Present disclosure generally relates to vehicles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a frame supporting various components of the vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a cross member for supporting and imparting strength to the frame of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Two-wheeled vehicles include a frame (also referred to as chassis) which supports various components of the vehicle. The frame not only supports and provides stability to the vehicle, but also takes part in distribution of loads along with other elements of the vehicle, such as, but not limiting to the suspension system. A typical frame has a number of interconnected members extending from the fore end till the aft end of the vehicle, as well as along lateral space of the vehicle. One of the purposes of the frame is to support a seat on which the passenger(s) sits for the purpose of riding the vehicle. The frame may include side rails extending from the fore end to the aft end, and a number of transversely extending members which provide rigidity to the side rails and to the frame as a whole. The frame at the fore end of the vehicle may support handlebar component which assists in pivotable displacement of the front wheel, thereby facilitating the vehicle to take a turn. The rear portion or a substantial part of the rear portion of the frame may take part in supporting the seat, apart from being connected to underside sub-systems like a fuel tank, a wheel assembly and so on.
[003] Existing frames of two-wheeled vehicles may include one or more transversely extending members between the side rails. The transversely extending members may improve mechanical and structural characteristics such as stability of the frame, alongside serving as mounting points for several sub-assemblies. The existing transversely extending members may pose problems, such as, restricting access to certain components located below the frame. For example, in a vehicle configuration with fuel tank at the rear or aft end, a transverse member located at the rear portion or substantially the rear portion of the frame may limit ease of access to a fuel pump located inside the fuel tank present under the frame. The fuel pump is usually placed at the lowermost portion of the fuel tank, and the fuel pump may be installed inside and taken out of the tank through an opening provided on an uppermost surface of the tank. Presence of a transversely extending member directly above the opening in the fuel tank may refrain the possibility of taking out the fuel pump vertically through the opening. When there is a malfunction of the fuel pump or if the fuel pump requires routine check and servicing,

restriction of accessibility by one or more transversely extending members may result in undesirable delays in servicing or replacement of the fuel pump. This may also necessitate detachment of the obstructing transversely extending member which may add to cost, labour and time of the fuel pump servicing or replacement process. If an attempt to shift or move the transverse member away from the vicinity of the fuel pump is made, the mechanical and structural characteristics like strength, stiffness may be compromised or even hampered. Further, shifting or moving the transverse member may require shifting or re-orientation of several interlinked components, like the shock absorber, which is extremely problematic and unsafe from design point of view.
[004] One such conventional frame structure is disclosed in Japanese Patent No: JP5371669 [hereafter referred to as 669' patent]. The 669' patent discloses a scooter type vehicle with a frame having a down frame extending downward from the head pipe [steering pipe], and a lower frame comprising right and left members. A cross pipe is formed between the left and right members at a position in front of the fuel tank, and a fuel filter is disposed between said cross pipe and the fuel tank in the longitudinal direction of the scooter. The cross pipe disclosed in 669' patent is disposed farthest away from the fuel pump in the fuel tank which spans between the left and right members. A filter support clip is welded to the cross pipe for supporting the fuel filter.
[005] Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the existing arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[006] One or more shortcomings of conventional vehicle frames are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the vehicle and the cross member 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 as a part of the claimed disclosure.
[007] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a cross member for a frame of a vehicle is disclosed. The cross member includes an elongated body, defined by a first section connectable to a first side rail of a pair of side rails in the frame, and a second section connectable to a second side rail of the pair of side rails in the frame. A connection point of the second section to the second side rail is disposed rearward than a connection point of the first

section to the first side rail. The cross member improves strength of the frame in the vehicle and also improves accessibility of a fuel pump present in a fuel tank.
[008] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cross member includes a transition section connecting the first section with the second section, where the transition section is structured to offset an axis of the second section relative to an axis of the first section. The offset improves accessibility of a fuel pump present in a fuel tank located beneath the frame.
[009] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first side rail and the second side rail of the pair of side rails extend longitudinally between a front end and a rear end of the frame. Further, the cross member, the first side rail and the second side rail are structured to support at least a portion of a seat of the vehicle to ensure that the rider and pillion are safely seated.
[0010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cross member is detachably connected between the first side rail and the second side rail at the rear end or proximal to the rear end of the frame to allow servicing/replacement whenever necessary.
[0011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a portion of the first section of the cross member is structured to support a cushion member of the vehicle. Further, the cross member is structured to provide torsional support to the frame. The cross member serves as mounting/supporting member to support various components associated the vehicle.
[0012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a fuel tank is located beneath the frame and is connectable to the frame. The fuel tank includes a fuel pump disposed at a portion defining a lowermost volume inside the fuel tank.
[0013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cross member comprises a transition section connecting the first section with the second section, where the transition section is structured to offset an axis S-S of the second section relative to an axis F-F of the first section. The offset improves accessibility of a fuel pump present in a fuel tank located beneath the frame while improving structural strength and stability of the frame.
[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a frame, having a frontal frame component extending from a front end of the frame and structured to support a handlebar of the vehicle. The frame also includes a pair of side rails extending longitudinally from the front end to a rear end of the frame, the pair of side

rails including a first side rail and a second side rail. The cross member has an elongated body, defined by a first section connectable to the first side rail of the pair of side rails in the frame, a second section connectable to the second side rail of the pair of side rails in the frame. A connection point of the second section to the second side rail is disposed rearward than a connection point of the first section to the first side rail. The vehicle further includes a fuel tank located beneath the frame and connectable to the frame. The fuel tank includes a fuel pump disposed at a portion defining a lowermost volume inside the fuel tank. The second section disposed rearwardly than the first section defines a free space adjacent to the second section between a transition section and the second rail to facilitate access to the fuel pump disposed inside the fuel tank. The cross member improves strength of the frame in the vehicle and also improves accessibility of a fuel pump present in a fuel tank.
[0015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the vehicle includes a transition section connecting the first section with the second section, the transition section is structured to offset an axis S-S of the second section relative to an axis F-F of the first section, where, the offset of the axis S-S of the second section relative to the axis F-F of the first section of the cross member defines a free space adjacent to the second section between the transition section and the second rail to facilitate access to the fuel pump disposed inside the fuel tank.
[0016] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the vehicle comprises a transverse rail connectable between the first side rail and the second side rail at the rear end of the frame, wherein the transverse rail is structured to support at least a portion of the fuel tank.
[0017] 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 further embodiments of the disclosure.
[0018] 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 ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction

with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanied drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of mid portion and rear portion of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, with few components removed;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the rear portion of the vehicle with the frame and the cross member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a perspective view and a top view respectively of the frame having the cross member, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a rear end of the frame having the cross member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a rear end of the frame with the cross member shown as connected to a fuel tank and a cushion member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] 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 vehicle or the frame or an assembly or a system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all

modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[0028] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the vehicle, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[0029] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an assembly, a method, a system, or a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such an assembly, a method, a system, or a device. In other words, one or more elements in the assembly or the method or the system or the device proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or the method or the system or the device.
[0030] For better understanding of the disclosure, reference would now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures and description here below. Further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[0031] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, frame and associated aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. It is to be noted that terms such as "two-wheeled vehicle" and "vehicle" are interchangeably used throughout the description. The term "two-wheeled vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a cross member for a frame of a vehicle. The cross member includes an elongated body, defining a first section connectable to a first side rail of a pair of side rails in the frame, and a second section connectable to a second side

rail of the pair of side rails in the frame. Further, the cross member includes a transition section connecting the first section with the second section, where the transition section is structured to offset an axis S-S of the second section relative to an axis F-F of the first section. The first side rail and the second side rail of the pair of side rails extend longitudinally between a front end and a rear end of the frame. Further, the cross member, the first side rail and the second side rail are structured to support at least a portion of a seat of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cross member is detachably connected between the first side rail and the second side rail at the rear end or proximal to the rear end of the frame. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first section of the cross member is structured to support a cushion member, such as a shock absorber of the vehicle. The cross member connected between the first and the second side rails is structured to provide torsional support to the frame and enhance torsional endurance (torsional stiffness) of the frame.
[0033] The present disclosure also discloses a vehicle incorporating the cross member discussed above. The vehicle includes a frame, having a frontal frame component extending from a front end of the frame and structured to support a handlebar of the vehicle. The frame also includes a pair of side rails extending longitudinally from the front end to a rear end of the frame. The pair of side rails is categorized into a first side rail and a second side rail. The first and second side rails may extend parallelly or substantially parallelly or at an angle relative to each other between the front end and the rear end of the frame. Further, the frame has a rear connecting member connectable between the first side rail and the second side rail at the rear end of the frame, and a cross member described in the previous paragraph. The second section of the cross member may be disposed rearwardly than the first section. The term "rearwardly" herein above and below indicates that the second section is away from the first section when viewed from front portion towards the rear portion. In other words, the term "rearwardly" denotes that the second section is proximal to rear end of the frame, as well as the rear portion of the vehicle in comparison to the first section. This configuration of the cross member may provide several mounting points to secure elements or members and may improve strength and stability of the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a fuel tank located beneath the frame, with the fuel tank connectable to the frame. The fuel tank includes a fuel pump disposed at a portion defining a lowermost volume inside the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the cross member includes a transition section connecting the first section with the second section, the transition section is structured to offset an axis S-S of the second section relative to an axis F-F of the first section, where, the offset of the axis S-S of the second section relative to the

axis F-F of the first section of the cross member defines a free space adjacent to the second section between the transition section and the second rail to facilitate access to the fuel pump disposed inside the fuel tank. The structure of transition section in the cross member results in spacing [offset] of the axis S-S of the second section from the axis F-F of the first section of the cross member. This results in formation of a free space adjacent to the second section between the transition section and the second rail to facilitate access to the fuel pump disposed inside the fuel tank. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first section of the cross member is structured to support a cushion member, such as a shock absorber, through a first bracket. Further, at least another portion of the first section is detachably connectable to the fuel tank through a second bracket. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame of the vehicle also comprises a transverse rail connectable between the first side rail and the second side rail at the rear end of the frame, wherein the transverse rail is structured to support at least a portion of the fuel tank.
[0034] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[00035] FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating side view of a vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorized scooter vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The vehicle (100) comprises a front-end structure (102), a rear end structure (104) and a footboard (106). The front-end structure (102) forms the front portion of the vehicle (100) [Front end structure and front portion are interchangeably used throughout the specification]. The rear end structure (104) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (100) [Rear end structure and rear portion are interchangeably used throughout the specification]. The footboard (106) lies between the front portion (102) and the rear portion (104). The footboard (106) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (100).
[00036] The front-end structure (102) comprises a front ground engaging member (114), and a steering mechanism (116). The front ground engaging member (114) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (116). The steering mechanism (116) comprises a handlebar (118). The handlebar (118) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). Further, the front-end structure (102) comprises a leg shield (120). The leg shield (120) encloses the

steering mechanism (116). The leg shield (120) includes an inner leg shield (122) and an outer leg shield (121). The leg shield (120) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (100).
[00037] The front-end structure (102) includes a dash assembly (125). The dash assembly (125) may include a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information about the vehicle (100) to the rider. The dash assembly (125) may comprise additional components such as, LCD, GPS, and Graphical User Interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the front-end structure (102) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, head lamps, front fenders etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00038] Referring to FIG. 1, the rear end structure (104) includes a seat (108), a rear ground engaging member (112), a taillight (142), a rear grip (140), and a power unit (110). The seat (108) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (112) underlies the seat (108) and is driven by the power unit (110). The power unit (110) comprises an engine (117) and a transmission unit (113). In another embodiment, the power unit (110) may include a motor (117) instead of the engine (117). In the illustrated example, the engine (117) is provided with a swing arm (not shown). The engine (117) provides the necessary driving force required to drive the rear ground engaging member (112). The engine (117) is operatively coupled to the rear ground engaging member (112) via the transmission unit (113). Further, the vehicle (100) includes electronic connections (not shown) and hydraulic connections (not shown). The electronic connections may embody a wire harness. The hydraulic connections may embody fluid hoses. Furthermore, the rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as suspension system(s), taillight(s) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0039] The vehicle (100) further comprises a body frame (111). The body frame (111) is formed by integrally joining number of metallic members and the like, by thermal joining process such as welding or mechanical joining process such as fastening. In the illustrated example, the body frame (111) having a specific construction is disclosed. Alternatively, the body frame (111) may have different body frame constructions generally associated with motorcycles, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear end structure (104) comprises the at least one suspension device (not shown). In the illustrated example, the rear end structure (104) comprises one suspension device which may be operatively coupled between the body frame (111) and the swing arm (not shown). The suspension device embodies

a shock absorber. The rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as rear grip, rear fender, license plate etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a skeletal side view of mid portion and rear portion (104) of the vehicle (100) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a frame (10) having a main frame (la) a frontal frame portion (1) which may be enclosed within the leg shield (120). The main frame (la) in the frontal frame portion (1) may support the handlebar (118) [FIG. 1] through a connecting link head pipe (lb) [best shown in FIG. 4A]. The main frame (la) may be in the form of a hollow rod or a beam. Further, the frame (10) may include left and right horizontal links (lc, Id), both of which may be connected to the main frame (la)[best shown in FIG. 4A]. The left and right horizontal links (lc, Id) may extend from a transverse member (le) and may be connected to rearwardly extending first side rail (2a) and second side rail (2b), respectively [best shown in FIG. 4A]. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame (10) may also be structured to support a fuel tank (30). To provide support, the frame (10) may include a transverse link (not shown) connected to extremities of a rear connecting member (3) and extending longitudinally underneath the aft end (30B) of the fuel tank (30). The transverse link may be secured to underside of the aft end (3 0B) of the fuel tank (30) and may take part in providing stable support to the fuel tank volume at the aft end (30B).
[0041] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which illustrates top view of the vehicle (100) shown in FIG. 1. The first side rail (2a) and the second side rail (2b) of the frame (10) extend from the front portion (102) to the rear portion (104) along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100). The longitudinally extending first and second side rails (2a, 2b) may support a seat (108), although the seat (108) is not shown in FIG. 3. The first and second side rails (2a, 2b) may be connected by rear connecting member (3) at the rear end (10B) where the frame (10) terminates. Proximal to the rear end (10B) or near the rear connecting member (3), the first and second side rails (2a, 2b) may be interconnected by a cross member (4) [clearly shown in FIG. 4A and 4B]. The cross member (4) may be unsymmetrically connected between the first and second side rails (2a and 2b), with the cross member (4) structured to impart structural strength, rigidity, and stability to the first and second side rails (2a, 2b) and the frame (10) altogether. For instance, the torsional characteristics of the frame (10) may be improved when a cross member is connected between the first and second side rails (2a and 2b). In an embodiment, the cross member (4) may be secured to the first side rail (2a) and the second side rail (2b) by techniques including, but not limited to welding, riveting, fastening and the like.

[0042] Underneath the cross member (4) the fuel tank (30) of the vehicle (100) may be provided. The fuel tank (30) may be assembled within the vehicle (100) and relative to the frame (10) to optimize the design and space utilization. The frame (10) may be provided with a number of mounting points to secure several portions of the fuel tank (30) so that the fuel tank (30) may be aptly and sturdily supported within the vehicle (100). For instance, the fuel tank (30) may be secured to one or both of the first and second side rails (2a, 2b) by one or more mounting means (M). Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the cross member (4) may be connected to at least a portion of the fuel tank (30) via connecting means, which may be a bracket (4e) that may be fastened to both the cross member (4) and the fuel tank (30). This way, the cross member (4), apart from providing structural strength and stability to the frame (10), may also support the fuel tank (30) in the vehicle. Further, the cross member (4) may have a cross section including, but not limited to U-shape, C-shape, inverted U-shape, I-shape, square, rectangular, circular or any other shape depending on the design considerations. The fuel tank (30), among other elements, may have an inlet (30A) at the rear portion (104) or proximal to the rear portion (104) of the vehicle (100) for refilling the fuel inside the fuel tank (30). The fuel tank (30) may also have an opening or a provision (32) through which a fuel pump (35) [shown in FIG. 2] may be disposed inside the fuel tank (30). The fuel pump (35) is usually positioned at a lowermost portion of the fuel tank (30) so that the fuel may be pumped even from lowermost volume of the fuel tank (30). The opening (32) or the provision (32) may be big enough to allow removal of the fuel pump (35) from the fuel tank (30) at times of servicing, routine checks, maintenance purposes or replacement. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and clearly in FIG. 6, a portion of the cross member (4) may be connected to a cushion member (40), which will be explained in detail in the forthcoming paragraphs.
[0043] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective view and top view respectively of the frame (100) having the cross member (4) according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Reference is also made to FIG. 5 and 6 which illustrate perspective view of the frame (10) and the cross member (4) with the cross member (4) being offset away from the opening or the provision (32). The cross member (4), as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 3, may have an unsymmetrical profile including a first section (4a), a transition section (4b) and a second section (4c). The first section (4a) may be connected to the first side rail (2a) and the second section (4c) may be connected to the second side rail (2b), as shown. In an embodiment, the connection between the first side rail (2a) and the first section (4a), as well as between the

second side rail (2b) and the second section (4c) may be attained through welding, fastening, riveting or any other suitable joining technique. The first section (4a) may extend along an axis (F-F), while the second section (4c) may extend along an axis (S-S). Although the axes (F-F) and (S-S) are shown parallel to each other, they may be substantially parallel or inclined relative to each other. The unsymmetric geometry of the cross member (4) may be such that the axis (F-F) of the first section (4a) may be offset or displaced away from the axis (S-S) of the second section (4c). The offset distance is indicated by (OD) in FIG. 4A, which is the distance between the axes F-F and S-S. The offset between first and second sections (4a, 4c) may be attained by an intermediate transition section (4b) which connects the first and the second sections (4a, 4c). In an embodiment, the second section (4c) of the cross member (4) may be disposed rearwardly than the first section (4a) to define a free space (V) adjacent to the second section (4c) between a transition section (4b) and the second rail (2b) to facilitate access to the fuel pump (35) disposed inside the fuel tank (30). To facilitate this, a connection point (4S) of the second section (4c) to the second side rail (2b) is disposed rearward than a connection point (4F) of the first section (4a) to the first side rail (2a), as shown in FIGS. 4-6. The second section (4c) disposed rearwardly [towards rear portion (104)] from the first section (4a) can also be clearly seen in FIGS. 4-6. The term "rearwardly" indicates that the second section (4c) is away from the first section (4a) when viewed from the direction of front portion (102) towards the rear portion (104). In other words, the term "rearwardly" denotes that the second section (4c) is proximal to rear end (10B) of the frame (10), as well as the rear portion (104) of the vehicle (100) in comparison to the first section (4a). Further, a portion of end of the first section (4a) may be connected to a cushion member (40) [shown in FIG. 3] through a first bracket (4d) or any other connecting means. In an embodiment, the cushion member (40) may be a shock absorber intended to dampen or dissipate loads and vibrations arising in the vehicle (100), as well as in the cross member (4).
[0044] The cross member (4) may be designed and assembled such that when the cushion member (40) is connected to the first section (4a), the cushion member (40) provides optimum response with respect to damping of undesired loads and vibrations. If the cross member (4) had a linear [straight] profile as opposed to offset profile shown in FIGS. 3-6, and particularly if the axis (F-F) of the first section (4a) coincided with the axis (S-S) of the second section (4c), the cushion member (40) would have been displaced by the distance (OD) from the position shown in FIG. 3 towards the rear portion (104) of the vehicle. This would result in diminution of the performance as well as the response of the cushion member (40) and would also pose

problems with respect to design constraints and space utilization. The cross member (4) of the present disclosure, through the offset configuration, alleviates this shortcoming of existing cross members having linear [straight] profiles and disposed backwards. Further, offset of the first section (4a) away from the second section (4c) allows a portion of the first section (4a) to be mounted or connected to the fuel tank (30) via a second bracket (4e), or any other connecting means. A typical linear profiled cross member where axis F-F coincides with axis S-S would require a comparatively longer bracket, which increases the cost, space consumption as well as weight of the frame (10).
[0045] Further, the offset of the axis (S-S) of the second section (4c) away from the axis (F-F) of the first section (4a) allows displacement of the second section (4c) away from the opening or the provision (32). In other words, the offset of second section (4c) away from the first section (4a) results in formation of a free space (V) [clearance] adjacent to the second section (4c) between the transition section (4b) and the second side rail (2b) so that the second section (4c) completely uncovers the opening or the provision (32). The free space (V) is apparent from FIG. 4B to FIG. 6. When routine check or servicing or replacement of the pump (35) is to be performed, the free space (V) provides room or space for the operator [mechanic] to reach the opening or the provision (32) to remove the fuel pump (35). If the cross member had a linear profile as opposed to the offset profile described in the present disclosure, the second section (4c) would have completely or almost completely concealed the opening or the provision (32), thereby restricting access to the fuel pump (35). The offset configuration of the cross member (4) of the present disclosure addresses this issue and allows the fuel pump (35) to be taken out vertically from the opening or provision (32) without any hassle.
[0046] The cross member (4) of the present disclosure may provide several advantages.
[0047] One advantage is that the cross member (4) may provide several mounting points to secure elements or members, such as a portion of the fuel tank (30), a cushion member (40), and so on. The cross member (4), therefore, may take part in load dissipation and distribution between the interconnected elements or members.
[0048] Another advantage is that the cross member (4) enhances torsional properties [like stiffness, rigidity, etc.] of the frame (10), especially at the rear end (10B) of the frame (10). This is beneficial in increasing the endurance and life of the frame (10), and in turn, the vehicle (100) structure.

[0049] Yet another advantage is that the accessibility to fuel pump (35) via the opening or the provision (32) is significantly improved by the offset configuration of the cross member (4), in comparison to existing linear profiled cross member counterpart. The offset configuration of the present disclosure therefore eliminates the need for removing the body cover or the cross member itself to gain access to the fuel pump (35).
[0050] A still another advantage is that the cross member (4) allows the cushion member (40) to be assembled or secured at an optimal position, thereby enhancing the response and performance of the cushion member (40) with respect to damping effects.
[0051] While few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0052] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, 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 invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.
[0053] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a vehicle or a frame or a cross member of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and 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.
Equivalents:
[0054] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0055] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed

herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

we claim:

1. A cross member (4) for a frame (10) of a vehicle (100), the cross member (100)
comprising:
an elongated body, defined by:
a first section (4a) connectable to a first side rail (2a) of a pair of side rails in the frame (10); and
a second section (4c) connectable to a second side rail (2b) of the pair of side rails in the frame (10);
wherein a connection point (4S) of the second section (4c) to the second side rail (2b) is disposed rearward than a connection point (4F) of the first section (4a) to the first side rail (2a).
2. The cross member (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first side rail (4a) and the second side rail (4c) of the pair of side rails extend longitudinally between a front end (10A) and a rear end (10B) of the frame.
3. The cross member (4) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the cross member (4), the first side rail (2a) and the second side rail (2b) are structured to support at least a portion of a seat (108) of the vehicle (100).
4. The cross member (4) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the cross member (4) is detachably connected between the first side rail (2a) and the second side rail (2b) proximal to the rear end (10B) of the frame (10).
5. The cross member (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first section (4a) of the cross member (4) is structured to support a cushion member (40) of the vehicle (10).
6. The cross member (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member (4) is structured to provide torsional support to the frame (10).
7. The cross member (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fuel tank (30) is located beneath the frame (10) and connectable to the frame (10), and wherein the fuel tank (30) includes a fuel pump (35) disposed at a portion defining a lowermost volume inside the fuel tank (30).

8. The cross member (4) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a transition section (4b) connecting the first section (4a) with the second section (4c), wherein the transition section (4b) is structured to offset an axis S-S of the second section (4c) relative to an axis F-F of the first section (4c).
9. A vehicle (100), comprising:
a frame (10), comprising:
a frontal frame component (1) extending from a front end (10A) of the frame (10) and structured to support a handlebar (108) of the vehicle (10);
a pair of side rails extending longitudinally from the front end (10A) to a rear end (10B) of the frame (10), the pair of side rails including a first side rail (2a) and a second side rail (2b); and a cross member (4), comprising:
an elongated body, defined by:
a first section (4a) connectable to the first side rail (2a) of the pair of side rails in the frame (10); and
a second section (4c) connectable to the second side rail (2b) of the pair of side rails in the frame (10);
wherein a connection point (4S) of the second section (4c) to the second side rail (2b) is disposed rearward than a connection point (4F) of the first section (4a) to the first side rail (2a), and,
a fuel tank (30) located beneath the frame (10) and connectable to the frame (10), wherein the fuel tank (30) includes a fuel pump (35) disposed at a portion defining a lowermost volume inside the fuel tank (30), wherein, the cross member (4) defines a free space (V) adjacent to the second section (4c) to facilitate access to the fuel pump (35) disposed inside the fuel tank (30).
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9 comprises a transition section (4b) connecting the
first section (4a) with the second section (4c), the transition section (4b) is structured to
offset an axis S-S of the second section (4c) relative to an axis F-F of the first section
(4c), wherein, the offset of the axis S-S of the second section (4c) relative to the axis F-

F of the first section (4a) of the cross member (4) defines the free space (V) adjacent to the second section (4c) between the transition section (4b) and the second rail (2b) to facilitate access to the fuel pump (35) disposed inside the fuel tank (30).
11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the first section (4a) of the cross member (4) is structured to support a cushion member (40) through a first bracket (4d), and at least another portion of the first section (4a) is detachably connectable to the fuel tank (30) through a second bracket (4e).
12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9 comprises a transverse rail connectable between the first side rail (2a) and the second side rail (2b) at the rear end (10B) of the frame (10), wherein the transverse rail is structured to support at least a portion of the fuel tank (30).