FUEL TANK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel tank, and more particularly, to a storage
structure in a fuel tank in two wheeled vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Two wheeled vehicles are increasingly popular form of transportation, and it
is well known requirement to equip them with appropriate storage structure. Different
accommodations or storage compartments I hanging I tying the bags round a fuel tank of
the ·vehicle are known.
[0003] . Japanese patent publication number JP2013052824 titled "Mobile Terminal
Supporting Structure for Saddle Riding Type Vehicle" describes a m·obile terminal
support structure having a clear case positioned at an upper surface of a fuel tank so as to
be positioned between the knees of a driver, with a filler hole provided at the upper
surface of the fuel tank. A mobile telephone is placed in the clear case, such that a
display screen of the mobile telephone is towards the driver side. The power supply line
of the mobile telephone is covered with a lid that covers the fuel tank cap which closes
the filler hole.
[0004] The provision of housing for accommodating accessories supported on the
fuel tank offers the drawback of disturbing the position of accessory during the opening
and closing of the fuel lid. Another drawback includes the size of the fuel lid relative to
the size of accessory to be supported. Furthermore, aesthetic value of the vehicle is
compromised and there are possible chances of accessory getting rusted or deteriorated
due to exposure to external factors.
SUMMARY
[0005] A _fuel tank in two wheeled vehicle is disclosed. In an embodiment, the fuel
tank comprises a housing pocket disposed in an opening in the fuel· tank. The housing
pocket comprises a pair of opposite side walls, a front wall, a rear end portion and a floor
surface for forming space therein to accommodate a communication device.
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[0006] In an embodiment, the fuel tank comprises a bracket configured in the front
wall. The bracket is adapted to hold a communication device charging port for charging
the communication device.
[0007] In an embodiment, the fuel tank further comprises at least one supporting clip
disposed on the floor surface along length of the housing pocket to hold the
communication device. In an embodiment, the at least one supporting clip is configured
on at least one end of the floor surface.
[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one supporting clip is vibration sensitive and is
configured to sense a vibration of the communication device associated with at least one
of a receipt of an incoming call at the communication device and a receipt of a message
at the communication device.
[0009] In an embodiment, the fuel tank further comprises a lid pivotally coupled to
an end portion of the housing pocket. The lid is configured to at least partially open and
at least partially close the housing pocket.
[0010] In an embodiment, the end portion of the housing pocket comprises one of a
front end, a rear end, or a side end.
[0011] In an embodiment, the lid comprises a provision, where a user force is applied
at the provision for opening the ·lid by rotating about the pivotal coupling. In an
embodiment, the lid comprises a locking system. In an embodiment, the lid is configured
to cover the housing pocket in a snap fit manner.
[0012] In an embodiment, the floor surface comprises a drain hole configured on a
lowermost region of the floor surface.
'[0013] In an embodiment, the fuel tank-further comprises a rubber liner for covering
inner surfaces of the pair of opposite side walls, the front wall and the floor surface.
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[0014] In an embodiment, the communication device charging port is electrically
connected to a power source through a power cord extending rearwards beneath a seat of
the two wheeled vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0015] · 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 drawin~s. One or morF: f.'mbodiments of the preoont
invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals
represent like elements and in which:
[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a two wheeled vehicle according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a fuel tank of the two wheeled vehicle with
a housing pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a top view ofthe fuel tank of the two wheeled vehicle with
the housing pocket according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded. view depicting a mounting arrangement of
the housing pocket in the fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] 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
[0021] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and
will be described here 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.
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[0022] 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
butmay 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.
[0023] . For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made
to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures and description here below,
further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the
same components in various views.
[0024] The terms "front I forward", "rear I rearward I backward", "up I upper I top",
· "down I lower I lowerward" used herein represents the directions as seen by a vehicle
driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, in the
drawing figures. Further, "left I leftward", "right I rightward" used herein represents the
directions as seen by a vehicle driver sitting astride.
[0025] Figure 1 illustrates side view of a two wheeled vehicle (1 00) according to an
embodiment ofthe present invention. The two wheeled vehicle (1 00) comprises, interalia,
a front fork (121), a head pipe (122), a front fender (133), a front wheel (123), a
headlight (132), a steering handlebar (124), a fuel tank (125) with a fuel cap (101), an
engine unit (126), an air cleaner assembly (not visible in Figures), an exhaust pipe (114),
rear suspension (129), swing arm (173), a muffler (not visible in Figures), a rear wheel
(127), a rear fender (116), a taillight (117), and a rider seat (130). It may be noted that
the two wheeled vehicle (1 00) is shown to include ·above stated parts, however, those
skilled in the art would appreciate that the two wheeled vehicle (100) includes other parts
which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown
and described.
. f0026) As depicted in Figure 1, the body frame of the two wheeled vehicle (1 00)
comprises of a main frame (102), the head pipe (122), a pair of left and right seat rail
member (103) and (104) (the right seat rail member (104) not visible in Figures),. a pair
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of left and right sub-frame member (1 07) and (1 08) (the right sub-frame member (1 08)
not visible in Figures), a down frame member (105) and one or more brackets. The main
frame (1 02) having a front pQrtion (1 02a) which extends obliquely in the rearward and
downward direction from the head pipe (122) and a rear portion (102b) changing the
direction and thereafter extending further downward, a pair of seat rails i.e. the left seat
rail member (1 03) and the right seat rail member (1 04) extending from rear end of the
front pottion (102a) of the main frame (102), the down frame member (105) obliquely
extends in the downward direction from the lo,•ver portion of the head pipe (122), the pail
of the left and right sub-frame members ( 1 07) and ( 1 08) connect the rear portion ( 1 02b)
of the main frame (1 02) and the respective the left and right seat-rail members (1 03) and
( 1 04) through a bracket.
[0027] The front fork (121) is rotatably attached to the head pipe (122) enabling free
steering. The front fork ( 121) supports the front wheel ( 123) at lower end thereof and the
steering handle bar (124) at upper end thereof. The fuel tank (125) storing fuel is
supported by the body frame of the two wheeled vehicle (1 00), more particularly, by the
main frame (1 02) at a position upper than the engine unit (126).
[0028] The engine unit (126) is mounted on the two wheeled vehicle (100) and is
provided with a cylinder body (162), a cylinder head (163) and a head cover (164)
stacked in sequence on a crankcase (161), which are integrally fastened with a bolt (not
shown in Figures). The direction of a cylinder axis of the cylinder body (162) is in a ·
substantially perpendicular direction inclined slightly forward and extending upward
from the crankcase (161). The engine unit (126) is disposed in a space surrounded by the
front portion (1 02a) and the rear portion (1 02b) of the main frame (1 02) and the down
frame member (105) and is supported by the rear portion (102b) of the m.ain frame (102)
and the lower end of the down frame member (105) via brackets. The exhaust pipe (114)
extends from the engine unit (126). A muffler (not shown in Figures) is connected to the
rear end of the exhaust pipe (114).
. [0029] The left and right seat rail members ( 103) and (1 04) primarily intended to
support a seat (130) (rider and/or pillion) are disposed above the rear wheel (127). A
dress guard (not shown in Figures) is connected to the left seat rail member (103). The
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dress guard and a pillion step member ( 112) are intended to cover the left side of the rear
. .
wheel (127}. The rear wheel (127) is covered from above by the rear fender (116), where
the rear fender (116) is mounted onto the rear end portion of the left seat rail member
(1 03) and the right seat rail member (1 04). The rear wheel suspension section includes
the swing arm (173) supporting the rear wheel (127) and at least one rear suspension
(129) attached between the swing arm (173) and the left seat rail member (103) or the
right seal rail member ( 104 ). A tail lamp (117) is mounted on the rear fender (116).
[0030] In example configurations as depicted in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the fuel tank
(125) of the two wheeled vehicle (100) is a press molded product of two-piece
construction made of a metallic material. The fuel tank (125) defines a fuel storage space
and the volume of this space is determined based on the type of the two wheeled vehicle
(100). The fuel tank (125) stores fuel that is supplied to the engine unit (126). The fuel
tank (125) is opened by the fuel cap (101) (e.g., see Figure 1).
[0031] As depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4, at rearwards of the fuel cap ( 101 ), the
fuel tank (125) is provided with an opening (150) in which a housing pocket (151) can be
disposed, for example, the opening (150) is adapted to receive the housing pocket (151 ).
In an embodiment, the housing pocket ( 151) is fixed to the opening ( 150) of the fuel tank
(125) by welding the walls ofthe housing pockets (151) with corresponding walls of the
opening (150). For example, the housing pocket (151) is fixed to the opening (150) such
that a separate cavity is created inside the fuel tank (125) which is accessible from the
outside of the fuel tank (125). It should be noted that accommodating the housing pocket
(151) in the fuel tank (125) does not substantially change the capacityof the fuel tank
(125). A lid (152) covers the opening of the housing pocket (151) such that accessories ·
can be put into and out ofthe housing pocket (151) when the lid (152) is opened.
[0032] The housing pocket (151) as per one embodiment is of the corresponding
shape as that of the opening (150) of the fuel tank (125). In a preferred embodiment, the
housing pocket (151) is rectangular in shape when seen from the top and has two side
walls (151a) and (151b), on~ front wall (151c) and a floor surface (151f). In an
embodiment, the housing pocket (151) can be of any other suitable shape. The inner
surfaces of the side walls (151a) and (151b), the front wall (151c) and the floor surface
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(151f) are laid with a continuous rubber liner (153). The continuous rubber liner (153)
provides cushioning effect and suppresses noise. It is desirable that the continuous rubber
liner (153) covers the inner surface of the side walls (151a) and (15lb) and the floor
surface.(l51f) ofthe housing pocket (151).
[0033) The front wall (151 c) of the housing pocket (151) from the inside is provided
with a bracket (154) adapted to hold a communication device charging port (156). The
bracket (154) is mounted through spot welding. In an embodiment, the bracket (154) is
mounted through fastening means. The communication device charging port (156) is
supplied with power source by connecting the communication device charging port (156)
through a power cord (e.g., a cable (157)) extending rearwards beneath the seat (130).
One end of the cable (157) is connected to the communication device charging port (156)
and the other end is connected to the vehicle battery (not shown in Figures) and the cable
(157) is clipped beneath the seat (130). The cable (157) is not exposed to atmospheric
conditions as the cable (157) lies shielded beneath the seat (130) and beneath the seat
holding bracket (described later). In an embodiment, the cable (157) is clipped to the
floor surface ( 151 f) towards the left end or to one of the side walls ( 151 a) and ( 151 b) of
the housing pocket (151) such that the cable (157) is fixed rigidly inside the housing
pocket (151 ).
[0034] The housing pocket ( 151) along its length is provided with at least one
supporting clip (155) (see, Figure 2). In an embodiment, the floor surface (151 f) towards
its left and right extreme ends is provided with at least one supporting clip (155) each.
The supporting clip (155) aids in holding the communication device (e.g., mobile phone)
and to provide vibration insulation to the communication device caused due to the
movement of the two wheeled vehicle (100). In a preferred embodiment; the housing
pocket (151) is provided with two supporting clips (155) on the left and right side ends
of the floor surface (151f). Furthermore, the supporting clip (155) is vibration sensitive
and senses the frequency of vibration of the communication device in the events of an
incoming call, an email, a text message, or any other notification. The frequency of
vibration caused due to a communication device is different from the frequency of
vibration produced during the running condition of the two wheeled vehicle (100).
Furthermore, the duration of vibration is also sensed by the supporting clip (155) so as to
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---------------------.
decipher between the event of an incoming call or a message (e.g, text message, email,
MMS, etc.). The output is displayed on the instrument panel (not visible in Figures)
through visual indication signalling device such as LED. In an example, at any given
time, the LED glows intermittently signalling the rider of any events of an incoming call
or a text message received at the communication device stored in the housing pocket
( 151 ).
[0035) The housing pocket (151) as illustrates in Figure 4 is constructed with such
slope that any liquid entering the housing pocket ( 151) drains out from the rear end
(151 d) of the housing pocket (151 ). The liquid draining out of the housing pocket (151)
does not cause any disturbance or obstruction to the comfort of rider of the two wheeled
vehicle (100). The floor surface (151f) ofthe housing pocket (151) at its lowermost point
towards one ofthe side walls (151a) and (151b) is provided with a drain hole (not visible
in Figures). The drain hole aids in removal of any fluid (e.g, water) entering the housing
pocket (151 ). The power cord (or the cable 157) is provided on the opposite end of the
drain hole such that any fluid entering the housing pocket ( 151) does not come into
contact with the power cord (or the cable 157). As depicted in Figure 4, the floor surface
(151f) towards its rear end ( 151 d) of the housing pocket ( 151) from the inside is
provided with a seat holding bracket (not marked in Figure 4). The seat holding bracket
and its cover are fixed within the housing pocket ( 151) by fastening means. The housing
pocket (151) is further provided with the lid (152) adapted to at least partially open and
close the housing pocket (151). In an embodiment, the lid (152) is of the same shape and
size as of the opening (150) of the housing pocket (151 ), so that the lid (152) completely
covers the opening (150) in its Closed state. Alternatively, the lid (152) can be adapted to
partially open the housing pocket (151). The lid (152) is pivotally coupled to a suitable
end portion of the housing pocket (151). For example, in an embodiment, the lid (152)
covers the housing pocket (151) and is pivotal at the front end (e.g., a top portion of the
front wall (151c)) of the housing pocket (151). In another embodiment, the lid (152) is
pivotal at the side end panel(s) (e.g., top portions of the side walls (151a) or (151b)) of
the housing pocket (151). In another embodiment, the lid (152) is pivotal at the rear end
(151 d) of the housing pocket (151 ). In an embodiment, the .lid (152) is provided with a
provision (160) so as to support the operator to remove the lid (152) with ease, for
example, a gentle user force may be applied at the provision (160) to open the lid (152)
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by rotating about the pivotal coupling with the housing pocket (151 ). ln an embodiment,
the lid (152) is provided with a locking system. In an embodiment, the lid (152) can be
opened with the same key used for opening-the fuel lid of the fuel tank (125). In another
embodiment, a separate key can be used for opening the lid (152) of the housing pocket
(151).
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the lid ( 152) covers the housing pocket ( 151) and
is arranged upwardly of the housing pocket (151) in a snap fit manner. The snap fit
covering of the housing pocket (151) by the lid (152) avoids unintended opening of the
housing pocket (151) and certain operating force should be exerted on the lid ( 152) for
opening it.
[0037] As stated in the foregoing, the present invention provides an arrangement for
accommodating and supporting the accessories in a housing pocket provided in a fuel
tank.
[0038] The present invention provides an arrangement for accommodating and
supporting the accessories in a housing pocket provided in a fuel tank thereby avoiding
the need to install a separate utility box compartment in a two wheeled vehicle.
[0039] The present invention provides an arrangement for accommodating and
supporting the accessories in a housing pocket provided in a.fuel tank, where the housing
pocket is easily accessible.
[0040] The present invention provides an arrangement for accommodating and
supporting the accessories in a housing pocket provided in a fuel tank wherein the
housing pocket is not limited by the size of fuel lid for the fuel tank.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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
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many changes can be made in the prefetTed embodiments without departing from the
principles of the invention:. These arid 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 tank in two wheeled vehicle, comprising:
a housing pocket disposed in an opening in the fuel tank, the housing pocket
comprising a pair of opposite side walls, a front wall, a rear end portion and a floor
surface for forming space therein to accommodate a communication device.
2. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a bracket configured in
the front wall, the bracket adapted to hold a communication device charging port for
charging the communication device.
3. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one supporting
clip disposed on the floor surface along length of the housing pocket to hold the
communication device.
4. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one supporting clip is
configured on at least one end of the floor surface.
5. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one supporting clip is
vibration sensitive and is configured to sense a vibration of the communication device
associated with at least one of a receipt of an incoming call at the communication device
and a receipt of a message at the communication device.
6. The fuel tank as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 5, further comprising a lid
pivotally coupled to an end portion of the housing pocket, wherein the lid is configured
to at least partially open and at least partially close the housing pocket.
7. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 6, wherein the end portion of the housing
pocket comprises one of: a front end, a rear end, or a side end.
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8. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lid comprises a proviSion,
wherein a user force is applied at the provision for opening the lid by rotating about the
pivotal coupling.
· 9. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lid comprises a locking system.
10. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lid is configured to cover the
housing pocket in a snap fit manner.
11. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floor surface comprises a drain
hole configured on a lowermost region of the floor surface.
12. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rubber liner for
covering iriner surfaces of the pair of opposite side walls, the front wall and the floor
surface.
13. The fuel tank as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communication device charging
port is electrically connected to a power source through a power cord extending
rearwards beneath a seat of the two wheeled vehicle.