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 MOUNTING A SEATBELT 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 mounting a seatbelt of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting assembly for mounting a seatbelt of a vehicle where the user of the vehicle is seated in the centre.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When driving a vehicle there are various instances under which a user of the vehicle faces a situation where the speed of the vehicle is reduced significantly and suddenly. This could be caused due to sudden braking of the vehicle, a speed breaker or a pothole on the road, or in case of a collision, and various other causes. This sudden reduction in speed causes a reduction in the momentum of the vehicle, however, due to the continuous momentum of the user of the vehicle, the user has to wear a seatbelt to prevent the upper body of the user from making contact with a steering member or any interior part of the vehicle. This seatbelt reduces the likelihood of death or serious injury in case of a collision by keeping the user in the correct position fixed to the seat of the vehicle.
[0003] The seatbelt is typically mounted on the B-pillar of a four-wheeled vehicle due to the user being seated near the B-pillar and in the case of a passenger in a rear seat, the seatbelt is attached to the C-pillar or D-Pillar. However, in the case of a vehicle having the user in the centre, such as in a three-wheeled vehicle, there are certain restrictions regarding the mounting of the seatbelt. The seatbelt cannot be mounted on the B-Pillar due to the absence of such pillars near the seat in certain cases. Further, the user of the vehicle is seated in the centre due to which the seatbelt cannot be mounted on the pillars of the vehicle. Further, there are no strong structural support members that are available for mounting the seatbelt. If the seatbelt is mounted on the pillars of the vehicle, the user of the vehicle will have plenty of space to move around even when the seatbelt is engaged due to the distance between the mounting points and the user. Further, in the case of rigid brackets for mounting the seatbelt, the entire load is directly applied to the user of the vehicle, which may lead to injuries related to the chest and abdomen and may also result in other health and safety concerns. Further, these rigid brackets are generally heavy resulting in increased weight of the vehicle. Due to such issues, the seatbelt is mounted on the partition wall which is made of a metal sheet. Further, the seatbelt is mounted on the vehicle securely with very crucial seatbelt mounting brackets which secure the seatbelt system to the structure of the vehicle. These seatbelt mounting brackets are then attached to the partition wall. Due to the momentum of the user of the vehicle, the high inertia of the user is transferred to the seatbelt which secures the user of the vehicle in its place, and then the high inertia of the seatbelt is transferred to the mounting brackets which may cause tearing of the sheet metal partition wall. If the partition wall is torn, the user will have to bear high expenses due to the replacement of the partition wall. Due to such aforementioned reasons, many vehicles in which the driver is seated in the centre or where the driver is not seated near a strong structural support member or a chassis structural member, for example, three-wheeled vehicles, are not even equipped with seatbelts, and also the users tend to not use the seatbelts in order to reduce such costs, which is very unfavourable to the road conditions and safety of the user of the vehicle.
[0004] An attempt to solve this problem was made by a method where the seatbelt uses an extending and locking mechanism where the seatbelt extends a little and then locks. Such systems are difficult to implement in a vehicle where the user is seated in the centre due to various problems such as increased costs and compatibility. Due to such problems, many vehicles are not even provided with a seatbelt. Further, such systems transfer the entire load to the mounting bracket and the component on which the mounting bracket is mounted, the extending and locking mechanism works only in the case where the mechanism is mounted on a structural member which would be able to withhold a large amount of stress and load from the user. Even if the vehicle is provided with the extending and locking mechanism, the mounting bracket for such extending and locking mechanism still had to withstand a large amount of stress which the partition wall is unable to withstand thereby damaging the partition wall. Hence this attempt was also unable to solve the problem due to increased costs, complex mechanisms, and low compatibility. Further, such mechanisms also triggered falsely even in case of low impacts, which caused discomfort for users of the vehicle due to rapid tightening. Furthermore, the complex mechanisms used in conventional vehicles, for example, in the segment of commercial transport vehicles such as three-wheeled/four wheeled auto rikshaws, passenger vehicles, or load-bearing vehicles was bulky and heavy, and added unnecessary cost and weight to the vehicle thereby decreasing the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
[0005] Thus, the conventional methods which are known in the art for placement and mounting of the seatbelt of the vehicle have associated limitations of increased costs, complexity, low durability due to tearing of partition wall, and increased pressure on the user’s chest and abdomen, increased weight due to reinforcements, increased components and are overall undesirable. Therefore, there is a need for an improved mounting assembly for mounting the seatbelt of the vehicle such that it overcomes all of the abovementioned problems.
[0006] The present invention therefore has the objective to solve the above problems in the conventional systems of seatbelt mounting arrangement of increased costs, high complexity, low durability due to tearing of partition wall, and increased pressure on the user’s chest and abdomen, increased weight due to reinforcements, increased components for such seatbelt and being overall undesirable. Thus, it is the object of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly for mounting the seatbelt of the vehicle that overcomes all of the abovementioned problems and the other problems that are known in the art and provide a solution that is durable, compact, has reduced weight, reduced costs, reduced number of parts, increased safety and compatibility with different types of vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present subject matter relates to a mounting assembly for mounting a seatbelt of a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises a reinforcement member and a mounting member. The reinforcement member supports the mounting assembly on a predefined portion of the vehicle. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion is connected to the predefined portion of the vehicle. The second portion is extended from the first portion at a predefined angle. The third portion is extended from the second portion and has a non-linear profile, and the third portion is configured to deform when a predefined force is applied. The fourth portion is extended from the third portion and is configured to connect the seatbelt of the vehicle. The seatbelt is configured to transfer a load from the user to the fourth portion.
[0008] The present specification further discloses a mounting member for mounting a seatbelt. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion is connected to the predefined portion of the vehicle. The second portion is extended from the first portion at a predefined angle. The third portion is extended from the second portion and has a non-linear profile, and the third portion is configured to deform when a predefined force is applied. The fourth portion is extended from the third portion and is configured to connect the seatbelt of the vehicle. The seatbelt is configured to transfer a load from the user to the fourth portion.
[0009] The present specification also discloses a vehicle which comprises a frame assembly, a cover body, a partition member, a seatbelt and the mounting assembly for mounting the seatbelt of the vehicle. The reinforcement member is configured to support the mounting assembly on a predefined portion of the vehicle. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion is connected to the predefined portion of the vehicle. The second portion is extended from the first portion at a predefined angle. The third portion is extended from the second portion and has a non-linear profile, and the third portion is configured to deform when a predefined force is applied. The fourth portion is extended from the third portion and is configured to connect the seatbelt of the vehicle. The seatbelt is configured to transfer a load from the user to the fourth portion. The present invention along with various embodiments allows the mounting of seatbelts which provides a configuration that is durable, compact, has reduced weight, reduced costs, reduced number of parts, increased safety and compatibility with different types of vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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.
[0011] Figure 1a and 1b illustrates a top view of a mounting assembly for mounting a seatbelt as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the mounting member of the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting member in a deformed condition as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting member in a deformed condition as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting member showing the deformity of the mounting member as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly being attached to the vehicle with the mounting member being in a deformed condition as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly being attached to the vehicle with the mounting member being in an original condition as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the vehicle as per another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] In order to address the one or more of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a mounting assembly for mounting a seatbelt of the vehicle.
[0023] As per one of the embodiments of the present invention, a mounting assembly for mounting a seatbelt of a vehicle is provided. The mounting assembly comprises a reinforcement member, and a mounting member has been provided. The reinforcement member is configured to support the mounting assembly on a predefined portion of the vehicle. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and a fourth portion. The first portion is configured to be connected to the predefined portion of the vehicle. The second portion is extended from the first portion at a predefined angle, and the third portion is extended from the second portion, the third portion is configured to have a non-linear profile, the third portion is configured to deform upon an application of a predefined force on the third portion. The fourth portion is extended from the third portion, and the fourth portion is configured to connect the seatbelt of the vehicle, the seatbelt is configured to transfer the predefined force from a user of the seatbelt to the third portion through the fourth portion.
[0024] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the third portion has a curved profile, the curved profile is configured to change into a straight profile upon application of the predefined force on the third portion.
[0025] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined portion of the vehicle is selected from a group comprising, a B-pillar, a frame assembly, a ceiling and a partition member of the vehicle and the predefined force is generated upon an impact on the vehicle and the user is subjected to the impact.
[0026] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement member comprising one or more first openings, the one or more first openings is configured to receive one or more first fastening members, the one or more first fastening members is configured to pass through one or more second openings of the first portion of the mounting member and the one or more first openings of the reinforcement member thereby facilitating a connection to the predefined portion of the vehicle.
[0027] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the seatbelt is connected to the fourth portion by one or more second fastening members passing through a one or more third openings, the one or more third openings are provided on the mounting member.
[0028] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the seatbelt has a seatbelt clamp to connect the seatbelt and the mounting member, and a spacer member is connected between the seatbelt claim and the mounting member, thereby enabling a rotational movement of the seatbelt.
[0029] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a mounting member for mounting a seatbelt of a vehicle. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and a fourth portion. The first portion is configured to be connected to a predefined portion of the vehicle. The second portion is extended from the first portion at a predefined angle, and the third portion is extended from the second portion, the third portion is configured to have a non-linear profile, the third portion is configured to deform upon an application of a predefined force on the third portion. The fourth portion is extended from the third portion, and the fourth portion is configured to connect the seatbelt of the vehicle, the seatbelt is configured to transfer the predefined force from a user of the seatbelt to the third portion through the fourth portion.
[0030] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined angle ranges from 1-90 degrees.
[0031] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the first portion is parallel to the fourth portion, the third portion has a curved profile, and the predefined angle is 90 degrees, thereby shaping the mounting member in a C-shape.
[0032] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the first portion comprises one or more second openings, the one or more second openings are configured to connect the mounting member to the predefined portion of the vehicle.
[0033] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the first portion comprises one or more flanges around the one or more second openings.
[0034] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the first portion is configured to be connected to the predefined portion by one or more first fastening members, the one or more first fastening members passing through the one or more second openings.
[0035] As per another embodiment of the present invention, one or more gusset members is configured to be attached at the intersection of the first portion and the second portion.
[0036] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the third portion comprises a predefined cut-out portion and the cut-out portion is disposed in the centre of the third portion.
[0037] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the fourth portion comprises one or more third openings, the one or more third openings are configured to connect the seatbelt of the vehicle.
[0038] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is disclosed which comprises a frame assembly, a partition member, a seatbelt, and a mounting assembly are provided. The partition member is configured to separate a front portion of the vehicle from a rear portion of the vehicle, and the seatbelt is configured to secure the seating of a user of the vehicle. The mounting assembly is for mounting the seatbelt of the vehicle, the mounting assembly comprises a reinforcement member and a mounting member. The reinforcement member is configured to support the mounting assembly on a predefined portion of the vehicle. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and a fourth portion. The first portion is configured to be connected to the predefined portion of the vehicle. The second portion is extended from the first portion at a predefined angle, and the third portion is extended from the second portion, the third portion is configured to have a non-linear profile, the third portion is configured to deform upon an application of a predefined force on the third portion. The fourth portion is extended from the third portion, and the fourth portion is configured to connect the seatbelt of the vehicle, the seatbelt is configured to transfer the predefined force from a user of the seatbelt to the third portion through the fourth portion.
[0039] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement member is connected on a rear side of the partition member, and the mounting member is placed on a front side of the partition member when viewed from a front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0040] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined portion of the vehicle is selected from a group comprising a B-pillar, the frame assembly of the vehicle, a ceiling of the vehicle and the partition member of the vehicle.
[0041] Thus, the mentioned invention provides a mounting assembly for a vehicle for mounting a seatbelt of the vehicle.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein that 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] Figure 1a and 1b illustrate a top view of a mounting assembly (200) for mounting a seatbelt (102) as per one embodiment of the present invention, showing the original condition and the deformed condition of a mounting member (300) respectively. The mounting assembly (200) as per the present invention provides a mounting provision for a seatbelt (102) of a vehicle (100). The mounting assembly (200) comprises a reinforcement member (201) and the mounting member (300), as shown in figure 2, is provided in the present invention. The reinforcement member (201) is configured to support the mounting assembly (200) on a predefined portion (101) of the vehicle. The reinforcement member (201) provides an increased surface area and increased strength at the point of mounting the mounting assembly (200) which somewhat eliminates the possibility of tearing or damage occurring to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle. The reinforcement member (201) is provided with one or more first openings (not shown) through which one or more first fastening members (310) are passed which connects to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100). Since, the reinforcement member (201) has increased surface area, the load that was transferred to the predefined portion (101) due to the mounting member (300) being connected to the predefined portion (101) will be distributed to the increased surface area of the predefined portion (101) which would further prevent breakage or tearing or any damage to the predefined portion (101).
[0049] In case of the absence of the reinforcement member (201), the mounting member (300) would directly be attached to the predefined region, which would transfer the load on the connection type between the mounting member (300) and the predefined portion (101), which could lead to tearing/ damage to the connection which could a safety hazard for the user. Hence, using the reinforcement member (201) eliminates any safety risks. The reinforcement member (201) distributes effectively the acting load on the predefined portion (101), hence the size of the reinforcement member (201) may be based on the predefined load. The reinforcement member (201) is not required to reinforce the whole predefined portion (101). The size of the reinforcement member (201) may be reduced thereby reducing unnecessary addition of weight and material and associated costs. The area of the reinforcement member (201) can be determined according to the acting load on the predefined portion (101) such that the breakage/tearing of the predefined portion (101) can be eliminated. The mounting member (300) is described in detail in the descriptions of Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5. The mounting assembly (200) can change its form as can be seen in Figure 1a where the mounting assembly in the original condition is provided and Figure 1b where the mounting assembly (200) is shown in the deformed condition. The mounting assembly (200) can further include the seatbelt (102), which is attached to the mounting member (300). The seatbelt (102) can also have a seatbelt clamp (104) for attaching to the mounting member (300), however, it could also be directly attached. The seatbelt clamp (104) and the mounting member (300) is attached via one or more second fastening members (103). There is a spacer member (105) which is attached between the seatbelt clamp (104) and the mounting member (300) which helps in rotational movement of the seatbelt (102). The spacer member (105) provides a radial clearance between the seatbelt clamp (104) and the mounting member (300). The outer diameter of the spacer member (105) is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of a hole in the seatbelt clamp and also the length of the spacer member (105) is slightly larger than the thickness of the seatbelt clamp (104). This provides some clearance between the spacer member (105) and the one or more second fastening members (103) which then further allows rotational movement of the seatbelt (102). The clearance provided by the spacer member (105) allows the seatbelt clamp (104) to change orientation as per the bracket orientation as illustrated in the figures.
[0050] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view and Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of the mounting member (300) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The mounting member (300) is made up of a first portion (301), a second portion (302), a third portion (303), and a fourth portion (304). The first portion (301) is configured to connect to the predefined portion (101) of a vehicle (100). The first portion (301) is provided with one or more second openings (305) which are configured to connect the mounting member (300) to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100) in case of a detachable connection. The first portion (301) can be connected to the predefined portion (101) either by a fixed connection such as welding, affixation, etc. or by a detachable connection using fasteners, or rivets, etc. As per a preferred embodiment, the first portion (301) is connected to the predefined portion (101) by one or more first fastening members (310). Attaching the mounting member (300) with the detachable connection enables the mounting member (300) to be replaced easily in case the mounting member (300) has been deformed. Since the mounting members (300) are available at lower prices, replacement of such parts would be much easier and economical. The one or more first fastening members (310) pass through the one or more second openings (305), the predefined portion (101) and the one or more first openings of the reinforcement member (201) thereby securing the connection to the predefined portion (101).
[0051] In another embodiment, the one or more second openings (305) are provided with one or more flanges (306) around the one or more second openings (305). This strengthens the first portion (301) and prevents breakage of the mounting member (300) in case of a collision or acting of a load on the mounting member (300). The one or more flanges (306) further help in the distribution of the load on the whole mounting member (300) thereby increasing its strength and ensuring secure mounting of the mounting member (300). The second portion (302) is extended from the first portion (301) at a predefined angle (not shown). The predefined angle is decided such that the bending of the third portion (303) can be customised based on a torsional strength of the second portion (302) and the third portion (303) and the predefined angle is configured to be adjusted based on the desired torsional strength of the third portion (303).
[0052] In another embodiment, the predefined angle may be an acute angle, a perpendicular, or an obtuse angle which can be changed as per the required torsional strength. Further, to increase the strength of the second portion (302), a gusset member (307) is provided at the intersection of the first portion (301) and the second portion (302) which further increases the strength of the second portion (302) preventing the second portion (302) itself from bending or failing in case of acting of the load on the mounting member (300) and thereby strengthening the position of the first portion (301) and the second portion (302).
[0053] In another embodiment, there may be more than one gusset member (307) as per the suitability and requirements. The third portion (303) is extended from the second portion (302) and is configured to have a non-linear profile. The third portion (303) can have a curved profile which may be an arc, elliptical curve, etc., or may also be angled in another embodiment. The third portion (303) is designed to bend in case of acting of a predefined load depending on the torsional strength of the third portion (303), the third portion (303) will bend which would result in the deformation of the mounting member (300), thereby absorbing the energy of the impact which would otherwise fall directly on a user of the vehicle (100) or on the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100) on which the mounting member (300) is configured to attach. The curved profile of the third portion (303) can also change into a straight profile upon deformation in the embodiment where the profile is the curved profile. In one embodiment of the present invention, the curved profile of the third portion (303) can be configured to bend upon acting of a predefined load, such that the bending of the third portion is towards an outer direction of the mounting member (300). The outer direction of the mounting member (300) may be the direction which could result in the fourth portion (304) being aligned with the straight profile of the second portion (302). Preferably, the third portion (303) has a curved profile which shows low resistance to deformation as compared to a sharp bend. A sharp bend had the tendency to break and was difficult to bend and then would transfer the load to the first portion (301) which will then transfer the load directly to the predefined portion (101) without absorbing/reducing the load. However, since the mounting member (300) is designed to fail itself by deforming and/or bending, the absorption of the energy would result in reduced load upon the user or the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle, thereby saving the predefined portion (101) to break in case of heavy impacts, thereby reducing overall costs, and increased safety of the user. Further, due to the deformation of the third portion (303) of the mounting member (300), the need for a release and locking mechanism is eliminated and the user is provided with an effective and efficient way of providing a safer mechanism.
[0054] The third portion (303) in another embodiment may also be provided with a predefined cut-out portion (308) which can be determined based on the required torsional strength of the mounting member (300). The size and shape of the predefined cut-out portion (308) can be adjusted to accordingly adjust the optimum torsional strength of the mounting member (300). The predefined cut-out portion also significantly reduces the material resulting in a reduction of weight of the component. Further, the predefined cut-out portion reduces the area on which the inertia of the momentum of the load acts due to collision or accidents, etc., thereby facilitating the bending or deformation of the third portion (303). For example, the predefined cut-out portion (308) can be bigger resulting in easier bending of the mounting member (300) and reducing the size of the predefined cut-out portion (308) would result in a higher load requirement for bending thereby increasing the durability of the mounting member (300). Since the mounting member (300) is designed to fail in case of acting of the predefined load on the mounting member (300) upon the impact, the durability of the mounting member (300) has to be carefully thought out to provide optimum safety and reduced costs. Due to the low cost of the mounting member (300), it would be cheaper to change the mounting member (300) in case of deformation than to repair the same. Hence, the required torsional strength of the third portion (303) of the mounting member (300) must be optimum to have increased safety and reduced costs. If the mounting member (300) is easily deformed, the user will have to bear a lot of expenses due to frequent impacts occurring on the road in the events of low-intensity impacts such as sudden braking due to traffic, disbalancing due to potholes and speed breakers, changing in the driver’s seating style, etc. Hence the torsional strength of the third portion (303) should not be too low such that it deforms on small impacts, and should not also be too high that it does not deforms even in case of a collision. Hence, selecting this predefined cut-out portion is also important for the safety of the user. The predefined cut-out portion (308) can be modified as per the requirements of the manufacturer based on the required torsional strength and the weight and cost of the material used in the mounting member (300). The predefined cut-out portion (308) can be shaped in different shapes which would affect the bending of the third portion (303). The predefined cut-out portion may be shaped in a circle, oval, or a polygon.
[0055] The fourth portion (304) of the mounting member (300) extends from the third portion (303). The fourth portion (304) is configured to connect to a seatbelt (102) of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the fourth portion (304) can be extended parallel to the first portion (301) and the third portion (303) has a curved profile, and the predefined angle is perpendicular or 90 degrees which would result in a C-shaped mounting member (300). The curved profile is determined such that the first portion (301) and the fourth portion (304) are opposite to each other as per one of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it may also have a different shape which can be adjusted based on the needs and safety of the user. In another embodiment, the shape of the mounting member (300) can be L-shape, S-shape, Z-shape, etc. In further embodiments, the number of portions can also be increased or decreased as per the suitability and requirements. The seatbelt (102) is responsible for securing the positioning of the user of the vehicle, and then transferring the load acting on the user to the fourth portion (304) of the vehicle. The fourth portion (304) also has one or more third openings (309) for attaching the seatbelt (102) to the fourth portion (304). The fourth portion (304) can be attached to the seatbelt (102) either directly by the one or more second fastening members (103) which passes through the one or more third openings (309) and may also be indirectly connected. In one embodiment, the seatbelt (102) is attached to the fourth portion (304) with the spacer member (105) connected to the fourth portion which further connects the seatbelt (102). The spacer member (105) allows the free movement of the seatbelt to increase the comfort of the user of the vehicle (100) and enables rotational movement of the seatbelt. Further, in case of deformation of the mounting member (300), the spacer member (105) allows the seatbelt to rotate, in the absence of which the seatbelt (102) may also be broken or the connection of the seatbelt (102) with the mounting member (102) may also be damaged due to improper transfer of the acting load on the seatbelt (102). The broken connection of the seatbelt (102) and the mounting member (300) can be very harmful to the safety of the user. Hence it is very important that the seatbelt (102) should not be damaged. The spacer member (105) allows rotation of the seatbelt (102) thereby resulting in increased comfort for the user and safeguarding the connection of the seatbelt (102). The mounting member (300) would act like a normal bracket unless a predefined load is applied.
[0056] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view and Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the mounting member (300) of the vehicle (100) in a deformed condition as per another embodiment of the present invention. The third portion (303) of the vehicle (100) is designed to deform upon an impact of the predefined load. It is important to observe that the predefined cut-out portion is configured such that the mounting member (300) only deforms upon acting on the predefined load. Hence, the predefined load has to be determined to obtain an optimum required load for bending such that the mounting member (300) does not get deformed easily on a load due to non-hazardous jerks and should also not be so stiff that it does not deform even in the application of the load upon collision or accident thereby creating a safety hazard for the user. The present invention would enable the user of the vehicle (100) to get the same effect that the user would get in case of a release and lock mechanism, without having to bear the increased cost of such a complex mechanism. The present invention would provide an economical and more efficient way of providing the same result as the extending and locking mechanism. The mode of deformation of the mounting member (300) can be seen as illustrated in the figure. The third portion (304) of the mounting member (300) is configured such that it deforms towards an outside direction of the curved or angled bend and the seatbelt (102) adjusts itself by rotating. Due to the absorption of the energy of the load in bending the mounting member (300), it results in dampening of the load which is then acting on the user and more importantly on the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle, which was prone to tearing in case the mounting member (300) is mounted on the body of the vehicle. Further, due to the deformation, the mounting member (300) extends slightly thereby creating some slackness in the best, which reduces the forces exerted on the user and further reduces the risks of severe injuries. In a deformed condition, the third portion (303) is bent in the outer direction of the mounting member (300) which absorbs the energy when the load is acted upon the mounting member (300). Further, it should be noted that the non-linear profile of the third portion (303), the predefined load on which the deformation is supposed to happen, the predefined cut-outs, the predefined angle, etc. are also dependent upon the material used and the thickness of the material for making the mounting member (300). The mounting member (300) may be made up of any material having high strength, preferably the material used for the mounting member (300) is a metal. The metal may be of different types such as iron, steel, aluminium, etc. The mounting member (300) may also be made up of non-metals such as carbon fibre, etc. which have high strength.
[0057] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting member showing the deformity of the mounting member (300) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The figure clearly illustrates the manner of deformity of the mounting member (300). The third portion (303) is deformed upon the acting of a load, and the rest of the portions of the mounting member (300) remain in the same form. The gusset member (307) restricts the movement of the second portion (302) thereby enabling the deformation of the mounting member (300) in a controlled way such that the second portion (302) and the third portion (303) do not bend together thereby preventing the compromise of the rigidity of the mounting member (300). This further helps in the distribution of the load on the predefined portion (101). The gusset member (307) not only prevents the second portion (302) from bending but also increases the strength of the first portion (301) which transfers the load to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle. The figure illustrates the curved profile of the third portion (303) being changed into a straight profile during deformation as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] The present invention provides a mounting member (300) that is deformable and reduces the overall weight of the vehicle (100) by eliminating any need for a reinforced partition wall or any additional parts that may be required. The mounting member (300) is self-sufficient in eliminating the chances of the tearing or breakage of the predefined portion (101). The deformation of the mounting member (300) minimizes the negative effect on the predefined portion (101) and reduces the need for additional reinforcement. Further, such deformation also reduces the high load or pressure that would be acting upon the user by absorbing the excess load or pressure, thereby saving the chest and abdomen of the user from any safety and health concerns. However, the reinforcement member (201) which is provided by the present invention, provides an increased level of safety which is more advantageous to the safety of the user of the vehicle, thereby eliminating any associated risks. The deformation of the mounting member (300) acts as a mechanical fuse by absorbing the load or shock which leads to deformation and a significant reduction in the load or impact reaching the user of the vehicle (100) via the seatbelt (102) as well as the load acting upon the predefined portion (101). Further, since the present mounting member (300) can absorb the load itself, even if the reinforcement member (201) is added for increased protection and safety of the user, the size of the reinforcement member (201) would be relatively small which would further result in a reduction of the overall weight of the vehicle.
[0059] Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrate a perspective view of the mounting assembly (200) being attached to the vehicle (100) with the mounting member (300) being in a deformed condition and original condition respectively as per one embodiment of the present invention. The mounting member (300) is attached to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle. Since the user is seated in the centre of the vehicle or may also be seated such that there is no structural support around the driver which might be suitable for mounting a seatbelt assembly, the predefined portion (101) has to be selected such that there is no interference caused to the user of the vehicle (100) and also the connection should be strong such that it withstands the load acting upon the user in case of an accident/ sudden jerks, etc. The predefined portion (101) can be a partition member (101), a B-Pillar, or a frame assembly (not shown) of the vehicle (100). The partition member (101) of the vehicle (100) is the wall which is used to separate spaces inside the vehicle. The partition member (101) is made up of sheet metal which does not have very great strength. Hence, a B-Pillar is chosen in a conventional vehicle. The pillars of the vehicle (100) are the part of the frame assembly, which supports the roof of the vehicle (100) from the sides. The pillars when counted from front to rear are named as A-Pillar, B-Pillar, C-Pillar, and so on. The conventional mounting of the seatbelts (102) uses such pillars of the frame assembly for mounting. The present invention may also be applied to such pillars in another embodiment. However, the present invention can be used on the partition member (101) due to its deformation capabilities which reduces the load on the partition member (101) and reduces the chances of damage or tearing. Further, if we provide the present invention being the reinforcement member along with the mounting member (300), any chances of the partition member (101) being damaged are eliminated, thereby enabling the mounting of a seatbelt (102) on the partition member (101). Since the user is seated in the centre, the partition member (101) is the best position for mounting the seatbelt (102) which is made possible by the present invention. In one embodiment, the mounting member (300) is mounted on the predefined region (101) where the predefined portion (101) can be behind a seat (not shown). In another embodiment, the predefined portion (101) can be a portion on the partition member (101) which is behind a seat of the vehicle (100) where the user of the vehicle (100) is intended to sit. It can also be the case that there could be more than one mounting member (300) and more than one reinforcement member (201) according to the number of users of the vehicle. In such cases, the mounting assembly (200) may be attached on either side of the predefined portion (101).
[0060] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the vehicle (100). The figure illustrates that the driver of the vehicle (100) is seated along a longitudinal centre of the vehicle (100) or is seated such that there is no structural support around the driver suitable for mounting a seatbelt assembly due to which problems described in the background section occur for seatbelt (102) mounting. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (100) is a three-wheeled vehicle (100), and the mounting assembly (200) of the present invention is attached to the three-wheeled vehicle (100). However, in certain conventional four-wheeled vehicles (100), the driver of the vehicle (100) may be required to be seated along the longitudinal centre of the vehicle (100) thereby having the same associated problems of the mounting of seatbelts (102). The present invention also aims to solve such problems of mounting the seatbelt (102) in the four-wheeled vehicle, where the driver is seated along the longitudinal centre of the vehicle. The present invention can be worked in various different types of vehicles (100) and is not limited to mounting the seatbelt (102) in a three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle. Further, the present invention can also be implemented on vehicles (100) having more than three- wheels.
[0061] According to the above disclosure, the present invention provides various advantages. The present invention provides reduced weight due to reduced reinforcement requirements of the partition member (101), further reducing the weight of the mounting assembly (200), and reducing the weight of the mounting member (300) itself and the reinforcement member (201) as well. The present invention provides increased safety in terms of providing a deformable mounting member (300) that absorbs the excess load by deforming itself thereby safeguarding the user of the vehicle, while regular rigid brackets impose the entire load on the user itself which could result in serious safety issues to the abdomen and chest and also other issues. The present invention further reduces the costs of the user by providing a safety mechanism that protects the damage/tearing of the partition member (101) by deforming itself, further eliminating the need to provide a costly and complex extending and locking mechanism. the cost for the replacement of the mounting member (300) is very marginal compared to the replacement of the partition member (101) or having an extending and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides increased comfort to the user of the vehicle (100) by providing a slight slackness, reducing the load acting upon the user. Further, the present invention provides increased durability of the mounting assembly (200) since the mounting member (300) is provided with a gusset member (307) and one or more flanges (306) which increases the durability of the mounting member (300) preventing the mounting member to fail in case of low impacts or jerks. Due to the elimination of the complex extend and lock mechanism, the present invention provides a simpler way of providing a seatbelt mechanism eliminating the additional parts required for the extend and lock mechanism. Further, due to its low-cost mechanism, and its adaptability to different types of vehicles, the present invention can be used in different types of automobiles, to provide a low-cost alternative to the costly and complex extend and lock mechanism.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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
100 Vehicle/Three wheeled vehicle
101 Predefined Portion /Partition Member
102 Seatbelt
103 One or More Second Fastening Members
104 Seatbelt Clamp
105 Spacer Member
200 Mounting Assembly
201 Reinforcement Member
300 Mounting Member
301 First Portion
302 Second Portion
303 Third Portion
304 Fourth Portion
305 One or More Second Openings
306 One or More Flanges
307 One or More Gusset Member
308 Predefined Cut-Out Portion
309 One or More Third Openings
310 A one or more First Fastening Members
, C , C , C , Claims:We claim:
1. A mounting assembly (200) for mounting a seatbelt (102) of a vehicle (100), the mounting assembly (200) comprising:
a reinforcement member (201), the reinforcement member (201) being configured to support the mounting assembly (200) on a predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100); and
a mounting member (300), the mounting member (300) comprising:
a first portion (301), the first portion (301) being configured to be connected to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100);
a second portion (302), the second portion (302) being extended from the first portion (301) at a predefined angle;
a third portion (303), the third portion being extended from the second portion (302), the third portion (303) being configured to have a non-linear profile, the third portion (303) being configured to deform upon an application of a predefined force on the third portion (303); and
a fourth portion (304), the fourth portion (304) being extended from the third portion (304), and the fourth portion (304) being configured to connect the seatbelt (102) of the vehicle (100), the seatbelt (102) being configured to transfer the predefined force from a user of the seatbelt to the third portion (303) through the fourth portion (304).
2. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third portion (303) having a curved profile, the curved profile being configured to change into a straight profile upon the application of the predefined force on the third portion (303).
3. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100) being selected from a group comprising, a B-pillar, a frame assembly of the vehicle (100), a ceiling of the vehicle (100) and a partition member (101) of the vehicle (100) and the predefined force being generated upon an impact on the vehicle (100) and the user being subjected to the impact.
4. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member (201) comprising one or more first openings, the one or more first openings being configured to receive one or more first fastening members (310), the one or more first fastening members (310) being configured to pass through one or more second openings of the first portion (301) of the mounting member (300) and the one or more first openings of the reinforcement member (201) thereby facilitating a connection to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle(100).
5. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seatbelt (102) being connected to the fourth portion (304) by one or more second fastening members (103) passing through one or more third openings (309), the one or more third openings (309) being provided on the mounting member (300).
6. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seatbelt (102) having a seatbelt clamp (104), the seatbelt clamp (104) being configured to connect the seatbelt (102) and the mounting member (300), and a spacer member (105) being connected between the seatbelt clamp (105) and the mounting member (300) thereby enabling a rotational movement of the seatbelt (102).
7. A mounting member (300) for mounting a seatbelt (102) of a vehicle (100), the mounting member (300) comprising:
a first portion (301), the first portion (301) being configured to be connected to a predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100);
a second portion (302), the second portion (302) being extended from the first portion (301) at a predefined angle;
a third portion (303), the third portion being extended from the second portion (302), the third portion (303) being configured to have a non-linear profile, the third portion (303) being configured to deform upon an application of a predefined force on the third potion (303);
a fourth portion (304), the fourth portion (304) being extended from the third portion (303), and the fourth portion (304) being configured to connect the seatbelt (102) of the vehicle (100), the seatbelt (102) being configured to transfer the predefined force from a user of the seatbelt to the third portion (303) through the fourth portion (304).
8. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predefined angle ranges from 1-90 degrees.
9. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first portion (301) being parallel to the fourth portion (304), and the third portion (303) having a curved profile, and the predefined angle being 90 degrees, thereby shaping the mounting member (300) in a C-shape.
10. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first portion (301) comprising one or more second openings (305), the one or more second openings (305) being configured to connect the mounting member (300) to the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100).
11. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first portion (301) comprising one or more flanges (306) around the one or more second openings (305).
12. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first portion (301) being configured to be connected to the predefined portion (101) by one or more first fastening members (310), the one or more first fastening members (310) passing through the one or more second openings (305).
13. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein one or more gusset members (307) being configured to be attached at the intersection of the first portion (301) and the second portion (302).
14. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the third portion (303) comprising a predefined cut-out portion (308) and the cut-out portion (308) being disposed in the centre of the third portion (303).
15. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fourth portion (304) comprising one or more third openings (309), the one or more third openings (309) being configured to connect the seatbelt (102) of the vehicle (100).
16. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly;
a partition member (101), the partition member (101) being configured to separate a front portion of the vehicle (100) from a rear portion of the vehicle (100);
a seatbelt (102), the seatbelt (102) being configured to secure a seating of a user of the vehicle (100);
a mounting assembly (200) for mounting the seatbelt (102) of the vehicle (100), the mounting assembly (200) comprising:
a reinforcement member (201), the reinforcement member (201) being configured to support the mounting assembly (200) on a predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100); and
a mounting member (300), the mounting member (300) comprising:
a first portion (301), the first portion (301) being configured to be connected to the partition member (101) of the vehicle (100);
a second portion (302), the second portion (302) being extended from the first portion (301) at a predefined angle;
a third portion (303), the third portion being extended from the second portion (302), the third portion (303) being configured to have a non-linear profile, the third portion (303) being configured to deform upon an application of a predefined force on the third potion (302); and
a fourth portion (304), the fourth portion (304) being extended from the third portion (304), and the fourth portion (304) being configured to connect the seatbelt (102) of the vehicle (100), the seatbelt (102) being configured to transfer the predefined force from a user of the seatbelt to the third portion (302) through the fourth portion (304).
17. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the reinforcement member (201) being connected on a rear side of the partition member (101), and the mounting member (200) being placed on a front side of the partition member (101) when viewed from a front-rear direction of the vehicle (100).
18. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the predefined portion (101) of the vehicle (100) being selected from a group comprising, a B-pillar, the frame assembly of the vehicle (100), a ceiling of the vehicle (100) and a partition member (101) of the vehicle (100).

Dated this 11th day of October, 2023
[Digitally Signed]
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA – 1611
Agent for the Applicant