Claims:We Claim:
1. A convertible load body (1) for a vehicle, comprising:
a floor (2);
a front wall (3);
a pair side walls (4), wherein, the pair of side walls (4), the front wall (3) and the floor (2) being structured and arranged to form the load body (1);
one or more seats (5) mounted on the floor (2);
a rigid plate (6) movably disposed in the load body (1) and being positioned above the one or more seats (5), wherein the rigid plate (6) is movable between a first position (7a) and a second position (7c);
a mechanism (8) coupled to the rigid plate (6), for operating the rigid plate (6) between the first position (7a) and the second position (7c).

2. The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position (7a) corresponds to a resting position of the rigid plate (6) on the one or more seats (5).
3. The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the first position (7a) of the rigid plate (6), the load body (1) is configured to form a material collection structure.
4. The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second position (7c) corresponds to elevated position of the rigid plate (6) from the one or more seats (5).
5. The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the second position (7c) the rigid plate (6) is configured as a roof of the load body (1), and the load body (1) is configured to form a passenger carrying structure.
6. The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism (8) is a winch mechanism (9) comprising:
a winch (9a) supported by the load body (1);
a plurality pulleys (9b) mounted on the side walls (4), and
a wire rope (9c) extending from the winch (9a), is coupled to the rigid plate (6), and being supported by the plurality of pulleys (9b), wherein, the wire rope (9c) is operable through the winch (9a) in either direction to operate the rigid plate (6) between the first position (7a) and the second position (7c).

7. The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 6 wherein the winch (9a) is operable manually through a connecting rod (9d).
8.The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 6, wherein winch is connectable to a motor (9e).
9. The convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism (8) comprises:
one or more lead screws (10a) connectable to a first side (6a) of the rigid plate (6), to move the rigid plate (6) between the fist position (7a) and the second position (7c);
a plurality of pulleys (10b) supported by the load body (1), and
a wire rope (10c) interconnecting a second side (6b) of the rigid plate (6) to the first side (6a) of the rigid plate (6), wherein the wire rope (10c) being passed through the plurality of pulleys (10b) and is adapted to carry the second side (6b) of the rigid plate (6)

10.The convertible load body (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more lead screws (10a) are connectable to a motor (10d).
11. A vehicle comprising a convertible load body (1) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present disclosure relates in general to a field of automobiles. Particularly but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a load body for a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose a convertible load body for the vehicle which may be configured as material carrying structure and a passenger carrying structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Public transport is a mode of transportation of passengers in groups and may be available for use by the public. Public transport may be typically managed on a schedule, operated on established routes, and may be charged for each trip. Examples of public transport may include buses, trolley buses, trams or light rail and passenger trains, rapid transit such as metros or subway or underground, ferries, and the like. Good public transport may be considered as a key factor to make urban area competitive, providing better connectivity drives, higher job density, productivity gains for businesses and enhanced skills and knowledge.

Also, for the transportation of materials from one place to other place there are goods carrying vehicles also known as commercial vehicles. The commercial vehicles may range from light duty vehicles to heavy duty vehicles. Some examples of such commercial vehicles may include truck, semi-truck, van, coach, and the like. The commercial vehicles are generally provided with a load body which can carry the material from one place to other place. The material may be loaded onto to a platform and may be supported within the load body. Most of the time, it happens that, the goods carrying vehicles carrying load to any location, and may return idle due to several reasons. This may lead to uneconomical running of the vehicles.

As the population of the world is increasing rapidly efforts have been made to develop small vehicles such as vans or rickshaws to facilitates public transport in remote areas and rural areas at a reasonable price. However, such vehicles are exploited to carry material like a luggage carrier. This may cause damages to the vehicle when the luggage or material is supported in the passages seating areas.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more problems stated above, or any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a convertible load body for a vehicle is disclosed. The convertible load body comprises a floor, a front wall, a pair side walls, wherein, the pair of side walls, the front wall and the floor being structured and arranged to form the load body. One or more seats are mounted on the floor and a rigid plate is movably disposed in the load body and being positioned above the one or more seats. The rigid plate is movable between a first position and a second position. Further, a mechanism is provided in the vehicle, the mechanism is coupled to the rigid plate, for operating the rigid plate between the first position and the second position.
In an embodiment, the first position corresponds to a resting position of the rigid plate on the one or more seats. At the first position of the rigid plate, the load body is configured to form a material collection structure.

In an embodiment, the second position corresponds to elevated position of the rigid plate from the one or more seats. At the second position the rigid plate is configured as a roof of the load body, and the load body is configured to form a passenger carrying structure.

In an embodiment, the mechanism is a winch mechanism comprising a winch supported by the load body, a plurality pulleys mounted on the side walls, and a wire rope extending from the winch. The wire rope is coupled to the rigid plate, and being supported by the plurality of pulleys, wherein, the wire rope is operable through the winch in either direction to operate the rigid plate between the first position and the second position.
In an embodiment, the winch is operable manually through a connecting rod.
In an embodiment, winch is connectable to a motor.
In an embodiment the mechanism comprises one or more lead screws connectable to a first side of the rigid plate, to move the rigid plate between the first position and the second position, a plurality of pulleys supported by the load body, and a wire rope. The wire rope interconnects a second side of the rigid plate to the first side of the rigid plate, wherein the wire rope being passed through the plurality of pulleys and is adapted to carry the second side of the rigid plate
In an embodiment, one or more lead screws are connectable to a motor.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle employed with a convertible load body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrates side view and rear view of the vehicle of Figure. 1, showing a winch mechanism with the rigid plate at a first position.
Figures 3a and 3b illustrates side view and rear view of the vehicle of Figure1, showing the winch mechanism with the rigid plate at the intermediate position.
Figures 4a and 4b illustrates side view and rear view of the vehicle of Figure 1 showing the winch mechanism with rigid plate in the second position.
Figures 5a and 5b illustrates side view and rear view of the vehicle of Figure 1, showing motorised winch the mechanism, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle of Figure 1, with lead screw-based mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a convertible load body for a vehicle. The convertible load body may be configured as either a material carrying structure or a passenger carrying structure depending on the requirement. The convertible load body comprises a floor, a front wall, a pair side walls. The pair of side walls, the front wall and the floor being structured and arranged to form the load body. The load body may be provided with one or more seats mounted on the floor. In an embodiment, the one or more seats may include a seating portion and a back rest portion. The seating portion may be rigidly supported or may be fixed on the floor using suitable connecting member. The seating portion may be elevated from the floor to provide comfort to the passengers. The load body may be provided with a rigid plate movably disposed in the load body and being positioned above the one or more seats. The rigid plate is movable between a first position and a second position. A mechanism coupled to the rigid plate, for operating the rigid plate between the first position and the second position. In the first position corresponds, the rigid plate may rest on the one or more seats and act as a platform to form a material collection structure. In the second position the rigid plate act as a roof of the load body, and the load body may be configured to form a passenger carrying structure.

The load body according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed in any commercial vehicles including vans, light commercial vehicles, rickshaws, and the like. The load body may be coupled or fixed to the frame of the vehicle and may be converted either as a material carrying structure or a passenger carrying structure depending on the requirement.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In the following description, the words such as upper, lower, front and rear are referred with respect to particular orientation of the assembly as illustrated in drawings of the present disclosure. The words are used to explain the aspects of the present disclosure and for better understanding. However, one should not construe such terms as limitation to the present disclosure, since the terms may interchange based on the orientation of the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures of convertible load body for a vehicle. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure. In the figures, a vehicle shown is a light commercial vehicle and the same is included for the purpose of simplicity. Such illustration should not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle (100) employed with a convertible load body (1). As illustrated in the figure 1 the vehicle (100) may include a front section (101) and a rear section (102). The front section (101) may include a cabin (103) and prime mover below the cabin (103). The prime mover may be coupled to a transmission which operates the wheels (104) supported by a vehicle frame (105). The vehicle frame (105) may extend rearwardly from the front section (101) and may be supported by one or more-wheel assemblies (106) and suspension assemblies (107). The rear section (102) of the vehicle (100) may be employed with a load body (1) to enable transportation of goods or materials from one place to another. The load body (1) may be formed by a plurality of plates or panels including a front wall (3), pair of side walls (4) and a floor (2) which may be fabricated using metal plates or alternate materials and are formed together using mechanical or thermal joining processes.
The floor (2) of the load body (1) may be of predetermined shape and is configured to form a base or bed of the load body (1). The front wall (3) of the load body (1) may be coupled to front side of the floor (2). The pair of side walls (4) are coupled to side portion of the floor (2), such that, the pair of side walls (4), the front wall (3) and the floor (2) are structured and arranged to form the load body (1). The load body (1) may be provided with a tail gate which may be operated between an open and a closed condition.
The load body (1) according to embodiments of the disclosure may be referred a convertible load body. In the foregoing description, the term “load body” or “convertible load body” is simultaneously used in the present disclosure inferring to same term. The convertible load body (1) may include one or more seats (5) which are mounted on the floor (2) [shown in Figure. 2b]. The one or more seats (5) may include a seating portion (5a) and a back-rest portion (5b). The seating portion (5a) may be rigidly supported or may be fixed on the floor (2) using suitable a connecting member. The seating portion (5a) may be elevated from the floor (2) to provide comfort to the passengers. The backrest portion (5b) of the one or more seats (5) may be hinged to the seating portion (5a). The backrest portion (5b) may be configured as a foldable backrest, such that the backrest portion (5b) may be selectively operated between folded condition and an unfolded condition. The load body (1) may include a rigid plate (6) movably disposed in the load body (1) which is positioned above the one or more seats (5). The rigid plate (6) may be defined with a flat upper and lower surface and may be configured to match inner dimensions of the load body (1). The rigid plate (6) may be movable between a first position (7a) and a second position (7c). A mechanism (8) is coupled to the rigid plate (6) for operating the rigid plate (6) between the first position (7a) and the second position (7c).
Now referring to Figures. 2a and 2b, which is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure illustrating a side view of the vehicle showing the rigid plate (6) in the first position. The first position (7a) of the rigid plate (6) corresponds to a resting position of the rigid plate (6) wherein the rigid plate (6) is positioned above the one or more seats (5) and is resting on the backrest portion (5b). In the first position (7a) the load body (1) is configured to form a material collection structure so that the materials or goods may be placed in the load body (1) and transported from one location to another. As shown in the figures 4a and 4b, the second position (7c) of the rigid plate (6) corresponds to elevated position of the rigid plate (6) from the one or more seats (5) wherein the rigid plate (6) moves vertically upward perpendicular to the axis of the vehicle. In the second position, the rigid plate (6) is configured as a roof of the load body (1) to form a passenger carrying structure. In the second position of the rigid plate (6), the back-rest portion (5b) of the one or more seats (5) may be operated to unfolded condition, to accommodate the passengers. In an embodiment, the one or more seats (5) may be formed without a back-rest portion (5b).
Referring to Figures 2b, 3b and 4b which are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure illustrating the mechanism (8) employed for operating the rigid plate (6) between the first position (7a) and the second position (7c). The mechanism may be a winch mechanism (9) comprising a winch (9a) supported by the load body (1) and a plurality of pulleys (9b) mounted on the side walls (4). A wire rope (9c) extending from the winch (9a) is coupled to the rigid plate (6) and is supported by the plurality of pulleys (9b). The wire rope (9c) may be operable through the winch (9a) in either direction to operate the rigid plate (6) between the first position (7a) and the second position (7c). The winch (9a) may be operable manually through a connecting rod (9d). As illustrated in figures 2b, 3b and 4b, the first and second end of the rigid plate (6) may be guided in a guide path defined in the side walls (4).
Initially, the rigid plate (6) may be placed over the seat (5) which is referred as first position (7a) and act as a goods carrying vehicle in which the load body (1) acts as a material carrying structure [shown in Figures. 2a and 2b]. To convert the goods carrying vehicle into passenger carrying vehicle, winch (9a) may be rotated in a predetermined direction for example an anticlockwise direction with the help of connecting rod (9d). The rotary motion of the winch (9a) may converted into vertical motion of the rigid plate (6) by plurality of pulleys (9b) and wire rope (9c). Due to rotation of winch (9a), the wire ropes (9c) moves in a direction away from the floor (2) and towards the top of the load body (1), thereby pulling the rigid plate (6). Figures 3a and 3b illustrates the intermediate position (7b) rigid plate (6) in the load body (1). The rigid plate (6) has reached halfway position and due to continuous rotation of the winch the rigid plate (6) moves upward and reaches to the second position (7c) as illustrated in figures 4a and 4b. The rigid plate (6) reaches the top portion of the load body (1) and act as a roof of the load body (1). Since the rigid plate (6) is elevated, the one or more seats (5) which are initially at folded position may be unfolded for the passengers to sit in the vehicle thereby converting into passenger vehicle. To convert the passenger carrying vehicle into goods carrying vehicle, the winch (9a) may be again rotated in clockwise direction and the rigid plate (6) which is at second position (7c) gradually moves downward and reaches the first position (7a). Thus, according to the need of the, the load body (1) of the vehicle may be converted into goods vehicle and passenger vehicle vice versa.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a powered mechanism may be used to move the rigid plate (6) from first position (7a) to second position (7c) wherein the winch (9a) is connected to a motor (9e). The motor (9e) operates and moves the rigid plate (6) to the second position (7c) as shown in figures 5a and 5b.
Now referring to Figure. 6 which is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure showing a lead screw-based mechanism (8) for operating the rigid plate (6) between the first and the second position. The mechanism (8) comprises one or more lead screws (10a) connectable to a first side (6a) of the rigid plate (6). The one or more lead screws (10a) may be connectable to a power source such as motor (10d), and the motor (10d) may rotate the lead screw (10a) at a desired speed. The mechanism (8) includes a plurality of pulleys (10b) supported by the load body (1) and a wire rope (10c) interconnecting second side (6b) of the rigid plate (6) to the first side (6a) of the rigid plate (6). The wire rope (10c) may be passed through the plurality of pulleys (10b) and is adapted to carry the second side (6b) of the rigid plate (6). As described above, initially the rigid plate (6) is at first position. Due to rotation of the lead screw (10a) first side (6a) of the rigid plate (6) moves upward and with the support of pulleys (10b) and wire rope (10c), the second side (6b) of the rigid plate (6) also moves upward and thereby moving the rigid plate (6) from first position (7a) to second position (7c).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more lead screws (10a) may be provided at both first (6a) and the second end (6b) of the rigid plate (6).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the convertible load body (1) improve usability of the vehicle either as goods or passenger carrying vehicle. This provides economical solution to the passenger carrying segment in remote areas.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the convertible load body (1) is retrofittable.

It is to be understood that, the configuration of the load body illustrated in figures and configuration of mechanism are exemplary configurations. One skilled in the art may use a different mechanism and such variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents. Also, the bipolar plate assembly of the present disclosure may be employed in light commercial vehicles. However, one should not consider such application as limitation to the present disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Vehicle 100
Front Section 101
Rear Section 102
Cabin 103
Wheels 104
Vehicle frame 105
Wheel Assemblies 106
Suspension Assemblies 107
Load Body 1
Floor 2
Front Wall 3
Side walls 4
Seats 5
Seating Portion 5a
Back rest Portion 5b
Rigid plate 6
First side of rigid plate 6a
Second side of rigid plate 6b
First Position of Rigid Plate 7a
Intermediate Position of Rigid Plate 7b
Second Position of Rigid Plate 7c
Mechanism 8
Winch Mechanism 9
Winch 9a
Plurality of Pulleys 9b
Wire Ropes 9c
Connecting Rod 9d
Motor 9e
Lead Screws 10a
Plurality of Pulleys 10b
Wire Rope 10c
Motor 10d

Equivalents:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.