Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A bracket for supporting a bumper of a work vehicle

APPLICANT
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra World City, Plot No:41/1, Anjur P.O., Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu – 603004

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bracket to support a bumper on a work vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[001] Vehicle carrying trailers are commonly used to transport automobiles and work vehicles such as tractors. While transporting the work vehicles, the work vehicles are placed one behind the other or side-by-side. The work vehicles when placed side-by-side tend to project / overhang from the trailer. Regulations / legal requirements as stipulated by Road Transport Authority, Govt. of India require the overall length of the work vehicles to be within the sides of the vehicle carrying trailers to prevent projecting (overhanging) of the tractor from outside the trailer. Further, it causes parts of the work vehicles, particularly the front bumper to overhang beyond the lateral edges of the trailer which is detrimental to road safety and may lead to road accidents. To reduce overall length of the work vehicle, the front bumper of the work vehicle is transported separately, and once the work vehicle reaches the destination, the front bumper is mounted in front of the work vehicle.
[002] One known technique in the art is to provide a mounting bracket on rear-side of the work vehicle to mount the front bumper such that the bumper is vertically disposed, thereby reducing overall length of the work vehicle while transporting on the trailer. Figure 1 illustrates a mounting bracket 20 on rear-side of a work vehicle W to mount the front bumper 40. The bumper 40 is vertically disposed. The mounting bracket 20 is provided in the vicinity of the three-point hitch system 30a, 30b, 30c and a toe hook. The mounting bracket 20 as shown has a pair of spaced apart support members 22 and a platform 24 supported by the support member. The platform is configured to allow the bumper 40 to be mounted thereon. Due to the disposition of the bracket 20 around the three-point hitch system 30a, 30b, 30c and/or the toe hook, the overall height of the support members has to be high so as to stay clear of the three point hitch system 30a, 30b, 30c and the toe hook This results in increase in the overall height of the bracket 20 and overall weight of the bracket 20 - approximately 12 kg, and thereby overall weight of the vehicle W, which is undesirable. Further, since the mounting bracket 20 is mounted in the vicinity of the three-point hitch system, the mounting bracket 20 has to be removed as the mounting bracket 20 would hinder operation of the three-point hitch system 30a, 30b, 30c even after the bumper 40 has been removed. Thus, the mounting bracket 20 becomes redundant and needs to be uninstalled from the tractor W.
[003] Thus, there is a need in the art to address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a bracket for supporting a bumper of a work vehicle that includes a first vertical member, a first horizontal member, a second vertical member and a second horizontal member. The first vertical member extends vertically in a vehicle down-top direction. The first vertical member is affixed to the vehicle. The first horizontal member extends outwards from the first vertical member. The second vertical member extends from the first horizontal member. The second vertical member extends vertically in a vehicle down-top direction. The second horizontal member extends outwards from the second vertical member. The second horizontal member is configured to allow one end of the bumper to be affixed. The one end of the bumper being affixed to the second horizontal member enables the bumper to be disposed in a down-top direction and consequently, reduces overall length of the work vehicle.
[005] In an embodiment, a first plurality of reinforcement members connects the first vertical member and the first horizontal member. The first plurality of reinforcement members is configured to provide additional strength to the bracket.
[006] In an embodiment, a second plurality of reinforcement members connect the second vertical member and the second horizontal member. The second plurality of reinforcement members are configured to provide additional strength to the bracket.
[007] In an embodiment, the first plurality of reinforcement members and the second plurality of reinforcement members include a plurality of gussets, plates or ribs.
[008] In an embodiment, the first vertical member is affixed on a front axle support of the vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the first vertical member is affixed to the vehicle by a first plurality of fasteners. The first plurality of fasteners includes bolts.
[010] In an embodiment, the one end of the bumper is affixed to the second horizontal member by a second plurality of fasteners. The second plurality of fasteners include a plurality of bolts and one or more spring washers. The plurality of bolts is configured to affix the second horizontal member to the bumper. The one or more spring washers are configured to reduce the effect of vibrations thereby.

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 illustrates a bracket to support a bumper on a work vehicle as per prior-art.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket to support a bumper on a work vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket mounted on a work vehicle to support a bumper of the work vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a work vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] The present invention is directed towards a bracket to support a bumper on a work vehicle to reduce overall length of the work vehicle while transporting the work vehicle on a trailer. The work vehicle as per the invention is a tractor. However, the bracket can be incorporated in other type of work vehicles whereby there is a requirement to reduce overall length of the work vehicle.
[013] Figure 2 shows an illustrative representation of a bracket 100 to support a bumper 40 on a work vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The bumper 40 is a front bumper of a tractor. The bumper 40 is a structure that is either attached to or integrated with a front end of the work vehicle 10. The bumper 40 is provided the work vehicle 10 during collisions, especially, to protect a front grill and head lamps of the work vehicle 10. The bumper 40 also maintains the dynamics of the work vehicle 10 such as avoiding lifting of a front end of the work vehicle 10. The bracket 100 includes a first vertical member 110, a first horizontal member 120, a second vertical member 130 and a second horizontal member 140. The first vertical member 110 is affixed to chassis / body of the work vehicle 10. The first vertical member 110 extends vertically in a vehicle down-top direction. The first vertical member 110 is affixed to the work vehicle 10 by a first plurality of fasteners 170. In an embodiment, the first plurality of fasteners 170 includes bolts. The bolts pass through orifices cut in the first vertical member 110 and mesh in the chassis / body of the vehicle 10.
[014] The first horizontal member 120 extends outwards from the first vertical member 110. Such outward extension indicates an extension that is away from the vehicle body / vehicle centerline. In an embodiment, a first plurality of reinforcement members 150 connect the first vertical member 110 and the first horizontal member 120. The first plurality of reinforcement members 150 is configured to provide additional strength and support to the bracket 100. In an embodiment, the first plurality of reinforcement members 150 includes gussets. In another embodiment, the first plurality of reinforcement members 150 includes reinforcement plates. In yet another embodiment, the first plurality of reinforcement members 150 includes ribs. As illustrated in Figure 2, three gussets connect the first vertical member 110 and the first horizontal member 120. The three gussets are placed equidistant to each other by means of welding connecting the first vertical member 110 and the first horizontal member 120 thereby, enabling the bracket 100 to withstand vertical forces of the bumper 40.
[015] The second vertical member 130 extends from the first horizontal member 120. The second vertical member 130 extends vertically in a down-top direction. The second horizontal member 140 extends outwards from the second vertical member 130. Such outward extension indicates an extension that is away from the vehicle body / vehicle centerline. The second horizontal member 140 is configured to allow one end of the bumper 40 to be affixed by a second plurality of fasteners 180. The second plurality of fasteners 180 includes a plurality of bolts and one or more spring washers. The plurality of bolts is configured to affix the second horizontal member 140 to the bumper. The bolts pass through a plurality of orifices on the second horizontal member 140 and mesh with the one end of the bumper 40. The spring washers are configured to reduce the effect of vibrations and prevent the plurality of bolts from loosening. A second plurality of reinforcement members 160 connect the second vertical member 130 and the second horizontal member 140. The second plurality of reinforcement members 160 is configured to provide additional strength and support to the bracket 100 and, in particular, additional strength to withstand the vertical force generated after the bumper 40 is fitted onto the bracket 100. In an embodiment, the second plurality of reinforcement members 160 includes gussets. In another embodiment, the second plurality of reinforcement members 160 includes reinforcement plates. In yet another embodiment, the second plurality of reinforcement members 160 includes ribs. As illustrated in Figure 2, two gussets connect the second vertical member 130 and the second horizontal member 140. The two gussets are placed equidistant to each other by means of welding connecting the second vertical member 130 and the second horizontal member 140 thereby, enabling the bracket 100 to withstand vertical forces of the bumper 40.
[016] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket 100 mounted on the work vehicle 10 to support the bumper 40 of the work vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first vertical member 110 of the bracket is affixed on a front axle support of the vehicle 10. As shown in Figure 4, disposition of the bracket 100 allows the bumper 40 to be mounted on the side of the vehicle 10, thereby reducing overall length of the vehicle 10. As mentioned hereinbefore, the bracket is provided to support the bumper on the work vehicle while transporting the work vehicle on a trailer. Accordingly, while transporting the work vehicle on the trailer, the work vehicles when placed side-by-side with the bracket of the present invention (supporting the bumper on the side of the work vehicle), reduces overall length of the work vehicle and prevents the work vehicle from projecting / overhanging from the trailer. The inventions thus enable compliance with regulations / legal requirements as stipulated by Road Transport Authority, Govt. of India that require the overall length of the tractors to be within the sides of the vehicle carrying trailers to prevent projecting (overhanging) of the tractor from outside the trailer. Further, disposition of the bracket 100 does not obstruct any part of the vehicle 10, and hence the bracket 100 is not required to be uninstalled/removed from the vehicle 10. The bracket 100 once the bumper 40 is removed can be used to mount other items / objects such as a toolbox (not shown). Also, the disposition of the bracket 100 also does not obstruct view of an operator in case the work vehicle is required to be operated/driven for a short haul. The bracket 100 is composed of metals and / or alloys such as steel. Further, the construction of the bracket 100 discussed hereinabove uses less material compared to prior-art brackets which has long support members. The reduction in material results in weight of the bracket – the bracket 100 weights approximately 6 kg. The bracket 100 of the present invention is thus also cost-effective.
[017] Advantageously, the instant bracket is cost-effective, significantly lighter in weight, secures the bumper of the work vehicle in a manner such that the bumper does not extend laterally outwards and thus, does not create a space constraint. Further, the mounting bracket does not interact with any moving part of the tractor and therefore, can be used for mounting other objects once the bumper is uninstalled.
[018] 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. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A bracket (100) for supporting a bumper (40) of a work vehicle (10), comprising:
a first vertical member (110) extending vertically in a vehicle down-top direction, the first vertical member (110) being affixed to the vehicle (10);
a first horizontal member (120) extending outwards from the first vertical member (110);
a second vertical member (130) extending from the first horizontal member (120), the second vertical member (130) extending vertically in a vehicle down-top direction; and
a second horizontal member (140) extending outwards from the second vertical member (130), the second horizontal member (140) configured to allow one end of the bumper (40) to be affixed, the one end of the bumper (40) being affixed to the second horizontal member (140) thereby, enabling the bumper (40) to be disposed in a down-top direction and consequently, reducing overall length of the work vehicle (10).

2. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a first plurality of reinforcement members (150) connecting the first vertical member (110) and the first horizontal member (120), the first plurality of reinforcement members (150) configured to provide strength to the bracket (100).

3. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a second plurality of reinforcement members (160) connecting the second vertical member (130) and the second horizontal member (140), the second plurality of reinforcement members (160) configured to provide additional strength to the bracket (100).

4. The bracket (100) as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the first plurality of reinforcement members (150) and the second plurality of reinforcement members (160) comprise a plurality of gussets, plates or ribs.

5. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first vertical member (110) being affixed on a front axle support of the vehicle (10).

6. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first vertical member (110) being affixed to the vehicle (10) by a first plurality of fasteners (170), the first plurality of fasteners (170) comprising bolts

7. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one end of the bumper (40) being affixed to the second horizontal member (140) by a second plurality of fasteners (180), the second plurality of fasteners (180) comprising a plurality of bolts configured to affix the second horizontal member (140) to the bumper (40); and one or more spring washers configured to reduce the effect of vibrations.

Dated this 28th day of December 2022
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Janaksinh Jhala)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-2193