Description:

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

FRAME STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a frame structure of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of a conventional frame structure (1) of a vehicle (not shown). It can be seen that the conventional frame structure (1) comprises a head pipe (2) for supporting a steering mechanism (not shown); a main pipe (3) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (2) toward the rear of the vehicle (not shown); a first lower frame (4) joined to a lower part of the main pipe (3) at a first substantially liner line (5) and extending toward the rear of the vehicle; a second lower frame (6) joined to a lower part of the main pipe (3) at a second substantially linear profile (not visible) and extending toward the rear of the vehicle; a first rear frame (7) joined to the first lower frame (4) and extending toward the rear of the vehicle; and a second rear frame (8) joined to the second lower frame (6) and extending toward the rear of the vehicle. It has been observed that the conventional frame structure (1) experiences breaking at locations “A” and “B”. Thus, there exists a need to provide a frame structure which overcomes the aforesaid disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a frame structure of a vehicle, comprising a head pipe for steerably supporting a steering system; a main pipe extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe toward a rear of the vehicle, the main pipe comprising a first lower part and a second lower part; a first lower frame extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe, the first lower frame comprises a first front end part, and a first rear end part; a second lower frame extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe, the second lower frame comprises a second front end part and a second rear end part; the first front end part of the first lower frame being attached to the first lower part of the main pipe such that the first lower frame extends along a first side of the vehicle; the second front end part of the second lower frame being attached to the second lower part of the main pipe such that the second lower frame extends along a second side of the vehicle; the first front end part comprising a first substantially non-liner line profile; and the second front end part comprising a second substantially non-linear line profile.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the first substantially non-linear line profile comprises at least one of a segment of a first ellipse, a segment of a first hyperbola, a segment of a first parabola, and a first vertex.

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the second substantially non-linear line profile comprises at least one of a segment of a second ellipse, a segment of a second hyperbola, a segment of a second parabola, and a second vertex.

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises at least one strengthening member coupled to a third lower part of the main pipe, a first intermediate part of the first lower frame and a second intermediate part of the second lower frame.

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first intermediate part is between the first front end part and the first rear end part.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first intermediate part is proximate to the first front end part.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second intermediate part is between the second front end part and the second rear end part.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the second intermediate part is proximate to the second front end part.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the at least one strengthening member comprises a first end coupled to the first intermediate part of the first lower frame; a second end coupled to the second intermediate part of the second lower frame; and a third intermediate part coupled to the third lower part of the main pipe.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the third intermediate part having an arcuate profile corresponding to a circumferential profile of the third lower part of the main pipe.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises a first rear frame attached to a first rear end part of the first lower frame so as to extend rearwardly.

[0015] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises a second rear frame attached to second rear end part of the second lower frame so as to extend rearwardly.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the second rear frame is spaced apart from the first rear frame in a vehicle width direction.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises a first upper frame coupled between a first upper part of the main pipe and the first rear frame.

[0018] In still another embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises a second upper frame coupled between a second upper part of the main pipe and the second rear frame.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second upper frame is spaced apart from the first upper frame in a vehicle width direction.

[0020] There is additionally provide a vehicle a steering mechanism operatively coupled to a front ground engaging member and being configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle; a power generating unit adapted to generate and supply power to at least one of a rear ground engaging member and the front ground engaging member; and a frame structure supporting the steering mechanism, the front ground engaging member and the power generating unit. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure comprises a head pipe for steerably supporting a steering system; a main pipe extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe toward a rear of the vehicle, the main pipe comprising a first lower part and a second lower part; a first lower frame extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe, the first lower frame comprises a first front end part, a first rear end part, and a first intermediate part; a second lower frame extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe, the second lower frame comprises a second front end part, a second rear end part, and a second intermediate part; the first front end part of the first lower frame being attached to the first lower part of the main pipe such that the first lower frame extends along a first side of the vehicle; the second front end part of the second lower frame being attached to the second lower part of the main pipe such that the second lower frame extends along a second side of the vehicle; the first front end part comprising a first substantially non-liner line profile; and the second front end part comprising a second substantially non-linear line profile.

[0021] An advantage of the invention is that the probability of the frame structure breaking at locations “A” and “B” (as shown in Figure 1) is substantially reduced.

[0022] Another advantage of the invention is that a dimensional accuracy of the frame structure is substantially higher. In particularly, an amount of welding related deformity in the frame structure is substantially reduced and hence, a dimensional accuracy of the frame structure is substantially higher.

[0023] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the probability of the frame structure breaking at locations “A” and “B” (as shown in Figure 1) is substantially reduced without using additional components. Thus, a weight of the frame structure is not increased. Additionally, a time taken to manufacture of the frame structure as well as a cost involved in manufacturing the frame structure remains same.

[0024] Even in the case where there is provided the strengthening member, which is an additional element, the benefits including a reduction in the probability of the frame structure breaking at locations “A” and “B” (as shown in Figure 1) is substantially higher.

[0025] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0026] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conventional frame structure vehicle;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a right perspective view of a frame structure constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a left perspective view of a frame structure constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates a right side view of the frame structure constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a left side view of the frame structure constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0034] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0035] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0036] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0038] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0039] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0042] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0045] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the vehicle (10) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a central structure (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The central structure (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14).

[0047] The front end structure (12) comprises a steering mechanism (18), a leg shield (20), a front ground engaging member (22), a dash assembly (24), a head lamp unit (26), and a plurality of winkers (not shown). The steering mechanism (18) comprises a handle bar (28). The handle bar (28) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The steering mechanism (18) comprises a plurality of front forks (30) disposed at the front portion of the vehicle (10). The handle bar (28) is operatively coupled to the front ground engaging member (22) via the plurality of front forks (30).

[0048] In the illustrated example, the dash assembly (24) is provided on the steering mechanism (18). The dash assembly (24) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information relating to the vehicle (10) to the rider. The dash assembly (24) may comprise additional components such as, LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. In the illustrated example, the head lamp unit (26) is provided on the steering mechanism (18). Alternatively, the head lamp unit (26) may be provided on the leg shield (20), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0049] The leg shield (20) is disposed on the front portion of the vehicle (10). The leg shield (20) encloses the steering mechanism (18). The leg shield (20) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the plurality of the winkers (not shown) may be provided on the steering mechanism (18) of the vehicle (10). In another example, the plurality of the winkers (not shown) is disposed on the leg shield (20), without any limitations.

[0050] The vehicle (10) comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown). The ECU controls various operations of the vehicle (10).

[0051] The rear end structure (14) comprises a swing arm (32), a tail lamp (34) and a rear side cover (36). The rear side cover (36) is disposed on rear portion of the vehicle (10) and covers hind area under the rear end structure (14). In the illustrated example, the tail lamp (34) is disposed on the rear side cover (36). Pluralities of turn signal indicators (not shown) are disposed on either side of the tail lamp (34). The rear end structure (14) comprises a rear ground engaging member (38), a power generating unit (40) and at least one suspension device (42). The rear end structure further comprises a seat (44) that provides seating arrangement for any of a rider or a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (38) is disposed below the seat (44). The swing arm (34) pivotally supports the rear ground engaging member (38). The power generating unit (40) generates and supplies power to at least one of the rear ground engaging member (38) and the front ground engaging member (22).

[0052] In the illustrated example, each of the front ground engaging member (22) and the rear ground engaging member (38) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, each of the front ground engaging member (22) and the rear ground engaging member (38) may embody a track etc., without limiting the scope of the invention. The vehicle (10) comprises at least one storage structure (not shown). By way of example, the storage structure may be disposed at the rear end structure (14) of the vehicle (10) and is configured to store articles such as a helmet, or other articles such as tools (not shown) etc.

[0053] In case the power generating unit (40) is an internal combustion engine, the vehicle (10) further comprises a fuel tank (46) and a first set of associated components (48) for storing and supplying a suitable fuel to the internal combustion engine. In case the power generating unit (40) is a motor, the vehicle (10) further comprises an electrical energy storage device (50) and a second set of associated components (52) for storing and supplying electrical energy to the motor. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (46) and the first set of associated components (48) or the electrical energy storage device (50) and the second set of associated components (52) (as the case may be) form part of the central structure (16). The central structure (16) may comprise one or more additional components of the vehicle (10) not explicitly shown and described.

[0054] The vehicle (10) further comprises a frame structure (100). The frame structure (100) traverses from the front end structure (12) to the rear end structure (14). The frame directly or indirectly supports the steering mechanism (18), the leg shield (20), the front ground engaging member (22), the dash assembly (24), the head lamp unit (26), the plurality of winkers (not shown), the electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown), the tail lamp (34), the rear side cover (36), the rear ground engaging member (38), the power generating unit (40), the at least one suspension device (42), the seat (44), the fuel tank (46), the first set of associated components (48), the electrical energy storage device (50), the second set of associated components (52), and the one or more additional components etc.

[0055] Referring to Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 6, there is illustrated a right perspective view, a left perspective view, a right view and a left view respectively of the frame structure (100) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The frame structure (100) comprises a head pipe (102) a main pipe (104), a first lower frame (106), a second lower frame (108), a first rear frame (110), a second rear frame (112), a first upper frame (114), a second upper frame (116). The head pipe (102) serves as the pivotal support for a steering system (18). The head pipe (102) enables the vehicle to be steered and controlled by the rider. Extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (102) is the main pipe (104), which forms the backbone of the frame structure.

[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, the main pipe (104) comprises a first lower part (118), a second lower part (120) and a third lower part (160). The first lower part (118) and the second lower part (120) are substantially at the same height and are on the opposing sides of the main pipe (104). The third lower part (160) is located below the first lower part (118) and the second lower part (120). The third lower part (160) is located between the opposing sides of the main pipe (104). The main pipe (104) further comprises a first upper part (122), and a second upper part (124). The upper lower part (122) and the second upper part (124) are substantially at the same height and are on the opposing sides of the main pipe (104). The upper lower part (122) is located above the first lower part (118) and the second upper part (124) is located above the second lower part (120).

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the first lower frame (106) comprises of three primary segments: a first front end part (126), a first rear end part (128), and a first middle part (130). The second lower frame (108) comprises three parts: a second front end part (132), a second rear end part (134), and a second middle part (136). In an embodiment of the invention, the first rear frame (110) comprises three parts: a third front end part (138), a third middle part (140), and a third rear end part (142). Similarly, the second rear frame (112) is constructed with a fourth front end part (144), a fourth middle part (146), and a fourth rear end part (148).

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) is attached to the first lower part (118) of the main pipe (104). The first rear end part (128) of the first lower frame (106) is attached to the third middle part (140) of the first rear frame (110). Further, the second front end part (132) of the second lower frame (108) is attached to the second lower part (120) of the main pipe (104). The second rear end part (134) of the second lower frame (108) is attached to the fourth middle part (146) of the second rear frame (112).

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the first upper frame (114) includes a fifth front end part (150) and a fifth rear end part (152). Lastly, the second upper frame (116) consists of a sixth front end part (154) and a sixth rear end part (156). In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth front end part (150) of first upper frame (114) is releasably attached to the first upper part (122) of the main pipe (104) and the fifth rear end part (152) of first upper frame (114) is releasably attached to the third front end part (138) of the first rear frame (110). Further, the sixth front end part (154) of second upper frame (116) is releasably attached to the second upper part (124) of the main pipe (104) and the sixth rear end part (156) of second upper frame (116) is releasably attached to the fourth front end part (144) of the second rear frame (112).

[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) comprises a first substantially non-liner line profile; and the second front end part (132) of the second lower frame (108) comprises a second substantially non-linear line profile. Thus, the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) is attached to the first lower part (118) of the main pipe (104) vide the first substantially non-linear profile and the second front end part (132) of the second lower frame (108) is attached to the second lower part (120) of the main pipe (104) vide the second substantially non-linear line profile.

[0061] It is believed that the first substantially non-linear profile of the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) promotes even distribution of load experienced by the frame structure, especially at the location where the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) is coupled to the first lower part (118) of the main pipe (104). It is believed that the second substantially non-linear line profile of the second front end part (132) of the second lower frame (108) promotes even distribution of load experienced by the frame structure, especially at the location where the second front end part (128) of the second lower frame (108) is coupled to the second lower part (120) of the main pipe (104). Because of the above, the probability of the frame structure (100) breaking is reduced.

[0062] It is also believed that the first substantially non-linear profile of the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) promotes even distribution of welding heat experienced by the frame structure, especially at the location where the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) is welded to the first lower part (118) of the main pipe (104). It is believed that the second substantially non-linear line profile of the second front end part (132) of the second lower frame (108) promotes even distribution of welding heat experienced by the frame structure, especially at the location where the second front end part (128) of the second lower frame (108) is welded to the second lower part (120) of the main pipe (104). Because of the above, the probability of the frame structure (100) breaking is reduced. Also, a deformation of the frame structure (100) which usually happens during welding is substantially reduced.

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, the first substantially non-linear line profile comprises at least one of a segment of a first ellipse, a segment of a first hyperbola, a segment of a first parabola, and a first vertex. In another embodiment of the invention, the second substantially non-linear line profile comprises at least one of a segment of a second ellipse, a segment of a second hyperbola, a segment of a second parabola, and a second vertex. In an embodiment, the first substantially non-linear line profile and the second substantially non-linear line profile includes an inverted V-shaped profile and an inverted U-shaped profile.

[0064] Apart from the above, the frame structure (100) may further comprise a first strengthening member (158). The first strengthening member (158) may be coupled to the third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104), a first intermediate part (162) of the first lower frame (106), and a second intermediate part (164) of the second lower frame (108). In particular, the first intermediate part (162) is positioned between the first front end part (126) and the first rear end part (128). More particularly, the first intermediate part (162) is positioned proximate to the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106). Likewise, the second intermediate part (164) is positioned between the second front end part (132) and the second rear end part (134). More particularly, the second intermediate part (164) is positioned proximate to the second front end part (130).

[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, the first strengthening member (158) comprises a first end (166) coupled to the first intermediate part (162) of the first lower frame (106). The first strengthening member (158) further comprises a second end (168) coupled to the second intermediate part (164) of the second lower frame (108). The first strengthening member (158) further comprises a third intermediate part (170) coupled to the third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the third intermediate part (170) has an arcuate profile corresponding to a circumferential profile of the third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104). Thus, the joining of the third intermediate part (170) of the first strengthening member (158) to the third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104) becomes easy and sturdy.

[0066] It may be noted that coupling of the first strengthening member (158) to the third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104), the first intermediate part (162) of the first lower frame (106), and the second intermediate part (164) of the second lower frame (108) furthermore reduces the chances of the frame structure developing cracks.

[0067] An advantage of the invention is that the probability of the frame structure (100) breaking at locations “A” and “B” (as shown in Figure 1) is substantially reduced.

[0068] Another advantage of the invention is that a dimensional accuracy of the frame structure (100) is substantially higher. In particularly, an amount of welding related deformity in the frame structure (100) is substantially reduced and hence, a dimensional accuracy of the frame structure (100) is substantially higher.

[0069] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the probability of the frame structure (100) breaking at locations “A” and “B” as shown in Figure 1 is substantially reduced without using additional components. Thus, a weight of the frame structure (100) is not increased. Additionally, a time taken to manufacture of the frame structure (100) as well as a cost involved in manufacturing the frame structure (100) remains same.

[0070] Even in the case where there is provided the first strengthening member (158), which is an additional element, the benefits including a reduction in the probability of the frame structure (100) breaking at locations “A” and “B” (as shown in Figure 1) is substantially higher.

[0071] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0072] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A frame structure (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (102) for steerably supporting a steering system (18);
a main pipe (104) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (102) toward a rear of the vehicle (10), the main pipe (104) comprising a first lower part (118) and a second lower part (120);
a first lower frame (106) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe (104), the first lower frame (106) comprises a first front end part (126), and a first rear end part (128);
a second lower frame (108) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe (104), the second lower frame (108) comprises a second front end part (132) and a second rear end part (134);
the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) being attached to the first lower part (118) of the main pipe (104) such that the first lower frame (106) extends along a first side of the vehicle (10);
the second front end part (132) of the second lower frame (108) being attached to the second lower part (120) of the main pipe (104) such that the second lower frame (108) extends along a second side of the vehicle (10);
the first front end part (126) comprising a first substantially non-liner line profile; and
the second front end part (132) comprising a second substantially non-linear line profile.

2. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first substantially non-linear line profile comprises at least one of a segment of a first eclipse, a segment of a first hyperbola, a segment of a first parabola, and a first vertex.

3. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second substantially non-linear line profile comprises at least one of a segment of a second eclipse, a segment of a second hyperbola, a segment of a second parabola, and a second vertex.

4. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first strengthening member (158) coupled to a third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104), a first intermediate part (162) of the first lower frame (106) and a second intermediate part (164) of the second lower frame (108); the first intermediate part (162) being between the first front end part (126) and the first rear end part (128), the first intermediate part (162) being proximate to the first front end part (126); the second intermediate part (164) being between the second front end part (132) and the second rear end part (134), the second intermediate part (164) being proximate to the second front end part (130).

5. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first strengthening member (158) comprises a first end (166) coupled to the first intermediate part (162) of the first lower frame (106); a second end (168) coupled to the second intermediate part (164) of the second lower frame (108); and a third intermediate part (170) coupled to the third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104); the third intermediate part (170) having an arcuate profile corresponding to a circumferential profile of the third lower part (160) of the main pipe (104).

6. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of:
a first rear frame (110) attached to a first rear end part (128) of the first lower frame (106) so as to extend rearwardly;
a second rear frame (112) attached to second rear end part (134) of the second lower frame (108) so as to extend rearwardly, the second rear frame (112) being spaced apart from the first rear frame (110) in a vehicle width direction;
a first upper frame (114) coupled between a first upper part (122) of the main pipe (104) and the first rear frame (110); and
a second upper frame (116) coupled between a second upper part (124) of the main pipe (104) and the second rear frame (110), the second upper frame (116) being spaced apart from the first upper frame (114) in a vehicle width direction.

7. A vehicle comprising:
a steering mechanism (18) operatively coupled to a front ground engaging member (22) and being configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle (10);
a power generating unit (42) adapted to generate and supply power to at least one of a rear ground engaging member (40) and the front ground engaging member (22); and
a frame structure (100) supporting the steering mechanism (18), the front ground engaging member (22), the power generating unit (42), and the rear ground engaging member (40);
the frame structure (100) comprising:
a head pipe (102) for steerably supporting a steering system (18);
a main pipe (104) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (102) toward a rear of the vehicle (10), the main pipe (104) comprising a first lower part (118) and a second lower part (120);
a first lower frame (106) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe (104), the first lower frame (106) comprises a first front end part (126), a first rear end part (128), and a first intermediate part (130);
a second lower frame (108) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main pipe (104), the second lower frame (108) comprises a second front end part (132), a second rear end part (134), and a second intermediate part (136);
the first front end part (126) of the first lower frame (106) being attached to the first lower part (118) of the main pipe (104) such that the first lower frame (106) extends along a first side of the vehicle (10);
the second front end part (132) of the second lower frame (108) being attached to the second lower part (120) of the main pipe (104) such that the second lower frame (108) extends along a second side of the vehicle (10);
the first front end part (126) comprising a first substantially non-liner line profile; and
the second front end part (132) comprising a second substantially non-linear line profile.