Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to a pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Constantly rising fuel costs and concerns regarding global warming has altered customer behaviour and pushed auto manufacturers to pursue greater fuel economy in automobiles. One way of attaining greater fuel economy is by reducing weight of the automobile. This is achieved by incremental decreases in weights of various parts of the automobile. In saddle type vehicles, a pillion handle is generally used as a grab rail for a pillion rider to hold on to securely while the vehicle is in motion. The pillion handle may also be a structural, load-carrying member of a vehicle. The pillion handle may be held by a user while pushing the vehicle or when engaging or disengaging a centre stand of the vehicle. The weight of the pillion handle may be reduced by decreasing the size of and/or the amount of material used in the pillion handle.
[003] However, by merely reducing the size of the pillion handle, the length and thickness of the pillion handle may become such that it becomes uncomfortable for the pillion rider to grasp the pillion handle. Reduction in size and amount of material used may further lead to a reduction in the strength of the pillion handle increasing a risk of breakage. Further, usage of hard materials like metal for the pillion handle causes discomfort to the pillion rider while holding on to it. Softer materials are generally not preferred because they make the pillion handle flimsy and susceptible to bending, deformation or breakage. Further, it is desirable to eliminate vibration in the pillion handle transmitted to it from a frame structure of the vehicle. Vibration in the pillion handle causes discomfort to the pillion rider. In extreme cases vibration may cause resonance in the pillion handle making it painful to grip the pillion handle over a period of time.
[004] Usage of lightweight resin material for construction of the pillion handle is not ideal. This is because pillion handle failure may occur under resin cracking due to thermal expansion and more weight. Also, many resin materials are difficult to recycle and cause environmental issues. Further, problems like visual defects in the form of sink marks and water accumulation in cavities in the pillion handle which makes the pillion handle aesthetically unappealing needs to be addressed.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a pillion handle of a saddle type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to a pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle. The pillion handle includes a first member disposed rearwardly of a seat of the vehicle and a pair of left and right second members extending respectively from left and right distal ends of the first member. The first member extends in a vehicle width direction and has a recess. The pair of left and right second members are mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle in order to affix the pillion handle to the vehicle. The pillion handle further includes a cover member disposed in the recess of the first member and is adapted to cover the recess. A profile of the cover member is continuous with the first member.
[007] In an embodiment, the pillion handle includes an arm extending inwardly from each of the pair of left and right second members in the vehicle width direction. Each of the said arms are adapted to be mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle in order to affix the pillion handle to the vehicle.
[008] In another embodiment, the recess of the first member is disposed to face a vehicle downward direction.
[009] In yet another embodiment, the first member of the pillion handle includes a pair of first mounting provisions. Each of the first mounting provisions are respectively disposed towards left and right ends of the recess of the first member. Each of the first mounting provisions are also adapted to mount the cover member in the recess. In an embodiment, the cover member includes a pair of first through holes. Each of the pair of first through holes is aligned with the corresponding first mounting provision of the first member. Each of the pair of first through holes is also adapted to receive a fastener to detachably attach the cover member in the recess.
[010] In a further embodiment, the pillion handle includes a bracket disposed between the first member and the cover member. The bracket is adapted to be mounted to the first member.
[011] In an embodiment, the first member includes a second mounting provision provided in the recess of the first member. The second mounting provision is adapted to mount the bracket in the recess. Further, a locator is provided in the recess on either side of the second mounting provision. The locator is adapted to locate the bracket in the recess.
[012] In another embodiment, the bracket includes a second through hole aligned with the second mounting provision of the first member. The second through hole is adapted to receive a fastener to detachably attach the bracket in the recess. The bracket further includes a guide relief corresponding to each locator. The guide relief is adapted to receive the locator for guiding and locating the bracket in the recess.
[013] In yet another embodiment, the cover member and the bracket are adapted to interlock with each other to secure the cover member in the recess of the first member.
[014] In an embodiment, the bracket includes a first locking lug facing the cover member. In another embodiment, the cover member includes a second locking lug corresponding to each first locking lug of the bracket. The first locking lug and the second locking lug are adapted to engage with each other to detachably interlock the cover member with the bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an exemplary pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates another bottom perspective view of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cover member of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bracket of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle in a plane along a vehicle width direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle in a plane along a vehicle front-rear direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the saddle type vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[017] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle 10 and particularly relates to a pillion handle 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10. In the following description the term vehicle has been interchangeably used with the term saddle type vehicle in the interest of brevity.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As illustrated, the vehicle 10 is a scooter type two wheeled vehicle. However, it may be contemplated that the saddle type vehicle 10 can be any kind of saddle type vehicle. Thus, the example of the scooter type two wheeled vehicle illustrated in Figure 1 should not be meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
[019] The vehicle 10 includes a frame structure (not shown) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The frame structure provides structural support for the vehicle 10 and is adapted to mount one or more vehicular components. In an embodiment, the frame structure includes a head pipe (not shown) at a front portion of the vehicle 10. The head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension 52 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspension 52 supports a front wheel 36 which is adapted to steer the vehicle 10. A handlebar 62 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for changing direction of the vehicle 10. A headlight (32) and an instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. A rear suspension (not shown) is provided at a rear portion of the frame structure for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 10 over undulations. A rear wheel (not shown) is supported by the rear suspension. Further, the front wheel 36 is covered at its upper portion by a front fender 46. A rear fender (not shown) is disposed above the rear wheel. A taillamp (not shown) is disposed at a rear end of the vehicle 10. A seat 40 which is adapted to accommodate a rider of the vehicle 10 is disposed rearwardly of the handlebar 62 and supported by the frame structure. A pillion handle 100 is provided for facilitating a pillion rider to grip and/or balance on the vehicle 10 during movement. The vehicle 10 also includes a plurality of body panels for styling, including a front panel 70, a handlebar cover 72, right and left rear side panels 74, etc.
[020] The vehicle 10 includes a prime mover (not shown) to provide motive force to the rear wheel of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the prime mover is an Internal Combustion (IC) engine. A fuel tank (not shown) is mounted to the frame structure to store fuel and supply fuel to the IC engine. An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends rearwardly from the IC engine to terminate at the rear portion of the vehicle 10. The exhaust pipe is coupled to the IC engine to safely remove the combustion gasses and other particulates released from the IC engine post each combustion cycle. In another embodiment, the prime mover is an electric machine like an electric motor. The rear wheel is operatively coupled to the prime mover and is adapted to propel the vehicle 10 under motive force provided by the prime mover. The prime mover is mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle 10 at a lower portion of the frame structure. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle in which the prime mover includes both the IC engine and the electric motor, where the electric motor may work in isolation or in conjunction with the IC engine to provide motive force to the rear wheel for propelling the vehicle 10. A suitable transmission is provided to operatively couple the prime mover to the rear wheel for transferring motive force generated in the prime mover onto the rear wheel for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes a storage compartment (not shown) disposed downwardly of the seat 40 for storing one or more articles such as helmet.
[021] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an exemplary pillion handle 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The pillion handle 100 includes a first member 110 which is disposed rearwardly of the seat 44 of the vehicle 10. The first member 110 extends in a vehicle width direction W. Generally, the first member 110 extends to a width of the seat 44 to allow enough space for the pillion rider of the vehicle 10 to firmly and comfortably grip the pillion handle 100 while the vehicle 10 moves. The pillion handle 100 also allows a user to grip it while engaging or disengaging a centre stand 76 (shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 10. The first member 110 has a recess 112. In an embodiment, the first member 110 is made of a metallic material. The recess 112 is incorporated in the first member 110 during casting or by machining. The recess removes material from the first member 110 and makes the pillion handle 100 lighter without compromising on its strength. This is because there is enough material in deformation zones of the first member 110 which prevents buckling and consequent failure of the first member 110. In an embodiment, the recess 112 of the first member 110 is disposed to face a vehicle downward direction DW. That is the recess is provided on an underside of the first member 110 in an assembled condition of the pillion handle 100 on the vehicle 10. This allows for better aesthetics as the recess 112 is hidden from direct sight. This also prevents water from clogging inside the recess 112, since water flows out of this inverted disposition of the recess 112.
[022] The pillion handle 100 further includes a pair of left and right second members 120L, 120R which extend respectively from left and right distal ends of the first member 110. The pair of left and right second members 120L, 120R are mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the pillion handle 100 includes an arm 122L, 122R extending inwardly from each of the pair of left and right second members 120L, 120R in the vehicle width direction W. The arms 122L, 122R are adapted to be mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle 10. The pair of left and right second members 120L, 120R are mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle 10 by mounting the arms 122L, 122R extending respectively from the left and right second members 120L, 120R to the frame structure. This allows the pillion handle 100 to be mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the arms 122L, 122R are disposed below the seat 40 at a rear of the vehicle 10. Thus, the arms 122L, 122R are hidden from direct view for aesthetics.
[023] Figure 3 illustrates another bottom perspective view of the pillion handle 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The pillion handle 100 includes a cover member 130 disposed in the recess 112 of the first member 110. The cover member 130 is adapted to cover the recess 112 and a profile of the cover member 130 is continuous with the first member 110. Thus, the cover member 130 follows the surface profile of the first member 110 to cover the recess 112 completely. In an embodiment, there is no substantial gap between the cover member 130 and boundaries of the recess 112. Therefore, the first member 110 and the cover member 130 feels like a single unit. In another embodiment, the cover member 130 is made of a resin material. This aids in reducing weight of the pillion handle 100 without compromising on its strength since the resin cover member 130 is supported in the strong and durable first member 110. The resin cover member 130 also allows for better temperature regulation of the pillion handle 100, since resin does not get as hot or as cold as a metallic first member 110 enabling better comfort to the pillion rider. In an embodiment, the cover member 130 is disposed downwardly of the first member 110 (shown in Figures 7 and 8) in a vehicle up-down direction UP-DW.
[024] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the pillion handle 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The first member 110 includes a pair of first mounting provisions 114L, 114R. Each of the pair of first mounting provisions 114L, 114R are respectively disposed towards left and right ends of the recess 112 and are adapted to mount the cover member 130 in the recess 112. In an embodiment, the pair of first mounting provisions 114L, 114R constitute threaded holes configured to secure a fastener 184. In another embodiment, there is a depression surrounding the threaded holes such that a head of the fastener 184 can be seated within the depression to avoid interference with a hand of the pillion rider for better comfort.
[025] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cover member 130 of the pillion handle 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The cover member 130 includes a pair of first through holes 134L, 134R. Each of the pair of first through holes 134L, 134R is aligned with the corresponding first mounting provision 114L, 114R of the first member 110. Each of the first through holes 134L, 134R is adapted to receive the fastener 184 to detachably attach the cover member 130 in the recess 112. Each fastener 184 passes through each of the first through holes 134L, 134R and is secured in the corresponding first mounting provision 114L, 114R of the first member 110. Each of the first through holes 134L, 134R is also provided with a depression surrounding the through hole 134L, 134R such that a head of the fastener 184 can be seated within the depression to avoid interference with a hand of the pillion rider for better comfort. In an embodiment, the depression surrounding the first mounting provisions 114L, 114R of the first member 110 are adapted to receive the depression surrounding the corresponding through holes 134L, 134R of the cover member 130, such that the head of the fastener 184 is disposed within both the depressions and forms a substantially continuous profile along surface of the first member 110.
[026] Referring to Figure 4, the pillion handle 100 includes a bracket 140 disposed between the first member 110 and the cover member 130. The bracket 140 is adapted to be mounted to the first member 110. The bracket 140 is also adapted to be mounted to the cover member 130. Thus, the bracket 140 is mounted to the first member 110 on its one side and the cover member 130 is mounted to the bracket 140 at its other side. In an embodiment, the first member 110 includes a second mounting provision 116 provided in the recess 112. In an embodiment, the second mounting provision 116 is provided towards a centre portion of the first member 110 and disposed substantially centrally between the pair of first mounting provisions 114L, 114R. The second mounting provision 116 is adapted to mount the bracket 140 in the recess 112. In an embodiment, the second mounting provision 116 is a threaded hole adapted to receive a fastener 186 to detachably attach the bracket 140 in the recess 112. In another embodiment, the first member 110 includes a locator 118 provided in the recess 112 on either side of the second mounting provision 116. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two locators 118 provided on either side of the second mounting provision 116. The locators 118 are adapted to locate the bracket 140 in the recess 112. This ensures that the bracket 140 is properly assembled with the first member 110 in its designated location. This also increases ease of assembly and makes the assembly faster.
[027] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bracket 140 of the pillion handle 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the bracket 140 includes a second through hole 146 aligned with the second mounting provision 116 of the first member 110. The second through hole 146 is adapted to receive the fastener 186 to detachably attach the bracket 140 in the recess 112. The fastener 186 passes through the second through hole 146 and is secured to the second mounting provision 116 of the first member 110. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 8, the bracket 140 and the fastener 186 are covered by the cover member 130. In a further embodiment, the bracket 140 includes a guide relief 148 corresponding to each locator 118. The guide relief 148 is adapted to receive the locator 118 for guiding and locating the bracket 140 in the recess 112.
[028] Figure 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the pillion handle 100 of the saddle type vehicle 10 in a plane along the vehicle width direction W, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The cover member 130 and the bracket 140 are adapted to interlock with each other to secure the cover member 130 in the recess 112 of the first member 110. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the bracket 140 includes a first locking lug 142 facing the cover member 130. In the illustrated embodiment, two first locking lugs 142 are provided, each on distal ends of the bracket 140 beside the guide reliefs 148. In an embodiment, the cover member 130 includes a second locking lug 132 corresponding to each first locking lug 142 of the bracket 140. The first locking lug 142 and the second locking lug 132 are adapted to engage with each other to detachably interlock the cover member 130 with the bracket 140. In an embodiment, the first locking lug 142 and the second locking lug 132 constitute a snap fit mechanism which can be engaged by pushing the cover member 130 onto the bracket 140 and released by pulling the cover member 130 away from the bracket 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 130 is mounted to the first member 110 at its distal ends and to the bracket 140 at its centre. This allows for a secure fit of the cover member 130 in the recess 112 of the first member 110, thereby enabling the profile of the cover member to match that of the first member 110 as if there was no recess 112 provided. Thus, a continuous surface is obtained which gives a comfortable holding area for the pillion rider while the vehicle 10 is moving or to the user when the centre stand 76 of the vehicle 10 is being engaged or disengaged. This secure mounting of the cover member 130 in the recess 112 also reduces vibration and/resonance in the pillion handle 100. It also creates a tight joint at the interface between the cover member 130, the bracket 140 and the first member 110 minimising dust entry in the interface.
[029] Advantageously, the present claimed invention provides a pillion handle of a saddle type vehicle. The claimed configurations of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed configurations of the pillion handle of the saddle type vehicle enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. The recess provided in the first member of the pillion handle aids in weight reduction of the pillion handle due to a reduction in material contributing to fuel efficiency. Since the recess is not exposed to the environment it involves lesser processing costs to finish by polishing, painting, etc, thereby bringing down overall cost of the pillion handle. The cover part continuous with the first member gives a grippy and comfortable holding area on the pillion handle for the pillion rider or the user. The bracket member allows for easy assembly of the parts of the pillion handle with minimum error and delay. It also secures the cover member in the recess and minimises vibrations or resonation in the pillion handle. The bracket also aids in fixing the cover member in the recess using concealed fasteners thereby providing for a comfortable holding zone on the pillion handle. Further, the constituent parts of the pillion handle are detachably attached and can be disassembled. Thus ease of maintenance is achieved for processes like cleaning, repair of damaged parts or repainting.
[030] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A pillion handle (100) of a saddle type vehicle (10) comprising:
a first member (110) disposed rearwardly of a seat (44) of the vehicle (10) and extending in a vehicle width direction (W), the first member (110) having a recess (112);
a pair of left and right second members (120L, 120R) extending respectively from left and right distal ends of the first member (110), the pair of left and right second members (120L, 120R) being mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle (10);
a cover member (130) disposed in the recess (112) of the first member (110) and configured to cover the recess (112), a profile of the cover member (130) being continuous with the first member (110).

2. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising an arm (122L, 122R) extending inwardly from each of the pair of left and right second members (120L, 120R) in the vehicle width direction (W), the arm (122L, 122R) being configured to be mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle (10).

3. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recess (112) of the first member (110) is disposed to face a vehicle downward direction (DW).

4. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (110) comprises a pair of first mounting provisions (114L, 114R), each respectively disposed towards left and right ends of the recess (112) and configured to mount the cover member (130) in the recess (112).

5. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover member (130) comprises a pair of first through holes (134L, 134R), each being aligned with the corresponding first mounting provision (114L, 114R) of the first member (110) and configured to receive a fastener (184) to detachably attach the cover member (130) in the recess (112).

6. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a bracket (140) disposed between the first member (110) and the cover member (130), the bracket (140) configured to be mounted to the first member (110).

7. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first member (110) comprises: a second mounting provision (116) provided in the recess (112) and configured to mount the bracket (140) in the recess (112); and a locator (118) provided in the recess (112) on either side of the second mounting provision (116) and configured to locate the bracket (140).

8. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bracket (140) comprises: a second through hole (146) aligned with the second mounting provision (116) of the first member (110) and configured to receive a fastener (186) to detachably attach the bracket (140) in the recess (112); and a guide relief (148) corresponding to each locator (118) configured to receive the locator (118) for guiding and locating the bracket (140) in the recess (112).

9. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover member (130) and the bracket (140) are configured to interlock with each other to secure the cover member (130) in the recess (112) of the first member (110).

10. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bracket (140) comprises a first locking lug (142) facing the cover member (130).

11. The pillion handle (100) of the saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover member (130) comprises a second locking lug (132) corresponding to each first locking lug (142) of the bracket (140), the first locking lug (142) and the second locking lug (132) configured to engage with each other to detachably interlock the cover member (130) with the bracket (140).

Dated this 07th day of July 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471