Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A carrier assembly (1000) for a motor vehicle (100), the carrier assembly (1000) comprising:
a carrier frame (400) extending between a first end (410a) and a second end (410b);
a carrier bracket (650) attached to the frame (400) between the first end (410a) and the second end (410b), the carrier bracket (650) having at least one first hole (658) therethrough;
a seat rest bracket (800) disposed between a pair of seat rails (340), the seat rest bracket (800) having at least a pair of spaced apart holes (810a, 810b) therethrough; and
a carrier mounting bracket (700) comprising: a cross member (710) having at least one second hole (712) therethrough aligned with the at least one first hole (658) of the carrier bracket (650); a pair of opposing legs (720a, 720b), each of the legs (720a, 720b) extending from each end (710a, 710b) of the cross member (710); and a pair of side brackets (730a, 730b), each of the side brackets (730a, 730b) connected with each of the legs (720a, 720b) and having a third hole (714a, 714b) therethrough aligned with the pair of spaced apart holes (810a, 810b) of the seat rest bracket (800); whereby the side brackets (730a, 730b) couples with the seat rest bracket (800), and the cross member (710) couples with the carrier bracket (650).

2. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the legs (720a, 720b) of the carrier mounting bracket (700) bends to form the side bracket (730a, 730b).

3. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier frame (400) comprises: a first member (420) having a left arm (420c), a right arm (420b) and a first cross member (420a) connecting the left arm (420c) and right arm (420b); a second member (430) having a first arm (430a) connected to the left arm (420c) of the first member (420) and a second arm (430b) connected to the right arm (420b) of the first member (420), the first arm (430a) and the second arm (430b) extends in a rearward direction of the motor vehicle (100) to join each other; a pair of spaced apart second cross members (440a, 440b) connected between the first arm (430a) and the second arm (430b) of the second member (430); and a pair of spaced apart third cross members (450a, 450b) connected between the pair of second cross members (440a, 440b); wherein the carrier bracket (650) is attached between the pair of third cross members (450a, 450b).

4. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the carrier frame (400) comprises a pair of spaced apart oblique members (460a, 460b), each members (460a, 460b) oblique member connecting the left arm (420c) or the right arm (420b) of the first member (420), and the third cross member (440b) located adjacent to second end (410b) of the carrier frame (400).

5. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the first member (420), the second member (430), the pair of spaced apart second cross members (440a, 440b), the pair of spaced apart third cross members (450a, 450b), and the pair of spaced apart oblique members (460a, 460b) are tubular in structure.

6. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier frame (400) comprises: a first member (520) having a left arm (520c), a right arm (520b) and a first cross member (520a) connecting the left arm (520c) and the right arm (520b); a second member (530) having a first arm (530a) connected to the left arm (520c) of the first member (520) and a second arm (530b) connected to the right arm (520b) of the first member (520), the first arm (530a) and the second arm (530b) extends in a rearward direction of the motor vehicle (100) to join each other; a second cross member (540) connected between the first arm (530a) and the second arm (530b) of the second member (530); a central member (550) having a first end (550a’) connected to the second cross member (540) and a second end (550b’) connected to the second cross member (540) in a spaced apart relation from the first end (550a’), the central member (550) extends in a rearward direction of the motor vehicle (100); a first pair of plates (570a, 570b), each plate (570a, 570b) connecting a portion of the first arm (530a) or the second arm (530b) of the second member (530), the second cross member (540) and the central member (550); and a second pair of plates (580a, 580b), each plate (580a, 580b) connecting a portion of the first arm (530a) or the second arm (530b) of the second member (540) and the central member (550) on a rear side of the motor vehicle (100); wherein the carrier bracket (650) is attached between a pair of arms (550a, 550b), each extending from the first end (550a’) or second end (550b’) of the central member (550).

7. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the carrier frame (400) comprises a pair of spaced apart oblique members (590a, 590b), each oblique member (590a, 590b) connecting the left arm (520c) or the right arm (520b) of the first member (520), and each of the second pair of plates (580a, 580b).

8. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claims 6 and 7, wherein the first member (520), the second member (530), the second cross member (540), the central member (550), and the pair of spaced apart oblique members (590a, 590b) are tubular in structure.

9. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claims 3 and 6, wherein the left arm (420c, 520c) and the right arm (420b, 520b) of the first member (420, 520) are mounted on a left side shock absorber mounting boss (350) and a right side shock absorber mounting boss (350) respectively.

10. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claims 3 and 6, wherein the second member (430, 530) is inclined at an angle (a) of between 1o to 30o from a horizontal plane.

11. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claims 3 and 6, wherein in a mounted configuration, ratio of distance (A) between shock absorber mounting boss (350) and the first cross member (420a, 520a), and distance (B) between the first cross member (420a, 520a) and the second end (410b, 510b) of the carrier frame (400) is 1:4.

12. The carrier assembly (1000) as claimed in claims 3 and 6, wherein in a mounted configuration, ratio of distance (C) between shock absorber mounting boss (350) and central axis (F) of the cross member (710) of the carrier mounting bracket (700), and distance (D) between the central axis (F) of the cross member (710) of the carrier mounting bracket (700) and the second end (410b, 510b) of the carrier frame (400) is 2:1.

13. A motor vehicle (100), the motor vehicle (100) comprising: a frame member (300), the frame member (300) comprising: a head pipe (310); a main tube (320); a down tube (330); a pair of seat rails (340) extending to a tube end (360); a pair of shock absorber mounting bosses (350) on each side of the motor vehicle (100); and a carrier assembly (1000), wherein the carrier assembly (1000) comprises:
a carrier frame (400) extending between a first end (410a) and a second end (410b); a carrier bracket (650) attached to the frame (400) between the first end (410a) and the second end (410b), the carrier bracket (650) having at least one hole (658) therethrough; a seat rest bracket (800) disposed between a pair of seat rails (340), the seat rest bracket (800) having at least a pair of spaced apart holes (810a, 810b) therethrough; and a carrier mounting bracket (700) comprising: a cross member (710) having at least one hole (712) therethrough aligned with the hole (658) of the carrier bracket (650); a pair of opposing legs (720a, 720b), each of the legs (720a, 720b) extending from each end (710a, 710b) of the cross member (710); and a pair of side brackets (730a, 730b), each of the side brackets (730a, 730b) connected with each of the legs (720a, 720b) and having a third hole (714a, 714b) therethrough aligned with hole (810a, 810b) of the seat rest bracket (800); whereby the side brackets (730a, 730b) couples with the seat rest bracket (800), the cross member (710) couples with the carrier bracket (650), and the carrier frame (430, 530) couples with the shock absorber mounting bosses (350).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a carrier assembly for motor vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Carrier assemblies have been employed on two-wheeler motor vehicles since a long time. These carrier assemblies are used for carrying and transporting of goods. The carrier assemblies typically have a main frame made of metallic tubes, wherein the carrier assemblies are generally mounted on rear side of the motor vehicle by fixating means like screws, nuts, bolts etc.
[003] In most two-wheeler vehicles, the carrier assembly is mounted on rear side of pillion seat with a pillion backrest acting as a partition. The carrier assembly thus extends beyond rear wheel of the motor vehicle. However, this kind of arrangement has several disadvantages. Since the carrier assembly is disposed on the rear side of the pillion seat, the size of the carrier has to be kept small. This small size of carrier poses limitation and as such the motor vehicle cannot be used to carry heavier and bulkier loads. Moreover, given the structural limitation in this type of carrier, even if there is no pillion seated on the pillion seat, heavier/ bulkier loads still cannot be loaded.
[004] Further, as mentioned hereinabove, the carrier extends beyond the rear wheel of the motor vehicle. This is yet another disadvantage. Although the carrier extends beyond the rear wheel of the motor vehicle, it has to be mounted on the main frame of the vehicle. Thus, even when slightly heavier/ bulkier loads are mounted on the carrier, the weight is not balanced with respect to center of gravity of the motor vehicle. In this instance, the carrier tends to create a cantilever effect. This becomes particularly dangerous for the rider, since a slightest bump on the road may cause front wheel of the motor vehicle to rise higher than expected and may lead to a mishap. Further still, present configurations of carrier assemblies also have problems related with inertia. In the sense, when the motor vehicle is stationary and a big load is placed on the carrier, as soon as the motor vehicle is set in motion, the load on the rear of the motor vehicle tends to shift backward due to inertia. This back shifting of the load creates a momentary cantilever effect as well. Thus, every time the motor vehicle is set in motion, a slightest sudden movement in doing so may cause the front wheel to be lifted. This also leads to a possibility of a mishap.
[005] Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned problem, when a pillion is seated on the pillion seat and in addition to that there is a heavy/ bulky load placed on the carrier; the undesired additional weight is transferred to the rear wheel of the motor vehicle. This undesired weight often causes structural deformations to rim of the rear wheel.
[006] Thus, there is a need for a carrier assembly, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a carrier assembly for motor vehicles. The carrier assembly comprises a carrier frame extending between a first end and a second end; a carrier bracket attached to the frame between the first end and the second end, the carrier bracket having at least one first hole therethrough; a seat rest bracket disposed between a pair of seat rails, the seat rest bracket having at least a pair of spaced apart holes therethrough; and a carrier mounting bracket comprising: a cross member having at least one second hole therethrough aligned with the at least one first hole of the carrier bracket; a pair of opposing legs, each of the legs extending from each end of the cross member; and a pair of side brackets, each of the side brackets connected with each of the legs and having a third hole therethrough aligned with the pair of spaced apart holes of the seat rest bracket; whereby the side brackets couples with the seat rest bracket, and the cross member couples with the carrier bracket.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the legs of the carrier mounting bracket bends to form the side bracket.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier frame comprises: a first member having a left arm, a right arm and a first cross member connecting the left and right arms; a second member having a first arm connected to the left arm of the first member and a second arm connected to the right arm of the first member, the first arm and the second arm extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle to join each other; a pair of spaced apart second cross members connected between the first arm and the second arm of the second member; and a pair of spaced apart third cross members connected between the pair of second cross members; wherein the carrier bracket is attached between the pair of third cross members.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the carrier frame comprises a pair of spaced apart oblique members, each oblique member connecting the left arm or the right arm of the first member, and the third cross member located adjacent to second end of the carrier frame.
[011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first member, the second member, the pair of spaced apart second cross members, the pair of spaced apart third cross members, and the pair of spaced apart oblique members are tubular in structure.
[012] In another embodiment of the invention, the carrier frame comprises: a first member having a left arm, a right arm and a first cross member connecting the left and right arms; a second member having a first arm connected to the left arm of the first member and a second arm connected to the right arm of the first member, the first arm and the second arm extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle to join each other; a second cross member connected between the first arm and the second arm of the second member; a central member having a first end connected to the cross member and a second end connected to the cross member in a spaced apart relation from the first end, the central member extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle; a first pair of plates, each plate connecting a portion of the first arm or the second arm of the second member, the second cross member and the central member; and a second pair of plates, each plate connecting a portion of the first arm or the second arm of the second member and the central member on a rear side of the vehicle; wherein the carrier bracket is attached between a pair of arms, each extending from the first end or second end of the central member.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, the carrier frame comprises a pair of spaced apart oblique members, each oblique member connecting the left arm or the right arm of the first member, and each of the second pair of plates.
[014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first member, the second member, the second cross member, the central member and the pair of spaced apart oblique members are tubular in structure.
[015] In another embodiment of the invention, the left arm and the right arm of the first member are mounted on a left side shock absorber mounting boss and a right side shock absorber mounting boss.
[016] In another embodiment of the invention, the second member is inclined at an angle (a) of between 1o to 30o from a horizontal plane.
[017] In another embodiment of the invention, in a mounted configuration, ratio of distance between shock absorber mounting boss and the first cross member, and distance between the first cross member and the second end of the carrier frame is 1:4.
[018] In another embodiment of the invention, in a mounted configuration, ratio of distance between shock absorber mounting boss and central axis of the cross member of the carrier mounting bracket, and distance between the central axis of the cross member of the carrier mounting bracket and the second end of the carrier frame is 2:1.
[019] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle comprises a frame member, the frame member comprising: a head pipe, a main tube, a down tube, a pair of seat rails extending to a tube end, a pair of shock absorber mounting bosses on each side of the motor vehicle, and a carrier assembly wherein the carrier assembly comprises a carrier frame extending between a first end and a second end; a carrier bracket attached to the frame between the first end and the second end, the carrier bracket having at least one hole therethrough; a seat rest bracket disposed between a pair of seat rails, the seat rest bracket having at least a pair of spaced apart holes therethrough; and a carrier mounting bracket comprising: a cross member having at least one hole therethrough aligned with the hole of the carrier bracket; a pair of opposing legs, each of the legs extending from each end of the cross member; and a pair of side brackets, each of the side brackets connected with each of the legs and having a hole therethrough aligned with hole of the seat rest bracket; whereby the side brackets couples with the seat rest bracket, the cross member couples with the carrier bracket, and the carrier frame couples with the shock absorber mounting bosses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] 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 1 shows a motor vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a frame member of the motor vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3a shows the carrier assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3b shows a cross-section of the carrier assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the carrier frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4b shows a top view of the carrier frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4c shows a side view of the carrier frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5a shows a perspective view of the carrier frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5b shows a top view of the carrier frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5c shows a carrier bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6a shows a carrier mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6b shows a carrier mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 shows a rear perspective view of the frame member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 shows a side view of the carrier assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 shows a stress vs. frequency graph in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] The present invention relates to a carrier assembly for motor vehicles.
[022] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 100 comprises an internal combustion engine 110 that is vertically disposed. In an alternate embodiment, the internal combustion engine 110 is disposed horizontally substantially parallel to the ground. The motor vehicle 100 comprises a pair of front suspensions 160 (only one shown) coupled with a front wheel 120 and a pair of rear suspensions 170 (only one shown) coupled with a rear wheel 130. The front suspension 160 of the motor vehicle 100 is further coupled with a handlebar 180. Further, the motor vehicle 100 has a headlight assembly 190 placed in front of the handlebar 180. The motor vehicle 100 also has a fuel tank 140 having a fuel cap 142, a pair of rear view mirrors 250 (only one shown), a seat 150, a tail cover assembly 200 having a pair of side covers 202 on each side and a tail cover top 204 at the rear end, a rear light 210, a pair of turn indicators 230 in front of the motor vehicle 100 and a pair of turn indicators 240 in rear of the motor vehicle 100. On the rear side, the motor vehicle has a carrier assembly 1000. The motor vehicle 100 is thus made to stay in a riding ready position over a center stand 260.
[023] As shown in Figure 2, the motor vehicle 100 has a frame member 300. The frame member 300 includes a head pipe 310, a main tube 320, a down tube 330, and a pair of seat rails 340. The head pipe 310 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and the front suspensions 160 (as shown in Figure 1), whereby the front suspensions 160 are attached to the steering shaft. The down tube 330 of the frame member 300 is generally located in front of the engine 110 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 310. The main tube 320 is typically located above the engine 110 and extends rearward from head pipe 310. The fuel tank 140 is mounted on horizontal portion of the main tube 320. The seat rails 340 are joined to the main tube 320 and extend rearward towards a tube end 360.
[024] As shown in Figure 3a, a seat rest bracket 800 is mounted on the seat rails 340 and disposed adjacent to the tube end 360. When a seat rest is provided on the vehicle, the seat rest is mounted on the seat rest bracket 800. On the rear side, the frame member 300 further has a shock absorber mounting boss 350 (shown in Figure 2) for mounting the rear shock absorbers 170. As seen in Figure 2, the carrier assembly 1000 is mounted on the rear side of the frame member 300 in place of the seat rest.
[025] Referring to Figure 3a and 3b, the carrier assembly 1000 has a carrier frame 400. The carrier frame 400 has a carrier bracket 650 attached to a portion of the carrier frame 400. The carrier assembly 1000 further has a carrier mounting bracket 700. The carrier mounting bracket 700 is coupled with the carrier bracket 650 by fixating means 480 such as screws, nuts, bolts etc. The carrier mounting bracket 700 is further coupled with the seat rest bracket 800 by fixating means 750 such as screws, nuts, bolts etc. Further, as explained hereinunder, the fixating means 480 also receive the side cover 202 of the tail cover assembly 200 (shown in Figure 1).
[026] As seen in Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, and 5b the carrier bracket 650 is mounted on the carrier frame 400. Referring to Figure 5c, carrier bracket 650 essentially has a base plate 652. As seen in this figure, the base plate 652 has at least one first hole made therethrough. The hole receives fixating means 480 like screws, nuts, bolts etc, in order to couple the carrier bracket 650 and subsequently the carrier frame 400 to corresponding components of the carrier assembly 1000. In the embodiment as shown in this figure, the base plate 652 has four mounting holes 658a, 658b, 658c and 658d. The base plate 652 extends between a first end 652a and a second end 652b. Further, the base plate 652 extends into a first leg 654a from the first end 652a into a first leg end 656a. The base plate 652 also extends into a second leg 654b from the second end 652b into a second leg end 656b. The first leg 654a and the second leg 654b extend substantially perpendicular from the base plate 652. Accordingly, the first leg end 656a and the second leg end 656b are attached to the carrier frame 400 at predetermined locations as described hereinunder.
[027] Referring now to Figures 6a and 6b, the carrier assembly 1000 has a carrier mounting bracket 700. The carrier bracket 700 has a cross member 710. The cross member 710 has at least one second mounting hole made therethrough. As shown in the embodiment in Figures 6a and 6b, the cross member 710 has two mounting holes 712a and 712b made therethrough. The mounting holes 712a and 712b of the carrier mounting bracket 700 align with the mounting holes 658a and 658d of the carrier bracket 650. Accordingly, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the fixating means 480 like screws, nuts, bolts etc. are passed through the aligned holes (658a, 712a & 658d, 712b) in order to couple the carrier bracket 650 with the carrier mounting bracket 700.
[028] The cross member 710 extends between a first end 710a and a second end 710b. The cross member 710 extends into a first leg 720a from the first end 710a into a first leg end 720a’. Further, the cross member 710 also extends into a second leg 720b from the second end 710b in a second leg end 720b’. The first leg 720a and the second leg 720b are at a substantially obtuse angle with respect to the cross member 710.
[029] Further, the carrier mounting bracket 700 also has a pair of side brackets attached/ connected to the first leg 720a and the second leg 720b. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 6a and 6b, the side brackets extend from the first leg 720a and the second leg 720b. Accordingly, the first side bracket 730a extends from the first leg end 720a’ of the first leg 720a and second side bracket 730b extends from the second leg end 720b’ of the second leg 720b. Further, the first side bracket 730a extends at a substantially acute angle with respect to the first leg 720a and the second side bracket 730b extends at the substantially acute angle with respect to the second leg 720b.
[030] Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, the side brackets have a third hole 714a, 714b made therethrough. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 6b, the first side bracket 730a has a hole 714a made therethrough and the second side bracket 730b has a hole 714b made therethrough. As shown in Figure 6a, the third holes 714a and 714b receive fixating means 750 like screws, nuts, bolts etc, in order to couple the carrier mounting bracket 700 to corresponding components of the carrier assembly 1000.
[031] Further, the carrier mounting bracket 700 has a pair of support plates. As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the carrier mounting bracket 700 has a first support plate 740a and a second support plate 740b. The first support plate 740a connects a portion of the cross member 710, entire portion of the first leg 720a and entire portion of the first side bracket 730a. Similarly, the second support plate 740b connects a portion of the cross member 710, entire portion of the second leg 720b and entire portion of the second side bracket 730b. As the name suggests, the support plates provide additional support to the carrier mounting bracket 700 and prevent the carrier mounting bracket 700 to bend under heavy loads.
[032] Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, the carrier assembly 1000 of the present invention further has a seat rest bracket 800. As shown in the figures, the seat rest bracket 800 is disposed between the seat rails 340 towards the tube end 360. Thus, the seat rest bracket 800 is attached to the seat rails 340. The seat rest bracket 800 has a pair of spaced apart holes 810a and 810b made therethrough. The holes 810a and 810b of the seat rest bracket align with the third holes 714a and 714b (Shown in Figure 6b) of the carrier mounting bracket 700. Accordingly, these holes receive the fixating means 750 like screws, nuts, bolts etc. in order to couple the carrier mounting bracket 700 and subsequently the carrier bracket 650 to the seat rest bracket 800. This is a second mounting site for the carrier assembly 1000 of the present invention on the motor vehicle 100.
[033] Referring to Figures 1, 3b and 7, the motor vehicle 100 has a tail cover assembly 200. As shown in Figure 3a, the tail cover assembly 200 has a pair of side covers 202 on each side of the motor vehicle 100 and a top cover 206. The tail cover assembly 200 thus entirely encompasses the seat rails 340, the tube end 360 and the seat rest bracket 800. Further, the top cover 206 of the tail cover assembly 200 extends between a first end 206a and a second end 206b. The pair of side covers 202 of the tail cover assembly 200 is each coupled with the first end 206a and the second end 206b of the top cover 206. In an embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figure 3b, the top cover 206 has a pair of holes 208a and 208b made therethrough. The holes 208a and 208b align with the holes 658a and 658d of the carrier bracket 650; and the holes 712a and 712b of the carrier mounting bracket 700. Thus, in the embodiment as shown in Figure 3b, the carrier bracket 650 is first coupled with the top cover 206 of the tail cover assembly 200, followed by the carrier mounting bracket 700 by the fixating means 480.
[034] Referring to Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, the carrier assembly 1000 has a carrier frame 400. In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier frame 400 extends between a first end 410a and a second end 410b. As shown in the figures, towards the first end 410a, the carrier frame 400 has a first member 420. The first member 420 has a left arm 420c and a right arm 420b. The left arm 420c and the right arm 420b are connected to each other by a first cross member 420a. Further, the left arm 420c has a left hoop 420c’ and the right arm 420b has a right hoop 420b’, wherein each hoop is formed on respective ends of the left arm 420c and the right arm 420b. Referring now to Figure 7, the hoops are coupled with the shock absorber mounting boss 350. This is a first mounting site for the carrier assembly 1000 of the present invention. Thus, the carrier assembly 1000 is mounted on the shock absorber mounting boss 350 by fixating means such as screws, nuts, bolts etc.
[035] Referring to the embodiment depicted in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, the carrier frame 400 has a second member 430. The second member 430 has a first arm 430a and a second arm 430b. The first arm 430a of the second member 430 is connected to the left arm 420c of the first member 420. Further, the second arm 430b of the second member 430 is connected to the right arm 420b of the first member 420. The first arm 430a and the second arm 430b of the second member 430 extend rearwards to join each other, thus forming the second end 410b of the carrier frame 400.
[036] Referring to Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, the carrier frame 400 has a pair of spaced apart second cross members, viz a front cross member 440a and a rear cross member 440b. The front cross member 440a is adjacent to the first cross member 420a of the first member 420. Further, the front cross member 440a is connected between the first arm 430a and the second arm 430b of the second member 430. The rear cross member 440b is adjacent to the second end 410b of the carrier frame 400. The rear cross member 440b is also connected between the first arm 430a and the second arm 430b of the second member 430.
[037] Further, as shown in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c the carrier frame 400 has a pair of third spaced apart cross members, viz. a left cross member 450a and a right cross member 450b. The left cross member 450a is adjacent to the first arm 430a of the second member 430. The left cross member 450a is connected between the front cross member 440a and the rear cross member 440b. On the other hand, the right cross member 450b is adjacent to the second arm 430b of the second member 430. Further, the right cross member 450b is connected between the front cross member 440a and the rear cross member 440b.
[038] In the embodiment described hereinabove, the carrier frame 400 has a pair of spaced apart oblique members, viz. the left oblique member 460a and a right oblique member 460b. The left oblique member 460a is connected to the left arm 420c of the first member 420 on one end. On another end, the left oblique member 460a is connected to the rear cross member 440b on an end adjacent to the first arm 430a of the second member 430. Further the right oblique member 460b is connected to the right arm 420b of the first member 420 on one end. On another end, the right oblique member 460b is connected to the rear cross member 440b on an end adjacent to the second arm 430b of the second member 430. Thus, the spaced apart oblique members 460a and 460b provide additional support to the carrier frame 400 and assist in transferring the load from the carrier frame 400 to the shock absorber 170.
[039] It must be noted that the aforementioned components viz., the first member 420, the second member 430, the pair of spaced apart second cross members 440a and 440b, the pair of spaced apart third cross members 450a and 450b, and the pair of spaced apart oblique members 460a and 460b of the carrier frame 400, of the carrier frame 400 are tubular in structure. In an alternate embodiment, they can be made of a plate type structure with increased cross-section.
[040] Further, as shown in Figures 4a and 4c, the second member 430 of the carrier frame 400 has a plurality of downward projecting studs. In the embodiment shown in the Figure 4a and 4c, there are four downward projecting studs 470a, 470b, 470c and 470d. Accordingly, the downward projecting studs 470a and 470b are located on the first arm 430a of the second member 430 and the projecting studs 470c and 470d are located on the second arm 430b of the second member 430. The projecting studs provide an anchor and support when a freight/ package is tied down on the carrier frame 400 by ropes, bungee cords etc.
[041] As explained hereinabove, the carrier frame 400 has a carrier bracket 650 attached to it. In the embodiment described hereinabove, the first leg end 656a of the carrier bracket 650 is attached to the left cross member 450a of the carrier frame 400, and the second leg end 656b of the carrier bracket 650 is attached to the right cross member 450b of the carrier frame 400. The carrier bracket 650 is attached adjacent to the rear cross member 440b of the carrier frame 400. Accordingly, as explained hereinabove, the carrier bracket 650 is coupled with the carrier mounting bracket 700 by fixating means the 480. Further, the carrier mounting bracket 700 is coupled with the seat rest bracket 800 by the fixating means 750. Thus, the carrier assembly 1000 of the present invention is mounted on the motor vehicle 100.
[042] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the carrier frame 400 extends between a first end 510a and a second end 510b. As shown in the figures, the carrier frame 400 has a first member 520 towards the first end 510a. The first member 520 has a left arm 520c and a right arm 520b. The left arm 520c and the right arm 520b are connected to each other by a first cross member 520a. Further, the left arm 520c has a left hoop 520c’ and the right arm 520b has a right hoop 520b’, wherein each hoop of the left hoop 520c’ and the right hoop 520b’ is formed on respective ends of the left arm 520c and the right arm 520b.
[043] Referring now to Figure 7, the hoops (not shown) are coupled with the shock absorber mounting boss 350 by fixating means such as screws, nuts, bolts etc. and thus the carrier assembly 1000 is mounted on the motor vehicle at a first mounting site.
[044] Referring to the embodiment depicted in Figures 5a and 5b, the carrier frame 400 has a second member 530. The second member 530 has a first arm 530a and a second arm 530b. The first arm 530a of the second member 530 is connected to the left arm 520c of the first member 520. Further, the second arm 530b of the second member 530 is connected to the right arm 520b of the first member 520. The first arm 530a and the second arm 530b of the second member 530 extend rearwards to join each other, thus forming the second end 510b of the carrier frame 400.
[045] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the carrier frame 400 has a second cross member 540. The second cross member 540 extends between a first end 540a and a second end 540b. The first end 540a of the second cross member 540 is connected to the first arm 530a of the second member 530. Further, the second end 540b of the second cross member 540 is connected to the second arm 530b of the second member 530. Additionally, the second cross member 540 is adjacent to the first cross member 520a of the first member 520.
[046] The carrier frame 400 as shown in Figures 5a and 5b further has a central member 550. The central member has a first arm 550a and a second arm 550b. The first arm 550a of the central member 550 has a first end 550a’, which is connected to the second cross member 540 at the first end 550a’. As seen in the figures, the first end 550a’ of the first arm 550a of the central member 550 is adjacent to the first end 540a of the second cross member 540. Further, the second arm 550b of the central member 550 has a second end 550b’, which is also connected to the second cross member 540 at the second end 550b’. As seen in the figures, the second end 550b’ of the second arm 550b of the central member 550 is adjacent to the second end 540b of the second cross member 540. Thus, the first end 550a’ and the second end 550b’ are spaced apart from each other. Further, the first arm 550a and the second arm 550b of the central member 550 extend rearwards and join at the U joint 560. The U joint 560 is adjacent to the second end 510b of the carrier frame 400.
[047] In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5a and 5b, the carrier frame 400 further has a first pair of plates, viz. a first plate 570a and a second plate 570b. The first plate 570a connects a portion of the first arm 530a of the second member 530, a portion of the first end 540a of the second cross member 540 and a portion of the first end 550a’ of the first arm 550a of the central member 550. Further, the second plate 570b connects a portion of the second arm 530b of the second member 530, a portion of the second end 540b of the second cross member 540 and a portion of the second end 550b’ of the second arm 550b of the central member 550.
[048] Referring further to figures 5a and 5b, the carrier frame 400 further has a second pair of plates, viz. a rear first plate 580a and a rear second plate 580b. The rear first plate 580a connects a portion of the first arm 530a of the second member 530 and a portion of the first arm 550a of the central member 550. As shown in the figures, the rear first plate 580a is adjacent to the U joint 560. Further, rear second plate 580b connects a portion of the second arm 530b of the second member 530 and a portion of the second arm 550b of the central member 550. As shown in the figures, the rear first plate 580a is adjacent to the U joint 560.
[049] In the embodiment described hereinabove, the carrier frame 400 has a pair of spaced apart oblique members, viz. the left oblique member 590a and a right oblique member 590b. The left oblique member 590a is connected to the left arm 520c of the first member 520 on one end. On another end, the left oblique member 590a is connected to the rear first plate 580a. Further, the right oblique member 590b is connected to the right arm 520b of the first member 520 on one end. On another end, the right oblique member 590b is connected to the rear second plate 580b. Thus, the spaced apart oblique members 590a and 590b provide additional support to the carrier frame 400 and assist in transferring load towards the shock absorber 170.
[050] It must be noted that the aforementioned components viz., the first member 520, the second member 530, the central member 500 and the pair of spaced apart oblique members 590a and 590b of the carrier frame 400, are tubular in structure.
[051] Further, as shown in Figure 5a and 5b, the second member 530 of the carrier frame 400 has a plurality of downward projecting studs. In the embodiment shown in the Figure 5a, there are four projecting studs 600a, 6000b, 600c and 600d (not shown). Accordingly, the projecting studs 600a and 600b are located on the first arm 530a of the second member 530 and the projecting studs 600c and 600d are located on the second arm 530b of the second member 530. The projecting studs provide an anchor and support when a freight/ package is tied down on the carrier frame 400 by ropes, bungee cords etc.
[052] As explained hereinabove, the carrier frame 400 has a carrier bracket 650 attached to it. In the embodiment described hereinabove, the first leg end 656a of the carrier bracket 650 is attached to the first arm 550a of the central member 550, and the second leg end 656b of the carrier bracket 650 is attached to the second arm 550b of the central member 550. The carrier bracket 650 is attached adjacent to the U joint 560 of the central member 550. Accordingly, as explained hereinabove, the carrier bracket 650 is coupled with the carrier mounting bracket 700 by fixating means the 480. Further, the carrier mounting bracket 700 is coupled with the seat rest bracket 800 by the fixating means 750. Thus, the carrier assembly 1000 of the present invention is mounted on the motor vehicle 100.
[053] Figure 8 depicts the side view of the carrier assembly 1000 of the present invention. It must be noted that although the reference numerals used in Figure 8 are vis-à-vis the embodiment of the carrier frame 400 depicted in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, it must not be construed to be limiting to only the said embodiment. According to the Figure 8, the second member 430 is inclined at an angle (a) ranging substantially between 1o to 30o from a horizontal plane. The inclination of the second member 430 enables effective transfer of the load towards the shock absorber 170 (not shown in this figure).
[054] Referring to Figure 9, the graph shows a modal frequency analysis and is a plot of stress vs. frequency. Solid line seen in the graph depicts the stress vs. frequency plot when the second member 430 of the carrier frame 400 is completely horizontal, whereas the dotted line seen in the graph depicts the stress vs. frequency plot when the second member 430 is inclined at an angle (a) of between 1o to 30o from a horizontal plane. Thus, the ‘x’ axis consists of frequency (Hz) in mode and the ‘y’ axis is the Von mises stress (Mpa) for a particular resonating frequency. It can thus be inferred from the graph that when the second member 430 of the carrier frame 400 is not inclined and is completely horizontal, the stress over the carrier assembly 1000 increases with increasing frequency. However, when the second member 430 of the carrier frame 400 is inclined at the aforementioned angle (a), the stress over the carrier assembly 1000 does not increase with increasing frequency.
[055] Further, referring to the Figure 8, when the carrier assembly 1000 is mounted on the motor vehicle 100, ratio of distance between the shock absorber mounting boss 350 and the first cross member 420a referred to as (A), and distance between the first cross member 420a and the second end 410b of the carrier frame 400, referred to as (B) is 1:4. Thus, the distance of A:B is 1:4. Furthermore, when the carrier assembly 1000 is mounted on the motor vehicle 100, ratio of distance between shock absorber mounting boss 350 and central axis (F) of the cross member 710 of the carrier mounting bracket 700 referred to as (C), and distance between the central axis (F) of the cross member 710 of the carrier mounting bracket 700 and the second end 410b of the carrier frame 400, referred to as (D) is 2:1. Thus, the distance of C:D is 2:1.
[056] Advantageously, the carrier assembly of the present invention helps in efficiently carrying and transporting heavy and bulky goods. With the configuration and embodiments described hereinabove, the load from the bulky goods is efficiently transferred to the rear shock absorber, thus maintaining weight transfer towards center of gravity of the motor vehicle. The carrier mounting bracket helps in transferring of loads, reduce stress induced to the carrier complete assembly and isolate vibrations from the styling elements. Further, as described hereinabove, the carrier assembly of the present invention also provides for receiving other components of the motor vehicle, like the tail cover assembly. This removes the need for an additional tail cover mounting. Additionally, the carrier assembly of the present invention can also be retrofitted on various two wheeled motor vehicles. Moreover, since the carrier assembly is mounted at the shock absorber mounting boss, width of the carrier frame does not increase.
[057] 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.