Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having an adjustable handlebar assembly and a method for adjusting a height of the handlebar assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Saddle type vehicles, more particularly two-wheeler vehicles, are the most preferred vehicles used for commuting purposes. These vehicles have vast utilities and demand across the world. The customer base of the two-wheeler vehicles includes riders of varying anthropological dimensions. It is widely known that vehicles manufactured during batch production are of same size and it is very difficult to design a universal vehicle which satisfies comfort and needs of all the riders.
[003] More particularly, the designs of the conventional vehicles are unable to provide stable and comfortable riding posture to riders which mainly depends upon positioning of handlebar with respect to saddle of the vehicle. Moreover, it has been observed that different riding conditions of the vehicle require changes in riding postures. Owing to the existing design constraints, conventional two wheeler vehicles are unable to change or accommodate the rider posture suitably as the handlebar is fixedly attached to the vehicle and is non-adjustable. Further, it has also been observed that fixed position of the handlebar causes fatigue to the riders which tremendously increases during long durations of riding and makes the riding experience unpleasant.
[004] In view thereof, there is a need to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and provide a saddle-type vehicle having an adjustable handlebar assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle having an adjustable handlebar assembly is disclosed. The saddle type vehicle includes a head tube, a frame structure, an upper triple clamp, and a lower triple clamp. The head tube is attached to the frame structure of the vehicle. The upper triple clamp and the lower triple clamp are adapted to support front forks of the vehicle. Each of the upper triple clamp and the lower triple clamp is rotatably attached to the head tube. The vehicle includes an adjustable handlebar assembly. The handlebar assembly is slidably and supportably mounted on the upper triple clamp. The handlebar assembly includes a handlebar and a height adjusting member. The handlebar extends in a vehicle width direction. The height adjusting member extends from the handlebar towards the lower triple clamp. The height adjusting member having an upper end and a lower end. The vehicle includes a linear actuator mounted on the lower triple clamp. The linear actuator is operably attached to the lower end of the height adjusting member and is configured to move the handlebar in upward and downward directions of the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, the handlebar assembly includes a right-side sliding tube and a left-side sliding tube when viewed from front of the vehicle. The right-side sliding tube and the left-side sliding tube being disposed on each side of the height adjusting member. Each of the right-side sliding tube and the left-side sliding tube extends from the handlebar towards the lower triple clamp.
[007] In an embodiment, the upper triple clamp includes a right-side clamp portion, a central clamp portion, and a left-side clamp portion. The central clamp portion is coaxially mounted on the head tube of the vehicle. The right-side clamp portion is configured to receive a right-side front fork of the vehicle. The right-side clamp portion is disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion. The left-side clamp portion is configured to receive a left-side front fork of the vehicle. The left-side clamp portion is disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion and parallelly to the right-side clamp portion. The upper triple clamp includes a pair of guiding sleeve members formed between the right-side clamp portion and the left-side clamp portion and a recess portion formed between the pair of the guiding sleeve members. The pair of guiding sleeve members is configured to supportably receive the right-side sliding tube and the left-side sliding tube. The recess portion of the upper triple clamp is configured to receive the height adjusting member of the handlebar assembly.
[008] In an embodiment, the lower triple clamp includes a right-side clamp portion, a central clamp portion, and a left-side clamp portion. The central clamp portion is coaxially mounted on the head tube of the vehicle. The right-side clamp portion is configured to receive the right-side front fork of the vehicle. The right-side clamp portion is disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion. The left-side clamp portion is configured to receive the left-side front fork of the vehicle. The left-side clamp portion is disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion and parallelly to the right-side clamp portion.
[009] In an embodiment, each of the right-side clamp portion and the left-side clamp portion of the lower triple clamp is parallel to the right-side clamp portion and the left-side clamp portion of the upper triple clamp respectively.
[010] In an embodiment, the linear actuator includes a DC motor, a worm gear and a threaded rod. The worm gear is operably attached to the DC motor. The threaded rod having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the threaded rod being meshed with the worm gear. The upper end of the threaded rod is attached to the lower end of the height adjusting member. A length of movement of the handlebar is directly proportional to a stroke length of the threaded rod.
[011] In an embodiment, the linear actuator includes a lock mechanism operatively attached to the threaded rod. The lock mechanism is configured to lock the height of the handlebar by arresting the movement of the threaded rod when the linear actuator is not in operation.
[012] In an embodiment, the lower triple clamp includes a mounting bracket for attaching the linear actuator.
[013] In another aspect of the present invention, an adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The handlebar assembly includes a handlebar slidably and supportably mounted on an upper triple clamp of the vehicle. The handlebar assembly includes a height adjusting member disposed inside a recess portion formed on the upper triple clamp of the vehicle.
[014] In an embodiment, the height adjusting member includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the height adjusting member is attached to a central portion of the handlebar. The lower end of the height adjusting member is operably attached to a linear actuator mounted on a lower triple clamp of the vehicle. The linear actuator is configured to move the height adjusting member in upward and downward directions of the vehicle to adjust a height of the handlebar.
[015] In an embodiment, the handlebar includes a right-side sliding tube and a left-side sliding tube for supporting the handlebar. The right-side sliding tube and the left-side sliding tube being disposed on each side of the height adjusting member. Each of the right-side sliding tube and the left-side sliding tube extends from the handlebar in the downward direction of the vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, each of the right-side sliding tube and the left-side sliding tube is configured to be received inside one of a pair of guiding sleeve members formed on the upper triple clamp of the vehicle.
[017] In an embodiment, the handlebar includes a switch operably connected with the linear actuator to adjust the height of the handlebar. The switch is operable by a rider of the vehicle to adjust the height of the handlebar during running and non-running conditions of the vehicle.
[018] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting a height of a handlebar assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes mounting an upper triple clamp and a lower triple clamp on a head tube of the vehicle. The upper triple clamp includes a pair of guiding sleeve members and a recess portion formed between the pair of guiding sleeve members. The method further includes mounting the handlebar assembly on the upper triple clamp. The handlebar assembly includes a handlebar having a right-side sliding tube and a left-side sliding tube. The handlebar assembly includes a height adjusting member having an upper end and a lower end. The method includes attaching the upper end of the height adjusting member with the handlebar. The method includes receiving the height adjusting member inside the recess portion of the upper triple clamp and receiving the right-side sliding tube and the left-side sliding tube inside the pair of guiding sleeve members of the upper triple clamp. The method includes mounting a linear actuator on the lower triple clamp and attaching a lower end of the height adjusting member with the linear actuator. The method includes actuating the linear actuator to move the height adjusting member in the upward and downward directions of the vehicle to adjust the height of the handlebar.
[019] In an embodiment, the linear actuator is actuated by a switch disposed on the handlebar. The switch being is configured to generate and send a first input and a second input to the linear actuator. The method includes adjusting the height of the handlebar in the upward direction of vehicle by the linear actuator upon receiving the first input from the switch. The method includes adjusting the height of the handlebar in the downward direction of vehicle by the linear actuator upon receiving the second input from the switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] 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 schematic view of a two-wheeler vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable handlebar assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3A illustrate a front view of the adjustable handlebar assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3B illustrate a left-side view of the adjustable handlebar assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an electric circuit diagram illustrating connection of a switch with the battery and the linear actuator of the adjustable handlebar assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the adjustable handlebar assembly along A-A axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a front cross sectional view of the adjustable handlebar assembly along A-A axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable handlebar assembly of the vehicle illustrating an extended position of the handlebar in an upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8A is a front view of the adjustable handlebar assembly of the vehicle illustrating an extended position of the handlebar in the upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8B is a side view of the adjustable handlebar assembly of the vehicle illustrating an extended position of the handlebar in the upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9A is a front view of the adjustable handlebar assembly of the vehicle illustrating movement of the handlebar from the initial rest position to the extended position in the upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9B is a side view of the adjustable handlebar assembly of the vehicle illustrating movement of the handlebar from the initial rest position to the extended position in the upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the adjustable handlebar assembly along B-B axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustable handlebar assembly along B-B axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a height of the handlebar assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further, it may be noted that the terminology “handlebar assembly” and “adjustable handlebar assembly” as described and referred hereinbelow are same and have been used interchangeably.
[022] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having an adjustable handlebar assembly.
[023] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 is a saddle type vehicle, preferably a two wheeler, and includes a frame structure (not shown) to support and mount different parts of the vehicle 100. A head tube (not shown) is provided at a front end of the frame structure. The head tube supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatable along a left-side and right-side direction of the vehicle 100. In an upper portion of the head tube, a handlebar assembly 120 is rotatably connected to the steering shaft. The handlebar assembly 120 is used to steer the vehicle 100 and is connected to a front wheel 110 through front forks 108. The front forks 108 includes a right-side front fork 108R and a left-side front fork 108L. Each of the right-side front fork 108R and the left-side front fork 108L is connected to the handlebar assembly 120 via an upper triple clamp 130 and a lower triple clamp 150 (shown in Figure 2). The front forks 108 are further supported partially on a front fender 106 and are connected to the front wheel 110. An upper portion of the front wheel 110 is covered by the front fender 106 to prevent mud and water from getting deflected towards an upper portion of the front forks 108 during running condition of the vehicle 100.
[024] The vehicle 100 includes a fuel tank 172 mounted on the frame structure and a power generating unit 112 disposed below a portion of the fuel tank 172. The power generating unit 112 is provided with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the power generating unit 112 and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. A seat 174 is disposed behind the fuel tank 172 and supported by rear portion of the frame structure i.e., seat rails. The seat 174 may include a front rider portion and rear pillion portion.
[025] The vehicle 100 includes a headlamp unit 104 disposed forwardly relative to a position of the handlebar assembly 120. A windshield 102 is mounted above the headlamp unit 104. A pair of side fairing members 114 attached to the frame structure for covering sides of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a swing arm assembly (not shown) for supporting a rear wheel 118. A rear suspension unit 116 is disposed between a rear portion of the frame structure and the swing arm assembly. A tail lamp unit 176 is disposed at rear end portion of the vehicle 100.
[026] The pair of front forks 108 clamped to the head tube through the upper triple clamp 130 and the lower triple clamp 150 and is capable of being moved in the left and right direction of the vehicle 100.
[027] Power from the power generating unit 112 is transmitted to the rear wheel 118 through a transmission assembly (not shown), so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 118.
[028] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable handlebar assembly 120 of the vehicle 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B illustrate a front view and left-side view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 respectively, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[029] As shown, the handlebar assembly 120 is slidably and supportably assembled on the upper triple clamp 130. The handlebar assembly 120 includes a handlebar 122 and a height adjusting member 124. The handlebar 122 extends in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar 122 includes a right-side handle grip attachment portion 128R and a left-side handle grip attachment portion 128L when viewed from a front side of the vehicle 100(shown in Figure 1). The handlebar assembly 120 includes a right-side sliding tube 126R and a left-side sliding tube 126R being disposed on each side of the height adjusting member 124. Each of the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126R is attached to the handlebar 122 and extends from the handlebar 122 towards the lower triple clamp 150.
[030] The upper triple clamp 130 includes a right-side clamp portion 134R, a central clamp portion 132 and a left-side grip portion 134L when viewed from the front side of the vehicle 100 (shown in Figure 1). The central clamp portion 132 is adapted to be coaxially mounted on the head tube of the vehicle 100. The right-side clamp portion 134R is configured to receive a right-side front fork 108R of the vehicle 100 (as shown in Figure 1). The right-side clamp portion 134R is disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion 132. The left-side clamp portion 134L is configured to receive a left-side front fork 108L of the vehicle 100. The left-side clamp portion 134L is disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion 132 and parallelly to the right-side clamp portion 134R.
[031] The upper triple clamp 130 includes a pair of guiding sleeve members 136L, 136R formed between the right-side clamp portion 134R and the left-side clamp portion 134L. The pair of guiding sleeve members 136L,136R configured to supportably receive the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126L. Each of the pair of guiding sleeve members 136L, 136R includes grip inserts to provide a gripping action on the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126L circumferentially.
[032] The lower triple clamp 150 includes a central clamp portion 152 adapted to be coaxially mounted on the head tube of the vehicle 100. The lower triple clamp 150 includes a right-side clamp portion 154R and a left-side clamp portion 154L when viewed from the front side of the vehicle 100. The right-side clamp portion 154R is configured to receive the right-side front fork 108R of the vehicle 100. The left-side clamp portion 154L is configured to receive the left-side front fork 108L of the vehicle. The right-side clamp portion 154R is disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion 152. The lower triple clamp 150 includes a left-side clamp portion 154L configured to receive the left-side fork 108 of the vehicle 100. The left-side clamp portion 154L is disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion 152 and parallelly to the right-side clamp portion 154R.
[033] The lower triple clamp 150 includes a mounting bracket 160 for attaching a linear actuator 140.
[034] As shown in Figure 3B, the linear actuator 140 includes a DC motor 142, a worm gear (not shown) and a threaded rod 144. The worm gear is operably attached to the DC motor 142. The threaded rod 144 is meshed with the worm gear and is operably attached to the height adjusting member 124. The linear actuator 140 is actuated to drive the DC motor 142 which in turn rotates the worm gear. The rotation of the worm gear causes the threaded rod 144 to move the height adjusting member 124 of the handlebar 122 in upward and downward directions of the vehicle 100. The length of movement of the handlebar 122 is directly proportional to a stroke length of the threaded rod 144. The linear actuator 140 includes a lock mechanism (not shown) which is configured to lock or arrest the movement of the threaded rod 144 so as to lock the height of the handlebar 122 when the linear actuator 140 is not in operation.
[035] Figure 4 is an electric circuit diagram illustrating connection of a switch with a battery 180 of the vehicle 100 and the linear actuator 140 of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The handlebar 122 (shown in Figure 3) includes a switch 129 operably connected with the linear actuator 140 to adjust the height of the handlebar 122. The linear actuator 140 is connected to a battery 180 of the vehicle 100 through the switch 129 and a fuse 190. The switch 129 is actuated by a rider to supply electrical power of the battery 180 to the linear actuator 140 which as a result moves the threaded rod 144 in the upward direction and the downward direction of the vehicle 100.
[036] In an embodiment, the switch 129 is a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) type switch having two input terminals and four output terminals. As shown, the two input terminals include a first input terminal 1 and a second input terminal 2. The first input terminal 1 is connected to a negative terminal of the battery 180 and the second input terminal 2 is connected to a positive terminal of the battery 118. The output terminals of the switch 129 include a first pair of output terminals and a second pair of output terminals. The first pair of output terminals include a first output terminal 1a connected to a first terminal of the linear actuator 140 and a second output terminal 1b connected to a second terminal of the linear actuator 140. The second pair of output terminals include a third output terminal 2a connected to the second terminal of the linear actuator 140 and a fourth output terminal 2b connected to the first terminal of the linear actuator 140.
[037] In operation, upon receiving the first input from the switch 129 actuated by the rider, the first input terminal 1 establishes an electrical connection with the first output terminal 1a and the second input terminal 2 establishes the electrical connection with the third output terminal 2a resulting in movement of the threaded rod 144 of the linear actuator 110 in a first direction. On receiving the second input from the switch 129 when actuated by the rider, the first input terminal 1 is connected to the second output terminal 1b and the second input terminal 2 is connected to the fourth output terminal 2b resulting in movement of the threaded rod 144 of the linear actuator 140 in a second direction i.e., direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second directions of movement of the threaded rod 144 may be understood as the upward and downward directions of the vehicle 100 respectively.
[038] The switch 129 controls the extent of movement of the threaded rod 144 in the upward direction or the downward direction. The extent of movement of the threaded rod 144 is dependent on time period of operation of the linear actuator 140 through the switch 129 being actuated by the rider of the vehicle 100. In other words, it may be understood as the time period for which the battery 180 supplies power to the linear actuator 140 to move the threaded rod 144 in the upward or downward direction to adjust the height the handlebar 122. The threaded rod 144 travels between an initial rest position and a fully extended position of the handlebar 122. The initial rest position of the threaded rod 144 is the position in which the handlebar 122 is closest to the upper triple clamp 130 (shown in Figure 3). In the initial rest position of the handlebar 122, there is no movement or displacement of the handlebar 122 with respect to upper triple clamp 130. In other words, the handlebar 122 is substantially resting on the upper triple clamp 130. The fully extended position of the threaded rod 144 is the position in which the handlebar 122 is farthest to the upper triple clamp 130 which means there is a maximum travel or displacement of the handlebar 122 from the initial rest position in the upward direction of the vehicle 100. The threaded rod 144 can be stopped at one or more intermediate positions between the initial rest position and the fully extended position of the handlebar 122 based on an interruption of the power supplied to the linear actuator 140 when the switch 129 is released by the rider of the vehicle 100. At the same time, when the switch 129 is released by the rider, the lock mechanism of the linear actuator 140 locks the movement of the threaded rod 144 so as to lock the height of the handlebar 122. When the rider again actuates the linear actuator 140, the threaded rod 144 is unlocked by locking means and is allowed to move in the upward direction or the downward direction based on the input received from the switch 129. The operation of the linear actuator 140 is controlled by the rider by actuating the switch 129 to generate the first input or the second input to raise or lower height of the handlebar 122 both in a running condition and a non-running condition of the vehicle 100. Accordingly, the switch 129 allows the rider to adjust the height of the handlebar 122 so as to adjust the riding posture basis the requirements of the riding or road conditions. For example, the rider may suitably adjust the height of the handlebar 122 in requirements of the upward or downward slope/elevations of the roads or terrains being approached by the vehicle 100 during running condition of the vehicle by simply operating the switch 129 disposed on the handlebar 122. This configuration allows the rider to hold a convenient control over the riding posture.
[039] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 along A-A axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the upper triple clamp 130 includes a recess portion 137 formed between the pair of the guiding sleeve members 136L,136R. The recess portion 137 of the upper triple clamp 130 is configured to receive the height adjusting member 124 (shown in Figure 2) of the handlebar assembly 120.
[040] Figure 6 illustrates a front cross sectional view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 along A-A axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the height adjusting member 124 extends from the handlebar 122 in a downward direction and towards the lower triple clamp 150. The height adjusting member 124 includes an upper end 124a and a lower end 124b. The threaded rod 144 of the linear actuator 140 is having an upper end 144a and a lower end 144b. The upper end 144a of the threaded rod 144 is attached to a lower end 124b of the height adjusting member 124 via connecting means such as but not limited to fastening means 138. The fastening means 138 may be a screw or a nut and bolt arrangement. The lower end 144b of the threaded rod is meshed with the worm gear driven by the DC motor 142 of the linear actuator 144.
[041] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 illustrating an extended position of the handlebar 122 in an upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A is a front view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 illustrating an extended position of the handlebar 122 in the upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8B is a side view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 illustrating an extended position of the handlebar 122 in the upward direction, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[042] As shown in Figure 8A, when the linear actuator 140 is actuated by the switch 129, the DC motor 142 causes the threaded rod 144 to move in an upward direction (Up) from its initial rest position which further moves the height adjusting member 124 in the upward direction (Up) so as to adjust the height of the handlebar 122. During the upward movement of the handlebar 122, the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126L slidably move inside the guiding sleeve members 134R, 134L of the upper triple clamp 130 to extend support and stability to the handlebar 122. The gripping inserts of the guiding sleeve members 134R, 134L provide a strong gripping action on the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126L during the movement the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126L inside the guiding sleeve members 134R, 134L.
[043] Figure 9A is a front view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 illustrating movement of the handlebar 122 from the initial rest position to the extended position in the upward direction (Up), in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9B is a side view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 illustrating movement of the handlebar 122 from the initial rest position to the extended position in the upward direction (Up), in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[044] As shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B, the linear actuator 140 is operated to adjust the height of the handlebar 122. The movement of the threaded rod 144 causes the handlebar 122 and the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126L to extend from their initial position in the upward direction (Up). The imaginary line illustrates the extended state of handlebar 122’ and the right-side sliding tube 126R’ and the left-side sliding tube 126L’. Likewise, the extended handlebar 122’ can be adjusted by the rider by operating the linear actuator 140 to move in a downward direction (Dw) to achieve the initial rest position of the handlebar 122 or any intermediate position between the fully extended position and the initial rest position of the handlebar 122.
[045] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 along B-B axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustable handlebar assembly 120 along B-B axis, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the right-side sliding tube 126R and the left-side sliding tube 126R are attached to the handlebar 122 through fastening means 125R, 125L respectively. The fastening means 125R, 125L include nut, bolts, screw etc.
[046] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for adjusting a height of the handlebar assembly 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 includes mounting the upper triple clamp 130 and the lower triple clamp 150 on the head tube of the vehicle 100. The upper triple clamp 130 includes the pair of guiding sleeve members 136L,136R, and the recess portion 137 formed between the pair of guiding sleeve members 136L, 136R. The method 200 further includes mounting the handlebar assembly 120 on the upper triple clamp 130. The handlebar assembly 120 includes the handlebar 122 and the height adjusting member 124. The handlebar 122 includes a right-side sliding tube 124R and a left-side sliding tube 124L. The height adjusting member 124 is having the upper end 124a and the lower end 124b. The upper end 124a of the height adjusting member 124 is attached to the handlebar 122. The height adjusting member 124 of the handlebar assembly 120 is received inside the recess portion 137 of the upper triple clamp 130. The right-side sliding tube 124R and the left-side sliding tube 124L are received inside the pair of guiding sleeve members 136L, 136R of the upper triple clamp 130. The linear actuator 140 is mounted on the lower triple clamp 150. The lower end 124b of the height adjusting member 124 is attached with the linear actuator 140.
[047] The method 200 includes actuating the linear actuator 140 to move the height adjusting member 124 in the upward and downward directions of the vehicle 100 to adjust the height of the handlebar 122. The linear actuator 140 is actuated by a switch 129 disposed on the handlebar 122. The switch 129 is configured to generate and send the first input and the second input to the linear actuator 140. At step 201, the first input is received by the linear actuator 140 from the switch 129 when actuated by a rider. At step 202, the height of the handlebar 122 is adjusted in the upward direction by the linear actuator 140. At step 203, the second input is received by the linear actuator 140 from the switch 129 when actuated by the rider. At step 204, the height of the handlebar 122 is adjusted in the downward direction by the linear actuator 140.
[048] Advantageously, the present invention provides a same design of vehicle to accommodate different rider anthropometry as riders with different anthropological dimensions can adjust the height of the handlebar to suit their requirements. The present invention reduces the long duration riding fatigue by enabling the rider to change the riding posture in both running and non-running conditions of the vehicle. The riding posture can be easily changed by the rider by adjusting the height of the handlebar by operating a switch disposed on the handlebar. The present invention is simple in construction and effective in operation. Further, the present invention also improves ergonomics and handling of the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention improves the comfort of the rider of the vehicle.
[049] 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.

List of Reference Numerals
100 – Vehicle
102- Windshield
104- Headlamp unit
106- Front fender
108- Pair of front forks
108L- Left-side front fork
108R- Right-side front fork
110- Front wheel
112- Power generating unit
114- Side fairing members
116- Rear suspension unit
118- Rear wheel
120- Handlebar assembly
122- Handlebar
124- Height adjusting member
124a- Upper end of the height adjusting member
124b- Lower end of the height adjusting member
125R, 125L- Fastening means
126R- Right-side sliding tube
126L- Left-side sliding tube
128R- Right-side handle grip attachment portion
128L- Left-side handle grip attachment portion
129- Switch
130- Upper triple clamp
132- Central clamp portion
134R- Right-side clamp portion
134L- Left-side clamp portion
136L, 136R- Pair of guiding sleeve members
137- Recess portion
138- Fastening means
140- Linear Actuator
142- Motor
144- Threaded rod
144a- Upper end of the threaded rod
144b- Lower end of the threaded rod
150- Lower triple clamp
152- Central clamp portion
154R- Right-side clamp portion
154L- Left-side clamp portion
160- Mounting Bracket
172- Fuel tank
174- Seat
176- Tail lamp unit
180- Battery
190- Fuse , Claims:
1. A handlebar assembly (120) for a saddle-type vehicle (100), the handlebar assembly (120) comprising:
a handlebar (122) slidably and supportably mounted on an upper triple clamp (130) of the vehicle (100); and
a height adjusting member (124) disposed inside a recess portion (137) formed on the upper triple clamp (130) of the vehicle (100), the height adjusting member (124) comprises:
an upper end (124a); and
a lower end (124b),
the upper end (124a) being attached to the handlebar (122) and the lower end (124b) being operably attached to a linear actuator (140), the linear actuator (140) being mounted on a lower triple clamp (150) of the vehicle (100) and is configured to move the height adjusting member (124) in upward and downward directions of the vehicle (100) to adjust a height of the handlebar (122).

2. The handlebar assembly (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handlebar (122) comprises a right-side sliding tube (126R) and a left side sliding tube (126L) when viewed from a front side of the vehicle (100), the right-side sliding tube (126R) and the left-side sliding tube (126L) being configured to support the handlebar (122), the right-side sliding tube (126R) and the left-side sliding tube (126L) being disposed on each side of the height adjusting member (124).
3. The handlebar assembly (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear actuator (140) comprises a DC motor (142), a worm gear and a threaded rod (144), the threaded rod (144) comprises an upper end (144a) and a lower end (144b).

4. The handlebar assembly (120) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the upper end (144a) of the of the threaded rod (144) is attached to the lower end (124b) of the height adjusting member (124).

5. The handlebar assembly (120) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a length of movement of the handlebar (122) is directly proportional to a stroke length of the threaded rod (144).

6. The handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the linear actuator (140) comprises a lock mechanism operatively attached to the threaded rod (144), the lock mechanism is configured to lock the height of the handlebar (122) by arresting the movement of the threaded rod (144) when the linear actuator (140) is not in operation.

7. The handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the right-side sliding tube (126R) and the left-side sliding tube (126R) extending from the handlebar (122) in the downward direction of the vehicle (100).

8. The handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the right-side sliding tube (126R) and the left-side sliding tube (126R) is configured to be received inside one of a pair of guiding sleeve members (136L, 136R) formed on the upper triple clamp (130).

9. The handlebar assembly (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper end (124a) of the height adjusting member (124) is attached to a central portion of the handlebar (122).

10. The handlebar assembly (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handlebar (122) comprises a switch (129) operably connected with the linear actuator (140) to adjust the height of the handlebar (122).

11. The handlebar assembly (120) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the switch (129) is operable by a rider of the vehicle (100) to adjust the height of the handlebar (122) during running and non-running conditions of the vehicle (100).

12. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a head tube attached to a frame of the vehicle (100);
an upper triple clamp (130) and a lower triple clamp (150) for supporting front forks (108) of the vehicle (100), each of the upper triple clamp (130) and the lower triple clamp (150) being rotatably attached to the head tube;
a handlebar assembly (120) slidably and supportably mounted on the upper triple clamp (130), the handlebar assembly (120) comprises: a handle bar (122) extending in a vehicle width direction; and a height adjusting member (124) extending from the handlebar (122) towards the lower triple clamp (150), the height adjusting member (124) comprises: an upper end (124a); and a lower end (124b); and
a linear actuator (140) mounted on the lower triple clamp (150), the linear actuator (140) being operably attached to the lower end (124b) of the height adjusting member (124) and being configured to move the handlebar (122) in an upward and a downward direction of the vehicle (100).

13. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the handlebar assembly (120) comprises a right-side sliding tube (126R) and a left-side sliding tube (126R) when viewed from a front of the vehicle (100), the right-side sliding tube (126R) and the left-side sliding tube (126L) being disposed on each side of the height adjusting member (124).

14. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the right-side sliding tube (126R) and the left-side sliding tube (126R) extending from the handlebar (122) towards the lower triple clamp (150).

15. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the upper triple clamp (130) comprises;
a central clamp portion (132) coaxially mounted on the head tube of the vehicle (100);
a right-side clamp portion (134R) configured to receive a right-side front fork (108R) of the vehicle (100), the right-side clamp portion (134R) disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion (132);
a left-side clamp portion (134L) configured to receive a left-side front fork (108L) of the vehicle (100), the left-side clamp portion (134L) disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion (132) and parallelly to the right-side clamp portion (134R);
a pair of guiding sleeve members (136L,136R) formed between the right-side clamp portion (134R) and the left-side clamp portion (134L); and
a recess portion (137) formed between the pair of the guiding sleeve members (136).

16. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the recess portion (137) of the upper triple clamp (130) being configured to receive the height adjusting member (124) of the handlebar assembly (120).

17. The saddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the pair of guiding sleeve members (136L, 136R) being configured to supportably receive the right-side sliding tube (126R) and the left-side sliding tube (126L).

18. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lower triple clamp (150) comprises:
a central clamp portion (152) coaxially mounted on the head tube of the vehicle (100);
a right-side clamp portion (154R) configured to receive the right-side front fork (108R) of the vehicle (100), the right-side clamp portion (154R) disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion (152);
a left-side clamp portion (154L) configured to receive the left-side front fork (108L) of the vehicle (100), the left-side clamp portion (154L) disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion (152) and parallelly to the right-side clamp portion (154R).

19. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of the right-side clamp portion (154R) and the left-side clamp portion (154L) of the lower triple clamp (150) is parallel to the right-side clamp portion (134R) and the left-side clamp portion (134L) of the upper triple clamp (130) respectively.

20. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the linear actuator (140) comprises:
at least one DC motor (142);
a worm gear being operably attached to the at least one DC motor (142); and
a threaded rod (144) having an upper end (144a) and a lower end (144b), the lower end (144b) being meshed with the worm gear.

21. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the upper end (144a) of the threaded rod (144) being attached to the lower end (124b) of the height adjusting member (124).

22. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 21, wherein a length of movement of the handlebar (122) is directly proportional to a stroke length of the threaded rod (144).

23. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lower triple clamp (150) comprises a mounting bracket (160) for attaching the linear actuator (140).

24. A method for adjusting a height of a handlebar assembly (120) of a vehicle (100), the method comprising:
mounting an upper triple clamp (130) and a lower triple clamp (150) on a head tube of the vehicle (100), the upper triple clamp (130) comprising a pair of guiding sleeve members (136L,136R) and a recess portion (137) formed between the pair of guiding sleeve members (136L, 136R);
mounting the handlebar assembly (120) on the upper triple clamp (130), the handlebar assembly (120) comprising a handlebar (122) having a right-side sliding tube (124R) and a left-side sliding tube (124L); and a height adjusting member (124) having an upper end (124a) and a lower end (124b);
attaching the upper end (124a) of the height adjusting member (124) with the handlebar (122);
receiving the height adjusting member (124) inside the recess portion (137) of the upper triple clamp (130), and the right-side sliding tube (124R) and the left-side sliding tube (124L) inside the pair of guiding sleeve members (136L, 136R) of the upper triple clamp (130);
mounting a linear actuator (140) on the lower triple clamp (150);
attaching a lower end (124b) of the height adjusting member (124) with the linear actuator (140); and
actuating the linear actuator (140) to move the height adjusting member (124) in an upward and a downward direction of the vehicle (100) to adjust the height of the handlebar (122).

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the linear actuator (140) is actuated by a switch (129) disposed on the handlebar (122), the switch (129) being configured to generate and send a first input and a second input to the linear actuator (140).

26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the height of the handlebar (122), in the upward direction of vehicle (100), is adjusted by the linear actuator (140) upon receiving the first input from the switch (129).

27. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the height of the handlebar (122), in the downward direction of vehicle (100), is adjusted by the linear actuator (140) upon receiving the second input from the switch (129).
Dated this 28 day of February 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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