Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting structure for peripheral components of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a vehicle such as a saddle-type vehicle includes a handlebar, a frame, and at least one peripheral component mounted on the frame. A peripheral component such as a lighting unit is mounted on the frame, above a front wheel of the vehicle. Herein, the lighting unit remains static when the handle is moving to turn the vehicle. This causes visibility issues for the rider and also leads to serious accidents.
[0003] Currently, the lighting unit is mounted on a mounting plate such as a bottom bridge attached to the frame of the vehicle, such that the bottom bridge moves with the movement of the handlebar to overcome this visibility issue. However, the existing bottom bridge is positioned to close the existing position of the lighting unit. Moving the bottom bridge in an upward direction, towards the handlebar is a difficult task. Thus, the implementation of the existing bottom bridge is unable to solve the visibility issue during the turning of the vehicle.
[0004] Further, the existing mounting platforms do not have any provision to restrict the transfer of vibrations from the vehicle to the peripheral component or from the peripheral component to components of the vehicle, during the operation of the vehicle. This lowers the stability of the vehicle and may ruin the rider’s experience.
[0005] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a mounting structure that can eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with existing art.
SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[0007] The present disclosure relates to a mounting structure for peripheral components of a vehicle. The mounting structure may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion may include a first mounting slot. The second portion may include a second mounting slot. The third portion extends downwardly with respect to the first portion and the second portion. The third portion may include a third mounting slot and a pair of holes. The pair of holes may be provided in proximity to the third mounting slot and adapted to attach the mounting structure to a collar tube of the vehicle. The first mounting slot, the second mounting slot, and the third mounting slot may be adapted to mount at least one peripheral component on the mounting structure.
[0008] In the present disclosure, the implementation of the mounting structure enables the mounting of the at least one peripheral component such as the headlamp closer to the handlebar. Thus, the peripheral component may be moved with a movement of the handlebar. If the handlebar bar moves towards the left, the headlamp also moves towards the left, and if the handlebar bar moves towards the right, the headlamp also moves towards the right. This improves the visibility even in the case of low speeds, which further improves the ride experience. Moreover, the weight of the mounting structure and the peripheral component are supported on the handlebar. As the weight on the handlebar may be increased, this minimizes the transfer of vibrations from the vehicle to the peripheral component and provides more straight-line stability.
[0009] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are 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 DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a partial side view of a vehicle comprising a mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting structure coupled with a collar tube of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 4(a) illustrates an isometric view of a central tube of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 4(b) illustrates a planar view of the central tube of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Figure 5(a) illustrates a planar view of a first bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 5(b) illustrates an isometric view of the first bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting structure, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 7(a) illustrates a planar view of a second bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 7(b) illustrates an isometric view of the second bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 8(a) illustrates an isometric view of a U-bracket of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 8(b) illustrates an isometric view of the U-bracket of the vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0023] Figure 8(c) illustrates an isometric view of the U-bracket of the vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 FIGURES

[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0027] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[0028] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfill the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0029] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0030] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[0031] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, 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.
[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a partial side view of a vehicle 100 comprising a mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting structure 104 coupled with a collar tube 103 of the vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1-2, the vehicle 100, such as a saddle-type vehicle, may include, but is not limited to, a handlebar 101, the collar tube 103, a steering lock bracket 105, at least one peripheral component 102, and the mounting structure 104. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be a fuel-based vehicle 100, an Electric vehicle (EV) 100, or a battery-powered vehicle 100. The EV or the battery-powered vehicle 100 includes, but is not limited to, a two-wheeler such as a scooter, moped, or motorbike/motorcycle, that primarily works on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV 100.
[0034] The collar tube 103 may be supported on a frame of the vehicle 100 and connected to the handlebar 101. The steering lock bracket 105 may be connected to an end of the collar tube 103. Further, the collar tube 103 may be adapted to support the mounting structure 104. Herein, the mounting structure 104 may be attached to the collar tube 103 of the vehicle 100 via a U-bracket 124 as per a preferred embodiment. The mounting structure 104 may be adapted to support the at least one peripheral component 102. In an embodiment, the at least one peripheral component 102 may be a headlamp 102 adapted to provide illumination, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the at least one peripheral component 102 may be any other component to be mounted on the vehicle 100.
[0035] Further, the mounting structure 104 may be adapted to support a top cover, a bottom cover, and a rear shroud. The top cover, the bottom cover, and the rear shroud may be adapted to cover the at least one peripheral component 102. The implementation of the mounting structure 104 may enable the mounting of the at least one peripheral component 102, such as the headlamp 102, closer to the handlebar 101, such that the peripheral component 102 may be moved with the movement of the handlebar 101. This improves the visibility and riding experience for the rider. The constructional and functional details of the mounting structure 104 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0036] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the mounting structure 104 may include, but is not limited to, a central tube 106, a first bracket 108, and a plurality of grommets 128 (as shown in Figure 2). Herein, the mounting structure 104 may be referred to as a three-point mounting structure 104 having three mounting points. A first point may be a first mounting slot 116 of the central tube 106, a second point may be a second mounting slot 118 of the central tube 106, and a third point may be a third mounting slot 120 of the first bracket 108.
[0037] In an embodiment, the central tube 106 and the first bracket 108 may be formed as an integral one-piece structure adapted to mount the at least one peripheral component 102 on the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the central tube 106 and the first bracket 108 may be connected with each other to mount the at least one peripheral component 102 on the vehicle 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the central tube 106 and the first bracket 108 may be connected via a plurality of fasteners. In another example, the central tube 106 and the first bracket 108 may be connected via a welding process. Constructional and functional details of the central tube 106 and the first bracket 108 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0038] Figure 4(a) illustrates an isometric view of the central tube 106 of the mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4(b) illustrates a planar view of the central tube 106 of the mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 3, 4(a), and 4(b), the central tube 106 may be adapted to support the at least one peripheral component 102 in a Z-direction rotation. The central tube 106 may include a first end 130, a second end 132, and an intermediate portion 107. The second end 132 may be opposite to the first end 130. The intermediate portion 107 extends between the first end 130 and the second end 132 of the central tube 106. In an embodiment, the central tube 106 may have a non-uniform cross-section.
[0039] Further, the central tube 106 may include a first portion 106-1 and a second portion 106-2. The first portion 106-1 may be formed on the first end 130 and the second portion 106-2 may be formed on the second end 132. The first portion 106-1 may include the first mounting slot 116 adapted to mount the peripheral component 102 on the mounting structure 104. The second portion 106-2 may include the second mounting slot 118 adapted to mount the peripheral component 102 on the mounting structure 104. In an embodiment, the central tube 106 may be formed of a metallic material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the central tube 106 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 5(a) illustrates a planar view of the first bracket 108 of the mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5(b) illustrates an isometric view of the first bracket 108 of the mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 3, 5(a) and 5(b), the first bracket 108 may be attached to the central tube 106. The first bracket 108 may include a first member 108-1 and a second member 108-2. The second member 108-2 extends from the first member 108-1 in an angular orientation and may be connected to the intermediate portion 107 of the central tube 106.
[0041] The second member 108-2 may be adapted to be attached to the vehicle 100 through the U-bracket 124. In an embodiment, the second member 108-2 may include a pair of holes 126 adapted to be aligned with a plurality of mounting holes 125 of the U-bracket 124 to attach the mounting structure 104 with the vehicle 100 via a plurality of fasteners. In an embodiment, the first member 108-1 and the second member 108-2 are formed as an integral one-piece structure, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the first bracket 108 may be embodied as a lower bracket 108, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] The first bracket 108 includes a third portion 112 downwardly extending with respect to the first portion 106-1 and the second portion 106-2. The third portion 112 may be adapted to support the at least one peripheral component 102 in a Y-direction rotation. The third portion 112 may include the third mounting slot 120 and the pair of holes 126. Herein, the first mounting slot 116, the second mounting slot 118, and the third mounting slot 120 may be adapted to mount the at least one peripheral component 102 on the mounting structure 104. The pair of holes 126 may be formed in proximity to the third mounting slot 120. The pair of holes 126 may be adapted to attach the mounting structure 104 to the collar tube 103 of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the first bracket 108 may be formed of a metallic material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the first bracket 108 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0043] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the plurality of grommets 128 may be adapted to be disposed in the first mounting slot 116, the second mounting slot 118, the third mounting slot 120, and a fourth mounting slot 122. The plurality of grommets 128 may be adapted to dampen the transfer vibrations from the vehicle 100 to the peripheral component 102. In an embodiment, the plurality of grommets 128 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the plurality of grommets 128 may be formed of a rubber material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0044] During the operation of the vehicle, the implementation of the plurality of grommets 128 dampens the transfer vibrations from the vehicle 100 to the peripheral component 102 or from the peripheral component 102 to other components of the vehicle 100. This improves the ride experience.
[0045] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting structure 104, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the mounting structure 104 may include, but is not limited to, a second bracket 110, the central tube 106, the first bracket 108, and the plurality of grommets 128. The second bracket 110 may be connected to the central tube 106. Herein, the mounting structure 104 may be referred to as a four-point mounting structure 104 having a first point, a second point, a third point, and a fourth point. The first point may be the first mounting slot 116, the second point may be the second mounting slot 118, the third point may be the third mounting slot 120 and the fourth point may be the fourth mounting slot 122 of the second bracket 110.
[0046] In an embodiment, the central tube 106, the first bracket 108, and the second bracket 110 may be formed as an integral one-piece structure adapted to mount the at least one peripheral component 102 on the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the central tube 106, the first bracket 108, and the second bracket 110 may be connected with each other to mount the at least one peripheral component 102 on the vehicle 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the central tube 106, the first bracket 108, and the second bracket 110 may be connected via the plurality of fasteners. In another example, the central tube 106, the first bracket 108, and the second bracket 110 may be connected via the welding process. Constructional and functional details of the second bracket 110 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.
[0047] Figure 7(a) illustrates a planar view of the second bracket 110 of the mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7(b) illustrates an isometric view of the second bracket 110 of the mounting structure 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 3, 7(a), and 7(b), the second bracket 110 may include a primary member 110-1 and a secondary member 110-2. The primary member 110-1 may include a fourth portion 114 and the fourth mounting slot 122. Further, the secondary member 110-2 extends from the primary member 110-1 in an angular orientation and may be connected to the intermediate portion 107 of the central tube 106.
[0048] The second bracket 110 may include the fourth portion 114 adapted to support the at least one peripheral component 102. The fourth portion 114 upwardly extends with respect to the first portion 106-1 and the second portion 106-2. The fourth portion 114 may include the fourth mounting slot 122 adapted to mount the at least one peripheral component 102 on the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the second bracket 110 may be embodied as an upper bracket 110, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the second bracket 110 may be formed of a metallic material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the second bracket 110 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0049] Figure 8(a) illustrates an isometric view of the U-bracket 124 of the vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8(b) illustrates an isometric view of the U-bracket 124 of the vehicle 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8(c) illustrates an isometric view of the U-bracket 124 of the vehicle 100, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 2, 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c), the U-bracket 124 may be adapted to attach the mounting structure 104 with the vehicle 100. The U-bracket 124 may include the plurality of mounting holes 125 adapted to be aligned with the pair of holes 126 to attach the mounting structure 104 with the vehicle 100 via a plurality of fasteners.
[0050] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(a), the plurality of mounting holes 125 may include two holes formed in a horizontal orientation with respect to each other. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(b), the plurality of mounting holes 125 may include two holes diagonally formed with respect to each other. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(c), the plurality of mounting holes 125 may include three holes formed in parallel with respect to each other to form a triangular shape. In an embodiment, the U-bracket 124 may be formed of a metallic material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the U-bracket 124 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0051] The present disclosure provides the mounting structure 104 adapted to support the at least one peripheral component 102. Herein, the implementation of the mounting structure 104 enables the mounting of the at least one peripheral component 102 such as the headlamp 102 closer to the handlebar 101, such that the peripheral component 102 may be moved with the movement of the handlebar. Thus, if the handlebar bar 101 may be moved towards the left, the headlamp 102 also moves towards the left. If the handlebar bar 101 may be moved towards the right, the headlamp 102 also moves towards the right. This improves the visibility even in the case of low speeds, which further improves the ride experience.
[0052] Further, in the present disclosure, the mounting structure 104 may be attached to the collar tube 103 which is connected to the handlebar 101. The weight of the mounting structure 104 and the peripheral component 102 are supported on the handlebar 101. As the weight on the handlebar 101 is increased, this minimizes the transfer of vibrations from the vehicle 100 to the peripheral component 102 and provides more straight-line stability. Moreover, the plurality of grommets 128 dampens the vibrations from the vehicle 100 to the peripheral component 102 or from the peripheral component 102 to the vehicle 100. Herein, the vibrations may be dampened before reaching the peripheral component 102. This improves the ride experience overall and the stability of the vehicle.
[0053] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed devices and systems may be readily implemented. In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
[0054] List of reference numerals:
Components Reference numerals
Vehicle 100
Handlebar 101
Peripheral component 102
Mounting structure 104
Central tube 106
First portion 106-1
Second portion 106-2
Intermediate portion 107
First bracket 108
First member 108-1
Second member 108-2
Third portion 112
Fourth portion 114
First mounting slot 116
Second mounting slot 118
Third mounting slot 120
Fourth mounting slot 122
U-bracket 124
Plurality of mounting holes 125
Pair of holes 126
Plurality of grommets 128
First end 130
Second end 132 , Claims:1. A mounting structure for peripheral components of a vehicle, the mounting structure (104) comprising:
a first portion (106-1) comprising a first mounting slot (116);
a second portion (106-2) comprising a second mounting slot (118); and
a third portion (112) downwardly extending with respect to the first portion (106-1) and the second portion (106-2), and comprising:
a third mounting slot (120); and
a pair of holes (126) formed in proximity to the third mounting slot (120) and adapted to attach the mounting structure (104) with a collar tube (103) of the vehicle (100),
wherein the first mounting slot (116), the second mounting slot (118), and the third mounting slot (120) are adapted to mount at least one peripheral component (102) on the mounting structure (104).

2. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a central tube (106) having the first portion (106-1) and the second portion (106-2) formed at the opposite ends, respectively, wherein the central tube (106) is adapted to support the at least one peripheral component (102) in a Z-direction rotation; and
a first bracket (108) attached to the central tube (106) and having the third portion (112) adapted to support the at least one peripheral component (102) in an Y-direction rotation.

3. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the central tube (106) has a non-uniform cross-section and comprises an intermediate portion (107) extending between a first end (130) and a second end (132) of the central tube (106).

4. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first bracket (108) comprises:
a first member (108-1) having the third portion (112) with the third mounting slot (120); and
a second member (108-2) extending from the first member (108-1) in an angular orientation and connected to the intermediate portion (107) of the central tube (106), wherein the second member (108-2) is adapted to be attached with the vehicle (100) through a U-bracket (124),
wherein the first member (108-1) and the second member (108-2) are formed as an integral one-piece structure.

5. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second member (108-2) comprises the pair of holes (126) adapted to be aligned with a plurality of mounting holes (125) of the U-bracket (124) to attach the mounting structure (104) with the vehicle (100) via a plurality of fasteners.

6. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fourth portion (114) upwardly extending with respect to the first portion (106-1) and the second portion (106-2), wherein the fourth portion (114) comprises a fourth mounting slot (122) adapted to mount the at least one peripheral component (102) on the vehicle (100).

7. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a second bracket (110) connected to the central tube (106) and comprises the fourth portion (114) adapted to support the at least one peripheral component (102).

8. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second bracket (110) comprises:
a primary member (110-1) comprising the fourth portion (114) and the fourth mounting slot (122); and
a secondary member (110-2) extending from the primary member (110-1) in an angular orientation and connected to the intermediate portion (107) of the central tube (106).

9. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the central tube (106), the first bracket (108), and the second bracket (110) are formed as an integral one-piece structure adapted to mount the at least one peripheral component (102) on the vehicle (100).

10. The mounting structure (104) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of grommets (128) adapted to be disposed in the first mounting slot (116), the second mounting slot (118), the third mounting slot (120), and the fourth mounting slot (122) to dampen the vibrations from the vehicle (100) to the peripheral component (102).