Claims:We claim:
1. A rear structure (106) in a vehicle (100) comprising:
a primary rear frame (201) supporting a seat (105);
an auxiliary rear frame member (215) extending rearwardly from said primary rear frame (201) and being attached to said primary rear frame (201); said auxiliary rear frame member (215) comprising:
one or more upwardly extending grab members (220,225); and
a left-side extending member (280) and a right-side extending member (285) integrally formed with auxiliary rear frame member (215)
wherein said left-side extending member (280) and said right-side extending member (285) are connected forming a rearward opening there between.
2. The rear structure (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear structure (106) is capable of receiving one or more tail lamps (203).
3. The rear structure (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear structure (106) comprises one or more tail panels (230,235,240) detachably attached to said left-side extending member (280) and said right-side extending member (285).
4. The rear structure (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear structure (106) is mounted at a rear most portion of said primary rear frame (201) at one or more junctions (300) disposed on either side of said primary rear frame (201).
5. The rear structure (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left-side extending member (280) and said right-side extending member (285) are capable of holding one or more turn signal lamps (205, 206).
6. The rear structure (106) as claimed in claim 5, wherein one of said one or more turn signal lamps (205, 206) being disposed below one of said one or more grab members (220, 225) and said left-side extending member (280) and right-side extending member (285).
7. The rear structure (106) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said one or more turn signal lamps (205, 206) and said one or more grab members (220, 225) is contained along a single vertical plane and are substantially parallel to each other.
8. The rear structure (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outer edge of one of said one or more tail panels (230, 235) and an outer edge of one of said one or more grab members (220, 225) extends continuously as seen from a top view of the vehicle (100).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle, and more particularly relates to a rear structure in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle typically includes a frame which is either a single piece or a two-piece construction, a rider seat and a pillion rider seat (hereinafter referred to as a pillion seat) which are rigidly or removably fixed on the respective locating areas on the vehicle frame. A pillion rider is provided with a pillion handle commonly known as a grab rail to hold. The shape of the grab rail can vary according to the design requirements. The grab rail is rigidly mounted on the frame behind the pillion seat and its limbs are rigidly fixed on the vehicle frame. Conventionally, a rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle comprises of a plurality of parts such as tail panel, pillion handle, tail lamp mounting bracket and indicator lamp mounting brackets. The plurality of parts is typically independently mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle and the pillion handle is mounted to a cross member while the indicator lamps are mounted to style parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a two-wheeled vehicle being one embodiment of the present subject matter. Although, the expression “two-wheeled vehicle” has been used while explaining the accompanying figures and embodiments, however the following specification it to be construed as applicable to any other type of motor vehicle as well. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s). In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a general assembly view of a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rear structure in an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the rear structure of the two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a front sub-assembly view of the rear structure in the two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates mounting of the rear structure in the two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear view of the rear structure in the two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 7 illustrates a rear left-side view of the rear structure in the two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 8 illustrates a left-side view of the rear structure in the two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of the rear structure in the two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. However, in the ensuing description, a two-wheeled vehicle has been explained as an embodiment. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present subject matter may be applied to other types of vehicles within the spirit and scope of this present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[00014] Typically, in a scooter type two-wheeled vehicle, a frame assembly includes a front zone and a rear zone. The front zone supports a steering assembly along with a front suspension of the vehicle. The front zone includes a main frame that provides stiffness and strength for withstanding the forces acting thereon. The rear zone includes a subframe that supports the vehicle parts including a power train, a rear wheel, and a rear suspension connected thereof. Therefore, the rear zone and the front zone are subject to various forces from the rear wheel through the suspension and from the power unit and from a front wheel in addition to the payloads arising out the occupants & goods. Further, the impacts from the road like bumps and vibration from the power unit are also acting on the frame assembly. Moreover, the vehicle is provided with utility and style parts that are mounted to the frame assembly for providing utility space and aesthetic appeal, which are to be mounted with minimal variations.
[00015] Conventionally, rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle comprises of plurality of parts such as pillion handle, tail panel, and tail lamp mounting bracket and indicator lamp mounting brackets. The plurality of parts is typically independently mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle and the pillion handle is mounted to a cross member. Herein, mounting of each part independently requires independent design configurations, mounting mechanisms, mounting brackets etc. In some vehicles, wherein the plurality of parts is not mounted to the cross member, such parts are mounted to subframe.
[00016] A two-wheeled vehicle usually has one or more pillion handles to provide support to a pillion rider seated on the two-wheeled vehicle. Said pillion handles are named side pillion handle and rear pillion handle based on the location at which they are situated on the two-wheeled vehicle. The side pillion handle is disposed on a side of the two-wheeled vehicle the rear pillion handle is disposed on a rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00017] The rear pillion handle provides ample support to a pillion when said pillion rider straddles the two-wheeled vehicle, facing a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle. The side pillion handle is particularly useful for a pillion rider to grip when the pillion rider is seated sideways with both legs swung over either side of the two-wheeled vehicle and in a transverse direction of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00018] The side pillion handle, in addition to providing support to the pillion rider seated sideways, conventionally includes a hook to hang one or more objects on, such as a piece of luggage or a helmet. The side pillion handle, as known in the art, comprises a mounting bracket, the hook to hang objects on and a holding element adapted to be gripped by the pillion rider.
[00019] Moreover, typically, in order to provide a minimum operating clearance between the tail panels and pillion handle as well as seat base and tail panels, there is a cut-out provided in corresponding locations of the seat base and tail panel. This visible gap between the seat, tail panel and the pillion handle leads to a visible gap leading to poor aesthetics and water entry during water wash. The pillion seat is usually provided with an L shape locator integrally molded to the seat base. This locator is positioned on a frame bracket, having corresponding cut-out, and mounted onto the vehicle. Thus, conventional arrangements require additional frame bracket for mounting of such locators which leads to high number of parts.
[00020] Further, in certain instances, the rider requires putting a luggage/carrier box in the rear portion for storing articles. In doing so, under the loaded conditions, the seat base undergoes structural elastic deflection. This leads to lowered clearance between seat base and pillion handle which is detrimental for the pillion to insert fingers comfortably in such a gap for secure grip while being seated. Thus, there arises a separate requirement of providing mountings to hold the good and luggage so that the problem of lowered clearance between the seat base and the pillion handle is eliminated. Moreover, the pillion handle and /or mountings should be rigid enough to bear the load of the goods and luggage which may also be aesthetically appealing at the same time.
[00021] Certain attempts have been made in the state-of-art to provide a cross member which is mounted on style panel for mounting of pillion handle and the tail lamp, indicators. The cross member is separately mounted on the frame of the vehicle. The said state-of-art provides poor aesthetics since the pillion handle and tail panels have a visible gap between the seat, tail panel and the pillion handle, owing to its construction. Moreover, the cross member fails to act as a load-bearing member and thus cannot support multiple parts mounted on it. Further, the pillion handle with other components are attached separately to the frame which increases the overall size of the vehicle, thereby increasing the complexity in packaging and thus increasing the assembly time of the entire vehicle due to a number of parts attached to the rear portion of the vehicle each requiring separate mounting mechanisms, brackets and the like. Also, the known state-of-the-art fails to provide for any mounting provisions for mounting of accessories. Thus, there is a need for an improved design of a pillion handle mounting structure for a saddle type vehicle which overcomes all above problems and other problems of known art.
[00022] Hence, the present subject matter aims to provides an improved load-bearing structural member that accommodates complete rear portion of the vehicle and also acts as pillion handle while integrating all parts such as tail lamp, tail panel, indicators, mounting provisions in a single part, that addresses the aforementioned and other problems of the prior art.
[00023] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00024] As per one aspect of present invention, a frame assembly includes a main frame and a pair of rear frames members which extends inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main frame member, which is attached to a pair of rear frame members. As per one aspect of present invention, one or more cross members termed as rear bridge structure connect the pair of rear frame members. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the main frame member is mounted to a steering head member of the vehicle and extends downwardly where a floorboard member is connected to the main frame member of the vehicle.
[00025] In an embodiment, the present subject matter discloses a rear structure in a vehicle comprising a primary rear frame that is capable of supporting a seat, an auxiliary rear frame member that extends rearwardly of the primary rear frame and is attached to the primary rear frame. The auxiliary rear frame member further comprises one or more upwardly extending grab members for a pillion rider to hold and a left-side extending member and a right-side extending member. The left-side extending member and the right-side extending member is integrally formed with the one or more grab members. The left-side extending member and said right-side extending member are further connected forming a rearward opening there between. Herein, the rear structure is a part of the primary rear frame and acts as a pillion handle. Moreover, the rear structure is a load-bearing structural member of the vehicle.
[00026] In an embodiment, the rear structure is capable of having one or more tail lamps.
[00027] In another embodiment, the rear frame has a housing in which the one or more tail lamps is affixed.
[00028] In another embodiment, the rear structure comprises one or more tail panels that are detachably attached to the left-side extending member and the right-side extending member.
? I[00029] In an embodiment, the rear structure is mounted at a rear most portion of the primary rear frame at one or more junctions on either side of the primary rear frame.
[00030] In another embodiment, the rear structure has one or more mounting provisions for mounting of one or more turn signal lamps on either side of the rear structure and is thus capable of receiving one or more turn signal lamps to provide signals to the other drivers in case the driver of the vehicle is turning the vehicle left or right.
[00031] In yet another embodiment, the one or more turn signal lamps is disposed below one of said one or more grab members and the left-side extending member.
[00032] In another embodiment, the one or more turn signal lamps and the one or more grab members is contained in a same vertical plane and are substantially parallel to each other.
[00033] In another embodiment, an outer edge of one of said one or more tail panels and an outer edge of one of said one or more grab members extends continuously as seen from a top view of the vehicle.
[00034] In yet another embodiment, the rear structure has one or more mounting provisions used for attaching one or more accessories comprising goods and luggage.
[00035] Further, in an embodiment, the rear structure in the vehicle is mounted at the rear most portion of the primary rear frame by at least one of bolting, snap fitting and welding means.
[00036] In yet another embodiment, the rear structure is a load-bearing structural member which is capable of bearing the load of multiple parts typically present in a rear portion of the conventional vehicles such as pillion handle, tail lamps, turn signal lamps and/or indicators, tail panels, number plate etc.
[00037] Thus, it is an objective of the present subject matter to provide for a rear structure that acts as a single part which is capable of accommodating a plurality of parts that are typically mounted on rear frame of the vehicle such as tail lamps, turn signal lamps and/or indicators, tail panels, number plate etc. by eliminating the requirement of multiple brackets and mounting provisions to mount such parts separately in the vehicle.
[00038] Further, it is an objective of the present subject matter to provide for a cost-effective vehicle with the rear structure that acts a single part offering a plurality of functionalities, thereby reducing the cost of the vehicle since additional parts are not required. Moreover, since no extra mounting provisions or brackets are required to achieve the objectives of the present subject matter, thus it results into providing a lighter weight vehicle as lesser number of components are utilized in the overall vehicle assembly.
[00039] Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to provide for a durable rear structure that is capable of bearing the load of plurality of parts mounted on it.
[00040] In another aspect, the present subject matter aims to enable easy assembly, increase serviceability and compact packaging of the plurality of parts such as tail panel, tail lamps, pillion handle etc.
[00041] Another objective of the present subject matter is to minimize the visible gap between the seat, tail panel and the pillion handle to reduce gap and improve aesthetics in order to increase the marketability of the vehicle.
[00042] Yet another objective of the present subject matter is to provide provisions for mounting luggage boxes / any other functional or aesthetic extensions that can also be mounted on the rear structure.
[00043] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00044] The present subject matter may be implemented in any two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present subject matter, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments. Arrows wherever provided on top right corner of the figure represent direction with respect to vehicle. Arrow F represents forward direction, arrow R represents rearward direction, arrow UW represents upward direction and arrow DW represents downward direction.
[00045] Fig. 1 illustrates a general assembly view of a vehicle (100) with a headlamp (101), a fuel tank (102), a front cover (103), a rider seat (104), a pillion seat (105), a front fender (107), a rear wheel (108), a front wheel (109), an engine (110) and a saree guard (111). The rider sits on the rider seat (104) while driving the vehicle (100) while the pillion rider sits on the pillion seat (105). The rider holds the handle bar (not shown in figure) with his hands and his/her foot rests on a rider foot rest (not shown in figure).
[00046] Fig.2 illustrates a perspective view of the rear structure (106) of the vehicle (100) as per the present invention and Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the rear structure (106) of the vehicle (100). Herein, Fig.2 and Fig.3 are explained together for brevity. The rear structure (106) comprises a primary rear frame (201) supporting a seat (105) and an auxiliary rear frame member (215) extending rearwardly from said primary rear frame (201) and being attached to said primary rear frame (201). The rear structure (106) of the vehicle (100) is a structural member which is mounted at a rear most portion of a primary rear frame (201). The rear structure (106) extends in a straight lateral fashion along a widthwise direction of the vehicle (100). The primary rear frame (201) provides stiffness and strength for withstanding the forces acting on the frame assembly.
[00047] Herein, the rear structure (106) includes an auxiliary rear frame member (215) which is constructed in such a way that the auxiliary rear frame member (106) acts as a pillion handle. The auxiliary rear frame member (106) comprises two holding portions protruding outwardly, namely a left-side grab member (220) and a right-side grab member (225) wherein the holding portions extend and project out from top most corner end of the auxiliary rear frame member (215) for a pillion rider to hold the grab members (220,225).
[00048] In another embodiment, the rear structure comprises of a left-side extending member (280) and a right-side extending member (285) (not shown in figure) which are integrally formed with the auxiliary rear frame member (215). The left-side extending member (280) and the right-side extending member (285) (not shown in figure) are further connected to form a rearward opening.
[00049] Further, in another embodiment, the left-side grab member (220) and the right-side grab member (225) form a delta shaped structure when seen from a top view of the vehicle. The delta shaped structure bends in to extend in a curved manner along an outer periphery of the one or more panels (230,235) wherein the one or more panels (230,235) are attached on either side along the length of the vehicle (100) in a forward direction. Such a construction of the rear structure (106) comprising the auxiliary rear frame member (215) wherein the left-side grab member (220) and the right-side grab member (225) form a delta shaped structure to bend in to extend in a curved manner along an outer periphery of the one or more panels (230,235) enables providing ease of grip to the pillion rider while at the same time providing improved aesthetics to the vehicle (100).
[00050] Since, the rear structure (106) including the auxiliary rear frame member (215) itself acts a pillion handle, thus the present subject matter eliminates the need for a separate pillion handle to be mounted to the mainframe of the vehicle unlike conventional vehicles. Moreover, the present subject matter also eliminates the requirement of additional mounting components required for separately mounting pillion handle to the vehicle.
[00051] Additionally, the rear structure (106) also acts as a load-bearing member for other essential components of the vehicle (100) such as a tail lamp (203), one or more turn signal lamps and/or indicators (205,206), and one or more tail panels (230,235) placed on either sides of the rear structure (106) and at least one panel (240) of one or more panels placed below the rear structure (106). The rear structure (106) further comprises of one or more mounting provisions (260) for mounting of one or more turn signal lamps (205,206).
[00052] The rear structure (106) further comprises one or more mounting provisions (260) used for attaching one or more accessories comprising goods, luggage and another aesthetic extensions. The rear structure (106) is further capable of providing mounting provisions for number plates. Such mounting provisions (260) enables the easy mounting of the goods, luggage or any other accessories that the pillion rider may want to mount to the vehicle. Since the rear structure (106) is made of metal, the rear structure (106) is capable of sufficiently withstanding the load of the goods and luggage, while increasing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (100) by providing mounting provisions (260).
[00053] Therefore, the present subject matter efficiently eliminates the independent mounting of several essential components of a vehicle, thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle by removing any extra parts required for mounting of such several components. Moreover, the present subject matter effectively reduces the manufacturing time utilized in manufacturing of several additional mounting provisions or brackets and/or housing, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vehicle as well.
[00054] Moreover, the rear structure (106) is mounted to the primary rear frame (201) and acts as an essential part of the primary rear frame (201). The rear structure (106) may be made up of hard material such as metal which provides high support and strength to the essential parts mounted on it, thereby providing durability and strength to the vehicle as a whole. Further, the rear structure (106) as disclosed in the present subject matter ensures ease of assembly of the vehicle (100) since all parts are mounted to a single part, thereby increasing the serviceability of the vehicle and further resulting into reduced complexity in design providing better visual appeal to the vehicle (100).
[00055] Fig. 4 illustrates a sub-assembly perspective view of the rear structure (106) assembled in the vehicle and Fig. 5 illustrates perspective view of the rear structure (106) as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, Fig 4 and Fig 5 shall be discussed together. The rear structure (106) is mounted at the rear most portion of the primary rear frame (201). The rear structure (106) is bolted to the primary rear frame (201) at one or more junctions (300) as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Herein, the one or more junctions (300) are disposed on either side of said primary rear frame (201). The rear structure (106) can be mounted to the primary rear frame (201) by way of snap fitting, welding or any other provision for mounting. More precisely, the one or more junctions (300) at the inner rear portion (300AA) of the rear structure (106) is configured on the primary rear frame (201) which supports pillion seat (105) of the vehicle (100). Such junctions (300) enables secure mounting of the rear structure (106) onto the primary rear frame (201).
[00056] Thus, the present subject matter provides for a rear structure that acts as a single part which is capable of accommodating a plurality of parts that are typically mounted on rear frame of the vehicle such as pillion handle, tail lamps, turn signal lamps and/or indicators, tail panels, number plate etc. by eliminating the requirement of multiple brackets and mounting provisions to mount such parts separately in the vehicle.
[00057] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear view of the rear structure (106) and Fig. 7 illustrates a rear left-side view of the rear structure (106) in accordance with an embodiment with the present subject matter. The rear structure (106) comprises of the auxiliary rear frame member (215) and the one or more tail lamp (203) affixed inside a housing opening (700A). Such housing opening (700A) enables affixing of the tail lamp (203) without the requirement of any separate mounting bracket. The rear structure (106) further comprises of one or mounting provisions (705) on either side of the rear structure (106) for mounting of one or more turn signal lamps (205, 206).
[00058] Fig. 8 illustrates a left-side view of the rear structure (106) wherein the auxiliary rear frame member (215) is shown with the left-side grab member (220) extending rearwardly upwards towards the rear portion of the vehicle (100)that allows the pillion rider to comfortably hold the left-side grab member (220) due to the shape of the left-side grab member (220). The rear structure (106) contains one or more turn signal lamp mounting provisions (705) as viewed from the left-side of the vehicle (100). Further, the one or more turn signal lamps (205, 206) extends from the left-side extending member (280) and is contained in a same vertical plane and are substantially parallel to each other. Such a construction enables the pillion rider to comfortably hold the one or more grab members (220, 225) as the one or more grab members (220, 225) lies in the same vertical plane with the one or more turn signal lamps (205,206) and helps in eliminating the problem of pillion rider not being able to hold the one or more grab member (220,225) due to heating up of the one or more turn signal lamps (205,206)
[00059] Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of the rear structure (106). Herein, a portion of the rear structure (106) is under the pillion seat (105). When viewed from side, construction of the rear structure (106) involves the left-side grab member (220) with curved sharp edges from both the left and right side being adjoined to the one of the tail panels (230,235) which can accommodate the one or more tail signal lamps (205, 206). The auxiliary rear frame member (215) including the left-side grab member (220) and the right-side grab member (225) together with one or more tail panels (230,235) provides good aesthetic appearance as it removes the visible gap between the seat (105) one or more panels (230,235, 240). Further, the rear frame structure (106) including the auxiliary rear frame member (215) acts as an integrated pillion handle.
[00060] Hence, the present subject matter as disclosed in the present subject matter is designed in such a way where multiple parts get collectively mounted on a single integrated multifunctional structure, thereby helping in reducing the number of parts, mountings, complexity of the assembly and improves aesthetics of the vehicle.
[00061] While certain features of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the claimed subject matter.


List of reference signs:
100 vehicle
101 head lamp
102 fuel tank
103 front cover
104 rider seat
105 pillion seat
106 rear structure
107 front fender
108 rear wheel
109 front wheel
110 engine
111 saree guard
201 primary rear frame
203 tail lamp
205, 206 one or more turn signal lamps
215 auxiliary rear frame member
220 left-side grab member
225 right-side grab member
230, 235, 240 one or more tail panels
250 lower portion of rear structure
260 mounting provisions
280 left-side extending member
285 right-side extending member
300 one or more junctions
300AA inner rear portion of rear structure
700A housing
705 mounting provision for turn signal lamps