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

BELLOW MEMBER OF VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention is directed to a non-metallic bellow member. The non-metallic bellow member surrounds a vibration dampener of a vehicle and provides protection to the vibration dampener.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In some of the vehicles, there is provided a vibration dampener as part of the front fork. The vibration dampener may be a hydraulic unit, a hydropneumatic unit or a pneumatic piston-cylinder unit. The vibration dampener reduces the vibrations being transmitted to the handlebar. In some instances, the vibration dampener is surrounded by a non-metallic bellow member to provide protection to the vibration dampener. As the vibration dampener undergoes change in length due to a relative movement between portions thereof, the non-metallic bellow member also undergoes change in volume which causes premature failure of the non-metallic bellow member. Thus, there exists a need to overcome one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a non-metallic bellow member comprising: a first fitting end and a second fitting end; a middle portion positioned between the first fitting end and the second fitting end; the middle portion comprising a plurality of crest portions and a plurality of valley portions, the crest portions and the root portions being arranged alternatively between the first fitting end and the second fitting end; and a thickness (T1) of the crest portions being unequal to a thickness (T2) of the valley portions.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the crest portions define an outer diameter of the non-metallic bellow member and the valley portions define an inner diameter of the non-metallic below member.

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the non-metallic below member is devoid of welded portions.

[007] In still another embodiment of the invention, a ratio between a thickness of the crest portions and a thickness of the valley portions is in the range of 1.1:1 to 100:1.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the non-metallic below member is formed of a material selected from a group comprising a rubber material and a plastic material.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the non-metallic below member comprises 10 to 40 wt% of fibres.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the fibres are selected from a group comprising polypropylene fibres, glass fibres, asbestos fibres, carbon fibres, organic fibres, Kevlar fibres, and mixtures thereof.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the organic fibres are selected from a group comprising banana fibres, and bamboo fibres, cotton fibres, and silk fibres.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the crest portions (108) comprise at least one of a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, and a trapezoidal shape.

[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a front fork connecting a ground engaging member to a handle bar; the front fork comprising a vibration dampener; and a non-metallic bellow member surrounding the vibration dampener. In an embodiment of the invention, the non-metallic bellow member comprising: a first fitting end and a second fitting end; a middle portion positioned between the first fitting end and the second fitting end; the middle portion comprising a plurality of crest portions and a plurality of valley portions, the crest portions and the valley portions being arranged alternatively between the first fitting end and the second fitting end; and a thickness (T1) of the crest portions being unequal to a thickness (T2) of the valley portions.

[0014] An advantage of the invention is that the bellow member does not undergo substantial distortion either during compression or extension. Thus, the chances of premature failure of the bellow member are substantially reduced.

[0015] Another advantage of the invention is that the overall thickness of the bellow member is not increased. Thus, the weight of the bellow member is not increased. Also, the outer diameter of the bellow member is not increased. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the below member is not increased.

[0016] A further advantage of the invention is that the fibres incorporated in the bellow member reduce a progression of the cracks, even if cracks develop in the bellow member.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0018] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a close-up view of the front fork showing the location of the non-metallic bellow member; and

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the non-metallic bellow member constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

[0022] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0023] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0024] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0025] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0028] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0030] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0031] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] 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.

[0034] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types 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 vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), a front fender (14), a front ground engaging member (16), a rear ground engaging member (18), a headlight (20), a steering handle bar (22), a power unit (24), a rear fender (26), a seat (28), an exhaust pipe (30), and a fuel tank (32).

[0036] The front ground engaging member (16) is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (10) while the rear ground engaging member (18) is in rear portion of the vehicle (10). The front ground engaging member (16) is operatively connected to the steering handle bar (22) via the front fork (12). The steering handle bar (22) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The front fender (14) at least partly covers the front ground engaging member (16) and the rear fender (26) at least partly covers the rear ground engaging member (18). The headlight (20) may be disposed above the front ground engaging member (16). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (32) is disposed between the steering handle bar (22) and the seat (28). The seat (28) provides seating for a rider and optionally a passenger of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the power unit (24) is disposed below the fuel tank (32) and the exhaust pipe (30) is connected to the power unit (24). The exhaust pipe (30) processes the exhaust air as produced by the power unit (24) before dispensing it to the environment. The rear ground engaging member (18) is rotatably supported by a body frame (34) and the body frame (40) also supports the power unit (24), the seat (28) and the fuel tank (32). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0037] Now referring to Figure 2, there is a close-up view of the front fork (12) showing the placement of the bellow member (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The front fork (12) comprises a first member (12a) and a vibration dampener (12b) forming part of the front fork (12). The vibration dampener (12b) may be a hydraulic unit, a hydropneumatic unit or a pneumatic piston-cylinder unit and comprises a first part (12c) and a second part (12d).

[0038] The below member (100) is placed between the first part (12c) and the second part (12d). It can be seen that the bellow member (100) is placed so as to surround the vibration dampener (12b) and provides protection to the vibration dampener (12b). Since the bellow member (100) is placed between the first part (12c) and the second part (12d) and hence, whenever there is a relative movement between the first part (12c) and the second part (12d), the bellow member (100) experiences a change in volume. In particular, in response to a distance between the first part (12c) and the second part (12d) decreasing, a volume of the bellow member (100) decreases and in response to a distance between the first part (12c) and the second part (12d) increasing, a volume of the bellow member increases. Generally, it can be said that when a distance between the first part (12c) and the second part (12d) decreases, the bellow member (100) experiences compression; while it can be said that when a distance between the first part (12c) and the second part (12d) increases, the bellow member experiences an extension.

[0039] It has been found that when the bellow member (100) experiences compression, a distortion occurs and an internal diameter of the bellow member (100) is substantially different. Likewise, when the bellow member (100) experiences compression, a distortion occurs and an internal diameter of the bellow member (100) and an outer diameter of the bellow member (100) are substantially different.

[0040] Thus referring to Figure 3, which illustrates a sectional view of the bellow member (100), it can be observed that the bellow member (100) comprises a first fitting end (102) and a second fitting end (104). The bellow member (100) further comprises a middle portion (106) positioned between the first fitting end (102) and the second fitting end (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the middle portion (106) comprises a plurality of crest portions (108) and a plurality of valley portions (110). The crest portions (108) and the valley portions (110) are arranged alternatively between the first fitting end (102) and the second fitting end (104).

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, the middle portion (106) undergoes change in volume due to a relative movement between the crest portions (108) and the valley portions (110). In an embodiment of the invention, a thickness (T1) of the crest portions (108) being unequal to a thickness (T2) of the valley portions (110).

[0042] The bellow member (100) is designed to provide protection to the vibration dampener (12b) and is constructed of a non-metallic material. In particular, the bellow member is made of a material selected from a group comprising a material and a rubber material. The bellow member (100) comprises a unique configuration of crest portions (108) and valley portions (110) that allow it to effectively accommodate relative movements and changes in volume. The bellow member (100) provides improved performance and durability. In particular, the varying thickness distribution allows for optimized flexibility and stress distribution throughout the bellow member (100), enabling it to withstand dynamic forces and vibrations effectively.

[0043] One notable advantage of the bellow member (100) is its absence of welded portions. Unlike traditional bellow members that rely on welded joints, the present invention eliminates the need for such joints, reducing the risk of potential weak points or failure due to welding. The bellow member (100) achieves its structural integrity through the specific configuration of crest portions (108) and valley portions (110), which provide strength and flexibility without the need for welding.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the bellow member (100) comprises various types of fibers to enhance its mechanical properties. The bellow member (100) may contain a weight percentage range of 10 to 40 wt% of fibers, which can be selected from a group including polypropylene fibers, glass fibers, asbestos fibers, carbon fibers, organic fibers, Kevlar fibres, and mixtures thereof.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the organic fibers incorporated into the bellow member may be selected from a group comprising banana fibres, and bamboo fibres, cotton fibres, and silk fibres.

[0046] In summary, the described bellow member (100) offers significant improvements in protecting vibration dampeners (12b). The unique arrangement of crest portions (108) and valley portions (110) enables the bellow member (100) to accommodate relative movements and changes in volume while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, the absence of welded portions reduces the risk of failure, and the incorporation of fibers further enhances its mechanical properties. The disclosed bellow member (100) provides a reliable and durable solution for various applications requiring vibration dampening and protection.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the crest portions (108) comprise at least one of a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, and a trapezoidal shape. By modifying the shape of the crest portions (108), it is possible to further enhance mechanical properties of the bellow member (100).

[0048] The present invention offers several advantages over conventional bellow member. These advantages include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0049] Reduced Risk of Premature Failure: An advantage of the invention is that the bellow member (100) does not undergo substantial distortion either during compression or extension. This characteristic significantly reduces the chances of premature failure of the bellow member (100), ensuring its longevity and reliability in various applications. The unique configuration of crest portions (108) and valley portions (110) allows for efficient accommodation of relative movements and changes in volume, ensuring the bellow member maintains its integrity and durability over an extended period

[0050] Maintains Compact Dimensions: Another advantage of the invention is that the overall thickness of the bellow member (100) is not increased. This feature ensures that the weight of the bellow member (100) remains unaffected, preventing unnecessary weight burdens in the system where it is employed. In particular, the invention eliminates the need for additional material, resulting in a lightweight design. Additionally, the outer diameter of the bellow member (100) is not increased, allowing it to fit within confined spaces without compromising the overall dimensions. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the bellow member (100) is also not increased, preserving compatibility with existing components and systems.

[0051] Crack Progression Resistance: A further advantage of the invention is the incorporation of fibers within the bellow member (100). Incorporation of the fibers enhances the structural strength and toughness of the bellow member. These fibers contribute to reducing the progression of cracks, even if cracks develop in the bellow member (100). This advantage enhances the overall durability and structural integrity of the bellow member (100), ensuring that any potential cracks do not propagate rapidly and compromise its functionality.

[0052] Increased Life span: The invention results in increased structural strength and toughness of the bellow member, increased resistance to crack propagation, minimizing the risk of failure and improving the overall reliability and lifespan of the bellow member.

[0053] In summary, the described invention offers several advantages over conventional bellow member. It ensures minimal distortion during compression or extension, reduces the overall weight and dimensions of the bellow member, and incorporates fibers to increase structural strength and toughness of the bellow member and enhance crack resistance. These advantages contribute to improved performance, longevity, and reliability in applications requiring vibration dampening and protection. Also, all of the above changes in the bellow member can be done with minimal changes in the process for preparing the below member.

[0055] In summary, the disclosed bellow member (100) offers advantages that include reduced risk of premature failure, compact dimensions without increased weight or outer/inner diameters, and enhanced resistance to crack progression. These benefits make the bellow member (100) an advantageous solution for applications requiring reliable and durable vibration dampening and protection.

[0056] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0057] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A non-metallic bellow member (100), said non-metallic bellow member (100) comprising:
a first fitting end (102) and a second fitting end (104);
a middle portion (106) positioned between the first fitting end (102) and the second fitting end (104);
the middle portion (106) comprising a plurality of crest portions (108) and a plurality of valley portions (110), the crest portions (108) and the valley portions (110) being arranged alternatively between the first fitting end (102) and the second fitting end (104); and
a thickness (T1) of the crest portions (108) being unequal to a thickness (T2) of the valley portions (110).

2. The non-metallic bellow member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crest portions (108) define an outer diameter (OD) of the bellow member (100) and the valley portions (110) define an inner diameter (ID) of the below member (100).

3. The non-metallic bellow member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-metallic bellow member (100) is devoid of welded portions.

4. The non-metallic bellow member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio between a thickness (T1) of the crest portions (108) and a thickness (T2) of the valley portions (110) is in the range of 1.1:1 to 100:1

5. The non-metallic bellow member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-metallic below member (100) is formed of a material selected from a group comprising a rubber material, nitrile butadiene rubber, and a plastic material.

6. The non-metallic bellow member (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the non-metallic bellow member (100) comprises 10 to 40 wt% of fibres.

7. The non-metallic below member (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fibres are selected from a group comprising polypropylene fibres, glass fibres, asbestos fibres, carbon fibres, organic fibres, kevlar fibres, and mixtures thereof.

8. The non-metallic below member (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the organic fibres are selected from a group comprising banana fibres, and bamboo fibres, cotton fibres, and silk fibres.

9. The non-metallic bellow member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crest portions (108) comprise at least one of a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, and a trapezoidal shape.

10. A vehicle comprising:
a front fork (12) connecting a ground engaging member (18) to a handle bar (22), the front fork (12) comprising a vibration dampener (12b); and
a non-metallic bellow member (100) surrounding the vibration dampener (12b), the non-metallic bellow member (100) comprising:
a first fitting end (102) and a second fitting end (104);
a middle portion (106) positioned between the first fitting end (102) and the second fitting end (104);
the middle portion (106) comprising a plurality of crest portions (108) and a plurality of valley portions (110), the crest portions (108) and the valley portions (110) being arranged alternatively between the first fitting end (102) and the second fitting end (104); and
a thickness (T1) of the crest portions (108) being unequal to a thickness (T2) of the valley portions (110).