FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to a rear end structure of the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorized scooter, motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle, and four-wheeled vehicle such as all-terrain vehicle, comprises a fuel tank to store fuel required to power the vehicle. In a vehicle for example a step through type vehicle, the fuel tank is disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle. Conventional fuel tanks disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle have limited storage capacity due to space limitations within the vehicle layout. Further, with fuel pump usage being made mandatory as per the new regulations, it is difficult to accommodate the fuel pump within the conventional fuel tanks while maintaining the required fuel storage capacity, thereby requiring larger fuel tanks. In case of additional requirement of additional fuel storage and accommodation of fuel pump, the lay-out of the vehicle needs to be changed and the assembly of the fuel tank having additional storage capacity becomes cumbersome and costly, which is undesirable.

SUMMARY [0003] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a body frame and a rear sub assembly removably guided and coupled to the body frame. The rear sub assembly comprises a fuel tank, a rear fender, and a support bracket coupled to the fuel tank and the rear fender.

[0004] In an embodiment, the body frame comprises a plurality of seat rail members. The plurality of seat rail members includes a first seat rail member and a second seat rail member. The first seat rail member comprises at least one first mounting hole and the second seat rail member comprises at least one second mounting hole. [0005] In an embodiment, the support bracket comprises a U-shaped member, a bracket cross member, a first rail mounting member, and a second rail mounting member. The U-shaped member is configured to support the fuel tank and the rear fender. The first rail mounting member and the second rail mounting member extend from the U-shaped member.

[0006] In an embodiment, the fuel tank comprises a fuel tank first portion and a fuel tank second portion. The fuel tank second portion extends towards front portion of the vehicle so as to accommodate more fuel within the fuel tank. In an embodiment, a fuel pump is disposed on the fuel tank second portion. [0007] In an embodiment, the rear fender comprises a first fender portion, a middle fender portion and a second fender portion. The first fender portion supports the fuel tank and the profile of the first fender portion is congruent to bottom profile of the fuel tank and is so selected so as to act as guide and hold the fuel tank in position. [0008] In an embodiment, the rear sub assembly comprising the fuel tank, the support bracket, and the rear fender acts as a single unit which facilitates in simplified and easy mounting of the fuel tank having higher fuel storage capacity.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first rail mounting member comprises at least one first rail mounting hole and the second rail mounting member comprises at least one second rail mounting hole.

[00010] In an embodiment, the first rail mounting member is inserted and secured to the first seat rail member and the second rail mounting member is inserted and secured to the second seat rail member.

[00011] In an embodiment, the first rail mounting member is inserted into the first seat rail member such that at least one first rail mounting hole aligns with the at least one first mounting hole and the second rail mounting member is inserted into the second seat rail member such that at least one second rail mounting hole aligns with the at least one second mounting hole. [00012] In an embodiment, the first rail mounting member is guided along to the first seat rail member and the second rail mounting member guided along the second seat rail member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00013] 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: [00014] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a body frame of the vehicle of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a rear sub assembly of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the rear sub assembly of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00018] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a fuel tank of the rear sub assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00019] Figure 6 illustrates a view of a rear fender of the rear sub assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00020] Figure 7 illustrates a view of a support bracket of the rear sub assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00021] 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

[00022] 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.

[00023] The term“comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure 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.

[00024] A vehicle comprising a body frame and a rear sub assembly removably guided and coupled to the body frame is provided. The rear sub assembly comprises a fuel tank, a rear fender, and a support bracket coupled to the fuel tank and the rear fender. The fuel tank comprises a fuel tank first portion and a fuel tank second portion. The fuel tank second portion extends towards front portion of the vehicle so as to accommodate more fuel within the fuel tank. The rear sub assembly acts as a single unit which facilitates in simplified and easy mounting of the fuel tank having higher fuel storage capacity.

[00025] The body frame comprises a plurality of seat rail members. The plurality of seat rail members includes a first seat rail member and a second seat rail member. The first seat rail member comprises at least one first mounting hole and the second seat rail member comprises at least one second mounting hole.

[00026] The support bracket comprises a U-shaped member, a bracket cross member, a first rail mounting member, and a second rail mounting member. The U-shaped member is configured to support the fuel tank and the rear fender. The first rail mounting member and the second rail mounting member extend from the U-shaped member.

[00027] The fuel tank comprises a fuel tank first portion and a fuel tank second portion. The fuel tank second portion extends towards front portion of the vehicle so as to accommodate more fuel within the fuel tank. A fuel pump is disposed on the fuel tank second portion.

[00028] The rear fender comprises a first fender portion, a middle fender portion and a second fender portion. The first fender portion supports the fuel tank and the profile of the first fender portion is congruent to bottom profile of the fuel tank and is so selected so as to act as guide and hold the fuel tank in position.

[00029] The rear sub assembly comprising the fuel tank, the support bracket, and the rear fender acts as a single unit which facilitates in simplified and easy mounting of the fuel tank having higher fuel storage capacity.

[00030] The first rail mounting member comprises at least one first rail mounting hole and the second rail mounting member comprises at least one second rail mounting hole. The first rail mounting member is inserted and secured to the first seat rail member and the second rail mounting member is inserted and secured to the second seat rail member.

[00031] The first rail mounting member is inserted into the first seat rail member such that at least one first rail mounting hole aligns with the at least one first mounting hole and the second rail mounting member is inserted into the second seat rail member such that at least one second rail mounting hole aligns with the at least one second mounting hole. The first rail mounting member is guided along to the first seat rail member and the second rail mounting member guided along the second seat rail member.

[00032] 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. [00033] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, rear sub assembly 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.

[00034] 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.

[00035] Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorized scooter vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00036] The vehicle (100) comprises a front end structure (102), a rear end structure (104), and a footboard (106). The front end structure (102) forms the front portion of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (104) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The footboard (106) lies between the front portion (102) and the rear portion (104). The footboard (106) provides foot rest for a rider riding the vehicle (100).

[00037] The front end structure (102) comprises a front ground engaging member (114), and a steering mechanism (116). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (114) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (114) embodies a track or any member on which the vehicle (100) can be mobilized, without limiting the scope of the invention. The front ground engaging member (114) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (116). The steering mechanism (116) comprises a handle bar (118). The handle bar (118) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). Further, the front end structure (102) comprises a leg shield (120). The leg shield (120) encloses the steering mechanism (116). The leg shield (120) comprises an inner leg shield (122) and an outer leg shield (121). The leg shield (120) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (100).

[00038] The front end structure (102) comprises a dash assembly (125). The dash assembly (125) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information about the vehicle (100) to the rider. The dash assembly (125) may comprise additional components such as, LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the front end structure (102) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, head lamps, front fenders etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00039] Referring to Figure 1, the rear end structure (104) comprises a seat (108), a rear ground engaging member (112), and a power unit (110). The seat (108) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (112) underlies the seat (108) and is driven by the power unit (110). In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (112) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (112) may embody a track or any member on which the vehicle (100) can be mobilized, without limiting the scope of the invention. The power unit (110) comprises an engine (111) and a transmission unit (113). The rear end structure (104) comprises a storage box (not shown). The storage box is provided under the seat (108). More particularly, the storage box is disposed within a space defined by the seat (108) and the engine (111) of power unit (110). Further, the rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as suspension system/s, tail light/s etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00040] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (130). The body frame (130) is formed by integrally joining number of steel members and the like, by welding or the like. In the illustrated example, the body frame (130) having a specific construction is disclosed. Alternatively, the body frame (130) may have different body frame constructions generally associated with scooters, without limiting the scope of the invention. [00041] The body frame (130) supports the front end structure (102), the footboard (106), and the rear end structure (104). The body frame (130) comprises a head tube (132), a first frame member (134), a first cross member (136), a second cross member (142), a third cross member (144), and a plurality of seat rail members (139) including a first seat rail member (138) and a second seat rail member (140). The head tube (132) supports the steering assembly (116). More particularly, the head tube (132) pivotally supports the handle bar (118) (shown in Figure 2). The first frame member (134) extends downwards and rearwards from the head tube (132). The first frame member (134) is connected to the first cross member (136). The first seat rail member (138) and the second seat rail member (140) extends substantially parallel in a rearward and upward direction from the first cross member (136). The second cross member (142) and the third cross member (144) extend between the first seat rail member (138) and the second seat rail member (140).

[00042] In the illustrated example, the first seat rail member (138) and the second seat rail member (140) have a hollow tubular structure. The first seat rail member (138) comprises at least one first mounting hole (145) and a first fuel tank mounting bracket (141). The second seat rail member (140) comprises at least one second mounting hole (147) (shown in Figure 3) and a second fuel tank mounting bracket (143). In the illustrated example, the first seat rail member (138) comprises two first mounting holes (145) and the second seat rail member (140) comprises two second mounting holes (147). The first mounting holes (145) extends through the width of the first seat rail member (138). The second mounting holes (147) extends through the width of the second seat rail member (140).

[00043] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the rear end structure (104) comprises a rear sub assembly (150). The rear sub assembly (150) is coupled to the body frame (130). The rear sub assembly (150) comprises a fuel tank (152), a rear fender (154), and a support bracket (156). The fuel tank (152) stores fuel required to power the vehicle (100). The rear fender (154) prevents mud or dust from entering other components of the vehicle (100). The support bracket (156) facilitates in mounting the rear sub assembly (150) to the body frame (130). [00044] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, the fuel tank (152) comprises a fuel tank first portion (182) and a fuel tank second portion (184). The fuel tank first portion (182) comprises a fuel filling port (not shown) through which a spout (not shown) is inserted to fill fuel within the fuel tank (152). The fuel tank second portion (184) extends towards front portion of the vehicle (100) from the fuel tank first portion (182) so as to accommodate more fuel within the fuel tank (152). The fuel tank (152) comprises a fuel pump (186) disposed on the fuel tank second portion (184) of the fuel tank (152). The fuel pump (186) provides necessary fuel required to power the engine (111) of the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (152) comprises at least one tank mounting provision which facilitates in mounting of the fuel tank (152). In the illustrated example, four such tank mounting provisions are provided such as, a first tank mounting provision (190), a second tank mounting provision (192), a third mounting provision (194), and a fourth mounting provision (196). The first tank mounting provision (190) is disposed on the fuel tank second portion (184). The second tank mounting provision (192), the third mounting provision (194), and the fourth mounting provision (196) are provided on the fuel tank first portion (182). The fuel tank (152) may comprise additional components generally associated with conventional fuel tanks such as fuel filling unit etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00045] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 6, the rear fender (154) comprises a first fender portion (170), a middle fender portion (171) and a second fender portion (172). The first fender portion (170) supports the fuel tank (152). The profile of the first fender portion (170) is congruent to bottom profile of the fuel tank (152). The profile of the first fender portion (170) is so selected so as to act as guide and hold the fuel tank (152) in position. Further, the first fender portion (170) comprises a harness support portion (174). The harness support portion (174) supports wire harness electrically coupling various components disposed on the rear end structure (104) of the vehicle (100).

[00046] The rear fender (154) comprises at least one first mounting member (176), at least one second mounting member (178), and at least one third mounting members (180). In the illustrated example, the rear fender (154) comprises two first mounting members (176), two second mounting members (178), and two third mounting members (180). The first mounting members (176) are disposed on the first fender portion (170). The second mounting members (178) and the third mounting members (180) are provided in the middle fender portion (171) of the rear fender (154). The rear fender (154) comprises at least one license plate mounting members (174). In the illustrated example, the second fender portion (172) comprises two license plate mounting members (177). The license plate mounting members (177) removably mounts a rear license plate (175) (shown in Figure 4) of the vehicle (100).

[00047] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 7, the support bracket (156) is coupled to the fuel tank (152) and the rear fender (154). The support bracket (156) comprises a U-shaped member (162), a bracket cross member (164), a first rail mounting member (166), and a second rail mounting member (168). The first rail mounting member (166) and the second rail mounting member (168) extend from the U-shaped member (162). The first rail mounting member (166) comprises at least one first rail mounting hole (159). The second rail mounting member (168) comprises at least one second rail mounting hole (161). In the illustrated example, the bracket cross member (164) extends in the vehicle width direction between arms of the U-shaped bracket member (162). The support bracket (156) comprises a number of first mounting provisions (163), a number of second mounting provisions (165), and a number of third mounting provisions (167). In the illustrated example, the U-shaped member (162) comprises two first mounting provisions (163), two second mounting provisions (165), and two third mounting provisions (167). The U-shaped member (162) supports the fuel tank (152) and the rear fender (154).

[00048] During assembly of the rear sub assembly (150), the fuel tank (152) is guided and held in position on the first fender portion (170) of the rear fender (154), this aligns the first tank mounting provision (190) and the second fuel tank provision (192) with each of the first mounting members (176) disposed on the first fender portion (170) of the rear fender (154). Thereafter, the support bracket (156) is coupled to the fuel tank (152) and the rear fender (154). More particularly, the third mounting provision (194) and the fourth mounting provision (196) of the fuel tank (152) is coupled to each of the second mounting provisions (165) of U- shaped member (162). Further, each of the second mounting members (178) of the rear fender (154) is coupled to each of the third mounting provisions (167) of the support bracket (156), each of the third mounting members (180) of the rear fender (154) is coupled to each of the first mounting provisions (163) of the support bracket (156).

[00049] During assembly of the vehicle (100), the rear sub assembly (150) is brought close to the body frame (130). Thereafter the support bracket (152) of the rear sub assembly (150) is aligned and inserted into the body frame (130). More particularly, the first rail mounting member (166) and the second rail mounting member (168) of the support bracket (156) is inserted into the first seat rail member (138) and second seat rail member (140) of the body frame (130), this aligns the first rail mounting holes (159) with the first mounting holes (145) of the first seat rail member (138). The second rail mounting holes (161) with the second mounting holes (147) of the second seat rail member (140). Thereafter the support bracket (152) is coupled to the body frame (130) via a number of fastening members (not shown).

[00050] Further, during insertion of the support bracket (156) into the body frame (130), the first tank mounting provision (190) of the fuel tank (152) and one of the first mounting member (176) of the rear fender (154) aligns with the first fuel tank mounting bracket (141) disposed on the body frame (130). The second fuel tank provision (192) of the fuel tank (152) and one of the first mounting member (176) of the rear fender (154) aligns with the second fuel tank mounting bracket (143) disposed on the body frame (130). A plurality of fastening members passing there through secures the fuel tank (152) and the rear fender (154) to the body frame (130).

[00051] During assembly of the vehicle (100) according to another embodiment, the rear sub assembly (150) is brought close to the body frame (130). Thereafter the support bracket (152) of the rear sub assembly (150) is guided along the body frame (130). More particularly, the first rail mounting member (166) and the second rail mounting member (168) of the support bracket (156) is guided along the first seat rail member (138) and second seat rail member (140) of the body frame (130), this aligns the first rail mounting holes (159) with the first mounting holes (145) of the first seat rail member (138). The second rail mounting holes (161) with the second mounting holes (147) of the second seat rail member (140). Thereafter the support bracket (152) is coupled to the body frame (130) via a number of fastening members (not shown).

[00052] The present invention discloses the rear sub assembly (150) of the vehicle (100). The rear sub assembly (150) comprising the fuel tank (152), the support bracket (156), and the rear fender (154) acts as a single unit which facilitates in simplified and easy mounting of the fuel tank (152) having higher fuel storage capacity. Further the fuel tank (152) is accommodated with a fuel pump (186) according to regulations. Further, the rear sub assembly (150) facilitates in reducing the overall costs associated with the assembly process of the vehicle (100).

[00053] 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.

[00054] 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.