Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a handle lamp assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle lamp assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally, in vehicles, especially two wheeled vehicles, illumination arrangements are provided only on the front side and the rear side of the vehicle. Further, other illumination arrangements, if any, are provided on other locations of the vehicles for purposes such as turn indication etc.
[003] In addition, in some vehicles, there exists another illumination arrangement, generally known as a puddle lamp provided on the side of the vehicle or on side of the handlebars. The puddle lamp is provided for illuminating the side of the vehicle and to assist the rider with illuminating the sides of the vehicle, which is helpful in a number of situations. For example, when the road conditions are bad, the puddle lamp assembly help the rider see the potholes etc in the road. Further, during vehicle parking in dim lit situations, puddle lamp assembly assists the rider in identifying whether there is good footing provided for parking of the vehicle, which prevents the vehicle for toppling over. The puddle lamp assembly also assists the rider in identifying that whether the rider can safely dismount the vehicle.
[004] However, provision of this puddle lamp assembly in a two wheeled vehicle remains a challenge since in existing puddle lamp assemblies, the wire routing to illuminating the puddle lamp assembly is very complicated, and often interferes with other moving parts of the handlebar. Further, the existing puddle lamp assemblies are large and non-compact, which reduce the packaging space available for any other electrical component around the puddle lamp assembly. Provision of the puddle lamp assembly also leads to increase in an overall length of the handlebar.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a handle lamp assembly for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a handle lamp assembly for a vehicle. The handle lamp assembly has a support member being configured to be received in a handlebar of the vehicle, and a receiving member being configured to act as a heat sink for the handle lamp assembly. The receiving member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is supported at the support member, and the second portion extends outwardly from the first portion. Further, an illumination device is supported on the second portion of the receiving member.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the handlebar has a hollow tubular profile, and the support member has a tube member. The tube member is received on at least one end of the handlebar.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the tube member is configured to be slide fit into an opening provided on the end of the handlebar.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the receiving member has a slot. The slot is configured to allow a wire harness from the illumination device to pass through.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the wire harness from the illumination device is connected to a headlamp assembly of the vehicle through the handlebar.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the receiving member extends perpendicularly from the first portion of the receiving member.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second portion has a top face and a bottom face. The illumination device is supported on the bottom face of the second portion.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the handle lamp assembly has circuit board for controlling the illumination device. The circuit board is supported on the second portion, and is disposed between the bottom face of the second portion and the illumination device.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support member is configured to support a handlebar end cap, wherein the receiving member and the illumination device is disposed inside the handlebar end cap.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the handlebar end cap has an aperture, and the aperture allows light from the illumination device to pass out from the handlebar end cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1A and 1B illustrate a perspective view of a handlebar of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2A and 2B illustrate a perspective view of the handle lamp assembly for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3A and 3B illustrate exploded views of the handle lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of the handle lamp assembly, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the handle lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention relates to a handle lamp assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a handle lamp assembly for a vehicle. The handle lamp assembly of the present invention is typically used in a vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle. However, it should be understood that the handle lamp assembly as illustrated may find its application in a three wheeled vehicle, or a four wheeled vehicle, or other multi-wheeled vehicles, or any non-automotive application using a handlebar as required.
[018] Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrates a handle lamp assembly 100 for a vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the vehicle 10 has a handlebar 20 that extends in a vehicle width direction, and is configured to support hands of the user, receive input from the user for turning and manoeuvring of the vehicle 10. As further illustrated in Figure 2A and Figure 2B, the handle lamp assembly 100 comprises a support member 110. The support member 110 is configured to be received in the handlebar 20 of the vehicle 10.
[019] In an embodiment as depicted in Figure 2A and Figure 2B, the handlebar 20 has a hollow tubular profile. Specifically, the handlebar 20 has an open hollow tubular profile with openings provided on each end of the tubular profile. For receiving the support member 110 on the handlebar 20, the support member 110 comprises a tube member. The tube member is received on at least one end of the handlebar 20. In an embodiment, since the handlebar 20 has a hollow tubular profile, the tube member is configured to be slide fit into an opening provided on the end of the handlebar 20. In an embodiment, one handle lamp assembly 100 is provided on each end of the handlebar 20.
[020] Further, the handle lamp assembly 100 has a receiving member 120. The receiving member 120 is configured to act as a heat sink for the handle lamp assembly 100. Since the electrical components of the handle lamp assembly 100 generate a significant amount of heat, a heat sink is required to be provided for adequate heat exchange from the handle lamp assembly 100. Thus, the receiving member 120 performs a dual role wherein the receiving member 120 receives some components of the handle lamp assembly 100, and also acts as a heat sink for the handle lamp assembly 100.
[021] As further illustrated in Figure 3A and 3B, the receiving member 120 comprises a first portion 122 and a second portion 124. In that, the first portion 122 is configured to be supported at the support member 110 thereby supporting the receiving member 120 of the support member 110, and as a result, on the handlebar 20. In an embodiment, the first portion 122 is supported on the support member 110 by one or more fasteners. Further, the second portion 124 of the receiving member 120 extends outwardly from the first portion 122.
[022] The handle lamp assembly 100 further has an illumination device 130. The illumination device 130 is supported on the second portion 124 of the receiving member 120. As a result, the illumination device 130 is provided on an end of the handlebar 20 and acts to illuminate the sides of the vehicle 10. Further, since the illumination device 130 is supported on the second portion 124 of the receiving member 120, the heat generated by the illumination device 130 is dissipated by the receiving member 120 acting as the heat sink.
[023] As further illustrated in Figure 3A and 3B, in an embodiment, the second portion 124 of the receiving member 120 extends perpendicularly from the first portion 122 of the receiving member 120. Thus, in an embodiment, the first portion 122 of the receiving member 120 extends or is disposed vertically and the second portion 124 of the receiving member 120 extends horizontally. Further, the second portion 124 has a top face and a bottom face, wherein the illumination device 130 is supported on the bottom face of the second portion 124. In an embodiment, the illumination device 130 is supported on the bottom face of the second portion 124 and extends downwardly from the second portion 124, parallel to the first portion 122, thus making the handle lamp assembly 100 compact.
[024] As further illustrated in Figure 3A and 3B, the support member 110 is configured to support a handlebar end cap 160, wherein the receiving member 120 and the illumination device 130 being disposed inside the handlebar end cap 160. Thus, the receiving member 120 and the illumination device 130 is completely disposed within the space defined inside the handlebar end cap 160, which prevents an increase in the size of the handlebar 20. Further, since the handle lamp assembly 100 is compact, there is no requirement for an increase in the size of the handlebar end cap 160 to accommodate the receiving member and illumination device 130. Further, the handlebar end cap 160 comprises an aperture 162 (shown in Figure 2B). The aperture 162 allows light from the illumination device 130 to pass out from the handlebar end cap 160. Further, in an embodiment, there is provided a lens in the aperture 162, which allows the light from the illumination device 130 to be spread over a large area, thus sufficiently illuminating the sides of the vehicle.
[025] In a further embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the handle lamp assembly 100 further comprises a circuit board 140 for controlling the illumination device 130. Herein, the circuit board 140 is supported on the second portion 124. More particularly, the circuit board 140 is disposed between the bottom face of the second portion 124 and the illumination device 130. Since, the circuit board 140 is disposed between the bottom face of the second portion 124 and the illumination device 130, the space taken up by the circuit board 140 is very small, thus making the handle lamp assembly 100 further compact. Also, since the circuit board 140 is supported on the second portion 124 of the receiving member 120, the heat generated by the circuit board 140 is absorbed by the receiving member 120 acting as a heat sink, thus regulating the operating temperature of the circuit board 140.
[026] To allow for the illumination device 130 to be powered, as illustrated in Figure 5, the first portion 122 of the receiving member 120 comprises a slot. The slot is configured to allow a wire harness 150 from the illumination device 130 to pass through. In an embodiment, the wire harness 150 from the illumination device 130 is connected to a headlamp assembly of the vehicle 10 through the handlebar 20. This ensures that the wire harness of the handle lamp assembly 100 is simply and securely mounted. Since a large portion of the wire harness is provided inside the handlebar 20, it is ensures that the wire harness does not interfere with any moving components of the handlebar 20.
[027] Advantageously, the present invention provides a handle lamp assembly for illuminating the sides of the vehicle, which is of assistance to the rider under various conditions such as parking, disembarking and identifying potholes. The handle lamp assembly of the present invention is compact and thus requires less packaging space.
[028] Further, the handle lamp assembly of the present invention also allows for routing of the wire harness through the support member and the handlebar, which provides for better wire routing as the risk of the wire harness interfering with any other moving components on the handlebar is greatly reduced.
[029] Further, since the handle lamp assembly of the present invention is compact, the handle lamp assembly can be easily accommodated within the space of the handlebar end cap, without requiring an increase in the size of the handlebar end cap. This also ensures that the handle lamp assembly is easily accessible by removing the handlebar end cap. Furthermore, owing to the compact size of the handle lamp assembly, the length of the handlebar is reduced when compared to conventional handlebars accommodating puddle lamp assemblies.
[030] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Vehicle
20: Handlebar
100: Handle Lamp Assembly
110: Support Member
120: Receiving Member
122: First Portion of the Receiving Member
124: Second Portion of the Receiving Member
130: Illumination Device
140: Circuit Board
150: Wire Harness
160: Handlebar End Cap
162: Aperture
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A handle lamp assembly (100) for a vehicle (10), the handle lamp assembly (100) comprising:
a support member (110), the support member (110) being configured to be received in a handlebar (20) of the vehicle (10);
a receiving member (120), the receiving member (120) being configured to act as a heat sink for the handle lamp assembly (100), the receiving member (120) comprising a first portion (122) and a second portion (124), the first portion (122) being supported at the support member (110), and the second portion (124) extending outwardly from the first portion (122); and
an illumination device (130), the illumination device (130) being supported on the second portion (124) of the receiving member (120).

2. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handlebar (20) has a hollow tubular profile, and the support member (110) comprises a tube member, wherein the tube member being received on at least one end of the handlebar (20).

3. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tube member is configured to be slide fit into an opening provided on the end of the handlebar (20).

4. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (122) of the receiving member (120) comprises a slot, the slot being configured to allow a wire harness (150) from the illumination device (130) to pass through.

5. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wire harness (150) from the illumination device (130) is connected to a headlamp assembly of the vehicle (10) through the handlebar (20).

6. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (124) of the receiving member (120) extends perpendicularly from the first portion (122) of the receiving member (120).

7. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (124) has a top face and a bottom face, the illumination device (130) being supported on the bottom face of the second portion (124).

8. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a circuit board (140) for controlling the illumination device (130), the circuit board (140) being supported on the second portion (124), and being disposed between the bottom face of the second portion (124) and the illumination device (130).

9. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (110) is configured to support a handlebar end cap (160), wherein the receiving member (120) and the illumination device (130) being disposed inside the handlebar end cap (160).

10. The handle lamp assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the handlebar end cap (160) comprises an aperture (162), the aperture (162) allowing light from the illumination device (130) to pass out from the handlebar end cap (160).

Dated this 05th day of January 2024

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471