crank shaft is transmitted to the rear wheel axle via the power transmission unit (208). As a result, the rear wheel (206) supported by the rear wheel axle is driven, and the two-wheeled vehicle (200) runs. The two-wheeled vehicle (200) further includes an exhaust system comprising an exhaust pipe attached to the engine, and a muffler integral with or connected to the exhaust pipe.
[0033] Figure 2 depicts the vehicle body frame (100) of the two-wheeled vehicle (200) for example the two-wheeled vehicle (200). As illustrated in Figure 2, the vehicle body frame (100) comprises a head tube (110), a main frame (112), a pair of rear seat sub-frames such as a left rear seat sub-frame (114a) and a right rear seat sub-frame (114b). In an embodiment, the vehicle body frame (100) further comprises one or more cross frames such as a first cross frame (116), and a second cross frame (120). The head tube (110) extends frontward and downward from the front portion of the vehicle body frame (100). The main frame (112) extends rearward and downward from the head pipe (110) and then becomes approximately horizontal and runs parallel to the ground. The main frame (112) has a cross member (124) which is connected to the rear end of the main frame (112), and is extended in the cross direction of the two-wheeled vehicle (200). A pair of left and right rear seat sub-frames (114a) and (114b) extends from side ends of the cross member (124) in rearward and upward and then extends in approximately horizontal direction. The rear part of the rear seat sub-frames (114a) and (114b) curves at the rear end and is connected by a bracket (123). As shown in Figure 2, an approximately ‘U’ character-like front side crossing frame (see, the second cross frame (120)) is constructed over the front portion of the rear seat sub-frames (114a) and (114b). The rear side crossing frame (see, the first cross frame (116)) is constructed over the rear side portion of the rear seat sub-frames (114a) and (114b). A cross pipe (122) is provided on the upper surface of the front part of the approximately horizontal part of the main frame (112). The cross pipe (122) extends along the cross direction of the two-wheeled vehicle (200). A pair of left and right sub-frames (117a) and (117b) extend back from side ends of the cross pipe (122). The left and right sub-frames (117a) and (117b) are extended in length direction of the vehicle (200) in the state where it inclined a little in a side view, they are welded on the cross member 124 forming a step floor structure.
[0034] Further, a first U-shaped frame tube (118a) extends from the left rear seat sub-frame (114a) at a position near the front side crossing frame (120). Similarly, a second U-shaped frame tube (118b) extends from the right rear seat sub-frame (114b) at a position near the front side crossing frame (120). The first and second U-shaped frame tubes (118a) and (118b) are used for mounting a foot peg (not shown in figures).
[0035] Furthermore, a steel plate (121) is provided between and connected to the left and right rear seat sub-frames (114a) and (114b) at rear end of the sub-frames (114a) and (114b) such that the steel plate (121) passes over a fuel tank (302) and provides support to the fuel tank (302). As illustrated in Figure 1, the fuel tank (302) is mounted in the space between the rear end portion of the rear seat sub-frames (114a, 114b) and the first cross frame (116) (also referred to as ‘rear side crossing frame (116)’). The rear side crossing frame (116), the steel plate (121) and the rear seat sub-frames (114a, 114b) have one or more mounting means such as bracket and the like, for mounting the fuel tank (302). In an embodiment, the steel plate (121) is a substantially flat plate having one or more mounting provisions for mounting the side covers (306a, 306b).
[0036] In an embodiment, the fuel tank (302) is formed from a pair of sheet metal stampings including a lower member and an upper member that are connected to each other by means of peripheral flanges. The fuel tank (302) is fixed and supported by the rear seat sub-frames (114a) and (114b). The fuel tank (302) is positioned in such a way that it is placed in a rear direction of the storage box and in a space between rear ends of the rear seat sub-frames (114a) and (114b). The fuel tank (302) has a fuel filler neck (308) fluidically connected with the fuel tank (302) and having opening (308a) at the other end. The fuel filler neck (308) extends rearwardly above the tail light assembly (502) and is accessible from the space above the tail light assembly (502). A removable fuel filing cap (not shown) is used to close the opening (308a) of the fuel filler neck (308).
[0037] As illustrated in the Figure 3, a tail light assembly (502) is adapted to be connected to the rear end of the left and right side covers (306a) and (306b). The tail light assembly (502) comprises a tail light (702) and a pair of rear winkers (702a), (702b) (shown in Figure 3). The tail light assembly (502) comprises a central portion (506), a right portion (508a) and a left portion (508b). The right portion (508a) extends from the right end of the central portion (506) in the width direction of the vehicle (200) and bends a little and then extends towards front direction of the vehicle (200). Similarly, the left portion (508b) extends in width direction from the left end of the central portion (506) in the width direction of the vehicle (200) and bends a little and then extends towards front direction of the vehicle (200). The left and right portions (508b, 508a) together with the central portion (506) of the tail light assembly (502) form substantially a V-shape structure when viewed from the top. The shape of the tail light assembly (502) is such as the tail light assembly (502) is in flush relation with the left and right side covers (306a) and (306b). The central portion (506) has one or more provisions (504a, 504b). Further, the right and left portions (508a) and (508b) of the tail light assembly (502) have one or more mounting provisions (510a, 510b) for mounting the tail light assembly (502) to the side covers (306a, 306b). In an embodiment, the tail light assembly (502) is directly mounted to the vehicle body frame (100) using the provisions (504a) and (504b). As shown in Figure 3, the tail light assembly (502) has one or more peripheral extensions having one or more mounting provisions on each of the peripheral extensions. In an embodiment, the tail light assembly (502) includes extensions (502a, 502b) having a mounting means on each of the extensions (502a, 502b).
[0038] Figures 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrate views of a connecting member (400) of the two-wheeled vehicle (200). In an embodiment, the connecting member (400) is disposed between and connected to the rear end of the left and right side covers (306a) and (306b) (see, Figure 4). In an embodiment, the connecting member (400) is connected to the tail light assembly (502). Alternatively, in an embodiment, the connecting member (400) is connected to the rear end of the left and right side covers (306a) and (306b) and the tail light assembly (502). The connecting member (400) is disposed above the tail light assembly (502).
[0039] In an embodiment, the connecting member (400) comprises a base portion (406) and a wall structure. The wall structure can be of suitable shape as per the requirement. In an embodiment, the wall structure comprises three walls, a first lateral side wall (412a), the wall (412b) (e.g., a lower wall (412b)), and a second lateral side wall (412c). The base portion (406) and the wall structure integrally define a cavity with an open end portion. The open end portion is adapted to be closed by a lid cover (304). In an embodiment, the three walls (412a), (412b) and (412c) have peripheral flanges (402a), (402b) and (402c) extending outward therefrom, respectively. The peripheral flanges (402a), (402b) and (402c) may be termed as a left flange (402a), a lower portion flange (402b) and a right flange (402c), respectively. The left and right flanges (402a) and (402c) extend substantially in the width direction of the vehicle (200). The lower portion flange (402b) extends downwardly towards the tail light assembly (502). Further, the left and right flanges (402a) and (402c) have one or more mounting provisions for mounting the left and right side covers (306a), (306b), respectively. The left flange (402a) and the right flange (402c) are adapted to mount the rear end of the respective left and right side covers (306a) and (306b). For example, the right flange (402c) is adapted to be mounted to the rear end portion of the right side cover (306b). Similarly, the left flange (402a) is adapted to be mounted to the rear end portion of the left side cover (306a). The lower wall (412b) is further provided with the lock mounting provisions in the upper portion thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more lock mounting provisions for example, two lock mounting provisions (412l) are shown. The lock mounting provisions (412l) are used to mount a locking assembly (870) to the connecting member (400) (depicted in the Figure 8) for the lid cover (304). The lock mounting provisions (412l) are also used to mount the protective member (619) to the connecting member (400).
[0040] Further, as illustrated in Figure 6 to 8, the base portion (406) of the connecting member (400) has an opening (408) on its central portion to receive the rear end of the fuel filler neck (308). In an embodiment, the opening (408) is of circular shape. In an embodiment, the opening (408) can be of a shape other than the circular, for example, rectangular, square, triangular, and the like. A locking slot (410) is formed on the lower wall (412b) which extends to the lower portion flange (402b) of the connecting member (400). A locking hook (870h) of the lid cover (304) is adapted to engage with a complementary locking member (872) of the locking assembly (870) fixed to the connecting member (400). The locking assembly (870) is fixedly mounted to the lower wall (412b) from rear side i.e. from the side of the tail light assembly (502) such that the locking hook (870h) of the lid cover (304) can engage with the locking assembly (870) through the locking slot (410) for locking the lid cover (304) to close the cavity of the connecting member (400). The locking assembly (870) is provided with the lock holes (870a). As shown in Figure 7, a pair of guide members as a left guide member (411a) and a right guide member (411b) is provided towards top portion of the cavity of the connecting member (400). The guide members (411a) and (411b) are adapted to receive and pivotally support a hinge member (802) (see, Figure 5). The lid cover (304) can swing between an open position and a closed position to open and close the cavity of the connecting member (400). In an embodiment, at least one elastic member (804) (see, Figure 11) is provided. In an embodiment, the elastic member (804) is provided to keep the lid cover (304) biased in open position. In an embodiment, the elastic member (804) may include a torsion spring.
[0041] In an embodiment, the connecting member (400) further comprises at least one locking assembly (870) for locking the lid cover (304) onto the connecting member (400). The locking assembly (870) may be any suitable lock mechanism. In an embodiment, the connecting member (400) has a lock which may be operated by a key to lock and unlock the lid cover (304). In an embodiment, the key may be a separate dedicated key for the fuel tank (302) or it may be a single key which can also be used as an ignition key. In the locked position of the lid cover (304), lid cover (304) is in flush relationship with the left and right side covers (306a, 306b). Also, the tail light assembly (502) is in flush relationship with the lid cover (304) when the lid cover (304) is in the locked position.
[0042] In an alternate embodiment, the side covers (306a, 306b) are connected to the tail light assembly (500) at rear side of the side covers (306a, 306b) to form an access opening. As shown in Figure 11, the lid cover (304) rotates in substantially upward direction in an open position from a closed position for uncovering the access opening to allow access to the fuel tank cap. The lid cover (304) can be connected to the vehicle body frame (100) and more particularly to rear of the side covers (306a, 306b).
[0043] During filling of fuel into the fuel tank (302), or at the time when fuel gun is bought to or taken away from the fuel tank (302) or the connecting member (400), some fuel may be spilled in the connecting member (400). The connecting member (400) provides a cavity around the opening of the fuel tank (302) which separates the side covers (306a), (306b) and the tail light assembly (502), thus the fuel only remain in contact with the connecting member (400), where the connecting member (400) can be made up of fuel resistant material. Thus, all other body cover parts, reflector of tail light, etc., are saved from being in contact with the fuel.
[0044] A protective member (619), as illustrated in the Figure 9 is fixed to the connecting member (400). The protective member (619) is fixed to the lower wall (412b) from inside the connecting member (400) and the lower portion flange (402b) of the connecting member (400). As illustrated in Figure 9, in an embodiment, the protective member (619) is a flexible body having a first surface (619a) and a second surface (619b). The second surface (619b) is extending substantially perpendicular to the first surface (619a). The first surface (619a) is provided with mounting holes (619c) and the second surface (619b) is provided with the extended fixing provisions (619d). The locking assembly (870) and the first surface (619a) of the protective member (619) are fixed to the lower wall (412b) using the common lock mounting provisions (412l). The locking assembly (870) is fixed to the lower wall (412b) from the outer side and the first surface (619a) of the protective member (619) from the inner side of the lower wall (412b). The first surface (619a) of the protective member (619) includes a front flaps member (619f) and the second surface (619b) of the protective member (619) includes an upper flaps member (619e). The front flaps member (619f) is provided on the first surface (619a) such that, when the protective member (619) is fixed, the front flaps member (619f) overlaps with the portion of the locking slot (410) on the lower wall (412b) and the upper flaps member (619e) overlaps with the portion of the locking slot (410) on the lower portion flange (402b).
[0045] The front flaps member (619f) form a double door structure comprising two flaps such as a first front flap (LF) and a second front flap (RF). Similarly, the upper flaps (619e) form a double door structure comprising two flaps such as a first upper flap (LU) and a second upper flap (RU). The first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) are articulated to the first surface (619a) such that first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) exhibit retractably openable relationship with the first surface (619a) in the transverse direction to the first surface (619a). The first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) are articulated to the second surface (619b) such that first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) exhibit retractably openable relationship with the second surface (619b) in the transverse direction to the second surface (619b).
[0046] When the lid cover (304) is rotated to close the cavity of the connecting member (400), as illustrated in the Figure 10, the locking hook (870h) of the lid cover (304) initially elastically deforms the first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) of the second surface (619b) and passes therethrough and once the locking hook (870h) crosses, the first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) regain their original shapes. Then, similarly, the locking hook (870h) of the lid cover (304) elastically deforms the first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) of the first surface (619a) and passes therethrough, and once the locking hook (870h) crosses to fit with the complementary locking member (872), the first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) regain their original shapes.
[0047] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the embodiments of the present invention, an effect of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide techniques for precluding fuel draining from the locking slot (410) that could otherwise damage other surrounding components. For example, the locking slot (410) always remain covered by the protective member (619), hence fuel accumulated in the connecting member (400) is avoided from draining from the locking slot (410) onto the reflector of the tail light assembly (502) or the plastic parts in the vicinity. Such mechanism of avoiding drainage of fuel from the locking slot (410) is not witnessed in the conventional systems due to absence of the protective member (619), as in the conventional systems, fuel accumulated in the cavity of the connecting member (400) can pass through the locking slot (410) and get in contact with the body parts of the vehicle, particularly, the reflector of the tail light and damage it. Hence, various embodiments of the present invention, due to the presence of the connecting member (400) and the protecting member (400), preclude drainage of the fuel through the locking slot (410) onto the reflector of the tail light assembly (502) or the other plastic parts in the vicinity.
[0048] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0049] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. A fuel lid locking structure in a two-wheeled vehicle (200), comprising:
a lid cover (304) comprising a locking hook (870h), the lid cover (304) configured to swing between an open position and a closed position;
a locking assembly (870) mounted to a wall (412b) through one or more lock mounting provisions (412l), the locking assembly (870) comprising a complementary locking member (872) overlapping with a locking slot (410) configured in the wall (412b); and
a protective member (619) detachably coupled to the wall (412b) through the one or more lock mounting provisions (412l), the protective member (619) comprising one or more flaps members (619f, 619e) overlapping with the locking slot (410), wherein when the lid cover (304) is rotated to assume the closed position, the one or more flaps members (619f, 619e) are elastically deformed by a movement of the locking hook (870h) thereby allowing the locking hook (870h) to fit with the complementary locking member (872) of the locking assembly (870), whereby the one or more flaps members (619f, 619e) regain their original shapes after the locking hook (870h) crossed the one or more flaps members (619f, 619e) to fit with the complementary locking member (872).

2. The fuel lid locking structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a connecting member (400) disposed above a tail light assembly (502) and between a rear end portion of a left side cover (306a) and a rear end portion of a right side cover (306b) of the two-wheeled vehicle (200), the connecting member (400) comprising:
a base portion (406); and
a wall structure comprising a first lateral side wall (412a), the wall (412b) being a lower wall and a second lateral side wall (412c) for defining a cavity formed therebetween with an open end portion, the wall (412b) comprising the locking slot (410) and the one or more lock mounting provisions (412l).

3. The fuel lid locking structure as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a fuel filler neck (308), wherein an end portion of the fuel filler neck (308) is disposed in an opening (408) configured in the base portion (406) of the connecting member (400).

4. The fuel lid locking structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein
the first lateral side wall (412a) comprises a peripheral flange (402a) comprising one or more provisions for mounting the rear end portion of the left side cover (306a); and
the second lateral side wall (412c) comprises a peripheral flange (402c) comprising one or more provisions for mounting the rear end portion of the right side cover (306b).

5. The fuel lid locking structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lid cover (304) comprises a hinge member (802) adapted to be pivotally supported by a pair of guide members (411a, 411b) configured in the connecting member (400).

6. The fuel lid locking structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protective member (619) further comprises:
a first surface (619a) comprising one or more mounting holes (619c) adapted to be fixed to the wall (412b) and to the locking assembly (870) through the one or more lock mounting provisions (412l); and
a second surface (619b) substantially perpendicular to the first surface (619a).

7. The fuel lid locking structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein
the first surface (619a) comprises a front flaps member (619f); and
the second surface (619b) comprises an upper flaps member (619e); and
wherein when the protective member (619) is fixed to the wall (412b), the front flaps member (619f) overlaps with the portion of the locking slot (410) on the wall (412b) and the upper flaps member (619e) overlaps with the portion of the locking slot (410) on a lower portion flange (402b) configured on the wall (412b).

8. The fuel lid locking structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein
the front flaps member (619f) is of a double door structure comprising a first front flap (LF) and a second front flap (RF), wherein the first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) are configured such that first front flap (LF) and the second front flap (RF) have retractably openable relationship with the first surface (619a) in a transverse direction to the first surface (619a); and
the upper flaps member (619e) is of a double door structure comprising a first upper flap (LU) and a second upper flap (RU), wherein the first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) are configured such that first upper flap (LU) and the second upper flap (RU) have retractably openable relationship with the second surface (619b) in a transverse direction to the second surface (619b).