Description:

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

HOLDER FOR HOLDING BRAKE DEVICE 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 relates to a holder for holding a brake device with respect to a first part of a swing arm of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In a vehicle, a holder is used for securely holding a brake device with respect to a first part of the swing arm. The brake device can be any of a drum brake and a disc brake. In case the brake device is a disc brake, the holder is adapted to securely hold a brake caliper forming part of the disc brake. In particular, the holder is used for securely and slidably holding the brake device with respect to a first part of the swing arm. Traditionally, the holders are made from machined or forged parts. While holders made from machined or forged parts offer some advantages, they suffer from a variety of disadvantages which include weight savings and cost effectiveness.

[003] Thus, there exists a need to provide a holder securely holding a brake device with respect to a first part of the swing arm having less weight and cost effective. Additionally, the holder should have sufficient structural integrity and should have sufficient durability to withstand the forces and loads generated during braking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[004] 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.

[005] Accordingly, the present invention provides a holder for holding a brake device with respect to a first part of a swing arm of a vehicle, said holder comprising a bracket element for holding the brake device; and a strengthening member connected to the bracket element.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the bracket element comprises a first connecting part for coupling to the first part of the swing arm, a second connecting part for coupling to the first part of the swing arm, and a brake device holding part located between the first connecting part and the second connecting part for slidably holding the brake device.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the strengthening member being connected to the brake device holding part and the brake device holding part comprises a first wall portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the first connecting part, a second wall portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the second connecting part, and a third wall portion connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the strengthening member being connected to the brake device holding part and the brake device holding part comprises an arcuate wall portion extending between the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the strengthening member comprises a fourth wall portion connected to a first side of the third wall portion, a fifth wall portion connected to a second side of the third wall portion, and a sixth wall portion connecting the fourth wall portion and the fifth wall portion such that the strengthening member at least partly surrounds the third wall portion.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fourth wall portion comprises a retaining portion acting to hold the brake device.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the strengthening member being an arcuate member comprising a first edge portion connected to the first wall portion and a second edge portion connected to the second wall portion.

[0012] The present invention furthermore provides a vehicle comprising: a rear ground engaging member connected to a frame structure via a swing arm, a holder for holding a brake device with respect to a first part of a swing arm of a vehicle, said holder comprising a bracket element for holding the brake device; and a strengthening member connected to the bracket element

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the brake device is selected from a group comprising a drum brake and a disc brake.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the holder being adapted to adapted to slidably hold a brake caliper forming part of the disc brake.

[0015] An advantage of the invention is that the holder is formed of sheet metal and hence, the holder has substantially less weight as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. Another advantage of the invention, a cost of the holder is substantially less as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts.

[0016] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the holder has higher structural integrity as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. Still another advantage of the invention is that the holder has high durability and withstands higher amount of the forces and loads generated during braking.

[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 a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a part of the vehicle, particularly showing a first type of rear brake device connected to a first part of the swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a part of the vehicle, particularly showing a second type of rear brake device connected to a first part of the swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the vehicle, particularly showing a part of the second type of rear brake device connected to a first part of the swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the vehicle, particularly showing a first holder attached to the first part of the swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a first perspective view of the first holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates a second perspective view of the first holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket element forming part of the first holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the strengthening member forming part o fthe first holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the vehicle, particularly showing a second holder attached to the first part of the swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 11 illustrates a first perspective view of the second holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 12 illustrates a first semi-transparent perspective view of the second holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 13 illustrates a second semi-transparent perspective view of the second holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 14 illustrates a first perspective view of a third holder;

[0033] Figure 15 illustrates a second perspective view of the third holder;

[0034] Figure 16 illustrates a first perspective view of a fourth holder;

[0035] Figure 17 illustrates a second perspective view of the fourth holder;

[0036] Figure 18 illustrates a first perspective view of a fifth holder;

[0037] Figure 19 illustrates a second perspective view of the fifth holder;

[0038] Figure 20 illustrates a first perspective view of a sixth holder; and

[0039] Figure 21 illustrates a second perspective view of the sixth holder.

[0040] 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:
[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle (10) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention comprises a headpipe (12) rotatably supporting front fork (14). The front fork (14) supports a front ground engaging member (16) at a bottom end thereof and has a steering mechanism (18) at a top end thereof. The user can steer the vehicle using the steering mechanism (18). In an embodiment of the invention, the front ground engaging member may be any of a wheel, or a track. A front guard member (20) may be disposed above the front ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (22) disposed above the front guard member (20).

[0054] The vehicle (10) further comprises a frame structure (24) extending in a downward and rearward direction from the headpipe (12). The frame structure (24) supports elements such as a fuel tank (26), a power generating unit (28), a seat (30), and a rear ground engaging member (32). The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear guard member (34) disposed above the rear ground engaging member (32). The vehicle (10) further comprises a taillight (36) disposed above the rear guard member (32). The rear ground engaging member (32) may be connected to a first portion of the frame structure (24) via at least one rear cushioning member (38). The rear ground engaging member (32) may be connected to a second portion of the frame structure (24) via a swing arm (40).

[0055] The power generating unit (28) may be either an internal combustion engine or a motor. It may be noted that in case the power generating unit (28) is a motor, the vehicle may comprise one or more batteries (not shown) and can be devoid of the fuel tank (26).

[0056] Now referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, there is illustrated a top view of a part of the vehicle. In particular, it can be observed that the swing arm (40) comprises a left swing arm member (40L), and a right swing arm member (40R). A rear axis member (42) is positioned between the left swing arm member (40L) and the right swing arm member (40R) and the rear ground engaging member (32) is rotatably carried by the rear axis member (42). A brake device (44) is operably connected to the rear ground engaging member (32). The brake device (44) is further operably connected to the swing arm (40). In particular, a holder (100) holds the brake device (44) with respect to a first part (46) of a swing arm (40). As the rear ground engaging member (32) may require to be shifted in a vehicle length direction (i.e. in a vehicle forward and vehicle rearward direction) with respect to the swing arm (40), the holder (100) allows the brake device (44) to exhibit movement in vehicle forward with respect to the swing arm (40) as well as exhibit movement in vehicle rearward direction with respect to the swing arm (40). While Figure 2 shows a first type of the brake device (44) being operably connected to the rear ground engaging member (32) and the first part (46) swing arm (40), Figure 3 shows a second type of brake device (44) being operably connected to the rear ground engaging member (32) and the first part (46) of the swing arm (40). In particular, the first type of brake device (44) may be a drum-type brake device and the second type of brake device (44) may be a disc-type brake device. Thus, the holder (100) may be used for holding a drum-type brake device or a disc-type brake device with respect to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40).

[0057] Now referring to Figure 4, in case the brake device (44) is a disc-type brake device, the holder (100) holds a brake caliper (48) which forms part of the disc brake (not shown) with respect to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40). In particular, the brake caliper (48) comprises a slot (50) which is coupled top the holder (100). Thus, the holder (100) slidably supports or slidably holds the brake caliper’s (48) and thus allows the brake caliper (48) to exhibit movement with respect to the swing arm (40). Although not shown, the holder (100) may similarly hold a part of the drum-type brake device (44).

[0058] Now referring to Figure 5, there is shown a close-up perspective view of a part of the vehicle (10) particularly showing the holder (100) having construction as per a first embodiment of the invention coupled to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40). Now referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, a more detailed construction of the holder (100) as per a first embodiment of the invention is demonstrated. It can be seen from Figure 6 and Figure 7 that the holder (100) comprises a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102).

[0059] Now referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated a close-up view of the bracket element (102), which according to one embodiment of the invention, comprises a first connecting part (106) for coupling to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40), a second connecting part (108) for coupling to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40), and a brake device holding part (110) located between the first connecting part (106) and the second connecting part (108) for slidably holding the brake device (44).

[0060] In an embodiment of the invention the brake device holding part (110) comprises a first wall portion (112) extending substantially perpendicularly from the first connecting part (106), a second wall portion (114) extending substantially perpendicularly from the second connecting part (108), and a third wall portion (116) connecting the first wall portion (112) and the second wall portion (114). Although not illustrated, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the brake device holding part (110) may be in the form of a single arc shaped wall protruding between the first connecting part (106) and the second connecting part (108).

[0061] Now referring to Figure 9, in an embodiment of the invention, strengthening member (104) comprises a fourth wall portion (118) connected to a first side (124) of the third wall portion (116), a fifth wall portion (120) connected to a second side (126) of the third wall portion (116), and a sixth wall portion (122) connecting the fourth wall portion (118) and the fifth wall portion (120) such that the strengthening member (104) at least partly surrounds the third wall portion (116). In an embodiment of the invention, the fourth wall portion (118) comprises a retaining portion (128) acting to hold the brake device (44).

[0062] Now referring to Figure 10, there is shown a close-up perspective view of a part of the vehicle (10) particularly showing the holder (100) having construction as per a second embodiment of the invention coupled to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40). Now referring to Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13, a more detailed construction of the holder (100) as per a second embodiment of the invention is demonstrated. It can be seen from Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13 that the holder (100) comprises a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102).

[0063] The bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the second embodiment of the invention is substantially identical to the bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 and explained above. On the other hand, the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the second embodiment of the invention has a substantially different construction as compared to the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the first embodiment. In particular, the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the second embodiment of the invention is an arcuate member comprising a first edge portion (130) connected to the first wall portion (112) and a second edge portion (132) connected to the second wall portion (114).

[0064] Now referring to Figure 14 and Figure 15, a more detailed construction of the holder (100) as per a third embodiment is demonstrated. It can be seen from Figure 14 and Figure 15 that the holder (100) comprises a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102). The bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the third of the invention is substantially identical to the bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the first or second embodiment and explained above. On the other hand, the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the third embodiment of the invention has a substantially different construction as compared to the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the first embodiment or as per the third embodiment. In particular, the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the third embodiment of the invention is a plate member comprising a first edge portion (130) connected to the first wall portion (112) and a second edge portion (132) connected to the second wall portion (114). The orientation of the plate member is such that it is substantially perpendicular to the first connecting part (106) and the second connecting part (108).

[0065] Now referring to Figure 16 and Figure 17, a more detailed construction of the holder (100) as per a fourth embodiment is demonstrated. It can be seen from Figure 16 and Figure 17 that the holder (100) comprises a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102). The bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the third of the invention is substantially identical to the bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the first or second embodiment and explained above. While the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the fourth embodiment of the invention is a plate member comprising a first edge portion (130) connected to the first wall portion (112) and a second edge portion (132) connected to the second wall portion (114), the orientation of the plate member is such that it is substantially parallel to the brake device holding part (110) and it is located closer to the brake device holding part (110).

[0066] Now referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19, a more detailed construction of the holder (100) as per a fifth embodiment is demonstrated. It can be seen from Figure 18 and Figure 19 that the holder (100) comprises a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102). The bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the fifth of the invention is substantially identical to the bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the first or second or third embodiment and explained above. While the strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the fifth embodiment of the invention is a plate member comprising a first edge portion (130) connected to the first wall portion (112) and a second edge portion (132) connected to the second wall portion (114), the orientation of the plate member is such that it is substantially parallel to the brake device holding part (110) and it is located farther from the brake device holding part (110).

[0067] Now referring to Figure 20 and Figure 21, a more detailed construction of the holder (100) as per a sixth embodiment is demonstrated. It can be seen from Figure 20 and Figure 21 that the holder (100) comprises a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102). The bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the sixth of the invention is substantially identical to the bracket element (102) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the first or second or third or fourth embodiments and explained above. The strengthening member (104) which forms part of the holder (100) having construction as per the sixth embodiment of the invention comprises a fourth wall portion (118) connected to the first wall portion (112), a fifth wall portion (120) connected to the second wall portion (114), and a sixth wall portion (122) connecting the fourth wall portion (118) and the fifth wall portion (120). However, in this case, no part of the strengthening member (104) surrounds the third wall portion (116). In fact the sixth wall portion (122) faces opposite the third wall portion (116).

[0068] Now from among the six different embodiments which have been described above, the construction as per the second embodiment (as shown in Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13), the construction as per the third embodiment (as shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15), the construction as per the fourth embodiment (as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17), and the construction as per the fifth embodiment (as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19) have least weight and highly cost effective.

[0069] While the constructions as per the first embodiment (as shown in Figure 5 to Figure 9) and the sixth embodiment (as shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21) have somewhat more weight as compared to the construction as per the third embodiment, the construction as per the third embodiment, the construction as per the fourth embodiment, and the construction as per the fifth embodiment, but even the constructions as per the first embodiment and the sixth embodiment are much lighter than the holders made from machined or forged parts.

[0070] Now from among the six different embodiments which have been described above, the construction as per the first embodiment (as shown in Figure 5 to Figure 9), the construction as per the second embodiment (as shown in 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13), the construction as per the sixth embodiment (as shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21), have highest load bearing capacity and highest factor of safety.

[0071] While the constructions as per the construction as per the third embodiment (as shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15), the construction as per the fourth embodiment (as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17), and the construction as per the fifth embodiment (as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19) have somewhat more lower load bearing capacity and lower factor of safety as compared to the construction as per the first embodiment, the construction as per the second embodiment, and the construction as per the sixth embodiment, but even the constructions as per the third to fifth embodiments have load bearing capacity and factor of safety which is somewhat comparable to the holders made from machined or forged parts.

[0072] It has been observed that the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 10% less weight as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. Particularly, the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 20% less weight as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. More particularly, the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 25% less weight as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts.

[0073] It has been observed that the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 5% more load bearing capacity as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. Particularly, the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 8% more load bearing capacity as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. More particularly, the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 10% more load bearing capacity as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts.

[0074] It has been observed that the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 2% more factor of safety as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. Particularly, the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 5% more factor of safety as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. More particularly, the holders constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have at least 6% more factor of safety as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts.

[0075] Thus, the present invention provides holders that are made from sheet metals which securely hold a brake device with respect to a first part of the swing arm. The holders as per the present invention have less weight as compared to holders made from machined or forged parts. Additionally, the cost of making the holders as per the present invention is much lower than the cost of making holders from machined or forged parts. Additionally, the holders as per the present invention sufficient structural integrity and should have sufficient durability to withstand the forces and loads generated during braking.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 holder (100) for holding a brake device (44) with respect to a first part (46) of a swing arm (40) of a vehicle (10), said holder (100) comprising:
a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and
a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102).

2. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket element (102) comprises a first connecting part (106) for coupling to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40), a second connecting part (108) for coupling to the first part (46) of the swing arm (40), and a brake device holding part (110) located between the first connecting part (106) and the second connecting part (108) for slidably holding the brake device (44).

3. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the brake device holding part (110) being in the form of a single arc shaped wall protruding between the first connecting part (106) and the second connecting part (108).

4. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strengthening member (104) being connected to the brake device holding part (110) and the brake device holding part (110) comprises a first wall portion (112) extending substantially perpendicularly from the first connecting part (106), a second wall portion (114) extending substantially perpendicularly from the second connecting part (108), and a third wall portion (116) connecting the first wall portion (112) and the second wall portion (114).

5. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the strengthening member (104) comprises a fourth wall portion (118) connected to a first side (124) of the third wall portion (116), a fifth wall portion (120) connected to a second side (126) of the third wall portion (116), and a sixth wall portion (122) connecting the fourth wall portion (118) and the fifth wall portion (120) such that the strengthening member (104) at least partly surrounds the third wall portion (116).

6. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fourth wall portion (118) comprises a retaining portion (128) acting to hold the brake device (44).

7. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the strengthening member (104) being an arcuate member comprising a first edge portion (130) connected to the first wall portion (112) and a second edge portion (132) connected to the second wall portion (114).

8. A vehicle comprising:
a frame structure (24) extending in a downward and rearward direction;
a swing arm (40) extending in a rearward direction from the frame structure (24);
a rear axis member (42) is supported by the swing arm (40);
a rear ground engaging member (32) is rotatably carried by the rear axis member (42);
a brake device (44) operably connected to the rear ground engaging member (32); and
a holder (100) for holding a brake device (44) with respect to a first part (46) of the swing arm (40), said holder (100) comprising:
a bracket element (102) for holding the brake device (44); and
a strengthening member (104) connected to the bracket element (102).

9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the brake device (44) being selected from a group comprising a drum brake and a disc brake.

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the holder (100) being adapted to adapted to slidably hold a brake caliper (48) forming part of the disc brake (44).