Description:

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

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 vehicle having adjustable ground clearance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Most of the time vehicles have to face the rough terrain, where we need high ground clearance of the vehicle. But low ground clearance has other benefits like better control & stability. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism for adjusting the ground clearance of the vehicle.

[003] In one common technique, to adjust ground clearance, the vehicle can be equipped with shock absorbers that have adjustable preload, compression, and rebound settings. This technique has the disadvantage of the need to make specialized shock absorbers. In another common technique, front forks of the vehicle can be designed with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound setting. This technique has the disadvantage of the need to make specialized front forks. Some vehicle may incorporate air suspension systems having feature to vary an air pressure to adjust the ground clearance. This technique has the disadvantage of the need to make specialized air suspension systems. Some vehicle may incorporate hydraulic suspension systems having feature to vary pressure of the hydraulic fluid to adjust the ground clearance. This technique has the disadvantage of the need to make specialized hydraulic suspension systems. Additionally, these techniques also result in increasing a cost of the vehicle. Thus, there exists a need to provide a vehicle having adjustable ground clearance which addresses one of the more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

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 vehicle comprising a frame body comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion; and a swing arm comprising a first end, a first intermediate portion, and a second intermediate portion. The first end of the swing arm is pivotably coupled to the frame body at the first portion. The second intermediate portion of the swing arm rotatably supports at least one rear ground engaging member. The first intermediate portion of the swing arm is positioned between the first end of the swing arm and the second intermediate portion of the swing arm. The vehicle further comprises at least one shock absorber comprising a second end and a third end. The second end of the shock absorber is rotatably coupled to the first intermediate portion of the swing arm. The vehicle further comprises a coupling element rotatably coupled to the third end of the at least one shock absorber. The coupling element is adjustably coupled to the second portion on the frame body such that an effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion of the swing arm and the second portion of the frame body varies.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the coupling element comprises at least a first plate comprising a first attachment provision, a second attachment provision, and at least one third attachment provision. The first attachment provision is coupled to the third portion vide a first counter attachment provision. The second attachment provision is coupled to the third end of the shock absorber vide a second counter attachment provision. The at least one third attachment provision is coupled to the second portion of the frame body vide a third counter attachment provision.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the coupling element comprises a pinion and is adapted to move on a rack formed on the at least a first plate to align at least one third attachment provision of the coupling element with the second portion of the frame body.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the coupling element comprises a fourth attachment provision for receiving a tool for moving the pinion with respect to the rack.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the fourth attachment provision of the coupling element and the pinion are formed on a shaft, the shaft being coupled to a ninth portion of the frame body.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the coupling element is pivotally movable with respect to the first attachment provision.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, an effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion of the swing arm and the second portion of the frame body varies between a maximum value (LMax) and a minimum value (LMin).

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, by varying the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion of the swing arm and the second portion of the frame body between the maximum value (LMax) and the minimum value (LMin), a ground clearance of the vehicle is varied.

[0013] One of the advantages of the invention is that there is provided a vehicle having adjustable ground clearance.

[0014] Another advantage of the invention is that construction of the coupling element is substantially simple and hence a cost of the vehicle can be maintained substantially less.

[0015] Yet another advantage of the invention is that adjusting the ground clearance of the vehicle using the coupling element is substantially simple.

[0016] Still another advantage of the invention is that the ground clearance of the vehicle can be adjusted even by people who are not technically qualified.

[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 side view of the frame body in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a coupling element coupled to the third end of the shock absorber in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a coupling element coupled to the third end of the shock absorber in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the coupling element in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a part of the frame body showing the shock absorber coupled to the coupling element showing a length (L) between the first intermediate portion of the swing arm and the second portion of the frame body being maximum value (LMax).

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a part of the frame body showing the shock absorber coupled to the coupling element showing a length (L) between the first intermediate portion of the swing arm and the second portion of the frame body being a first intermediate value (LMax-a).

[0026] Figure 8 illustrates a side view of a part of the frame body showing the shock absorber coupled to the coupling element showing a length (L) between the first intermediate portion of the swing arm and the second portion of the frame body being a second intermediate value (LMax-2a).

[0027] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a part of the frame body showing the shock absorber coupled to the coupling element showing a length (L) between the first intermediate portion of the swing arm and the second portion of the frame body being at a minimum value (LMin).

[0028] 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:
[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Now referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of the vehicle (10) that comprises a frame body (12) rotatably supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14) and at least one rear ground engaging member (16). The frame body (12) further supports a power unit (18) that supplies power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16). In case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, the frame body (12) further supports a fuel tank (20). The front ground engaging member (14) is steerably coupled to the frame body (12). In particular, front ground engaging member (14) is coupled to a steering handle bar (22) vide at least a front fork (24). The frame body (12) further supports a head light (26), a seat (28), a tail light (30) and a rear fender (32). The vehicle (10) further comprises a swing arm (34) rotatably coupling the rear ground engaging member to the frame body (12). The swing arm (34) is furthermore coupled to the frame body (12) by a shock absorber (36).

[0042] Now referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention, the frame body (12) comprises a head pipe (38), an upper frame (40) projecting in a rearward direction from the head pipe (38), a pair of seat frames (42) projecting in a rearward direction from the upper frame (40), and at least one lower frame (44) projecting in a downward direction from at least one of the head pipe (38) and the upper frame (40).

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame body (12) further comprises a first portion (202), a second portion (204), and a third portion (206). The swing arm (34) comprises a first end (208), a first intermediate portion (210), and a second intermediate portion (212). The first end (208) of the swing arm (34) is pivotably coupled to the frame body (12) at the first portion (202). The second intermediate portion (212) of the swing arm (34) rotatably supports the at least one rear ground engaging member (16). The first intermediate portion (210) of the swing arm (34) is positioned between the first end (208) of the swing arm (34) and the second intermediate portion (212) of the swing arm (34). The at least one shock absorber (36) comprises a second end (214) and a third end (216). The second end (214) is rotatably coupled to the first intermediate portion (210) of the swing arm (34).

[0044] The vehicle (10) further comprises a coupling element (218) which is rotatably coupled to the third end (216) of the at least one shock absorber (36). The coupling element (218) is adapted to be adjustably coupled to the second portion (204) on the frame body (12) such that an effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) can vary.

[0045] Now referring to Figure 3, the coupling element (218) comprises at least a first plate (220) comprising a first attachment provision (222), a second attachment provision (224) and at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 226n). In an embodiment of the invention, the first attachment provision (222) is coupled to the third portion (206) of the frame body (12) vide a first counter attachment provision (228) and the second attachment provision (224) is coupled to the third end (216) of the rear shock absorber (36) vide a second counter attachment provision (230). In an embodiment of the invention, at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 226n) is coupled to the second portion (204) vide a third counter attachment provision (232).

[0046] Now referring to Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, and Figure 9, in an embodiment of the invention, the at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 226n) comprises a fourth attachment provision (2261), a fifth attachment provision (2262), a sixth attachment provision (2263), and a seventh attachment provision (2264). Referring particularly to Figure 6, the coupling element (218) and more particularly, the fourth attachment provision (2261) is coupled to the second portion (204) vide the third counter attachment provision (232) and in which case, the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is being maximum value (LMax). Referring particularly to Figure 7, the coupling element (218) is pivotally movable with respect to the first attachment provision (222) such that instead of the fourth attachment provision (2261) being coupled to the second portion (204), the fifth attachment provision (2262) can be coupled to the second portion (204) vide the third counter attachment provision (232) and in which case, the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is a first intermediate value (LMax-a). Alternatively, referring particularly to Figure 8, the coupling element (218) is pivotally movable with respect to the first attachment provision (222) such that instead of the fourth attachment provision (2261) and the fifth attachment provision (2262) being coupled to the second portion (204), the sixth attachment provision (2263) can be coupled to the second portion (204) vide the third counter attachment provision (232) and in which case, the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is a second intermediate value (LMax-2a). Alternatively, referring particularly to Figure 9, the coupling element (218) is pivotally movable with respect to the first attachment provision (222) such that instead of the fourth attachment provision (2261), the fifth attachment provision (2262) and the sixth attachment provision (2263) being coupled to the second portion (204), the seventh attachment provision (2264) can be coupled to the second portion (204) vide the third counter attachment provision (232) and in which case, the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is being minimum value (LMin). When the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is the maximum value (LMax), the ground clearance is lowest. When the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is the first intermediate value (LMax-a), the ground clearance increases. When the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is the second intermediate value (LMax-2a), the ground clearance further increases. Finally, the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) is the minimum value (LMin), the ground clearance is maximum.

[0047] It can be seen that the at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 2264) and more particularly one of the fourth attachment provision (2261), the fifth attachment provision (2262), the sixth attachment provision (2263), and the seventh attachment provision (2264) has to be aligned with the second portion (204). Now referring back to Figure 3, to assist in aligning one of the fourth attachment provision (2261), the fifth attachment provision (2262), the sixth attachment provision (2263), and the seventh attachment provision (2264) with the second portion (204), there is provided a pinion (234) and rack (236) mechanism. In particular, the rack (236) is formed on the first plate (220) and the pinion (234) is formed on a shaft (240), the shaft (240) is coupled to a ninth portion (242) of the frame body (12). By rotating the shaft (240), the pinion (234) moves the rack (236) and hence, rotates the coupling element (218) with respect to the first attachment provision (222). Thus, one of the fourth attachment provision (2261), the fifth attachment provision (2262), the sixth attachment provision (2263), and the seventh attachment provision (2264) with the second portion (204) gets aligned with the second portion (204). To assists in moving the shaft (240), there is provided an eighth attachment provision (238) on the shaft (240). The eighth attachment provision (238) is adapted to receive a tool for moving the pinion (234) with respect to the rack (236).

[0048] Also, it be noted that instead of the coupling element (218) comprising only the first plate (220), there may be provided a second plate (244) which is placed spaced apart from the first plate (220) in vehicle width direction, the second plate (244) also comprises the first attachment provision (222), the second attachment provision (224) and at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 226n). More particularly, the second plate (244) more particularly comprises the fourth attachment provision (2261), the fifth attachment provision (2262), the sixth attachment provision (2263), and the seventh attachment provision (2264). Now referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the second plate (244) further comprises the rack (236).

[0049] It may be noted that while changing the effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204), only the third counter attachment provision (232) has to be removed from the third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 2264) and the second portion (204) while there is no need to remove the first counter attachment provision (228) from the first attachment provision (222) and the third portion (206). Also, there is no need to remove the second counter attachment provision (230) from the second attachment provision (224) and the third end (216) of the rear shock absorber (36).

[0050] One of the advantages of the invention is that there is provided a vehicle having adjustable ground clearance.

[0051] Another advantage of the invention is that construction of the coupling element is substantially simple and hence a cost of the vehicle can be maintained substantially less.

[0052] Yet another advantage of the invention is that adjusting the ground clearance of the vehicle using the coupling element is substantially simple.

[0053] Still another advantage of the invention is that the ground clearance of the vehicle can be adjusted even by people who are not technically qualified.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame body (12) comprising a first portion (202), a second portion (204), and a third portion (206);
a swing arm (34) comprising a first end (208), a first intermediate portion (210), and a second intermediate portion (212); the first end (208) pivotably coupled to the frame body (12) at the first portion (202), the second intermediate portion (212) rotatably supporting at least one rear ground engaging member (16), the first intermediate portion (210) positioned between the first end (208) and the second intermediate portion (212);
at least one shock absorber (36) comprising a second end (214) and a third end (216), the second end (214) being rotatably coupled to the first intermediate portion (210); and
a coupling element (218) being rotatably coupled to the third end (216) of the at least one shock absorber (36), and being adjustably coupled to the second portion (204) on the frame body (12) such that an effective length (L) between the first intermediate portion (210) to the second portion (204) can vary.

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, the coupling element (218) comprises at least a first plate (220) comprising a first attachment provision (222), a second attachment provision (224) and at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 226n), the first attachment provision (222) being coupled to the third portion (206) vide a first counter attachment provision (228), the second attachment provision (224) being coupled to the third end (216) of the rear shock absorber (36) vide a second counter attachment provision (230), and at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 226n) being coupled to the second portion (204) vide a third counter attachment provision (232).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, the coupling element (218) comprises a pinion (234) and adapted to move on a rack (236) formed on the at least a first plate (220) to align at least one third attachment provision (2261, 2262, 2263, …., 226n) with the second portion (204).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coupling element (218) comprises a fourth attachment provision (238) for receiving a tool for moving the pinion (234) with respect to the rack (236).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fourth attachment provision (238) and the pinion (234) are formed on a shaft (240), the shaft (240) being coupled to a ninth portion (242) of the frame body (12).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coupling element (218) being pivotally movable with respect to the first attachment provision (222).