FORM 2
THE PATENTSACT 1970
39 OF 1970
&
THE PATENT RULES 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTIONS 10 & RULE 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
"SPRINGS BASED LIGHT SEAT ASSEMBLY FOR TWO-WHEELER
VEHICLES"
2. APPLICANTS (S)
(a) Name:
(b) Nationality:
(c) Address: Varroc Polymers Limited
Indian
L-4, Industrial Area,
MIDC-Waluj,
Aurangabad-431136,
Maharashtra, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification describes the invention.

SPRINGS BASED LIGHT SEAT ASSEMBLY FOR TWO-WHEELER VEHICLES
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to two-wheeler vehicles, and more particularly to a springs based light seat assembly for two-wheeler vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional vehicle seats generally include a seat cover, a hard seat base at a lower end of the seat, and a cushion that is positioned between the seat cover and the hard seat base. The cushion is generally made of a relatively softer material compared to the seat cover and the hard seat base and serves to provide comfort to a rider and passenger of the vehicle.
[0003] Reference is made to FIG. 1A which illustrates a seat assembly 100 for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to a prior art. As depicted, the seat assembly 100 comprises a seat cover 102, a seat cushion 104, a seat base 106, and one or more dampers 108. The seat base 106 is usually made up of plastic material which usually is hard and does not offer any comfort for the riders of two-wheelers.
[0004] FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a seat base 106 for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to a prior art. As depicted, the seat base 106 comprises locations for integrating one or more dampers 108, which are used to provide additional support and comfort during long rides to the riders of the two-wheeler vehicles. However, the seat base 106 is usually a flat base made up of hard material which does not offer comfort during long rides.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a seat base to overcome at least the aforementioned issues.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.
[0007] According to an embodiment, a seat assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The seat assembly comprises a seat base comprising two longitudinal sides parallel to each other. Each of the two longitudinal sides comprises a respective set of peripheral pockets, wherein the seat base further comprises one or more slots between the two longitudinal sides. Further, the seat assembly comprises a plurality of springs, each spring being placed within a slot of the one or more slots, wherein each spring is coupled to a respective peripheral pocket on each of the two longitudinal sides of the seat base. Further, the seat assembly comprises a cushion covering the seat base.
[0008] In an embodiment, the plurality of springs are placed within the one or more slots along the latitudinal direction of the seat base.
[0009] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of springs has a different length as compared to another spring of the plurality of springs.
[0010] In an embodiment, each of the one or more slots, correspond to a hollow portion of the seat base, and wherein the one or more slots are created by removal of a portion of seat base material for placement of the plurality of springs.

[0011] In an embodiment, each of a number and a size of the plurality of springs placed in the one or more slots is based on a shape and a size of the seat base.
[0012] In an embodiment, a diameter of each of the plurality of springs is based on requirement of load for the vehicle.
[0013] In an embodiment, the diameter of each of the plurality of springs corresponds to a range of 3mm to 6mm.
[0014] In an embodiment, each of the seat base and the respective set of peripheral pockets is made of plastic material.
[0015] In an embodiment, the plurality of springs are placed in two or more different planes. More specifically, since the structure of the seat base does not lie in a single plane, so the structure and mounting location of the springs in the seat base enables the springs to be in different planes.
[0016] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure 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 disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a seat assembly of a two-wheeler vehicle, according to a prior art;
[0019] FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a seat base 106 for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to a prior art;
[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a seat assembly for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a seat base for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate top view and bottom view, respectively, of a seat base for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3A-3B illustrate exemplary pocket profiles for placing springs in the seat base of the seat assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a process of manufacturing a spring based light seat assembly for two-wheeler vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a first step in the process of manufacturing the spring based light seat assembly for two-wheeler vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a second step in the process of manufacturing the spring based light seat assembly for two-wheeler vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0027] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a third step in the process of manufacturing the spring based light seat assembly for two-wheeler vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] 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 flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, 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 disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Unless

otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0030] The term "some" as used herein is defined as "none, or one, or more than
one, or all." Accordingly, the terms "none," "one," "more than one," "more than one, but not all" or "all" would all fall under the definition of "some." The term "some embodiments" may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term "some embodiments" is defined as meaning "no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments."
[0031] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing,
teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
[0032] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to
"includes," "comprises," "has," "consists," and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language "MUST comprise" or "NEEDS TO include."
[0033] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only
once, either way it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of

the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as "there NEEDS to be one or more ..." or "one or more element is REQUIRED."
[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or
scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.
[0035] Reference is made herein to some "embodiments." It should be
understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
[0036] Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to "a first
embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "further embodiment", "furthermore embodiment", "additional embodiment" or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in

any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0037] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039] FIG. 2A illustrates a seat assembly 200 for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The seat assembly 200 may include a seat cover 202, a seat cushion 204, a seat base 206, one or more springs 208, and a plurality of dampers 210. The seat cover 202, the seat cushion 204, and the dampers 210 may be similar to components 102, 104, and 108, respectively, as discussed previously in conjunction with Fig. 1A. The seat assembly 200 may be configured to be installed on a vehicle (not shown). In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a scooter, a bike, a motorcycle, and the like.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 2B, the seat base 206 may include two longitudinal sides 212 and 214 which run parallel to each other along two peripheral longitudinal boundaries of the seat assembly 200. The longitudinal sides 212 and 214 are configured to be fitted over the longitudinal sides of the vehicle when the seat assembly 200 is installed thereon. Further, each of the two longitudinal sides 212 and 214 comprises a respective set of peripheral pockets 216a and 216b, respectively.

Additionally, the seat base 206 comprises one or more slots between the two longitudinal sides 212 and 214. As depicted, a slot 218a is provided as an open space designated for placing a spring 208a. Accordingly, the spring 208a is placed within the slot 218a of the one or more slots (collectively referred to as 218). The spring 208a is coupled to the respective peripheral pockets 216a and 216b on respective longitudinal sides 212 and 214. While only one pair of peripheral pockets 216a-216b, one slot 218a, and one spring 208a is numbered in FIG. 2B, it is apparent and as visible in the Figure, the seat base 206 includes a plurality of such peripheral pockets 216, a plurality of slots 218, and a plurality of springs 208. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate top view and bottom view, respectively, of the seat base 206 for a two-wheeler vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the seat base 206 may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, thermoplastics and thermosets. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the seat base 206 may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate, Polypropylene, Polypropylene (Talc Diffused/ Talc Filled), Polypropylene Glass Filled, Polypropylene Mineral Filled, Polyethylene, High Density Polyethylene, Low Density Polyethylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polybutylene terephthalate, Polyether Ether Ketone, Nylon, Acetal (Polyoxymethylene), Polyphenylene Sulfide, Poly Amide (i.e., Poly Amide 6, Poly Amide 33, Poly Amide 66, etc.), Poly Carbonate.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the seat base 206 may weigh in a range of 500-550 grams. More specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, the seat base 206 may weigh 529.49 grams, which is significantly lower than existing seat bases which weigh more than 650 grams. Due to the plurality of springs bases structure of the seat base 206, the material of the seat base 206 is reduced, thereby providing a lighter

structure. Also, the seat base 206 is strong due to multiple springs used in the assembly which also provide comfort to the riders while riding the vehicle.
[0042] FIG. 3A-3B illustrate exemplary profiles of peripheral pockets 302 and 304 for placing springs in the seat base of the seat assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The peripheral pockets 302 and 304 may correspond to one or more of the peripheral pockets 216a and 216b. The springs 208 may be attached to the seat base in these pockets provided at the periphery at suitable locations on both left-hand and right-hand sides of the seat base, as discussed previously. The profiles of peripheral pockets 302 and 304 are in-built in the seat base 206. These are an integrated structure which are manufactured with seat base 206. The dimensions of these profiles depend on the diameter of the springs. The slot dimension would be such that it would accommodate the springs with an interference fit. In an embodiment, the profile of peripheral pocket 302 is such that it is in the form of closed U-shape from both the ends of the seat base 206. Further, the profile of peripheral pocket 304 is such that it is open and freely hanging at one end of the seat base and closed from the other end.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a process 400 of manufacturing a spring based light seat assembly for two-wheeler vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 400 comprises a number of steps 402-414 as detailed herein for manufacturing of the springs based light seat assembly, as being discussed throughout the present disclosure.
[0044] At step 402, the process 400 comprises moulding of seat cushion. In an embodiment, the seat cushion may be moulded via conventional process of Polyurethane (PU) moulding.

[0045] At step 404, the process 400 comprises moulding of seat base. In an embodiment, the seat base may be moulded via conventional process of injection moulding.
[0046] At step 406, the process 400 comprises attaching springs to the peripheral pockets and within the slots provided in the seat base. The springs may either be insert moulded in the seat base or may be fixed to the seat base after the seat base is injection moulded. The dimensions, types, and number of the springs 208 used in the disclosure may vary based on the geometry of the seat base. For example, for a seat base with about 300-400 mm in length (e.g., rider and pillion seat (split seat)), the number of springs may be 2 to 3 approximately. In another example, where the seat base is about 700-800 mm in length (e.g., double seat), the number of springs may include, but not limited to, 5 to 6 springs approximately. 3.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the types of springs used may be of sinusoidal shape with mountain and valley portions present therein. Further, the diameter of the springs may vary from 3 mm to 6 mm based on the strength and load required in the seat assembly. The length of the springs may be dependent on the geometry of the seat base. The attachment of springs is further explained in conjunction with FIGs. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B.
[0048] Referring to FIGs. 5A and 5B, the locations of springs in the seat assembly are at resting points, i.e., the locations at which dampers are present in the seat base, thereby providing more cushioning effect during riding of the vehicle. In the present example, three springs may be used. Since in the conventional seat base designs, no provision was present for fitment of springs in their original condition, so the present disclosure provides for peripheral pockets in the seat base periphery for attaching the springs.

[0049] Referring to FIGs. 6A and 6B, in addition to the three springs placed in FIG. 5B, two more springs are added at the hip point location 502 of the rider above and below the initial springs, respectively, in the second iteration to provide more cushioning effect and reduce weight of the seat base. FIG. 6A corresponds to FIG. 5B. In one exemplary embodiment, each of these springs may be spaced 40 mm apart from the springs that were present initially.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 7A and 7B, in addition to the springs added in FIG. 6B, one more spring may be added above the lower most spring in the hip position as shown in FIG. 7B. Here, FIG. 7A corresponds to FIG. 6B.
[0051] Referring back to FIG. 4, at step 408, the process 400 comprises fixing of rubber dampers 210 and other BOPs.
[0052] At step 410, the process 400 comprises placing cushion over seat base. At step 412, the process 400 comprises wrapping of seat cover over the seat cushion. In an embodiment, the wrapping of seat cover over the seat base and the seat cushion may be performed manually.
[0053] At step 414, the process 400 comprises stapling of seat cover with seat cushion and seat base. After the process of wrapping, the seat cover may be stappled via a pneumatic staple gun manually.
[0054] The present disclosure provides numerous advantages over conventional designs of seat assemblies. Specifically, the purpose of such arrangement is to reduce the weight of the seat base, thereby integrating the springs along with it. Further, the springs provide cushioning effect to the seat assembly along with appropriate strength to it.

[0055] Additionally, the above discussed two-wheeler springs based seat
assembly is different from the existing four-wheeler springs based seat assemblies in the following ways. The springs in two-wheeler seat assemblies are attached to a seat base made from plastic material, whereas in the four wheeler seat assemblies, they are attached to a metal frame. Further, the springs are attached to the plastic seat base in a two-wheeler assembly, as discussed above, to the peripheral pockets provided in the seat assembly. No additional joining process is used in the design of seat assembly of the present disclosure, whereas in the four-wheeler springs-based assembly, there are connected to the metal frame via welding process. Additionally, the springs used in four-wheeler seat assemblies are equal in length, whereas in the two-wheeler seat assemblies discussed above, the springs used are of varying length. Finally, in the four wheeler seat assemblies, the springs are present in a same plane of the seat assembly, whereas in two wheeler springs based assemblies discussed herein, the springs are present in different planes.
[0056] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural
references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate examples, may also be provided in combination in a single example. Conversely, various features of the subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single example, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub¬combination or as suitable in any other described example of the subject matter. Certain features described in the context of various examples are not to be considered essential features of those examples, unless the example is inoperative without those elements.
[0057] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject
matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, 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. The drawings and the foregoing 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.

We Claim:
1. A seat assembly (200) for a vehicle, comprising:
a seat base (206) comprising two longitudinal sides (212, 214) parallel to each other, each of the two longitudinal sides (212, 214) comprising a respective set of peripheral pockets (216a, 216b), wherein the seat base (206) further comprises one or more slots (218) between the two longitudinal sides (212, 214);
a plurality of springs (208), each spring being placed within a slot of the one or more slots, wherein each spring is coupled to a respective peripheral pocket on each of the two longitudinal sides of the seat base; and
a cushion (104) covering the seat base (106).
2. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of springs (208) are placed within the one or more slots along the latitudinal direction of the seat base.
3. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of springs (208) has a different length as compared to another spring of the plurality of springs.
4. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more slots (218), correspond to a hollow portion of the seat base (206), and wherein the one or more slots are created by removal of a portion of seat base material for placement of the plurality of springs.
5. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of a number and a size of the plurality of springs (208) placed in the one or more slots (218) is based on a shape and a size of the seat base.
6. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of springs (218) is based on requirement of load for the vehicle.

7. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diameter of each of the plurality of springs (218) corresponds to a range of 3mm to 6mm.
8. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of springs (218) corresponds to a sinusoidal spring comprising a plurality of mountain and valley portions, thereby providing flexibility, strength, and maintaining cushioning effect in the seat assembly.
9. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the seat base (206) and the respective set of peripheral pockets (216a, 216b) is made of plastic material.
10. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of springs (208) are placed in two or more different planes.