Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR ONE OR MORE LOADS OF A VEHICLE

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, (an Indian Company)

at: “Chaitanya”, No. 12, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034, Tamil Nadu, India.

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

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting assembly for mounting one or more loads on a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A vehicle has limited space and due to such limited space, certain constraints arise regarding the storage capacity of a vehicle to store various loads like luggage of a user, tool kits, spare components such as spare wheel, and other components of a vehicle. In conventional compact vehicles, the boot space/ storage is comparatively lower and needs to be managed efficiently for maximum utilisation of the storage space. Further, in relatively compact vehicles such as but not limited to 3-wheeled vehicles, and transport vehicles, the storage capacity is one of the most important factors for a user of the vehicle. Further, three-wheeled and transport vehicles additionally require good packaging efficiency for disposition of prime mover, steering assembly, transmission assembly, etc. in the vehicle. Hence, the storage capacity and configuration of the vehicle is a very important factor for deciding the sales of the vehicle.
[0003] Conventional vehicles use the pre-existing storage space of the vehicle to store certain components of the vehicle such as spare wheels, toolbox, etc. in the storage space of the vehicle due to which, the storage capacity of the vehicle is unnecessarily occupied by these components. The boot space or the designated pre-existing storage space is important for the user of the vehicle, and this space cannot be effectively utilised if the space intended for storage of luggage of the user is occupied by the loads such as spare wheel, tool box, etc. An inherent inconvenience of occupation of the storage space for disposing loads such as spare wheel, tool box, etc, is present which further disrupts the packaging efficiency in the vehicle. Further, the situation of spare yet essential loads such as spare wheel, tool box, etc being cramped up with loaded luggage in the designated storage space creates an inconvenience and discomfort in accessibility of the spare wheel, tool kit, etc. Further, in three-wheeled vehicle, the visibility and unfettered access of loads, such as the spare wheel, makes the user of the vehicle uncomfortable from a security perspective as these loads can be easily stolen if too easy an access is provided to them.
[0004] Additionally, in vehicles employed in public transportation in the passenger segment, the visibility and occupation of storage space by components such as spare wheel, tool box, etc creates a discomfort and uneasiness from the passenger’s perspective.
[0005] In some conventional vehicle layout, the spare wheel is placed horizontally on the surface of the base of the vehicle where a bracket is connected to the base of the vehicle which securely mounts the wheel. The bracket is an additional component that occupies a certain amount of space along with the load such as a spare wheel or tool box which is undesirable. In some other conventional vehicles, the space below the passenger seat is used for the disposition of spare wheel, tool box, etc., due to which the seating of the passenger becomes uncomfortable and is hence again undesirable. Additionally, the disposition of the spare wheel and other loads on the vehicle body results in improper weight distribution since the weight of the loads is transferred on the vehicle body and not on the frame directly. Another attempt for a solution was to attach the components to the back panel of the vehicle, or the boot lid of the vehicle which makes the components prone to theft.
[0006] Thus, conventional methods known in the art for storing one or more loads of the vehicle have associated limitations of encroaching space of the passenger compartment, being prone to theft, increased consumption of storage space, improper load distribution and management, and prone to wear and tear due to random disposition in storage spaces.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a mounting assembly for mounting one or more loads of the components that can overcome all of the above-mentioned problems and other problems which are known in the art and which provides a secure method for mounting one or more loads which does not interfere with the storage space of the vehicle for the efficient utility of storage space, and which is also permits ease of mounting and dismounting to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present subject matter relates to a mounting assembly for a vehicle for mounting one or more loads. The mounting assembly comprises one or more mounting members, an extended member and a receiving member. The one or more mounting members are connected to a pre-defined region of the frame assembly of the vehicle and connected to the extended member. The extended member extends from the one or more mounting members in a downward vehicle direction below the pre-defined region of the frame assembly which defines a predetermined space for mounting the one or more loads. The receiving member is connected to the extended member at a pre-defined location. The receiving member receives the one or more loads within the predetermined space. The receiving member is configured to mount and dismount the one or more loads at a pre-defined angle with respect to a ground level.
[0009] The present specification also discloses a vehicle comprising a frame assembly, a prime mover, one or more energy storage units and a mounting assembly for one or more loads of the vehicle. The frame assembly comprises a plurality of parallel members extending in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis A-A’. The frame assembly also comprises a plurality of cross members which is disposed in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly and connects the plurality of parallel members while extending along a lateral direction of the vehicle along a lateral axis B-B’. The one or more energy storage units are mounted on the frame assembly and provide power to the prime mover. The mounting assembly is configured to mount one or more loads. The mounting assembly is connected to the pre-defined region of the frame assembly below the longitudinal axis A-A’ and the mounting assembly is configured to mount and dismount the one or more load within a predetermined space and at a predetermined angle (A) with respect to a ground level.
[0010] The present invention along with various embodiments allows secure mounting of the one or more loads which enables efficient utilization of storage space in a vehicle, and also ease of access to the one or more loads, has increased durability, theft-proof arrangement, and proper load management.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a mounting assembly of a vehicle. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. Description of certain details and implementations follow, including a description below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a mounting assembly for a vehicle connected to a pre-defined region of a frame assembly of the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mounting assembly for the vehicle connected to the pre-defined region of the frame assembly of the vehicle as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the mounting assembly for the vehicle being connected to the pre-defined region of the frame assembly via a plurality of first fastening members as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly of the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the mounting assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the mounting assembly being connected to the frame assembly of the vehicle showing the mounting of one or more loads as per one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practised without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0020] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[0021] In order to address the one or more of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a mounting assembly for a vehicle for mounting one or more loads.
[0022] Accordingly, as per the first embodiment of the present invention, a mounting assembly for a vehicle for mounting one or more loads is provided. The mounting assembly comprises one or more mounting members, an extended member and a receiving member. The one or more mounting members are connected to a pre-defined region of a frame assembly of the vehicle. The extended member is connected to the one or more mounting members and from the one or more mounting members extend in a downward direction of the vehicle below the pre-defined region thereby defining a predetermined space for mounting the one or more loads. The receiving member is connected to the extended member at a pre-defined location to receive the one or more loads within the predetermined space to mount and dismount the one or more loads at a predetermined angle with respect to a ground level.
[0023] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined region of the frame assembly is a rear portion of the vehicle.
[0024] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more mounting members are connected between a plurality of cross members which is disposed in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly and extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle along a lateral axis and the plurality of cross members are connected to a plurality of parallel members of the frame assembly extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis.
[0025] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more mounting members are detachably attached to the frame assembly using a plurality of link brackets fixedly attached in between the plurality of cross members and a plurality of first fastening members. The plurality of link brackets has a plurality of holes to connect one or more mounting members using the plurality of first fastenin g members.
[0026] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more energy storage units of the vehicle are mounted on the plurality of cross members. The one or more energy storage units are disposed on an energy storage plate which is connected to the plurality of cross members using the plurality of holes on the plurality of link brackets. The one or more energy storage units are mounted above a longitudinal axis of the frame assembly and the one or more loads are mounted on the receiving member below the longitudinal axis of the frame assembly.
[0027] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the receiving member comprises a receving plate, an inclined member, and one or more second fastening members. The receiving plate supports one or more loads, and comprises one or more openings. The inclined member is fixedly attached to the pre-defined location of the extended member. The inclined member is inclined at a pre-defined angle to support the receiving plate and to configure mounting of the one or more loads in the predetermined space. The one or more second fastening members are configured to fasten the one or more loads on the receiving plate through the one or more first openings.
[0028] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the extended member has a tubular profile and have a pre-defined shape. The one or more loads may be a spare wheel, one or more of a tool box, a spare wheel rim, spare electrical components.
[0029] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined angle ranging from 40 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to ground level is provided.
[0030] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the extended member comprising an internal edge and an outer surface, and the one or more loads being disposed at a predetermined clearance from the internal edge. The predetermined clearance may range from 10 millimetres to 15 millimetres.
[0031] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle comprising a frame assembly, a prime mover, and a mounting assembly is provided. The frame assembly comprises a plurality of parallel members and a plurality of cross members. The plurality of parallel members extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of cross members is connected to the plurality of parallel members and is disposed in a pre-defined region of the frame assembly, and the plurality of cross members extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle along a lateral axis. The prime mover and the one or more energy storage units are mounted on the frame assembly. The prime mover is configured to propel the vehicle and the one or more energy storage units are configured to supply power to the prime mover. The mounting assembly is connected to the pre-defined region of the frame assembly below the longitudinal axis and is configured to mount and dismount one or more loads within a predetermined space and at a predetermined angle with respect to a ground level.
[0032] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the prime mover is mounted below the longitudinal axis of the frame assembly in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly and the mounting assembly is disposed behind the prime mover when viewed in side view of the vehicle whereby upon the one or more loads that are mounted on the mounting assembly, a lowest point of the one or more loads with respect to the ground level remains above a lowest point of the prime mover.
[0033] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle comprises an outer body cover which comprises a lockable door on a rear portion of the outer body cover of the vehicle. The lockable door is configured to provide an exclusive access to one or more second fastening members to mount and dismount the one or more loads from the mounting assembly.
[0034] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more loads being configured to be mounted and dismounted from underneath the lockable door and the outer body cover.
[0035] Thus, the mentioned invention provides a mounting assembly for a vehicle for mounting one or more loads on the vehicle which provides a secure mounting of the one or more loads, the efficient utilization of storage space, ease of access to the one or more loads, increased durability of the vehicle frame assembly, theft-proof arrangement of the one or more loads, and proper load distribution and management of the vehicle.
[0036] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0037] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms of particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0038] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “is”, used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components, or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[0039] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation, or use of the system and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[0040] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation, and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[0041] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a side perspective view and a bottom side perspective view, respectively of a mounting assembly (200) for a vehicle (not shown) connected to a pre-defined region of a frame assembly (101) of the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle comprises the frame assembly (101) which comprises a plurality of parallel members (101P) to which a plurality of cross members (101C) is connected in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101). The plurality of parallel members (101P) extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis (A-A’), and the plurality of cross members (101C) extends along a lateral axis (B-B’) in a lateral direction of the vehicle in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101). The vehicle also comprises a prime mover (102) (an embodiment shown in Fig. 7) and one or more energy storage units (not shown) which are mounted on the frame assembly (101). The prime mover (102) is configured to propel the vehicle, while the one or more energy storage units are configured to supply power to the prime mover (102). The prime mover (102) can comprise internal combustion engine, hybrid powertrain for a hybrid vehicle, electric motor for an electric vehicle. The one or more energy storage units are mounted on the plurality of cross members (101C) above a longitudinal axis (A-A’) of the frame assembly (101) and the one or more loads (103) are configured to be mounted on the mounting assembly (200) which is below the longitudinal axis (A-A’) of the frame assembly (101). The mounting assembly (200) is connected to the plurality of cross members (101C) of the frame assembly (101) as per the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In an alternate embodiment, the mounting assembly (200) may also be connected directly to the frame assembly (101). The mounting assembly (200) mounts one or more loads (103) of the vehicle such as toolbox, spare wheel, spare wheel rim, spare electrical components like batteries, etc. Since, in conventional vehicles, the one or more loads (103) were kept in a passenger cabin (not shown) or the luggage storage of the vehicle, it results in a lack of usable space inside the passenger cabin and/or luggage storage space. This configuration of the present invention seeks to remove the one or more load from the passenger cabin and/ or the luggage storage space and store it in the predetermined space (S) (shown in Figure 5) on the mounting assembly (200). This results in the increase of usable space volume for a user as well as manufacturer of the vehicle thereby enhancing packaging efficiency. The pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101) can be a rear portion of the vehicle. Thus, in this embodiment, the one or more load (103) is mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle and below the longitudinal axis A-A’ of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the pre-defined region of the vehicle refers to the portion of the vehicle extending along the vehicle length beyond a central axis (not shown) of the vehicle when viewed from a side view. The central axis extending in the vehicle up-down direction and configured to divide the vehicle length into two equal halves. Amongst the two halves, the front portion would refer to the first half of the vehicle extending from a windshield or front fender assembly up to the central axis. While the rear portion of the vehicle refers to the portion behind the central axis up to a rear fender (not shown) of the vehicle. . This pre-defined region provides various advantages in terms of higher packaging efficiency, and secure placement of the one or more loads (103). In conventional vehicle layouts, the front portion of the vehicle is loaded with a steering assembly, a prime mover, a suspension assembly thereby omitting the possibility of re-configuration of the layout for generation of additional storage space. The present disclosed configuration of the pre-defined region enables the mounting assembly (200) to cause no interference with the pre-existing components of the vehicle like the prime mover (102), a steering assembly (not shown), a transmission assembly (not shown), etc. Due to the structure of the frame assembly (101) in the present embodiment, the one or more loads (103) can only be placed in the pre-defined region. The pre-defined region in accordance with the present configuration accords a possibility of re-configuration for the generation of a storage space for disposition and mounting of one or more loads (103). While the pre-defined region to encompasses a transmission assembly (not shown), the suspension assembly and one or more wheels (not shown), the configuration of the frame assembly (101) permits the generation of a predetermined space (S). In one embodiment, the vehicle may be a rear-wheel-drive vehicle and since most of the heavier components of the vehicle is placed in the rear portion of the vehicle, most of the weight of the vehicle is transferred to rear wheels of the vehicle which has its own significance. Further, in order to achieve compactness and higher packaging efficiency in conventional vehicles, the one or more loads (103) were disposed at random locations, the one or more loads (103) were prone to wear and tear. Typically, the one or more loads (103) were disposed in close contact to one or more components of the vehicle which would create undesirable friction between the one or more loads and the one or more components of the vehicle. The present pre-defined region addresses the shortcomings in traditional vehicle layouts by providing a predetermined space (S) for the mounting assembly (200). The mounting assembly (200) comprises one or more mounting members (201), an extended member (202), and a receiving member (203). The one or more mounting members (201) connect the mounting assembly (200) to the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle. As per another embodiment, the one or more mounting members (201) are connected to the plurality of cross members (101C) of the frame assembly (200). The connection of the one or more mounting members (201) and the plurality of cross members (101C) may be a fixed type via the process of welding, affixation, etc. in one embodiment of the present invention and may also be detachably attached in another embodiment. The configuration of the one or more mounting members (201) being connected to the plurality of cross members (101C) of the frame assembly (200) allows for transferring of the weight of the one or more loads to the frame assembly (101) due to which the issue of improper load distribution of the one or more load is solved . In prior arts referencing conventional vehicle layout, the weight of the one or more loads (103) is transferred onto the vehicle body which causes issues of improper load distribution and management by elevating stress points on the vehicle body and affecting the durability of the vehicle body which is being solved by the present invention.
[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mounting assembly (200) for the vehicle being connected to the frame assembly (101) via a plurality of first fastening members (201a) as per another embodiment of the present invention. The figure illustrates the mode of connection of the one or more mounting members (201) in the embodiment where the one or more mounting members (201) and the plurality of cross members (101C) are detachably attached. The plurality of cross members (101C) is provided with a plurality of cutouts (not shown) and the one or more mounting members (201) are also provided with a plurality of cutouts for insertion of a plurality of first fastening members (201a) which facilitates detachable attachment of one or more mounting members (201) and the plurality of cross members (101C). In one embodiment, the one or more mounting members (201) are detachably attached to one or more members of the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle using a plurality of link brackets (104) and the plurality of first fastening members (201a). The plurality of first fastening members may be M6 fasteners in one embodiment which provide increased durability and strength to the attachment of the one or more mounting members (201) and the frame assembly (101). The plurality of link brackets (104) may be fixedly attached to the plurality of cross members (101C) by welding, affixation, etc. The plurality of link brackets (104) is disposed in a longitudinal vehicle direction along the longitudinal axis AA’ between the plurality of cross members (101C). The mounting assembly (200) can be connected to the plurality of link brackets (104) via the plurality of first fastening members (201a). This configuration helps in connection of the mounting assembly to the plurality of link brackets (104) and transfers the weight of the one or more loads (103) directly to the cross members (101C) or the frame assembly (101) while maintaining detachability of the mounting assembly (200). In the above embodiment, the one or more mounting members (201) are detachably connected to the plurality of link brackets (104) below the frame assembly (101) while the plurality of link brackets (104) are also used to mount one or more energy storage units above the frame assembly (101) to form a link bracket joint (not shown) which may be a sandwich joint. The sandwich joint is explained in more detail in Figure 4.
[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention. The figure illustrates the zoomed-in view of the plurality of link brackets (104). The plurality of link brackets (104) is configured to have a plurality of holes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d). The plurality of link brackets (104) is configured for mounting the one or more energy storage units as well as the mounting assembly (200). The plurality of holes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are configured to mount an energy storage plate (not shown), which is configured to mount the one or more energy storage units. The plurality of holes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) comprises a first plurality of holes (104a, 104b) and a second plurality of holes (104c, 104d). The first plurality of holes (104a, 104b) is used to mount the mounting assembly (200) where each of the plurality of first fastening members (201a) passes through the first plurality of holes (104a, 104b) from a direction below the frame assembly (101) in this embodiment. This results in a detachable attachment of the mounting assembly (200) with the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle. Further, the second plurality of holes (104c, 104d) is used to mount the energy storage plate and the one or more energy storage units via another set of fastening members (not shown) from a direction above the frame assembly (101). In this embodiment, the energy storage units of the vehicle are mounted on the energy storage plate which is connected to the plurality of link brackets. The configuration of attachment of the one or more energy storage units from above the frame assembly (101), and the mounting assembly (200) from below the frame assembly (101) while the plurality of link brackets (104) remaining in middle, allows the connection of both the one or more energy storage units and the mounting assembly (200) on the plurality of link brackets (104). The configuration of plurality of link brackets (104) for mounting the mounting assembly (200) and the one or more energy storage units enhances simplicity, cost-effectiveness and provides proper load distribution and management through the transfer of weight directly to the frame assembly (101). The configuration of the plurality of link brackets (104) also enables the joint formed between the one or more energy storage units and the mounting assembly (200) to become a sandwich joint when both the components i.e., the mounting assembly (200) and the one or more energy storage units are connected on the link bracket with the help of the different type of fastening members.
[0045] Figure 5 and 6 illustrates a perspective view and a rear view of the mounting assembly (200) respectively as per one embodiment of the present invention. The extended member (202) of the mounting assembly (200) extends from the one or more mounting members (201) away from the one or more mounting members (201) in a downward direction. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the extended member (202) extends in a downward direction of the vehicle in the embodiment where the mounting assembly (200) is attached to the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the extended members (202) extend such that it forms a predetermined space (S) along with the one or more mounting members (201). The one or more load (103) (shown in Figure 7) can be mounted within the predetermined space (S). The extended member (202) in one embodiment may extend from one of the one or more mounting members (201) and extend in a pre-defined shape and connect to the other of the one or more mounting members (201) to minimise the interaction of the one or more load with the adjoining vehicle components and enables higher packaging efficiency inside the vehicle. The pre-defined shape can be a C-shape, or a U-shape, triangle, rectangle, trapezium, oval, elliptical, etc. in various embodiments. The extended member (202) may also have a tubular profile in another embodiment. The pre-defined shape is configured such that there is no interference caused between the one or more loads (103) and other components of the vehicle. Thus, the pre-defined shape can be chosen by the manufacturer depending on the configuration and design of the vehicle and the frame assembly (101). The receiving member (203) is connected at a pre-defined location on the extended member (202). The pre-defined location of the extended member (202) can be a centre of the extended member (202) as per one embodiment of the present invention . In a preferred embodiment, the receiving member (203) can be fixedly connected by known means such as welding to the pre-defined location on the extended member (202). In another embodiment, the receiving member (203) can be detachably attached to the extended member (202) at the pre-defined location. The receiving member (203) is connected to the extended member (202 ) at a pre-defined angle (C) measured from the ground level, which enables better accessibility to the one or more loads (103) mounted on the receiving member (203). As per another embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined angle (C) may range from 40 degrees to 50 degrees with respect to ground level . The configuration of the receiving member (203) being connected at a pre-defined angle (C) (shown in Figure 3) enables higher packaging efficiency, reduced assembly/disassembly time of the one or more loads (103), eliminates interference with the frame assembly (101) and the prime mover (102), and also acts as a splash guard for mud/water. The receiving member (203) comprises a receiving plate (203a), an inclined member (203b) and one or more second fastening members (203c). The inclined member (203b) extends from the pre-defined location on the extended member (202) at a pre-defined angle (C) (shown in Figure 3 ) and supports the receiving plate (203a) which further supports the one or more loads (103). The receiving plate (203a) is attached on the inclined member (203b) at the same predetermined angle (A) with respect to the ground on which the one or more load (103) is desired to be mounted on the mounting assembly (200). Thus, the pre-defined angle (C) in the range of 40-50 degrees ensures that predetermined angle (A), the pre-defined angle (C) and an angle formed by the disposition of the one or more loads (103) such as a spare wheel on the receiving plate (203a) form an isosceles triangle thereby leading to smooth mounting and dismounting of the one or more loads (103). In one embodiment, the inclined member (203b) can be fixedly attached to the pre-defined location of the extended member (202). The inclination of the inclined member (203b) at the pre-defined angle (C), results in the one or more loads (103) being disposed in the predetermined space (S) at the predetermined angle (A) (shown in Figure 7). For example, in one embodiment, the one or more loads (103) is a spare wheel (shown in Figure 7). By virtue of the mounting of the spare wheel at the predetermined angle (A), the spare wheel can be conveniently mounted and dismounted on the receiving plate (203a). The receiving plate (203a) has one or more openings configured for the one or more second fastening members (203c) where the one or more second fastening members (203c) are configured to fasten the one or more loads (103) on the receiving plate (203a) through the one or more openings. The one or more second fastening members (203c) may also be fixedly attached and /or integrated into the receiving plate (203a). In this configuration, the one or more loads (103) include openings that are configured to align with the one or more second fastening members (203c) being fixedly attached to the receiving plate (203a) whereby upon mounting of the one or more loads (103), effort is only required to align the openings on the one or more loads (103) with the one or second fastening members (203c) and allow them to be received in the openings. No effort is required to separately fasten the one or more second fastening members (203c) to the receiving plate (203a). Upon mounting the one or more loads (103) on the receiving plate, the same can secured using such as but not limited to nuts that be fastened on the one or more second fasteners (203c) or any other suitable means known in the art. The one or more second fastening members (203c) may be M10 fasteners in one embodiment of the present invention. The extended member (202) has an internal edge (202E) and the one or more loads (103) have an outer surface (not shown). The internal edge (202E) is the inner edge of the extended member (202) running along and interfacing with the predetermined space (S). The outer surface of the one or more loads (103) is the outermost portion of the one or more loads (103) running along the outlining pre-defined shape and structure for the one or more loads (102). It is essential to ensure a clearance or tolerance be existent between the internal edge (202E) and the outer surface of the one or more loads (103) for smooth mounting and dismounting of the one or more loads (103) form the predetermined space (S). Thus, if there was insufficient clearance between the one or more loads (103) and the internal edge (202E), the mounting and/or dismounting of the one or more loads within the predetermined space (S) will involve undesired interference which may lead to wear and tear of the one or more load (103). The outer surface of the one or more loads (103) and the internal edge (202E) of the extended member (202) is disposed such that there is a predetermined clearance from the internal edge (202e). In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined clearance being perceived from a rear end of the vehicle where the predetermined clearance is a gap existent between the spare wheel’s outer surface and the internal edge (202E) of the extended member (202) in a lateral direction (BB’). The predetermined clearance may range from 10 mm to 15 mm in one embodiment of the present invention. This configuration enables the one or more loads (103) to be accessed easily and provides clearance between the other components of the vehicle which are in the vicinity of the mounting assembly (200) resulting in non-interference of the components.
[0046] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the mounting assembly (200) being connected to the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle showing the one or more loads (103) in a mounted position according to another embodiment of the present invention. The one or more loads (103) are mounted on the mounting assembly (200) which is disposed behind the prime mover (102) of the vehicle as shown in the figure 7. The prime mover (102) is mounted below the longitudinal axis (A-A’) of the frame assembly (101) in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101) such as but not limited to rear portion of the frame assembly (101). The mounting assembly (200) is disposed such that when viewed in a side view, with respect to the ground, the lowest point of the one or more loads (103) should be above the lowest point of the prime mover (102). This configuration of the present invention ensures that the one or more loads (103) do not cause interference of the components including the prime mover (102) which are disposed within the vicinity of the frame assembly (101). This configuration along with the predetermined angle (A) of the one or more loads (103) provides enough clearance between the portion of the prime mover and the one or more loads (103) which ensures that no interference is caused. The one or more loads (103) are also configured to be removed at the predetermined angle (A) from the ground such that no interference is caused to the other components of the vehicle during removal. The vehicle also comprises an outer body cover (not shown) which is disposed on the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle. The outer body cover is made to cover the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle. The outer body cover comprises a lockable door (not shown) when viewed from the rear portion of the vehicle. The outer body cover and the lockable door of the outer body cover provide exclusive access to the top side of the one or more loads (103) during mounted position. The one or more loads (103) are mounted on the mounting assembly (200) which has a receiving member (203) which further has one or more second fastening members (203c). The one or more second fastening members (203c) are configured such that the one or more second fastening members (203c) are only accessible for mounting and dismounting from the top side of the one or more loads (103). The mounting assembly (200) are configured such that the one or more second fastening members (203c) are only accessible from the lockable door of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, where the one or more loads (103) is a spare wheel, the one or more second fastening members (203c) are used to detachably attach the spare wheel and in case of assembly/ disassembly, the one or more second fastening members (203c) are required to be loosened or tightened which can only be done if the lockable door of the vehicle is unlocked. In an aspect, upon loosening or tightening of the one or more second fastening members (203c), the spare wheel is mounted and dismounted from a space below the frame assembly (101). The accessibility of the one or more fastening members (203c) from the lockable door are just for securing the one or more loads (103) from theft, however the feature of accessibility from lockable door and the feature mounting and dismounting from below the frame assembly (101) is independent of each other.
[0047] Thus, as per the present subject matter, a mounting assembly (200) for a vehicle for mounting one or more loads (103) on the vehicle is provided.
[0048] According to the above disclosure, the present invention provides various advantages. The invention allows secure access to the one or more loads (103) for mounting or dismounting from the lockable door. This configuration will enable theft-proof configuration of the one or more loads (103). Hence due to such configuration, the one or more loads (103) will be safe from external threats such as theft, wear and tear, etc. The lockable door avoids the problem of unfettered access to the one or more loads (103) and provides benefits like securing the one or more loads (103) and also provides cover to the one or more loads (103) from external elements. Thus, in terms of secure mounting of the one or more loads (103), the present invention provides improved and efficient utility of storage space that improves the overall packaging efficiency of the vehicle because the one or more loads (103) need not be stored in the luggage space, boot space (if any) or in the cabin. This saves a lot of usable pre-existing storage space in the vehicle. Further any inconvenience to passengers due to poor aesthetics can be avoided because one or more loads (103) like spare wheel, tool kit, etc need not be stored in visible spaces in the cabin area of the vehicle. Further, no inconvenience would be caused to any user and/or passenger of the vehicle while the one or more load (103) is accessed for mounting or dismounting. The present invention also improves the load distribution in the vehicle because the one or more loads (103) is mounted so as to transfer the weight-load to the frame assembly (101) and not to the vehicular body as would have been the case if the one or more loads (103) was placed in the luggage space or inside the cabin. The above advantages are achieved while improving the ease of access, increased durability without any substantial change in the overall vehicular architecture of the vehicle thereby saving costs associated with changing and implementing such changes.
[0049] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0050] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0051] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure.

List of References

Reference Numeral Meaning
101 Frame Assembly
101P A Plurality of Parallel Members
101C A Plurality of Cross Members
102 Prime Mover
103 One or more Loads
104 A Plurality of Link Brackets
104a, 104b, 104c, 104d A Plurality of holes
104a, 104b, A first plurality of holes
104c, 104d A second plurality of holes
200 Mounting Assembly
201 One or more Mounting Members
201a A Plurality of First Fastening Members
202 Extended Member
203 Receiving Member
203a Receiving Plate
203b Inclined Member
203c One or more Second Fastening Members
A Predetermined Angle of mounting load
A-A’ Longitudinal Axis
B-B’ Lateral Axis
C Pre-defined angle of the inclined member
S Predetermined Space

, Claims:We Claim:
1. A mounting assembly (200) for a vehicle for mounting one or more loads (103), the mounting assembly (200) comprising:
one or more mounting members (201), the one or more mounting members (201) being configured to be connected to a pre-defined region of a frame assembly (101) of the vehicle;
an extended member (202), the extended member (202) being connected to the one or more mounting members (201) and extending from the one or more mounting members (201) in a downward vehicle direction below the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101), thereby defining a predetermined space (S) for mounting the one or more loads (103); and
a receiving member (203), the receiving member (203) being connected at a pre-defined location to the extended member (202), the receiving member (203) being configured to receive the one or more loads (103) within the predetermined space (S), and the receiving member (203) being configured to mount and dismount the one or more loads (103) at a predetermined angle (A) with respect to a ground level.
2. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101) being a rear portion of the vehicle.
3. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more mounting members (201) being connected between a plurality of cross members (101C) of the frame assembly (101), the plurality of cross members (101C) being disposed in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101) and extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle along a lateral axis (B-B’); and the plurality of cross members (101C) being connected to a plurality of parallel members (101P) of the frame assembly (101), the plurality of parallel members (101P) extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis (A-A’).
4. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more mounting members (201) being detachably attached to the frame assembly (101) using a plurality of first fastening members (201a)and a plurality of link brackets (104); the plurality of link brackets (104) being configured to be fixedly attached in between the plurality of cross members (101C), the plurality of link brackets (104) being configured to have a plurality of holes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), the plurality of holes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) being configured to connect the one or more mounting members (201) using the plurality of first fastening members (201a) .
5. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of cross members (101C) being configured to mount one or more energy storage units of the vehicle, the one or more energy storage units being disposed on an energy storage plate ,the energy storage plate being connected to the plurality of cross members (101C) using the plurality of holes (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) on the plurality of link brackets (104); whereby the one or more energy storage units being mounted above a longitudinal axis (A-A’) of the frame assembly (101), and the one or more loads (103) being mounted on the receiving member (203) below the longitudinal axis (A-A’) of the frame assembly (101).
6. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving member (203) comprising:
a receiving plate (203a), the receiving plate (203a) being configured to support the one or more loads (103), and the receiving plate (203a) comprising one or more openings;
an inclined member (203b), the inclined member (203b) supporting the receiving plate (203a), and the inclined member (203b) being fixedly attached to a pre-defined location of the extended member (202); and
one or more second fastening members (203c), the one or more second fastening members (203c) being configured to fasten the one or more loads (103) on the receiving plate (203a) through the one or more openings.
7. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extended member (202) having a tubular profile, the extended member (202) having a pre-defined shape and wherein the one or more loads (103) being one or more of a tool box, a spare wheel, a spare wheel rim, spare electrical components. .
8. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle (A) ranging from 40 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the ground level.
9. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extended member (202) comprising an internal edge (202E) and an outer surface, the one or more loads (103) being disposed at a predetermined clearance from the internal edge (202E), the predetermined clearance ranging from 10 millimetres to 15 millimetres.
10. A vehicle comprising:
a frame assembly (101), the frame assembly (101) comprising:
a plurality of parallel members (101P), the plurality of parallel members (101P) extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis (A-A’); and
a plurality of cross members (101C), the plurality of cross members (101C) being connected to the plurality of parallel members (101P), the plurality of cross members (101C) being disposed in a pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101), and the plurality of cross members (101C) extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle along a lateral axis (B-B’);
a prime mover (102), the prime mover (102) being mounted on the frame assembly (101) and the prime mover (102) being configured to propel the vehicle;
one or more energy storage units, the one or more energy storage units being mounted on the frame assembly (101) and the one or more energy storage units supplying power to the prime mover (102); and
a mounting assembly (200), the mounting assembly (200) being configured to mount one or more loads (103), the mounting assembly (200) being configured to be connected to the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101) below the longitudinal axis A-A’ and the mounting assembly (200) being configured to mount and dismount the one or more loads (103) within a predetermined space (S) and at a predetermined angle (A) with respect to a ground level.
11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein:
the prime mover (102) being mounted below the longitudinal axis (A-A’) of the frame assembly (101) in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly (101);
the mounting assembly (200) being disposed behind the prime mover (102) when viewed in side view of the vehicle whereby, upon the one or more loads (103) being mounted on the mounting assembly (200), a lowest point of the one or more loads (103) with respect to the ground level remains above a lowest point of the prime mover (102).
12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the vehicle comprises an outer body cover, the outer body cover comprising a lockable door on a rear portion of the outer body cover of the vehicle, the lockable door being configured to provide an exclusive access to one or more second fastening members (203C) to mount and dismount the one or more loads (103) from the mounting assembly (200).
13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more loads (103) being configured to be mounted and dismounted from underneath the lockable door, and the outer body cover.

Dated this 8th day of August, 2023
[Digitally Signed]
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA – 1611
Agent for the Applicant