Description:

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

MULTIFUNCTIONAL BRACKET

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 two-wheeler vehicle frame structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In the realm of two-wheeler vehicles, a conventional frame structure has traditionally served as the backbone, supporting diverse components and riders. Over time, this foundational structure has undergone numerous advancements, resulting in the development of various frame types. Despite these variations, one constant remains—the presence of seat rails. Traditionally, these seat rails are interconnected by a bracket, contributing essential structural strength to the overall frame.

[003] While navigating the vehicle, riders utilize the rear seat for a variety of purposes, including accommodating a second passenger or transporting various materials. Consequently, the rear portion of the seat rails bears the brunt of diverse loads. The traditionally employed bracket, due to the effects of these loads and the rigors of riding conditions, is susceptible to damage over time.

[004] The impairment of the bracket gives rise to additional problems for the rider of the vehicle. In specific instances, when the bracket sustains damage in its central section, it induces vibrations in the seat rails while in motion after that.

[005] Moreover, assembling the vehicle becomes a challenging task due to the existing bracket, making it arduous to connect the seat rails seamlessly.

[006] Traditionally, the bracket utilized necessitates external fitting over the frame. Consequently, there is a need for excessive machining of the seat rails to conform to the bracket, resulting in a reduction of the load-carrying capacity and overall strength of the seat rails.

[007] Thus, there exists a need to update the bracket design addresses one of the more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] 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.

[009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a bracket element of a vehicle. The bracket element comprises a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, an intermediate portion, a first elevated portion and a second elevated portion. The first connecting portion adapted to be coupled to a first seat rail of the vehicle. The second connecting portion adapted to be coupled to a second seat rail of the vehicle. The intermediate portion positioned between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first elevated portion connecting the intermediate portion to the first connecting portion. The second elevated portion connecting the intermediate portion to the second connecting portion. The intermediate portion comprising a seat latch receiving portion.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the first elevated portion comprising a first seat supporting portion and a first rear cowl connecting portion. The second elevated portion comprising a second seat supporting portion and a second rear cowl connecting portion.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the seat latch receiving portion being at a first height in a vehicle height direction. Each of the first seat supporting portion and the second seat supporting portion being a second height in a vehicle height direction. Each of the first rear cowl connecting portion and the second rear cowl connecting portion being at a third height in a vehicle height direction. The third height being equal to or greater than the second height. The second height being greater than the first height.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the seat latch receiving portion being positioned ahead of the first seat supporting portion and the second seat supporting portion in a vehicle length direction. The first seat supporting portion being positioned ahead of the first rear cowl connecting portion in a vehicle length direction. The second seat supporting portion being positioned ahead of the second rear cowl connecting portion in a vehicle length direction.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first connecting portion comprises a first forward edge and first rearward edge. The second connecting portion comprises a second forward edge and a second rearward edge. The intermediate portion comprises a third forward edge and a third rearward edge. The first elevated portion comprises a fourth forward edge and a fourth rearward edge. The second elevated portion comprises a fifth forward edge and a fifth rearward edge.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, each of the first forward edge, the second forward edge, the third forward edge, the fourth forward edge, and the fifth forward edge being at a first height in a vehicle height direction. Each of the first rearward edge and the second rearward edge being at a second height in a vehicle height direction. Each of the fourth rearward edge and the fifth rearward edge being at a third height in the vehicle height direction. The third rearward edge being at a first height in the vehicle height direction. The third height being equal to or greater than the second height. The second height being greater than the first height. the third forward edge having a first length in the vehicle width direction and the third rearward edge having a second length in the vehicle width direction. The first length being greater than the second length.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the first elevated portion comprises a first surface projecting in a first plane and a second surface projecting in second plane. The second elevated portion comprises a third surface projecting in the first plane and a fourth surface projecting in a third plane. The first plane being at least one of a horizontal plane and an inclined plane. The second plane being a first vertical plane and the third plane being a second vertical plane. The second plane being parallel to the third plane.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first connecting portion has a first profile corresponding to a first profile of the first seat rail and the second connecting portion has a second profile corresponding to a second profile of the second seat rail.

[0017] One of the advantages of the invention is that because of the difference in heights of the intermediate portion from the seat rail, the impact of wear and tear caused by motion of the vehicle is reduced.

[0018] Another advantage of the invention is that the elevated portions having rear cowl connecting portions and seat supporting portions ensures that vibrations during travel become impossible in the event of damage to the intermediate portion.

[0019] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the presence of the connecting portions has profiles corresponding with the seat rails, streamlining the assembly process of the bracket to the frame structure.

[0020] Still another advantage of the invention is that the seat latch receiving portion acts as additional support to the seat on the bracket. Thus, it further increases the load bearing capacity of the bracket.

[0021] A further advantage of the invention is that the seat supporting portions on the elevated portions are subjected to additional support due to the presence of the projecting surfaces along with base of the elevated portions.

[0022] Another advantage of the invention is that the bracket being large in length in the forward direction as compared to the rearward direction making it optimized for the general loading conditions for the given space constraints of the bracket.

[0023] 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:
[0024] 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:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a partial side view of the frame structure (12) and the seat (26) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the frame structure (12) with the rear upper cowl (42) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the vehicle (10) without the seat (26) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the frame structure (12) with the rear upper cowl (42) and the seat lock (106) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates a partial side view of the frame structure (12) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the seat rails (38,40) and the bracket element (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the seat rails (38,40) and the bracket element (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a part of the bracket element (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a part of the bracket element (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIGURE 11 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket element (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] 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:
[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A two-wheeled vehicle (10) incorporating a framework that includes, among other components, a frame structure (12), at least one ground-engaging member (14,16), a steering unit (18), at least one suspension system (20,22), a drive unit (24), a seat unit (26), and a rear tail unit (28).

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure (12) is characterized by a head pipe (32) designed to house the steering unit (18), an upper member (34) that supports the front cowl member (30) and optionally the seat unit (26), at least one lower member (36) to accommodate the drive unit (24), the seat rail (38,40) providing support for the seat unit (26), and a bracket element (100) designed to connect the seat rail (38,40).

[0051] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the seat rail (38) and the seat unit (26) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Optionally, the seat unit (26) may be comprised of two-part construction (not shown) including a front seat (50) and a rear seat (52). In such a case the rear seat (52) would be engaging the bracket element (100). Additionally, the rear tail unit (28) may comprise multiple components including a taillight (44), a housing (46) for the taillight (44) connecting the taillight (44) to the frame structure (12). The housing may further be a multi-part construction with the upper rear cowl (42) and a lower rear cowl (48) as parts.

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the seat rails (38,40) with the rear upper cowl (42) and the bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the bracket (100) comprises a seat lock (54) which is used to latch the seat with the frame structure (12). This will lead to reduced damage to the bracket (100) due to jerks during the motion of the vehicle (10). The bracket element (100) of a vehicle (10) comprises a first connecting portion (102), a second connecting portion (104), an intermediate portion (106), a first elevated portion (108) and a second elevated portion (110).

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the first connecting portion (102) adapted to be coupled to a first seat rail (38) of the vehicle (10). The second connecting portion (104) adapted to be coupled to a second seat rail (40) of the vehicle (10). The intermediate portion (106) positioned between the first connecting portion (102) and the second connecting portion (104). The first elevated portion (108) connecting the intermediate portion (106) to the first connecting portion (102). The second elevated portion (110) connecting the intermediate portion (106) to the second connecting portion (104). The first intermediate portion (106) comprising a seat latch receiving portion (112).

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket (100) with the rear upper cowl (42) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the first elevated portion (108) comprising a first seat supporting portion (114) and a first rear cowl connecting portion (116). The second elevated portion (110) comprising a second seat supporting portion (118) and a second rear cowl connecting portion (120).

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the seat rails (38,40) with the rear upper cowl (42), the seat lock (54) and the bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the first elevated portion (108) and the second elevated portion (110), which houses the rear upper cowl (42), is situated on the bracket (100) such that the first elevated portion (108) and the second elevated portion (110) lies directly above the seat rails (38,40). An advantage of such configuration is that vibrations during travel become impossible in the event of damage to the central flat segment (104).

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the seat rail (38) and the bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the seat latch receiving portion (112) being at a first height (H1) in a vehicle height direction. Each of the first seat supporting portion (114) and the second seat supporting portion (118) being a second height (H2) in a vehicle height direction. Each of the first rear cowl connecting portion (116) and the second rear cowl connecting portion (120) being at a third height (H3) in a vehicle height direction. The third height (H3) being equal to or greater than the second height (H2). The second height (H2) being greater than the first height (H1).

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the seat rails (38,40) and the bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the seat latch receiving portion (112) being positioned ahead of the first seat supporting portion (114) and the second seat supporting portion (118) in a vehicle length direction. The first seat supporting portion (114) being positioned ahead of the first rear cowl connecting portion (116) in a vehicle length direction. The second seat supporting portion (118) being positioned ahead of the second rear cowl connecting portion (120) in a vehicle length direction.

[0058] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the seat rails (38,40) and the bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the first intermediate portion (106) comprises a third forward edge (126) and a third rearward edge (136). The third forward edge (126) being at a first height (H1) in a vehicle height direction. The third rearward edge (136) being at a first height (H1) in the vehicle height direction.

[0059] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a part of the bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the first elevated second intermediate portion (108) comprises a first surface (142) projecting in a first plane and a second surface (144) projecting in second plane. The second elevated second intermediate portion (110) comprises a third surface (1462) projecting in the first plane and a fourth surface (1484) projecting in a third plane. The first plane being at least one of a horizontal plane and an inclined plane.

[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, the second plane and being a vertical plane. The first plane being at least one of a horizontal plane and an inclined plane. The second plane being a first vertical plane and the third plane being a second vertical plane. The second plane being parallel to the third plane. The first connecting portion (102) has a first profile corresponding to a first profile of the first seat rail (38) and the second connecting portion (104) has a second profile corresponding to a second profile of the second seat rail (40).

[0061] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a part of the bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the first connecting portion (102) comprises a first forward edge (122) and first rearward edge (132). The second connecting portion (104) comprises a second forward edge (124) and a second rearward edge (134). The first elevated second intermediate portion (108) comprises a fourth forward edge (128) and a fourth rearward edge (138). The second elevated third intermediate portion (110) comprises a fifth forward edge (130) and a fifth rearward edge (140).

[0062] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket element (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, each of the first forward edge (122), the second forward edge (124), the third forward edge (126), the fourth forward edge (128), and the fifth forward edge (130) being at a first height (H1) in a vehicle height direction. Each of the first rearward edge (132) and the second rearward edge (134) being at a second height (H2) in a vehicle height direction. Each of the fourth rearward edge (138) and the fifth rearward edge (140) being at a third height (H3) in the vehicle height direction. The third rearward edge (136) being at a first height (H1) in the vehicle height direction. The third height (H3) being equal to or greater than the second height (H2). The second height (H2) being greater than the first height (H1). The third forward edge (126) having a first length (L1) in the vehicle width direction and the third rearward edge (136) having a second length (L2) in the vehicle width direction. The first length (L1) being greater than the second length (L2).

[0063] One of the advantages of the invention is that because of the difference in heights of the intermediate portion (106) from the seat rail (38,40), the impact of wear and tear caused by motion of the vehicle (10) is reduced.

[0064] Another advantage of the invention is that the elevated portions (108, 110) having rear cowl connecting portions (116, 120) and seat supporting portions (114, 118) ensures that vibrations during travel become impossible in the event of damage to the intermediate portion (106).

[0065] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the presence of the connecting portions (102, 104) has profiles corresponding with the seat rails (38,40), streamlining the assembly process of the bracket (100) to the frame structure (12).

[0066] Still another advantage of the invention is that the seat latch receiving portion (112) acts as additional support to the seat (26) on the bracket (100). Thus, it further increases the load bearing capacity of the bracket (100).

[0067] A further advantage of the invention is that the seat supporting portions (114, 118) on the elevated portions (108, 110) are subjected to additional support due to the presence of the projecting surfaces (144, 148) along with base of the elevated portions (108, 110).

[0068] Another advantage of the invention is that the bracket (100) being large in length in the forward direction as compared to the rearward direction making it optimized for the general loading conditions for the given space constraints of the bracket (100).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 bracket element (100) of a vehicle (10), said bracket element comprising:
a first connecting portion (102) adapted to be coupled to a first seat rail (38) of the vehicle (10);
a second connecting portion (104) adapted to be coupled to a second seat rail (40) of the vehicle (10);
an intermediate portion (106) positioned between the first connecting portion (102) and the second connecting portion (104);
a first elevated portion (108) connecting the intermediate portion (106) to the first connecting portion (102);
a second elevated portion (110) connecting the intermediate portion (106) to the second connecting portion (104);
the intermediate portion (106) comprising a seat latch receiving portion (112).

2. The bracket element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first elevated portion (108) comprising a first seat supporting portion (114) and a first rear cowl connecting portion (116); and the second elevated portion (110) comprising a second seat supporting portion (118) and a second rear cowl connecting portion (120).

3. The bracket element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat latch receiving portion (112) being at a first height (H1) in a vehicle height direction; each of the first seat supporting portion (114) and the second seat supporting portion (118) being a second height (H2) in a vehicle height direction; and each of the first rear cowl connecting portion (116) and the second rear cowl connecting portion (120) being at a third height (H3) in a vehicle height direction; the third height (H3) being equal to or greater than the second height (H2); and the second height (H2) being greater than the first height (H1).

4. The bracket element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat latch receiving portion (112) being positioned ahead of the first seat supporting portion (114) and the second seat supporting portion (118) in a vehicle length direction; the first seat supporting portion (114) being positioned ahead of the first rear cowl connecting portion (116) in a vehicle length direction; and the second seat supporting portion (118) being positioned ahead of the second rear cowl connecting portion (120) in a vehicle length direction.

5. The bracket element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of:
the first connecting portion (102) comprises a first forward edge (122) and first rearward edge (132);
the second connecting portion (104) comprises a second forward edge (124) and a second rearward edge (134);
the intermediate portion (106) comprises a third forward edge (126) and a third rearward edge (136);
the first elevated portion (108) comprises a fourth forward edge (128) and a fourth rearward edge (138); and
the second elevated portion (110) comprises a fifth forward edge (130) and a fifth rearward edge (140).

6. The bracket element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of:
each of the first forward edge (122), the second forward edge (124), the third forward edge (126), the fourth forward edge (128), and the fifth forward edge (130) being at a first height (H1) in a vehicle height direction;
each of the first rearward edge (132) and the second rearward edge (134) being at a second height (H2) in a vehicle height direction;
each of the fourth rearward edge (138) and the fifth rearward edge (140) being at a third height (H3) in the vehicle height direction;
the third rearward edge (136) being at a first height (H1) in the vehicle height direction;
the third height (H3) being equal to or greater than the second height (H2); and the second height (H2) being greater than the first height (H1);
the third forward edge (126) having a first length (L1) in the vehicle width direction and the third rearward edge (136) having a second length (L2) in the vehicle width direction; and
the first length (L1) being greater than the second length (L2).

7. The bracket element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of:
the first elevated portion (108) comprises a first surface (142) projecting in a first plane and a second surface (144) projecting in second plane;
the second elevated portion (110) comprises a third surface (146) projecting in the first plane and a fourth surface (148) projecting in a third plane;
the first plane being at least one of a horizontal plane and an inclined plane;
the second plane being a first vertical plane and the third plane being a second vertical plane;
the second plane being parallel to the third plane.

8. The bracket element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion (102) has a first profile corresponding to a first profile of the first seat rail (38) and the second connecting portion (104) has a second profile corresponding to a second profile of the second seat rail (40).