DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally refers to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, it refers to securely joining all the parts in the rear of a two-wheeler vehicle.
Background
[0002] A saddle type two-wheeler vehicle comprises of a head tube, a main frame, a rear frame and a swingarm. A steering rod is placed through the head tube, which is connected to the handlebar on the top side, and the front suspension system at the bottom, which contains mounting point(s) for the front wheel. At the rear, the rear wheel is attached to the swingarm, which is usually pivoted on the main frame, and connected to the rear frame by the rear suspension system of the vehicle. Generally, in saddle type vehicles provided with a storage area below the seat assembly and a floorboard at the front, the engine and transmission assembly are configured to act as the rear swingarm, such that the rear wheel is connected to the rest of the vehicle assembly on only one side. In such a vehicle, almost the entire body of the vehicle which can be covered is usually covered in some or the other body panel which raises the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The storage space is usually provided below the seat assembly, below the rear frames, in a specially designed compartment which fits the space without hindering the placement of other components such as the fuel tank or the tail lamp, while ensuring that the swingarm below has enough vertical clearance to reach the bump stopper. Since the swingarm is a moving part, a bump stopper is fitted to the underside of the vehicle to prevent the swingarm from damaging the frame or any other part of the vehicle, especially the body parts. Since the rear part of the frame of the vehicle extends upwards, it is very difficult to mount the one or more side panels covering the rear of the vehicle below the seat assembly as there are no suitable mounting points. This causes the rear body panels to succumb to the vibration of the vehicle when moving, causing gaps to open up in the fairings, in joints. The rear assembly of the body panels is critical for a two-wheeler, since it highly increases the aesthetic value of the vehicle, and also includes the tail lamps, which are a critical safety feature. Sever vibrations can cause these parts to come loose, which can make it dangerous for the rider. Additionally, many owners fit accessories to their vehicles to enhance the safety and alethic features of the vehicle. Such additions are often hindered due to the mountings being difficult.
[0003] Generally, in saddle type vehicles provided with a storage area below the seat assembly and a floorboard at the front, the engine and transmission assembly are configured to act as the rear swingarm, such that the rear wheel is connected to the rest of the vehicle assembly on only one side. In such a vehicle, almost the entire body of the vehicle which can be covered is usually covered in some or the other body panel which raises the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Fairings and body panels are important for the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, as well for the safety of the rider and the vehicle. The rear subassembly of the vehicle comprises the seat assembly, the rear left and the rear right body panels, the tail lamps, the rear covers, and the pillion rider grab handle and backrest. The frame is configured such that the seat assembly is disposed on top of it, and rest of the rear subassembly is directly or indirectly mounted on the rear frame. However, since the rear frame extends upwards, the lower joints in the body panels cannot be secured by fastening them to the frame.
[0004] Vibrations from the vehicle’s movement can cause such inter panel fastenings to fails, and thus cause a safety hazard for the rider as well as everybody on the road. Also, these rear panels enclose the tail lamp assembly which is an essential safety feature of the vehicle. Additionally, some owners prefer to mount accessories for safety and ergonomic reasons. The rear panels not being structural or load carrying members cannot support such accessories being mounted. This causes difficulty for the owner. Moreover, due to the size of the one or more side panels, it is not possible to mount the rear of the one or more side panels to the frame, and there is a gap left at the rear below the lamp assembly. A rear cover is thus needed, which can only be mounted to the side panels, without any structural support. During vibrations, it is likely that the joints between the side panel and the rear panel will open up. It is also possible that the rear cover under effect of the vibration will damage the tail lamp, and cause a safety issue. Moreover, the side panels cannot be extended in the rear in such a way that they will connect to each other directly, as it will cause severe manufacturing problems.
[0005] The parts of the vehicle are connected in such a way that one part does not clash or cause hindrance to another. Each such part may have its own mounting arrangement to the frame or common mounting arrangements with other parts. Such mounting arrangement are generally referred to as frame mounted brackets. This is to ensure ease of assembly, and also to ensure ease of disassembly in case of a repair. Also, being mounted to the frame ensures structural rigidity of the mountings and the joints. In many vehicles, to make these rear mountings easier, there is a rear subframe. However, the absence of such a rear subframe, the only option that remains is to either mount with a frame mounted bracket, or a part mounted to the frame, or to the frame itself. Mounting to the frame itself will increase the weight of the bracket, and the cost of manufacturing the bracket.
[0006] Therefore, the efficient way to mount the side panels is to have a bracket mounted to the rearmost frame mounted bracket or part that is available in that region, which will hold the two side panels together in relative rigidity and security. Since the tail lamp is a frame mounted part, and it is the nearest part to the rear cover, it can provide greater structural support as a mounting point. Hence, a rear bracket is created which is mounted to a mounting point at the lower end of the tail lamp with a fastening, such that the left and right extension of the rear bracket is fastened to the left side and the right-side rear panel.
[0007] Hence, the present invention proposes a new rear bracket which will mount the rear panels and have mounting points for accessories.

Summary of the Invention
[0008] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0009] In an aspect, a rear bracket for a saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a frame, a seat assembly, and a plurality of body panels. The frame includes a headtube, a main frame and a rear frame. The seat assembly is supported by the rear frame. The plurality of body panels include a left rear side panel and a right rear side panel, being configured to cover said vehicle below said seat assembly. The left rear side panel and the right rear side panel are structurally connected by said rear bracket. The rear bracket is connected to the left rear side panel, and the right rear side panel is mounted to a tail lamp of said vehicle, the tail lamp is frame mounted.
[00010] In an embodiment, the rear bracket is a truss member.
[00011] In an embodiment, the rear bracket is configured to have a plurality of fastening holes, wherein, at least one fastening hole is provided in a central portion of the truss member, and at least one fastening hole at the extreme ends of the extended portions of the truss member, wherein the central portion of said truss member being an area between the lines X-X’ and Y-Y’
[00012] In an embodiment the central portion of the truss member is configured as a planar surface at a top portion comprising said fastening hole, and at least two side edges and a bottom portion of the planar surface merging into said extending portions, such that the edges along said top portion forming a gap with said extended portions discernible along the lines X-X’ and Y-Y’.
[00013] In an embodiment, the extending portions are configured as a stepped portion along a line B-B’, and a reduction of width of said portions beyond a line C-C’, and the extending portions beyond the line C-C’, being configured such that a top corner portion been removed for easier mounting.
[00014] In an embodiment, the extending portions are configured to have a C shaped cross section along a line A-A’.
[00015] In an embodiment, the extending portions are configured to have a C shaped cross section in a portion between said line X-X’ and said line C-C’.
[00016] In an embodiment, a plurality of additional fastening holes (401a, 401b) being provided on said extending portions.
Brief Description of Drawings

[00017] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a two-wheeler vehicle in an isometric view of the vehicle.
[00018] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the rear perspective view of the rear sub-assembly of a two-wheeler vehicle.
[00019] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of an exploded rear perspective view of the rear sub-assembly of the two wheeler vehicle such that the rear bracket is clearly visible.
[00020] Figure 4(a) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the rear bracket as would be seen from inside the rear assembly of the vehicle facing towards the rear.
[00021] Figure 4(b) is an exemplary illustration of the shape of the cross section of the rear bracket along the line A-A’ as depicted in Figure 4(a).

Detailed Description

[00022] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following description thereof, set out hereunder.
[00023] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the vehicle (100) comprises a frame, a seat assembly (105), and a plurality of body panels (102, 106, 107, 202, 204). The frame includes a headtube, a main frame and a rear frame. The seat assembly (105) is supported by the rear frame. The plurality of body panels (102, 106, 107, 202, 204) includes a left rear side panel (106) and a right rear side panel (202), being configured to cover said vehicle (100) below the seat assembly (105). The left rear side panel (106) and the right rear side panel (202) are structurally connected by said rear bracket (302). The rear bracket (302) is connected to the left rear side panel (106), and the right rear side panel (202), and mounted to a tail lamp (107) of said vehicle (107), wherein the tail lamp (107) is mounted to the frame of the vehicle (100).
[00024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rear bracket (302) is a truss member provided in the rear subassembly of the vehicle (100). In this embodiment, the rear bracket (302) is provided with a plurality of fastening holes (303a, 303b, 303c, 401a, 401b), at least one of which is located in a central portion of the truss member.
[00025] In another embodiment, the rear bracket (302) has two extending portions on each side of the central portion. In this embodiment, each of the extending portions is configured to have a plurality of fastening holes.
[00026] In yet another embodiment, the fastening holes (303a, 303b) at the extreme end of each of the extending portions, and the fastening hole (303c) located in the central portion, forms a triangular shape.
[00027] In yet another embodiment, the extending portions on each side of the central portion of the rear bracket (302) extend from the central portion such that the posterior part of the extending portions are configured to form a stepped profile with respect to the anterior part. In another embodiment, this stepped profile of the extended portions on each side of the central portion gives the extended portions an S shaped structure from a top perspective view of the rear bracket (302).
[00028] In yet another embodiment, a substantial part of each of the extended portions of the rear bracket (302) on each side of the central portion of the rear bracket (302) have a C shaped cross section for increased strength. In this embodiment, the stepped profile of each of the extended portions are configured to have a C shaped cross section. In another embodiment, the posterior part of each of the extended portion do not have a C shaped cross section.
[00029] In an embodiment, the at least one fastening hole (303c) in the central portion of the rear bracket (302) is fastened to a corresponding fastening hole on the tail lamp (107), which is amounted to the frame of the vehicle (100).
[00030] In another embodiment, the rear bracket (302) is mounted on a frame mounted bracket that is used to mount the rear fender.
[00031] These embodiments are exemplary, and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. The following paragraphs describe the drawings, which are depicted as per an embodiment.
[00032] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a two-wheeler vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) according to the present exemplary embodiment is a step through type vehicle. the vehicle (100) comprises a frame assembly, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a power unit, a seat assembly, and a plurality of body panels. Such a vehicle is covered in fairing and body panels wherever possible. Additionally, such a vehicle will have a frame comprising a headtube, a downtube, and one or more rear tubes. The downtube extends inclinedly rearwards from the headtube, and then further horizontally rearwards. Rear frames extend upwards and rearwards from the rear end of the downtube in a vehicle (100) front rear direction. The headtube of the frame is covered by the headlamp assembly (101) and the front cover (102). Further, a front lamp assembly (103) is also disposed near the front cover. This exemplary vehicle is configured with a floorboard (104) to cover the floor frames, wherein the floor frames are structurally supported by the horizontally rearwards extending part of the downtube. The rear frames of the vehicle support the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear portion of the vehicle (100) includes the seat assembly (105), a utility storage area which is disposed below the seat assembly (105), one or more electrical and electronic components of the vehicle (100), the power unit and transmission assembly, and the rear suspension assembly. The seat assembly (105) is configured such that the seat can be partially opened to reveal the utility storage area, the seat being configured to pivot about a point either towards a forward or a rearward direction of the vehicle (100) in a vehicle front rear direction. The rear wheel of the vehicle is connected to the frame with a swingarm arrangement, such that the propulsion and transmission system of the vehicle is mounted on the swingarm. Additionally, the rear wheel is further attached to a second mounting point on the rear frames through the suspension assembly, enabling the rider to have a comfortable ride on the vehicle (100). The assembly below the seat is hidden behind the one or more side panels. In this exemplary diagram, the left rear side panel (106) is shown. A pillion rider grab rail (108) cum back rest is configured rearwards, being attached to the rear frame assembly. A rear taillamp assembly (107) is disposed at the rear which is a frame mounted part. The right and left side panels are joined at the rear by a rear cover
[00033] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the rear subassembly (200) of the vehicle (100). The seat (105), the pillion grab rail (108), the left-side panel (106), the right-side panel (202) and the taillamp assembly (107) are all shown. The rear cover (204) is shown as joining the gap at the rear between the left-side panel (106) and the right-side panel (202). The rear subassembly (200) covers the power unit and transmission assembly of the vehicle (100). The power unit may be an internal combustion unit or an electric machine. In two wheeled vehicles generally, the transmission system is constructed with the power unit. Further, the wheel is connected to the transmission assembly through a drive system, which may be one of a chain drive, a belt drive, or a shaft drive. In the exemplary vehicle (100) as illustrated in the figure 1 and 2, the power unit and the transmission assembly are constructed as a single unit, and the drive system is protected by a transmission cover. The rear wheel is attached to the rear end of the transmission cover in a vehicle (100) front rear direction. The power unit, transmission, and drive system assembly is attached to the frame pivotably, usually at the rearmost end of the downtube. The power unit, transmission, and drive system assembly is further attached to the frame using a rear suspension assembly, as mentioned above. The rear subassembly (200) as shown in the exemplary illustration is configured to be mounted to the frame around the power unit, transmission, and drive system assembly. The space between the power unit, transmission, and drive system assembly and the seat assembly (105) is utilised by the utility storage box and other components of the vehicle. the other components of the vehicle may include one or more electrical and electronic components, which are essential for the running of the vehicle (100). The rear subassembly (200) includes the left side panel (106), the right side panel (202), the rear cover (204), and the taillamp (107). These panels are held in place by attaching them to the frame. Further, the pillion grab rail (108) is also mounted to the rear frames. The rear bracket (302) is configured to be mounted to a lower mounting structure of the taillamp (107), and further attach to the left side frame (106) and the right side frame (202) for easier assembly of the rear subassembly (200), and greater structural integrity therein.
[00034] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of an exploded rear perspective view of the rear sub-assembly of the two-wheeler vehicle (100) such that the rear bracket (302) is clearly visible. The rear bracket (302) is a truss member is connecting the left rear panel (106) to the right rear panel (202). Further, the rear bracket (302) is mounted to the taillamp (107), which is mounted to the frame of the vehicle (100).The rear bracket (302) is provided with a plurality of fastening holes (303a, 303b, 303c, 401a, 401b), at least one of which is located in a central portion of the truss member. The rear bracket (302) is attached to the body panels through one or more fasteners, the rear bracket (302) being fastened at (303b) to the left rear panel, at (303a) to the right rear panel (202), and at (303c) to the tail lamp. (303c) is the fastening hole disposed on a central portion of the rear bracket. Additionally, the rear bracket (302) may also be mounted to the rear fender assembly, which is also mounted to the frame of the vehicle (100). This rear bracket (302) thus increases the strength of the rear subassembly (200), enabling the assembly of the various body panels to withstand vibrations during operation of the vehicle (100).
[00035] Figure 4 (a) in an exemplary illustration (400) of the rear bracket (302). In this exemplary illustration, there are a plurality of fastening holes. Further, Figure 4 (b) exemplarily illustrates the C shaped cross section (410) of the bracket (302) along the line A-A’. As per the present embodiment as illustrated, the rear bracket (302) has a central portion, and two extended portions on each side (left hand side and right hand side in a vehicle front rear direction) of the central portion. In the present embodiment, one fastening hole (303c) is provided in the central portion of the rear bracket. This fastening hole (303c) is used to mount the rear bracket (302) to one of the frame of the vehicle, or a frame mounted part of the vehicle (100). As per the present embodiment, the frame mounted part is the taillamp of the vehicle (100). Fastening holes (303a) and (303b) are provided at the extreme ends of the extended portions. The various portions of the rear bracket are exemplified by the lines drawn that represent a specific portion. The area between the lines X-X’ and Y-Y’ represents the central portion of the rear bracket. This portion contains the fastening hole (303c) which is used to mount the bracket to the tail lamp. The central portion is defined by flat surface at the top containing the fastening hole (303c), a top edge and two side edges which merge into the extending portions on either side, such that the side edges turn into a visible gap, discernible along the lines X-X’ and Y-Y’. The lower end is defined by an angled surface, with a bent edge. The extending portions of the rear bracket (302) are defined by the first portion being along by the line A-A’, a second portion which is a stepping portion, the stepping portion being along the line B-B’, and a third portion, wherein the third portion is characterized by a reduction in width than the first portion beyond the line C-C’. Also, the extended portions have bent edges for extra strength, except in the portion beyond the line C-C’, where a top corner portion has been removed for easier mounting. In the present embodiments, fastening holes are provided along the extended portions posterior to the stepping portion along the line B-B’. Therefore, there are one or more fastening holes in the extending portions, at least one of the fastening holes in each extending portion is used to attach a body panel. As per the present embodiment, at least one fastening hole in each extending portion can remain unoccupied so that an additional part can be mounted to the vehicle (100). As per the illustration in the figure 4(b), the rear bracket (302) has a C-type cross section, at the line A-A’. This cross sectional feature of the rear bracket (302) ensures that the rear bracket has enough strength to hold the side panels together.

List of reference numerals:
100 – two wheeled vehicle
101 – headlamp assembly
102 – front cover
103 – front lamp assembly
104 – floorboard
105 – seat assembly
106 – left rear side panel
107 – taillamp
108 – pillion grab rail
200 – rear subassembly
202 – right rear panel
204 – rear cover
300 – exploded view of the rear subassembly
302 – rear bracket
303a – fastening hole in the central portion of the rear bracket
303b – fastening hole in a first extended portion of the rear bracket
303c – fastening hole in a second extended portion of the rear bracket
400 – exemplary illustration of the rear bracket
401a – additional fastening hole in a first extended portion of the rear bracket
401b – additional fastening hole in a second extended portion of the rear bracket
410 – cross sectional view of the rear bracket along the line A-A’
,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said vehicle comprising
a frame including of a headtube, a main frame and a rear frame,
a seat assembly (105) being supported by said rear frame,
a plurality of body panels including a left rear side panel (106) and a right rear side panel (202), being configured to cover said vehicle below said seat assembly,
wherein,
said left rear side panel (106) and said right rear side panel (202) being structurally connected by said rear bracket (302),
wherein,
said rear bracket (302) connected to said left rear side panel (106) and said right rear side panel (202) being mounted to a tail lamp (107) of said vehicle (100),
said tail lamp (107) being frame mounted.
2. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear bracket (302) being a truss member.
3. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said rear bracket (302) being configured to have a plurality of fastening holes,
wherein, at least one fastening hole (303c) being provided in a central portion of said truss member, and at least one fastening hole (303a, 303b) at the extreme ends of the extended portions of the truss member,
wherein,
said central portion of said truss member being an area between the lines X-X’ and Y-Y’
4. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said central portion being configured as a planar surface at a top portion comprising said fastening hole (303c), and
at least two side edges and a bottom portion of said planar surface merging into said extending portions, such that said edges along said top portion being forming a gap with said extended portions discernible along the lines X-X’ and Y-Y’.
5. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said extending portions being configured as a stepped portion along a line B-B’, and a reduction of width of said portions beyond a line C-C’, and
said extending portions beyond the line C-C’, being configured such that a top corner portion been removed for easier mounting.
6. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said extending portions being configured to have a C shaped cross section (410) along a line A-A’.
7. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said extending portions being configured to have a C shaped cross section (410) in a portion between said line X-X’ and said line C-C’.
8. A rear bracket (302) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a plurality of additional fastening holes (401a, 401b) being provided on said extending portions.