[0001] The present subject matter relates generally relates to a.frame member for a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to the frame member with improved utility space.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle with a frame assembly extends in longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The frame assembly acts as a structural member and load-bearing member of the vehicle. Also, the frame assembly supports the drive wheel and the driven wheel. In a saddle-ride type vehicle, the power unit either is mounted or is low-slung to the frame assembly. Generally, the wheels are connected to the frame through damping members. Moreover, in a vehicle with a step-through portion, the power unit is swingably mounted to the- -frame assembly through the damping members. The step-through portion is used as utility space for mounting loads and also helps user to ride the vehicle in seated position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS "
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [0005] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates left side perspective view of a frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter.
[0006] Fig 2 (b) illustrates an exploded view of the fame member, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (a)
[0007] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a left side perceptive view of the frame member employed with floorboard, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). [0008] Fig. 2 (d) depicts an exploded view of the floorboard being mounted to the frame member, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in of Fig. 2 (c).

[0009] Fig. 2 (e) depicts a top view of the frame member, in accordance with
the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).
[00010] Fig. 2 (f) depicts a cross-sectional view of the frame member
employed with floorboard taken along axis Y-Y\ in accordance with the
embodiment of Fig. 2 (c).
[00011] Fig. 3 (a) illustrates a left side view of a main tube of a frame
member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a cross-sectional view of the main tube taken along
axis X-X\ in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00013] Typically, vehicles with the frame assembly having a step-through type structure, generally referred to as scooters, the frame assembly has a front frame zone and a rear frame zone. The front frame zone has at least one tubular structure that supports the steering assembly along with the front suspension and requires stiffness and strength to withstand forces acting thereon. Also, the front zone forms the under-bone zone frame assembly by extending rearward till the rear frame zone. The rear frame supports the power train and also supports payloads and rear wheel load. Therefore, the strength and stiffness of the front frame zone and the rear frame zone are very essential.
[00014] The frame assembly defines a floor space and a floorboard is disposed thereof. The floorboard forms an essential utility feature for the vehicle providing convenience of posture during riding and is also used of carrying loads. Thus, there is a need for improving the floor space for improving the driving experience and the utility space of the vehicle.
[00015] However, with increasing power train capacity there is need for accommodating the larger power train along with ancillary systems without affecting the layout of the frame assembly. Also, the wheelbase, vehicle length, and weight are essential parameters that affect the ridabilty and the performance of the vehicle. For example, increasing the frame length will affect the stiffness. Also,

the wheelbase of the vehicle is affected thereby affecting readability especially in terms of maneuverability. This also increases the weight of the vehicle affecting ridabilty and performance.
[00016] Thus, the challenge is to provide a frame assembly with improved
floor space and at the same time without affecting the strength and stiffness of the
frame assembly and also with minimum variations to the frame assembly and the
vehicle overall.
[00017] Hence, the present subject matter is aimed at addressing the
aforementioned and other problems in the prior art. The present subject matter
provides a frame member for a vehicle.
[00018] In one embodiment, the frame member includes a main tube and pair
of rear tubes. The main tube and the pair of rear tubes include first portion and
second portion. The first and the second portion(s) includes at least one relief
portion that is capable of accommodating a floorboard with improved floor space.
[00019] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the relief portions
enable accommodating the floorboard with improved floor space.
[00020] It is another aspect of the present subject matter that the relief portion
in an inward curved portion provided at first portion and/or the second portion of
the frame member.
[00021] It is an advantage of the present subject matter that the effective
length of the frame member is retained and also improved floor space is
provided.
[00022] It is another aspect of the present subject matter that the first portion
and the second portion including the relief portion is locally reinforced using
filling therein or a gusset. This retains the layout of the vehicle.
[00023] It is an additional advantage that the wheelbase of the vehicle is not
affected thereby providing improved floor space and retaining the ridabilty of the
vehicle.

[00024] It is yet another aspect that the relief portion is having sides adjacent to the long axis being kept close to the long axis. This enables in providing stiff and strengthened relief portions.
[00025] It is an additional advantage that the frame member is capable of providing improved floor space without affecting the weight of the vehicle, thereby retaining the performance of the vehicle.
[00026] In one embodiment, the frame member includes a head tube disposed in a front portion. The head tube capable of rotatably supporting a steering assembly, wherein the steering assembly is connected to the handle bar assembly. Further, a main tube including a first portion, and a second, portion. The first portion extending rearwardly downward from the head tube, and said . second portion extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Also, the frame member includes one or more rear tubes extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube. The main tube includes a first portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The one or more rear tubes include a second portion disposed at a front portion of the one or more rear tubes. The at least one accommodating portion of the first portion and the second portion includes a relief portion capable of accommodating a peripheral portion of the floorboard thereat.
' [00027] In one embodiment, the first portion includes a first relief portion extending along at least a portion of the first accommodating portion. The first relief portion is capable of accommodating a first peripheral portion disposed at front portion of said floorboard.
[00028] The second portion includes a second relief portion extending
along at least a portion of the second portion capable of accommodating a second peripheral portion disposed at a rear portion of the floorboard.
[00029] In one embodiment, the relief portion is a bashed portion having an inward curved profile.

[00030] The frame member includes one or more cross-members extending substantially in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The one or more cross-members support a pair of floor frames that support the floorboard of the vehicle.
[00031] In one embodiment, the accommodating portion is provided with a -
reinforcing member disposed annularly about at least perimeter at the accommodating portion.
[00032] In another embodiment, the accommodating portion is provided with a reinforcing member disposed therein to provide structural strength and rigidity locally. For example, the reinforcing member includes a structural metallic and | non-metallic material. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member is foam. This enables in reinforcing the accommodating portion locally.
[00033] In yet another embodiment, the main tube is having a cross-sectional area at the accommodating portion to be greater than a cross-sectional area away from the accommodating portion, which is at the first portion or the second portion. This provides strength and stiffness at the accommodating portion.
[00034] In one embodiment, the relief portion includes an inward curved profile having a length greater than width whereby the relief portion is capable of withstanding forced acting thereat. In other words, the relief portion with curved profile has a long axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[00035] Also, the first portion includes apertures provided on lateral sides of the main tube to accommodate a first cross member thereat.
[00036] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00037] In the following embodiment, arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow RH indicates right side, and an arrow LH indicated left side, as an where applicable.

[00038] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 illustrated, includes a frame member 200. One or more suspensions 110 connect a front wheel 105 to a handlebar assembly 120, which forms the steering assembly of the vehicle 100. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head tube 205 (as shown in Fig. 2 (a)).
[00039] The vehicle 100 includes a power unit 125 comprising at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine 125 and a traction motor.-For example, the ■ traction motor is a brush less direct current (BLDC) motor. The power unit 125 is coupled to the rear wheel 135 through a transmission system 130. Hereinafter, the terms 'power unit' and 'IC engine' are interchangeably used. In one embodiment, the IC engine 125 is swingably connected to the frame member 200. In the present embodiment, the IC engine 125 is mounted to the swing arm 140 and the swing arm 140 is swingably connected to the frame member 200. The traction motor (not shown), in one embodiment, is disposed adjacent to the IC engine 125. In another embodiment, the traction motor is hub mounted to the rear wheel 135. The transmission system 130 includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 150 is disposed above the power unit 125 and is supported by the frame member 200. A pillion handle 145 is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle 100 and adjacent to the seat assembly 150. In the present embodiment, the seat assembly 150 is hingedly openable. The frame member 200 defines a step-through portion ST ahead of the seat assembly 150. A floorboard 155 is disposed at the step-through portion ST, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 100 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard 155. Further, the floorboard 155 is capable of carrying loads.
[00040] The vehicle 100 includes an on-board battery (not shown) that drives the traction motor and other vehicle loads. Further, the frame member 200 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 160A, a leg shield

160B, an under-seat cover 160C, and a left and a right side panel 160D, mounted on the frame member 200 and also covering the parts mounted thereof.
[00041] In addition, a front fender 165 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 105. In the present embodiment, the front fender 165 is integrated with the front panel 160A. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 150 and is supported by the frame member 200. A fuel tank (not shown) is disposed adjacently to the utility box 170. A rear fender 175 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 145 and is positioned below the fuel tank and upwardly of the rear wheel 125. One or more suspension(s) 180 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 100 for connecting the swing arm 140 and the rear wheel 135 to the frame member 200 for damping the forces from the wheel 135 and the power unit 125 from reaching the frame member 200.
[00042] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 185A, a tail light 185B, a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown). Further, the vehicle 100 includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a synchronous braking system (SBS), or a vehicle control system (VCS).
[00043] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of the frame member 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter. Fig. 2 (b)depicts an exploded view of the frame member, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The frame member 200 includes a head tube 205. The head tube 205 is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle 100. The head tube 205 fotatably supports the steering assembly including a steering tube journaled about the head tube 205. The handle bar assembly 120 connected to the steering tube, enables maunvering of the vehicle 100.
[00044] Further, the frame member 200 includes a main tube 210 extending rearward from the head tube 205 of the frame member 200. The main tube 210 includes a first portion 210A, and a second portion 210B. In.the present embodiment, the first portion 210A is extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 205, the second portion 210B is extending in a longitudinal direction

F-R of the vehicle 100, and the second portion 2! OB is substantially horizontally disposed. Further, in the present embodiment, a reinforcing bracket 215 is connecting the head tube 205 and the first portion 210A of the main tube 210 to provide additional strength to the head tube 205 to withstand the forces acting thereon. Further, the main tube 210 includes a first portion210C connecting the first portion 210A and the second portion 210B. The first portion210C is the transition portion from first portion 210A to the second portion 210B. In one embodiment, the main tube 210 is made of a tubular member having a geometrical cross-section including any regular or irregular shape.-
[00045] The frame member 200 includes plurality of cross members that extend substantially in a lateral direction RH-LH of the vehicle 100. A first cross-member 220A of the plurality of cross-members is disposed through the first portion 2IOC. The first portion210C is provided with apertures on the lateral sides of the first portion210C about which the first cross member 210C is disposed. Further, the first cross member 220A is secured to the main tube 210. Similarly, a second cross-member 220B is secured to the rear portion of the main tube 210 and the second cross-member 220B extends substantially in a lateral direction RH-LH of the vehicle 100. In one. embodiment, the second cross-member 220B is having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the first cross-member 220A. Furthermore, the frame assembly includes a pair of rear tubes 225R, 225 L extending inclinedly rearward from the second cross-member 220B. The pair of rear tubes 225R, 225L is spaced apart in vehicle lateral direction RH-LH and the rear tubes 225R, 225L are capable of supporting the utility box, the seat assembly 150, and other vehicular parts. Further, the rear tubes 225R, 225L includes a second portion225RC, 225LC being disposed along at least a portion of the rear tubes 225R, 225L.
[00046] Also, the frame member 200 includes a pair of floor frames 230R,
230L that are extending substantially in the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100 and adjacent to the second portion 210B of the main tube 210. The first cross member 220A, the second cross member 220B, and the pair of rear

tubes 225R, 225L, support the floor frames 230R, 230L. In other embodiment, the floor frames 230R, 230L are supported by at least one of the first cross member 220A, the second cross member 220B, and the pair of rear tubes 225R, 225L. The frame member 200 defines a step-through portion ST and the floorboard 155 is disposed thereof (as shown in Fig. 2 (c)).
[00047] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a left perspective view of the floorboard employed on the frame member, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). Fig. 2 (d) depicts an exploded view of the floorboard being mounted to the frame member, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (c). The floorboard 155 is mounted to the frame member 200 at the step-through portion ST. The floor frames 230R, 230L are provided with plurality of brackets Bl, B2, B3, B4 affixed thereto for securing the floorboard to the frame member 200. The floorboard 155 includes lateral sides aligning with the lateral profile of the vehicle 100. Further, the floorboard 155 includes a first peripheral portion 155F and a second peripheral portion 155R provided on the front and rear portion, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first peripheral portion 155F is having U-shaped cut profile. The first peripheral portion 155F is having an innermost portion in proximity to the center of the vehicle, which is in proximity to the first portion210C, and end(s) are extending in longitudinal direction R and away from the accommodating portion 2IOC. Similarly, the second peripheral portion-155R is having a U-shaped cut profile with an innermost portion in proximity to the lateral center of the vehicle 100 and the ends extending in a longitudinal direction R and away from the center portion.
[00048] In one embodiment, a lower side of the leg shield 160B (shown in Fig. 1) is provided with profile to align with the first curt portion 155F. Similarly, a front side of the under-seat cover 160C is provided with a profile to align with the second cut portion 155R. This covers the frame member 200 providing an aesthetic appeal to the vehicle 100.
[00049] The at least one portion 210C, 225RC, and 235LC, is provided with relief portion(s) 235C, 235R, 235L. In the present embodiment, the first

portion2lOC includes a first relief portion 2IOC provided to accommodate at least a portion of the first peripheral portion 155F of the floorboard 155. Similarly, the rear tubes 225R, 225L including the second portion 225RC, 225LC provided with a second relief portion 235R, 235L. The second relief portion 235R, 235L enables accommodating of the second cut portion of the floorboard 155R, which is rear peripheral portion of the floorboard. The second relief portion 235R, 235L extends along at least a portion of the rear tubes 225R, 225L. Herein, the first cut portion is analogous to front side portion of the floorboard 155 and the second cut portion is analogous to rear side portion'of the floorboard 155.
[00050] The frame member 200 includes a relief portion 235C with the inward curved profile. In a preferred implementation, the relief portion 235C is having an elliptical shape when viewed from top. The relief portion 235C is having a length L greater than width W of the elliptical shaped relief portion 235C. The length L is analogous to major axis of the elliptical portion and the width is analogous to the minor axis of the elliptical portion. The length L provided greater than the width W provides structural strength and rigidity locally at the relief portion 235C. The forces acting on the main tube 210 are acting from, the front portion F and the rear portion R, which is along longitudinal axis F-R. Therefore, the major axis of the elliptical shaped relief portion 235C being parallel to the longitudinal axis F-R enables the relief portion 235C to with stand the forces acting thereon.
[00051] Fig. 2 (e) depicts a top view of the frame member, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (c). The first relief portion 235C and the second relief portion 235R, 235L are provided on the frame member 200, wherein the relief portion 235C, 235R, and 235L are formed as a dent. In other . words, the relief portion 235C, 235R, and 235L are inward curved portion(s). Also, the inward curve of the relief portions 235C, 235R, and 235L is adapted to face the floorboard 155 to accommodate the length of the floorboard 155. In a preferred embodiment, the frame member 200 is made of metal and the relief portion 235C, 235R, and 235L is bashed portion. In other embodiment, the frame

member is made of a rigid yet lightweight material including fiber-reinforced plastic, or lightweight metals likes aluminium and the relief portions are provided as dents thereon.
[00052] In the present embodiment, the relief portions 235C, 235R, and 235L are having an elliptical profile when viewed from the vehicle top. The relief portion 235C, 235R, and 235L has a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis, which is the long axis of the relief portion, is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis F-R of the vehicle 100. For example, the first relief portion . 235C is having the major axis parallel to the axis of the main tube 210 and the minor axis is orthogonal to the major axis and is substantially parallel to the lateral axis RH-LH of the vehicle 100. Further, the distance between lateral sides of the relief portion 235C, 235R, and 235L are kept close to the center of the main tube 210 to retain strength locally. This enables in retaining strength and stiffness of the frame member 200 provided with the relief portion 235C, 235R, and 235L.
[00053] Fig. 2 (f) depicts a cross-sectional view of the of the frame member employed with floorboard taken along axis Y-Y\ in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (c). The floorboard 155 mounted to the frame member 210 is supported by the floor frames 230R, 230L. The front side having the first peripheral portion 155F and the rear side having the second peripheral portion 155R are accommodated by the relief portions 235C, 235RC, and 235LC. The frame member 200 provided with relief portions 235C, 235RC, and 235LC increases the effective length of the step-through portion that enables - accommodating the floorboard 155 with improved space. The effective useful length of the floorboard 155 is improved and at the same time, the length of the frame member 200 is retained. Also, the wheelbase of the vehicle 100 is retained thereby retaining the driving comfort. In one embodiment, a gusset 245 is provided that is affixed to the main tube 210 at the portion 210C for reinforcing the main tube 210. The gusset 245 is affixed to at least a portion of the main tube

210 and to the first cross-member 220A, wherein the gusset 245 provides support to the floorboard 155 through the first cross member 220A.
[00054] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a portion of a frame member 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame member 300 includes a main tube 305." The main tube 310 includes a first portion 310A and a second portion 310B with an accommodating portion 310C connecting the first portion 310A with the second portion 310B. Also, the first portion 310A of the main tube 310 is having a first cross-sectional area X and the second portion 310B of the main tube 310 is having a second cross-sectional area Y. The accommodating portion 310C comprising the relief portion 335C is provided with a cross-sectional area Z greater than the first cross-sectional area X and the second cross-sectional area Y. This provides the required reinforcing to main tube 310, especially at the accommodating portion to withstand the force(s) acting on the main tube 310 due to reaction force from the front wheel 105 and the reaction force from the power unit 125 and the rear wheel 135. The main tube 310 is also provided with apertures 340 to enable mounting of the first bridge member (as shown in Fig. 2 (c)), wherein the apertures 340 are provided on the side faces of the main tube 310.
[00055] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a cross-sectional view of the main tube 310 taken along axis X-X' of the frame member 300 as depicted in Fig. 3 (a). In the present embodiment, the first portion310C is also provided with a structural reinforcing member 345, for example foam, to locally reinforce the first portion310C. However, in another embodiment, the structural reinforcing material 345 other than foam, including metallic and non-metallic structural reinforcing member, is used to reinforce the main tube 310, wherein the structural reinforcing member improves the local strength of the accommodating portion 310C is capable of withstanding the bulking characteristics of the frame member 300 acting at the accommodating portion 3IOC.
[00056] The frame member 300 provides a rigid structural member that is capable of accommodating a floorboard with improved floor space at the same

time retaining the length of the frame member 300 and also thewheelbase of the vehicle 100.
[00057] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

We claim:
1. A frame member (200, 300) for a vehicle (100), said frame member (200,300)
supporting a floorboard (155) of said vehicle(lOO), said frame member (200, 300) .
comprising:
a head tube (205) disposed in a substantially front portion of said vehicle (100), said head tube (205) capable of rotatably supporting a steering assembly;
a main tube (210, 310) including a first portion (210A, 310A), a second portion (210B, 310B), and a connecting portion (210C), said first portion (210A, 310A) extending rearwardly downward from the head tube (205) towards the connecting portion (210C), and said second portion (210B, 310B) extending rearward from the connecting portion (210C) substantially in a longitudinal direction (F-R) of said vehicle (100); and
one or more rear tube(s) (225L, 225R) extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of said main tube (210, 310), said one or more rear tube(s) (225L, 225R) disposed in proximity said to main tube (210, 310),
wherein,
one or more relief portion (235C, 335C, 235R, 235L) disposed on at least one of said connecting portion (210C) and on a front portion (FP) of said one or more rear tubes (225L, 225R), said relief portion (235C, 335C, 235R, 235L) capable of accommodating a peripheral portion (155F, 155R) of said floorboard (155).
2. The frame member (200, 300) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said one or more relief portion(s) (235C, 335C, 235R, 235L) includes a
first relief portion (235C) extending along at least a portion of said connecting
portion (210C) being capable of accommodating a first peripheral portion (155F)
disposed at front portion of said floorboard (155).

3. The frame member (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more relief portion(s) (235C, 335C: 235R, 235L) includes a second relief portion (235RC, 235LC) extending along at least a portion of said front portion (FP) of said one or more rear tubes (225L, 225R) and being capable of accommodating a second peripheral portion (155R) disposed at a rear portion of said floorboard (155).
4. The frame member (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 ,,said relief portion (235C, 235RC, 235LC) is a bashed portion having an inward curved profile.
5. The frame member (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said frame member (200) includes one or more cross-members (220A, 200B) extending in a lateral direction (RH-LH) of said vehicle (100), and said one or more cross-members (220A, 200B) support a pair of floor frames (230R, 230L) capable of supporting said floorboard (155) of said vehicle (100).
6. The frame member (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said
connecting portion (210C) is provided with a reinforcing member (245) disposed
annularly about at least perimeter thereat.
7. The frame member (300) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said connecting portion'(310C) is provided with a reinforcing member (345) disposed therein to provide structural strength and rigidity.
8. The frame member (300) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said main tube (310) is having a cross-sectional area (Z) at said connecting portion (310C) greater than a cross-sectional area (X, Y) away from said connecting portion (310C) whereby the connecting portion (310C) has strength and stiffness.
9. The frame member (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said relief portion (235C) includes an inward curved profile having a length (L) greater than width (W), wherein said length (L) is parallel to longitudinal axis (F-R) of the vehicle, whereby the relief portion (235C) is capable of withstanding forced acting at the connecting portion (210C).

10. The frame member (200, 300) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said connecting portion(310C) includes apertures provided on lateral sides of main tube (310) to accommodate a first cross member (220A).