Claims: WE CLAIM:
1. A mounting bracket (100) for a fuel cock (202) of a vehicle (200), the bracket (100) comprising:
a first portion (102) extending longitudinally along a front-rear direction of the vehicle (200), the first portion (102) having a fore end (102a) adapted to be mounted onto a flat portion (204a) of a rear fender (204) of the vehicle (200) and an aft end (102b); and
a second portion (104) extending vertically from the aft end (102b), the second portion (104) adapted to receive and support the fuel cock (202), wherein the fuel cock (202) upon mounting on the second portion (104) is oriented vertically to a fuel tank (206) of the vehicle (200).

2. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (104) comprises a weld nut (106) adapted to facilitate alignment of a slot (202a) in the fuel cock (202).

3. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (104) is positioned adjacently to a periphery of a fuel tank (206) mounted on the rear end of the vehicle (200).

4. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 is an L-shaped bracket.

5. A fuel tank assembly (208) for a vehicle (200), the assembly (208) comprising:
a fuel tank (206) disposed at a rear end of the vehicle (200), the fuel tank (206) mounted on a frame member (210) and positioned above a flat portion (204a) of a rear fender (204) of the vehicle (200);
a fuel cock (202) fluidically coupled to the fuel tank (206) and to an internal combustion engine, the fuel cock (202) adapted to route fuel from the fuel tank (206) to the internal combustion engine; and
a mounting bracket (100) disposed onto the flat portion (204a) and adapted to support the fuel cock (100) of the fuel tank assembly (208), the mounting bracket (100) comprising:
a first portion (102) extending longitudinally along a front-rear direction of the vehicle (200), the first portion (102) having a fore end (102a) adapted to be mounted onto the flat portion (204a) and an aft end (102b); and
a second portion (104) extending vertically from the aft end (102b), the second portion (104) adapted to receive and support the fuel cock (202), wherein the fuel cock (202) upon mounting on the second portion (104) is oriented vertically to the fuel tank (206).

6. The fuel tank assembly (208) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second portion (104) comprises a weld nut (106) adapted to facilitate alignment of a slot (202a) in the fuel cock (202).

7. The fuel tank assembly (208) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second portion (104) is positioned adjacently to a periphery of the fuel tank (206).

8. A saddle-type vehicle (200), comprising:
a frame member (210); and
a fuel tank assembly (208), comprising:
a fuel tank (206) disposed at a rear end of the vehicle (200), the fuel tank (206) mounted on the frame member (210) and positioned above a flat portion (204a) of a rear fender (204) of the vehicle (200);
a fuel cock (202) fluidically coupled to the fuel tank (206) and to an internal combustion engine, the fuel cock (202) adapted to route fuel from the fuel tank (206) to the internal combustion engine; and
a mounting bracket (100) disposed onto the flat portion (204a) and adapted to support the fuel cock (100) of the fuel tank assembly (208), the mounting bracket (100) comprising:
a first portion (102) extending longitudinally along a front-rear direction of the vehicle (200), the first portion (102) having a fore end (102a) adapted to be mounted onto the flat portion (204a) and an aft end (102b); and
a second portion (104) extending vertically from the aft end (102b), the second portion (104) adapted to receive and support the fuel cock (202), wherein the fuel cock (202) upon mounting on the second portion (104) is oriented vertically to the fuel tank (206).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second portion (104) comprises a weld nut (106) adapted to facilitate alignment of a slot (202a) in the fuel cock (202).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second portion (104) is positioned adjacently to a periphery of the fuel tank (206).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a fuel cock of a vehicle, more particularly relates to a mounting bracket for the fuel cock of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, such as a scooter, include a fuel tank that is typically mounted either below a floorboard or at a rear end of the vehicle. The fuel tank is fluidically coupled to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle via a fuel cock. The fuel cock is adapted to route fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine for generating motive force.
[003] In conventional scooters, the fuel cock is mounted on a rear fender and is oriented horizontally about the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The rear fender includes a slot adapted to receive and support the fuel cock horizontally. The fuel cock in the horizontal orientation affects fuel flow into the internal combustion engine, resulting in inconsistent and inadequate flow during an idle condition. The inconsistent fuel flow results in vehicle starting problem in cold conditions and/or accidental stuck up of a plunger when choke is in open condition. Additionally, assembly of fuel cock in the horizontal orientation is cumbersome as there is less clearance with interface parts.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need for a mounting bracket for the fuel cock of the vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a mounting bracket for a fuel cock of a vehicle is disclosed. The bracket includes a first portion extending longitudinally along a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The first portion having a fore end adapted to be mounted onto a flat portion of a rear fender of the vehicle and an aft end. A second portion extends vertically from the aft end. The second portion is adapted to receive and support the fuel cock, wherein the fuel cock upon mounting on the second portion is oriented vertically to a fuel tank of the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, the second portion comprises a weld nut adapted to facilitate alignment of a slot in the fuel cock.
[007] In an embodiment, the second portion is positioned adjacently to a periphery of the fuel tank mounted on the rear end of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is an L-shaped bracket.
[009] In another aspect, a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a fuel tank disposed at a rear end of the vehicle. The fuel tank is mounted on a frame member and positioned above a flat portion of a rear fender of the vehicle. The fuel cock is fluidically coupled to the fuel tank and to an internal combustion engine. The fuel cock is adapted to route fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. The mounting bracket is disposed onto the flat portion and adapted to support the fuel cock of the fuel tank assembly. The mounting bracket includes the first portion extending longitudinally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The first portion has the fore end adapted to be mounted onto the flat portion and the aft end. The second portion extends vertically from the aft end. The second portion is adapted to receive and support the fuel cock. The fuel cock upon mounting on the second portion is oriented vertically to the fuel tank.
[010] In another aspect, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes the frame member and the fuel tank assembly. The fuel tank assembly includes the fuel tank disposed at the rear end of the vehicle. The fuel tank is mounted on the frame member and positioned above a flat portion of a rear fender of the vehicle. The fuel cock is fluidically coupled to the fuel tank and to an internal combustion engine. The fuel cock is adapted to route fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. The mounting bracket is disposed onto the flat portion and adapted to support the fuel cock of the fuel tank assembly. The mounting bracket includes the first portion extending longitudinally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The first portion has the fore end adapted to be mounted onto the flat portion and the aft end. The second portion extends vertically from the aft end. The second portion is adapted to receive and support the fuel cock. The fuel cock upon mounting on the second portion is oriented vertically to the fuel tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a frame member of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a fuel tank assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5a is a bottom perspective view of the fuel cock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5b is a top perspective view of the fuel cock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket for the fuel cock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fuel cock mounted on a rear fender of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a top view of the fuel cock mounted on a rear fender of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is an exploded view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view of the fuel tank assembly mounted on the rear fender, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 is an enlarged view of portion A of Figure 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 is a schematic view of the fuel tank assembly mounted on the rear fender, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[013] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a saddle-type vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the saddle-type vehicle 200 is a scooter type vehicle. The vehicle 200 has a prime mover (not shown) that is disposed behind a floorboard 212 and below a seat assembly 214 and/or a storage bin (not shown). The prime mover is one of an internal combustion engine or an electric motor adapted to provide motive force for vehicle movement. The vehicle 200 has a front wheel 216, a rear wheel 218 and a frame member 210 (shown in Figure 2) and a fuel tank assembly 208 (as shown in Figure 4).
[014] A head pipe 220 (shown in Figure 2) connects to the frame member 210. The head pipe 220 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension (not shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspension supports the front wheel 216. The upper portion of the front wheel 216 is covered by a front fender 222 mounted to the front suspension. In an embodiment, the front fender 222 is movable along with the front wheel 216, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar 224 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 200. A headlight (not shown) and an instrument cluster 226 is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 220.
[015] Further, a rear suspension (not shown) is provided to the rear wheel 218 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 200 over undulations on the road surface. A taillight unit 228 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat assembly 214. A grab rail 230 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to a rider on the vehicle 200 during movement. The rear wheel 218 is arranged below the seat assembly 214 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission assembly is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 218 for driving the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the driving force of the prime mover is transmitted through a chain drive [not shown]. A rear fender 204 is disposed above the rear wheel 218. The rear fender 204 includes a flat portion 204a mounted onto the frame member 210 and a curved portion 204b adapted to cover at least a portion of the rear wheel 218. An exhaust pipe (not shown) is also provided for the prime mover of Internal combustion engine type, that extends therefrom towards the rear end of the vehicle 200.
[016] Further referring to Figures 2-4 in conjunction with Figure 1, the fuel tank assembly 208 includes a fuel tank 206 adapted to be mounted onto the frame member 210. In the present embodiment, the fuel tank 206 is mounted on a rear side of the frame member 210. Also, the fuel tank 206 is mounted above the rear fender 204, particularly the fuel tank 206 is mounted at a distance above the flat portion 204a of the rear fender 204. In an embodiment, the fuel tank 206 is mounted onto the frame member 210 via a bracket (not shown). The fuel tank 206 is fluidically coupled to a fuel cock 202, wherein the fuel cock 202 is adapted to supply fuel to the prime mover via a carburetor (not shown) or an injector (not shown). In the present embodiment, the fuel tank 206 is fluidically coupled to a fuel inlet port 238 (as shown in Figures 5a and 5b) of the fuel cock 202 via a tank hose 232 (as shown in Figure 3) for receiving a fuel stored in the fuel tank 206.
[017] Further, referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the fuel cock 202 includes a fuel outlet port 240 coupled to the carburetor or the injector via a fuel hose 234 (as shown in Figure 3) and a vacuum port 242 coupled to pipe intake (not shown) via a vacuum hose 236 (as shown in Figure 3). The fuel cock 202 is mounted onto the flat portion 204a via a mounting bracket 100 (as shown in Figures 7 and 8). The mounting bracket 100 is described in detail with reference to Figure 6 in the present disclosure.
[018] Figure 6 illustrates the mounting bracket 100 for the fuel cock 202 of the vehicle 200. The mounting bracket 100 is adapted to orient the fuel cock 202 vertically to the fuel tank 206. The mounting bracket 100 includes a first portion 102 extending longitudinally along a front-rear direction of the vehicle 200. The first portion 102 has a fore end 102a adapted to be mounted onto the flat portion 204a. In an embodiment, the fore end 102a is mounted onto the flat portion 204a via conventional mounting techniques such as fastening, clamping and the like. In the present embodiment, the fore end 102a includes a slot 110 which is fastened to a slot (not shown) provided on an end of the flat portion 204a. In the present embodiment, proximal to the fore end 102a, the first portion 102 includes a stepped profile 108 adapted to be in flush configuration with the flat portion 204a while mounting.
[019] In an embodiment, the first portion 102 is a plate-like structure adapted to rest on the flat portion 204a upon mounting the mounting bracket 100 on the rear fender 204.
[020] Further, the mounting bracket 100 includes a second portion 104 that extends vertically from an aft end 102b of the first portion 102. The second portion 104 is adapted to receive and support the fuel cock 202. The fuel cock 202 upon mounting on the second portion 104 is oriented vertically to the fuel tank 206 (as shown in Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12). The second portion 104 includes a weld nut 106 adapted to facilitate alignment of a slot 202a in the fuel cock 202, so that the slot 202a is fastened to the weld nut 106. In an embodiment, the second portion 104 includes an aperture 112 defined adjacent to the weld nut 106. The aperture 112 is adapted to facilitate alignment of a protrusion 202b defined adjacent to the slot 202a.
[021] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 100 is made of sheet metal. In another embodiment, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are integral portion of the mounting bracket 100 or are connected (by conventional means) to form a single piece structure.
[022] In an embodiment, the dimensions of the mounting bracket 100 is selected as per design feasibility or requirement of stability to support the fuel cock 202.
[023] In an embodiment, the dimensions of the second portion 104 is selected as per size or configuration of the fuel cock 202 for facilitate positioning and mounting.
[024] Advantageously, the present invention provides a mounting bracket 100 for the fuel cock 202, which orients the fuel cock 202 in vertical orientation. Vertical orientation of the fuel cock 202 ensures that the vacuum port 242 and fuel outlet port 240 face ground surface. Such construction of the mounting bracket 100 to orient the fuel cock 202 in vertical orientation provides consistent and adequate fuel flow. Also, startability of vehicle 200 is ensured even during malfunction of choke. The vertical orientation also reduces the effect of gravity force acting on the choke. Additionally, ease of assembling the fuel cock 202 is improved as there is convenient space for assembling the fuel cock 202 on the mounting bracket 100 unlike the rear fender 204 (as carried out conventionally).
[025] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.