WO2020141560A1

WO2020141560A1 - Fuel tank structure of vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020141560A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yadav MUKESH KUMAR; Singh ASHUTOSH PRATAP
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2019-01-04
Filing date: 2020-01-04
Publication date: 2020-07-09
Also published as: CO2021008854A2

Abstract

A vehicle (100) comprising a body frame (102) having at least one frame mounting provision (148a, 148b), a fairing assembly (140) adapted to cover at least a portion of the body frame (102) and at least portion of the fuel tank (114), the fairing assembly (140) having at least one fairing mounting provision (141a, 143a), a fuel tank (114) hingebly mounted to the body frame (102). The fuel tank (114) comprising a first bracket member (154) having at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180) to removably engage the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102), a second bracket member (156) provided to a rear portion of the fuel tank (114) to hingebly mount the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102). The at least one faring mounting provision (141, 143) and the at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180) are removably coupled with the at least one frame mounting provision (148a, 148b).

Description

FUEL TANK STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE

The following specification describes the invention.

The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to a fuel tank of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorcycle, motorized scooter comprises a battery disposed underneath a fuel tank within vehicle layout to supply necessary current to power various electronic components of the vehicle. The fuel tank stores fuel required to power the vehicle. During cleaning, maintenance or repair operations, the fuel tank is frequently removed to access various components such as battery, or air cleaner disposed below the fuel tank which is a major inconvenience. Further, the vehicle also comprises a plurality of side cover structures disposed on either side of the fuel tank. Sometimes, the side cover stmctures improve the aerodynamics and reduce the aerodynamic drag. The plurality of side cover structures are generally coupled to front portion of a body frame. In such implementations, there may be chances of misalignment occurring in between the fuel tank and the side cover structures during assembly, if there a slight dimensional distortion occurring in the front portion of the body frame. The misalignment between the components may need to be reworked or discarded, thereby increasing the assembling time, and increasing the overall costs, which is undesirable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0003] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a body frame. The body frame also comprises a head tube, a pair of left and right upper frame members extending rearwardly from the head tube and at least one frame mounting provision. The vehicle further comprises a fairing assembly adapted to cover at least a portion of the body frame and at least portion of the fuel tank, the fairing assembly having at least one fairing mounting provision and a fuel tank hingebly mounted to the body frame. The fuel tank also comprises a first bracket member provided to a front portion of the fuel tank. The first bracket member comprises at least one fuel tank stay member. The first bracket member removably engage the fuel tank to the at least one upper frame member from among the pair of left and right upper frame members through the at least one fuel tank stay member. The fuel tank further comprises a second bracket member provided to a rear portion of the fuel tank. The second bracket member hingebly mount the fuel tank to the body frame. In one aspect of the present invention, the at least one faring mounting provision and the at least one fuel tank stay member are removably coupled with the at least one frame mounting provision. The at least one fuel tank stay member is sandwiched between the at least one frame mounting provision and the at least one faring mounting provision.

[0004] As the fuel tank is hingebly mounted to the body frame and the at least one faring mounting provision and the at least one fuel tank stay member are removably coupled with the at least one frame mounting provision at a common location, it is easy access of the components such as battery disposed below the fuel tank without removing so many components such as complete fairing assembly from the vehicle. Further, since the fairing assembly and the fuel tank is mounted at a common location, this ensures no misalignment of the fairing assembly and the fuel tank.

[0005] In an embodiment, the body frame further comprises a pair of left and right lower frame members extending rearwardly from the head tube and disposed below the pair of left and right upper frame members, a second cross frame member is connected to the left and right lower frame members, and a first cross frame member is connected to the left upper frame members and the right upper frame members. The at least one frame mounting provision are disposed on the first cross frame member. The body frame further comprises a support member extending from the second cross frame member in rearward direction, the support member is connected to the left and right lower frame members. The first and second cross member allows easy mounting of other vehicle components such as fuel, fairing assembly, battery without complicating the assembly process of the vehicle.

[0006] In an embodiment, the first bracket member further comprises a first bracket patch portion mounting the first bracket member to front portion of the fuel tank, a left and right top cover stay member. A battery is mounted on the support member, the fuel tank covers at least portion of the battery from the top and the battery is disposed in a space (S) defined by the left upper frame members, the right upper frame members. A top cover disposed between the head tube and the fuel tank and mounted to the left and right top cover stay members. This makes overall mounting of the top cover and the fuel tank simple. The top cover can be easily unfastened from the first bracket member to dismount the front portion of fuel tank from the body frame. Then the battery can be easily accessed. Also, the gusset connected to the head pipe and the pair of left and right lower frame members can act as support member, thus reducing number of parts.

[0007] In an embodiment, the fairing assembly comprises a left side fairing and a right side fairing, wherein the left side fairing comprises a first left fairing mounting provision coupled to the first bracket member, a second left fairing mounting provision coupled to the second bracket member, and wherein the right side fairing comprises a first right fairing mounting provision coupled to the first bracket member, a second right fairing mounting provision coupled to the second bracket member. The at least one frame mounting provision includes a left side mounting provision removably engaging with the left fuel tank stay member and a right side mounting provision removably engaging with the right fuel tank stay member. The left side fairing is mounted to the first cross frame member by the left side mounting provision so as to sandwich the left fuel tank stay member of the fuel tank therein between. The right side fairing is mounted to the first cross frame member by the right side mounting provision so as to sandwich the right fuel tank stay member of the fuel tank therein between. The left and right side frame mounting provision embodies a pin extending upward from the first cross member. The left and right fuel tank stay member comprises a left side through holes and right side through holes. In an embodiment, the left side fairing further comprises a third left fairing mounting provision coupled to the body frame. Similarly, the right side fairing further comprises a third right fairing mounting provision coupled to the body frame. In such mounting scheme, the position of mounting of the left side fairing and the right side fairing on the mounting provisions provided on the body frame eliminates and/or reduces vibration, flutter and distortion of the left side fairing and the right side fairing with respect to the fuel tank. At the same time, the fuel tank can be easily removed from front portion of the body frame without removing the complete fairing assembly from the body frame.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a method of removing battery from a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a body frame. The body frame comprises a head tube, a pair of left and right upper frame members extending rearwardly from the head tube, a first cross frame member is connected to the left upper frame members and the right upper frame members. The body frame further comprises a pair of left and right lower frame members extending rearwardly from the head tube and disposed below the pair of left and right upper frame members, a second cross frame member is connected to the left and right lower frame members. The body frame further comprises a left frame mounting provision and a right frame mounting provision, a support member extending from the second cross frame member in rearward direction, the support member is connected to the left and right lower frame members. The vehicle further comprises a battery is mounted to the support member and disposed in a space (S) defined by the left upper frame member, the right upper frame member, the left lower frame member, and the right lower frame member such that the fuel tank covers at least portion of the battery from the top. The vehicle further comprises a fairing assembly adapted to cover at least a portion of the body frame, and at least portion of the fuel tank. The fairing assembly comprises a left side fairing and a right side fairing. The left side fairing comprises a first left fairing mounting provision coupled to the first bracket member. A second left fairing mounting provision coupled to the second bracket member, wherein the right side fairing comprises a first right fairing mounting provision coupled to the first bracket member, a second right fairing mounting provision coupled to the second bracket member. The vehicle further comprises a fuel tank hingebly mounted to the body frame and covers at least a portion of the battery from the top. The fuel tank comprises a first bracket member provided to a front portion of the fuel tank. The first bracket member comprises at least one fuel tank stay member. The first bracket member removably engage the fuel tank to the at least one upper frame member from among the pair of left and right upper frame members. The first bracket member comprises a first bracket patch portion mounting the first bracket member to front portion of the fuel tank. The first bracket member further comprises a left and right top cover stay member. Further, a second bracket member is provided to a rear portion of the fuel tank. The second bracket member hingebly mount the fuel tank to the body frame. The vehicle further comprises a top cover disposed between the head tube and the fuel tank and mounted to the left and right top cover stay members. The method of removing battery from the vehicle comprises removing the top cover from the first bracket member. The first left fairing mounting provision is unfastened from the first bracket member. Then, the first right fairing mounting provision is unfastened from the first bracket member. Thereafter, the first bracket member is unfastened from the body frame and bending outwardly the left and right side fairing. Then the hingebly mounted fuel tank is rotated about the second bracket member. The battery is then removed from the support member.

[0009] In this method of removing battery from the vehicle, the fuel tank can be easily removed from front portion of the body frame without removing the complete fairing assembly from the body frame. Thus there is minimal step of removing the top cover, fairing assembly and the fuel tank involved for removing the battery from the vehicle. A portion of fairing assembly and the fuel tank can be quickly unfastened from the body frame to access the battery without completely removing the fairing assembly and the fuel tank from the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00010] 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 wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[00011] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00012] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a body frame and a fuel tank of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00013] Figure 3 illustrates a view of the fuel tank of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figure 4 illustrates a view of a second bracket member provided on the fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a first bracket member provided on the fuel tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 6 illustrates a view of the fuel tank and fairing assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 7 illustrates a view of the body frame of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00018] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the fuel tank and fairing assembly with the body frame of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00019] 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

[00020] 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.

[00021] The term“comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, stmcture 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 structure 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.

[00022] For 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.

[00023] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, fuel tank structure and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term“vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00024] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures. [00025] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicle such as scooter, three wheeled vehicle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00026] The vehicle (100) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (117), a front fender (103), a front ground engaging member (106), a headlight (125), a steering handle bar (118), a fuel tank structure (114), an engine unit (112), a rear ground engaging member (111), a rear fender (116), a tail light (115), a fairing assembly (140) and a seat (130). The fairing assembly (140) comprises a left side fairing (142a) and right side fairing (142b). The left side fairing (142a) and the right side fairing are made of resin material. The vehicle (100) may comprise additional components such as suspension system/s, grip/s etc. generally associated with vehicles known in art, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00027] Referring to Figure 2, the vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (102), a battery (160), the fuel tank (114) and a fairing assembly (140) (shown in Figure 1). The fuel tank (114) is disposed on the body frame (102). In the illustrated example, the body frame (102) embodies a tubular trellis frame. The body frame (102) comprises a head tube (104), a left upper frame member (134a), a right upper frame member (134b), a left lower frame member (138a) and a right lower frame member (138b). The battery (160) is disposed between the left upper frame member (134a), the right upper frame member (134b), the left lower frame member (138a) and the right lower frame member (138b) such that at least portion of the left upper frame member (134a) and at least portion of the left lower frame member (138a) overlaps the battery (160) in side view. Further, the body frame (102) includes a first cross frame member (132) connecting the left upper frame members (134a) and the right upper frame members (134b). Furthermore, body frame (102) includes at least a frame mounting provision (148). a pair of left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104) and disposed below the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b), the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b) have a second cross frame member (133) connected therein between. The frame mounting provision (148) includes a left frame mounting provision (148a) and a right frame mounting provision (148b). In an embodiment, the left frame mounting provision (148a) and a right frame mounting provision (148b) are provided on the first cross frame member (132). In addition, the body frame (102) includes a support member (137) extending from the second cross frame member (133) in rearward direction. The support member (137) is connected to the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b). In an embodiment, the support member (137) acts as a gusset member for the body frame (102). A battery (160) is mounted to the support member (137) such that the fuel tank (114) overlaps the battery (160) in top view. A shown in figure 7, in an embodiment, the battery (160) is disposed in a space (S) defined between the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a), (134b) and the pair of left and right lower frame members (138a), (138b).

[00028] The body frame (102) further comprises a plurality of hingable support members (150). In the illustrated example, the body frame (102) comprises two frame mounting provisions (148a, 148b). One of the frame mounting provisions (148a) is disposed on the left upper frame member (134) and another one is provided on the right upper frame member (134b). In the illustrated example, the body frame (102) comprises two hingable support members (150). One of the hingable support members (150) is provided on the left upper frame member (134) and another one of the plurality of hingable support members (150) is provided on the right upper frame member. The plurality of frame mounting provisions (148) and the plurality of hingable support members (150) assist in mounting the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102). The left side fairing (142a) and the right side fairing (142b) are removably coupled to the plurality of frame mounting provisions (148) (shown in Figure 8).

[00029] Referring to Figure 3, the fuel tank (114) comprises the fuel tank (114), a first bracket member (154), and a second bracket member (156). The first bracket member (154) is disposed on front portion of the fuel tank (114). In the illustrated example, the fuel tank (114) comprises a fairing support members (155). The fairing support member (155) comprises a left side fairing support member (155a) and a right side fairing support member (155b). As shown in figure 1, in an embodiment, the left side fairing support member (155a) is disposed on left side portion of the fuel tank (114) and right side fairing support member (155b) is disposed on the right side portion of the fuel tank (114). In an embodiment, the fairing support member (155) of the fuel tank (114) support the left side fairing (142a) and the right side fairing. The second bracket member (156) is disposed on rear portion of the fuel tank (114). The second bracket member (156) is rotatably coupled to the hingable support members (150). The fuel tank (114) is able to rotate with respect to the body frame (102) about the hingable support members (150).

[00030] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the second bracket member (156) comprises a second bracket patch portion (162), a second bracket stay portion (164) and a second bracket cylindrical rod portion (166). The second bracket patch portion (162) facilitates in mounting the second bracket member (156) to rear portion of the fuel tank (114). The second bracket cylindrical rod portion (166) is secured between the hingable support members (150), when fuel tank (114) is mounted to the body frame (102). The second bracket cylindrical rod portion (166) facilitates in rotation of the fuel tank (114) about the hingable support members (150).

[00031] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the first bracket member (154) comprises a first bracket patch portion (172), a left top cover stay member (174), a right top cover stay member (176), a left fuel tank stay member (178), and a right fuel tank stay member (180). The first bracket patch portion (172) facilitates in mounting the first bracket member (154) to front portion of the fuel tank (114). The left top cover stay member (174) and the right top cover stay member (176) facilitate in mounting a top cover (131) with the fuel tank (114). The left fuel tank stay member (178) and the right fuel stay member (180) removably couples the front portion of the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102). More particularly, the left fuel tank stay member (178) couples with the frame mounting provision (148) provided on the left upper frame member (134) and the right fuel tank stay member (180) couples with the frame mounting provision (148) provided on the right upper frame member, thereby securing the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102). In an embodiment, one or more fasteners is used to fasten the the left fuel tank stay member (178) and left fuel tank stay member (178) with the frame mounting provision (148).

[00032] As shown in figures 6, the fairing assembly (140) comprises a left side fairing (142a) and right side fairing (142b). Further, for describing the invention, the left side fairing (142a) is explained. It should be noted that same mounting scheme is applicable for the right side fairing (142b) without any change in the scope of the present invention. As shown in figure 8, the left side fairing (142a) comprises at least one fairing mounting provision (141a, 143a). In an embodiment, the left side fairing (142a) comprises a first left fairing mounting provision (141a) and a second fairing mounting provision (143a). The left side fairing (142a) is adapted to be mounted to the frame mounting provision (148). In an embodiment, the first left fairing mounting provision (141a) and a second left fairing mounting provision (143 a) are in the form of through hole. The second left fairing mounting provision (143a) of the left side fairing (142a) is adapted to engage with the second bracket member (156) of the fuel tank (114) to mount the left side fairing (142a). The frame mounting provision (148) includes a left side frame mounting provision (148a) and a right side frame mounting provision (148b). In an embodiment, as shown in figure 6, the left side fairing (142a) further comprises a third left fairing mounting provision (143aa) coupled to the body frame(102). Similarly, the right side fairing (142b) further comprises a third right fairing mounting provision (143bb) (not shown in figure 6) coupled to the body frame (102). The same mounting scheme is applicable for the right side fairing (142b). In an embodiment, the left side fairing (142a) is adapted to be mounted to the left side frame mounting provision (148a) of the body frame (102). Similarly, the right side fairing (142b) is adapted to be mounted to the right side frame mounting provision (148b) of the body frame (102). In an embodiment, the left and right side frame mounting provision (148a) and (148b) embodies a pin extending upward from the first cross member (104). In an embodiment, the left side fairing (142a) is mounted to the first cross frame member (132) by the left side frame mounting provision (148a) so as to sandwich the left fuel tank stay member (178) of the fuel tank (114) therein between. Similarly, the right side fairing (142b) is mounted to the first cross frame member (132) by the right side frame mounting provision (148b) so as to sandwich the right fuel tank stay member (180) of the fuel tank (114) therein between. In an embodiment, one or more fasteners is used to fasten the left and right side fairings (142a) and (142b) to the left and right fuel tank stay members (178) and (180), respectively. This makes easy to mount fairing assembly (140) together with the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102) using a single fastening member and saves time during assembly.

[00033] In an embodiment, a method of removing battery (160) from a vehicle (100) is disclosed. The method of removing battery (160) from the vehicle (100), the vehicle comprises a body frame (102). The body frame (102) includes a head tube (104), a pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104), the left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b). Further, the body frame (102) includes a pair of left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104) and disposed below the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b), the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b) have a second cross frame member (133) connected therebetween. Furthermore, the body frame (102) comprises a left frame mounting provision (148a) and a right frame mounting provision (148b), a support member (137) extending from the second cross frame member (133) in rearward direction, the support member (137) is connected to the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b). A battery (160) is mounted to the support member (137) such that the fuel tank (114) covers at least portion of the battery (160) from the top and the battery (160) is disposed in a space (S) between the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a), (134b) and the pair of left and right lower frame members (138a), (138b). The vehicle (100) further comprises a fairing assembly (140) adapted to cover at least a portion of the body frame (102). The fairing assembly (140) comprises a left side fairing (142a) and a right side fairing (142b). The left side fairing (142a) comprises a first left fairing mounting provision coupled to the first bracket member (154), a second left fairing mounting provision (143a) coupled to the rear portion of the left upper frame members (134a), wherein the right side fairing (142b) comprises a first right fairing mounting provision coupled to the first bracket member (154), a second right fairing mounting provision (143b) coupled to the rear portion of the right upper frame members (134b). Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes a fuel tank (114) hingably mounted to the body frame (102) and covers at least a portion of the battery (160) from the top. The fuel tank (114) comprises a first bracket member (154) provided to a front portion of the fuel tank (114), the first bracket member (154) removably engage the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102). The first bracket member (154) having at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180), the first bracket member (154) comprises a first bracket patch portion (172) mounting the first bracket member (154) to front portion of the fuel tank (114). The first bracket member (154) further comprises a left and right top cover stay member (174) and (176). In addition, the fuel tank (114) comprises a second bracket member (156) provided to a rear portion of the fuel tank (114) which hingebly mount the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102). In addition, the vehicle includes a top cover (131) mounted to the left and right top cover stay member (174) and (176) between the head tube (104) and the fuel tank (114). The method of removing battery (160) from the vehicle (100) comprises first removing the top cover (131) from the first bracket member (154). The first left fairing mounting provision (141a) is then unfastened from the first bracket member (154). Thereafter, the first right fairing mounting provision (141b) is unfastened from the first bracket member (154). Then the first bracket member (154) is unfastened from the body frame (102) bending outwardly the left and right side fairing (142a) and (142b). The fuel tank (114) is then rotated about the second bracket member (156) to lift the fuel tank (114). The battery (160) is then removed the support member (137). In this method of removing the battery (160) from the vehicle (100), the fairing assembly (140) and the fuel tank (114) are not needed to remove completely from the vehicle (100) to access the battery (160). The battery (160) is easily accessible by simply removing the top cover (131) and removing the front mounting of the fuel tank (114) and the fairing assembly (140) provided on the body frame (102) of the vehicle (100).

[00034] The present invention discloses a fuel tank (114) comprising the first bracket member (154) and the second bracket member (156). The second bracket member (156) is hingably coupled to the hingable support members (150) provided on the body frame (102) of the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (114) facilitates easy access of the components such as battery (160), air cleaner etc. disposed below the fuel tank (114) during repair or maintenance, as the fuel tank (114) can be hingably rotated about the second bracket member (156) and the hingable support members (150). The first bracket member (154) facilitates mounting of the top cover (131) and front portion of the fuel tank (114). Further, the position of mounting of the left side fairing (142a) and the right side fairing on the frame mounting provisions (148) provided on the body frame (102) eliminates and/or reduces vibration, flutter and distortion of the left side fairing (142a) and the right side fairing (142b) with respect to the fuel tank (114).

[00035] 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.

[00036] 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

The claims:

1. A vehicle (100) comprising:

a body frame (102) comprising:

a head tube (104);

a pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104); and

at least one frame mounting provision (148a, 148b);

a fairing assembly (140) adapted to cover at least a portion of the body frame (102) and at least portion of the fuel tank (114), the fairing assembly (140) having at least one fairing mounting provision (141a, 143a);

a fuel tank (114) hingebly mounted to the body frame (102), the fuel tank (114) comprising:

a first bracket member (154) provided to a front portion of the fuel tank (114), the first bracket member (154) comprises at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180), the first bracket member (154) removably engage the fuel tank (114) to the at least one upper frame member (134a, 134b) from among the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b) through the at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180); a second bracket member (156) provided to a rear portion of the fuel tank (114), the second bracket member (156) hingebly mount the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102); wherein the at least one faring mounting provision (141, 143) and the at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180) are removably coupled with the at least one frame mounting provision (148a, 148b), the at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180) is sandwiched between the at least one frame mounting provision (148a, 148b) and the at least one faring mounting provision (141a, 143a).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body frame (102) further comprises a pair of left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104) and disposed below the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b), a second cross frame member (133) is connected to the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b), and a first cross frame member (132) is connected to the left upper frame members (134a) and the right upper frame members (134b), the at least one frame mounting provision (148a, 148b) disposed on the first cross frame member (132).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body frame (102) further comprises a support member (137) extending from the second cross frame member (133) in rearward direction, the support member (137) is connected to the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bracket member (154) further comprises:

a first bracket patch portion (172) mounting the first bracket member (154) to front portion of the fuel tank (114);

a left and right top cover stay member (174) and (176);

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 3, wherein a battery (160) is mounted on the support member (137), the fuel tank (114) covers at least portion of the battery (160) from the top and the battery (160) is disposed in a space (S) defined by the left upper frame members (134a), the right upper frame members (134b), the left lower frame members (138a) and the right lower frame members (138b).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a top cover (131) disposed between the head tube (104) and the fuel tank (114) and mounted to the left and right top cover stay members (174) and (176).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the fairing assembly (140) comprises a left side fairing (142a) and a right side fairing (142b), wherein the left side fairing (142a) comprises a first left fairing mounting provision (141a) coupled to the first bracket member (154), a second left fairing mounting provision (143a) coupled to the second bracket member (156), and wherein the right side fairing (142b) comprises a first right fairing mounting provision (141b) coupled to the first bracket member (154), a second right fairing mounting provision (143b) coupled to the second bracket member (156).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one frame mounting provision (148) includes a left side frame mounting provision (148a) removably engaging with the left fuel tank stay member (178) and a right side frame mounting provision (148b) removably engaging with the right fuel tank stay member (180).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 7, wherein the left side fairing (142a) is mounted to the first cross frame member (132) by the left side frame mounting provision (148a) so as to sandwich the left fuel tank stay member (178) of the fuel tank (114) therein between.

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 8, wherein the right side fairing (142b) is mounted to the first cross frame member (132) by the right side frame mounting provision (148b) so as to sandwich the right fuel tank stay member (180) of the fuel tank (114) therein between.

11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein left and right side frame mounting provision (148a) and (148b) embodies a pin extending upward from the first cross member (104).

12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left and right fuel tank stay members (178) and (180) comprises a left side through holes (158a) and right side through holes (158b).

13. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the left side fairing (142a) further comprises a third left fairing mounting provision (143aa) coupled to the body frame (102) and the right side fairing (142b) further comprises a third right fairing mounting provision (143bb) coupled to the body frame (102).

14. A method of removing battery (160) from a vehicle, the vehicle (100) comprising:

a body frame (102) comprising:

a head tube (104);

a pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104), a first cross frame member (132) is connected to the left upper frame members (134a) and the right upper frame members (134b),

a pair of left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104) and disposed below the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b), a second cross frame member (133) is connected to the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b),

a left frame mounting provision (148a) and a right frame mounting provision (148b); a support member (137) extending from the second cross frame member (133) in rearward direction, the support member (137) is connected to the left and right lower frame members (138a) and (138b);

a battery (160) is mounted to the support member (137) and disposed in a space (S) defined by the left upper frame member (134a), the right upper frame member (134b), the left lower frame member (138a), and the right lower frame member (138b) such that the fuel tank (114) covers at least portion of the battery (160) from the top;

a fairing assembly (140) adapted to cover at least a portion of the body frame (102) and at least portion of the fuel tank (114), wherein the fairing assembly (140) comprises a left side fairing (142a) and a right side fairing (142b), wherein the left side fairing (142a) comprises a first left fairing mounting provision (141a) coupled to the first bracket member (154), a second left fairing mounting provision (143a) coupled to the second bracket member (156), wherein the right side fairing (142b) comprises a first right fairing mounting provision coupled to the first bracket member (154), a second right fairing mounting provision (143b) coupled to the second bracket member (156);

a fuel tank (114) hingebly mounted to the body frame (102) and covers at least a portion of the battery (160) from the top, wherein the fuel tank (114) comprises:

a first bracket member (154) provided to a front portion of the fuel tank (114), the first bracket member (154) comprises at least one fuel tank stay member (178, 180), the first bracket member (154) removably engage the fuel tank (114) to the at least one upper frame member from among the pair of left and right upper frame members (134a) and (134b), the first bracket member (154) comprises:

a left and right top cover stay members (174) and (176);

a second bracket member (156) provided to a rear portion of the fuel tank (114) second bracket member (156) hingebly mount the fuel tank (114) to the body frame (102); top cover (131) disposed between the head tube (104) and the fuel tank (114) and mounted the left and right top cover stay members (174) and (176);

wherein the method comprises

removing the top cover (131) from the first bracket member (154); unfastening the first left fairing mounting provision (141a) from the first bracket member (154);

unfastening the first right fairing mounting provision (141b) from the first bracket member (154);

unfastening the first bracket member (154) from the body frame (102), bending outwardly the left and right side fairings (142a) and (142b); rotating the hingebly mounted fuel tank (114) about the second bracket member (156);

removing the battery (160) from the support member (137).