Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Saddle Type Vehicle

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to adjustment of a display panel in a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventional saddle type vehicles have their speedometer clusters slightly inclined towards the rider. Such an arrangement is necessary for having a direct line of sight between the cluster and the rider, which ensures that the rider can get a clear view of the cluster without shifting their position. However, the speedometer cluster being in a static component that is set in a place, this arrangement holds good only for a set height of the rider. Riders with heights more or less than that of the ninety fifth percentile height might have to encounter glare on the cluster under most conditions.
[003] While the issue of this glare is not very prominent in case of analog clusters, in case of digital clusters, the glare issue is highly pervasive. Especially with large digital clusters such as six- or seven-inch TFT or LCD clusters becoming more and more prevalent, the glare becomes an even more notable issue.
[004] In case of electric vehicles, where the cluster in addition to being the instrument cluster, is also used for infotainment during charging etc, the speedometer cluster needs to be at a comfortable angle with respect to the rider. Given the variation in height of the riders, the speedometer cluster needs to be capable of manipulation for serving different rider heights.
[005] For providing a speedometer cluster that is capable of manipulation according to the rider height, the mounting of the cluster with the help of a tilting mechanism remains a challenge. The same is encountered due to the limited packaging space available in two wheelers. It is also a challenge to provide the adjustment while ensuring that the speedometer cluster does not move from set position unless the user intends to. Another challenge is that the speedometer cluster should adjust or move in a smooth manner and should be capable of being locked in multiple positions.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In an aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has a head pipe. A steering column passes through the head pipe. A lower bracket is mounted to the steering column. A holder member is mounted to the lower bracket and a housing case is configured to receive a display panel. The housing case is rotatably mounted on the holder member, thereby allowing adjustment of tilt of the display panel.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a handle bar mounted to the lower bracket. The handle bar is configured to support a pair of handles of the saddle type vehicle.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the holder member has a lower portion mounted to the lower bracket, and a left holder arm and a right holder arm extending upwardly from the lower portion of the holder member.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the holder member has a left barrel portion provided on an upper end of the left holder arm. The left barrel portion has a hollow section running partly through the length of the left barrel portion.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the holder member has a right barrel portion provided on an upper end of the right holder arm. The right barrel portion is coaxial with the left barrel portion, and the right barrel portion has a hollow section running through the length of the right barrel portion.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing case has a pivot portion arranged between the left barrel portion and the right barrel portion. The pivot portion is coaxial with the left barrel portion and the right barrel portion. The housing case further has a plate portion configured to receive the display panel.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a bolt passing through the right barrel portion, the pivot portion of the housing case and the left barrel portion, thereby rotatably mounting the housing case on the right barrel portion and the left barrel portion of the holder member.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a compression spring provided inside the hollow section of the left barrel portion for allowing for smooth rotation of the housing case and locking position of the housing case. The saddle type vehicle further has a circlip provided on the left barrel portion for preventing axial movement of the bolt.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has an adjustment stem provided in the hollow section of the right barrel portion. The adjustment stem is engaged with the pivot portion of the housing case, thereby allowing the pivot portion to be moved by the user to adjust the tilt of the display panel.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pivot portion of the housing case has one or more indents, and the adjustment stem has one or more protrusions configured to engage with the one or more indents on the pivot portion, thereby engaging the adjustment stem with the pivot portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] 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 left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a holder member and a housing case of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the holder member and the housing case, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5a and 5b illustrate a display panel on the housing case being locked in a position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6a and 6b illustrate the display panel on the housing case being adjusted in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates the display panel on the housing case being adjusted in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to adjustment of a display panel on a saddle type vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 comprises a frame structure. The frame structure comprises a head pipe (not shown), and a main frame (not shown), which extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe towards a floorboard 18. One or more front suspensions 44 connect a front wheel 14 to a handle bar 170, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head pipe. The main frame further includes a portion extending rearwardly in a vehicle front rear direction. Further, the frame structure includes a pair of seat rails (not shown) that extend rearwardly from the main frame. The pair of seat rails comprise a left side frame and a right side frame extending inclinedly rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10.
[020] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit 12 that comprises at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine or an electric drive source. The power unit 12 is coupled to a rear wheel 16. In one embodiment, the power unit 12 is swingably connected to the frame structure. In one embodiment, the power unit 12 is mounted to a swing arm (not shown) and the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame structure. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel 16 to the power unit 12. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, or an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 29 is disposed above the power unit 12 and is supported by the pair of seat rails having the left side frame and the right side frame. The seat assembly 29 is hingedly openable.. The floorboard 18 is disposed at the step-through portion, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard 18. Further, the floorboard 18 is capable of carrying loads.
[021] Further, the frame structure is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel assembly 30 having a front panel 30A and a rear panel 30B, and a left and a right-side panel 33 disposed on the frame structure and covering the frame structure and parts mounted thereof.
[022] In addition, a front fender 28 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 14. A utility box is disposed below the seat assembly 29 and is supported by the frame structure. A rear fender 26 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 16 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 16. One or more rear suspension(s) 46 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting the swing arm and the rear wheel 16 to the frame structure for damping the forces from the rear wheel 16 and the power unit 12 from reaching the frame structure.
[023] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 36, a taillight 38, an alternator (not shown), and an integrated starter generator (ISG). In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 is a mild hybrid type vehicle wherein an electric motor assists the internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, the ISG, in addition to performing the starter and generator function, assists the internal combustion engine when required. The hybrid assist functionality controls the vehicle 10 to rely solely on electric power of the ISG in riding conditions such as coasting or braking, and swiftly restarting the internal combustion engine when required.
[024] Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the saddle type vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises the head pipe, and a steering column 110 that passes through the head pipe. The steering column 110 is connected to the front wheel 14 and rotation of the steering column 110 causes the saddle type vehicle 10 to be steered for turning. In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the handle bar 170 that is mounted to the lower bracket 120, and the handle bar 170 is configured to support a pair of handles 180 of the saddle type vehicle 10. The rider grabs the pair of handles 180 and turns the pair of handles 180 to steer the vehicle 10.
[025] The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a lower bracket 120 that is mounted to the steering column 110. In an embodiment, the lower bracket 120 is mounted on the outside of the steering column 110, and the lower bracket 120 is mounted such that the steering column 110 passes through the lower bracket 120. In an embodiment, when the steering column 110 rotates, the lower bracket 120 remains in place. In another embodiment, the lower bracket 120 is configured to move with the steering column 110.
[026] As further illustrated, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a holder member 130 that is mounted to the lower bracket 120. The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a housing case 140 that is configured to receive a display panel 150. The housing case 140 is rotatably mounted on the holder member 130 thereby allowing adjustment of tilt of the display panel 150. In an embodiment, the housing case 140 is rotatably mounted on the holder member 130 such that the housing case 140 is rotatable in an up-down direction. In a three-dimensional sense, the tilt or roll of the housing case 140 is variable or adjustable by virtue of the rotatable mounting of the housing case 140. As a result, the display panel 150 provided in the housing case 140 is adjustable, and can be adjusted by the rider as per requirement. In an embodiment, the display panel 150 comprises a thin-film transistor (TFT) display or a Liquid-crystal display (LCD), that acts as a speedometer cluster and an infotainment module as required.
[027] In an embodiment, as further illustrated in Figure 3, the holder member 130 comprises a lower portion 132 and the holder member 130 is mounted to the lower bracket 120 at the lower portion 132. The holder member 130 further has a left holder arm 134 and a right holder arm 136. The left holder arm 134 and the right holder arm 136 extend upwardly from the lower portion 132 of the holder member 130. As further illustrated in Figure 3, the holder member 130 has a left barrel portion 134’ that is provided on an upper end of the left holder arm 134. Herein, as referenced in Figure 4, the left barrel portion 134’ has a hollow section running partly through the length of the left barrel portion 134’. This means that only a part of the left barrel portion 134’ is hollow.
[028] The holder member 130 further has a right barrel portion 136’ that is provided on an upper end of the right holder arm 136. The right barrel portion 136’ is provided such that the right barrel portion 136’ is coaxial with the left barrel portion 134’. As referenced in Figure 4, the right barrel portion 136’ has a hollow section running through the length of the right barrel portion 136’. This means that the right barrel portion 136’ is hollow throughout the length of the right barrel portion 136’.
[029] For rotatable mounting of the housing case 140 on the holder member 130, the housing case 140 comprises a pivot portion 142. The pivot portion 142 is provided such that the pivot portion 142 is arranged between the left barrel portion 134’ of the holder member 130 and the right barrel portion 136’ of the holder member 130. Further, the pivot portion 142 is provided in a coaxial manner with the left barrel portion 134’ and the right barrel portion 136’. This means that the left barrel portion 134’, the right barrel portion 136’ and the pivot portion 142 are all coaxial with each other. The housing case 140 further has a plate portion 144 that is configured to receive the display panel 150. The plate portion 144 is a flat tray like structure that has provisions for receiving the display panel 150, along with cutouts for cables to pass through for being connected to the display panel 150.
[030] For allowing the pivot portion 142 of the housing case 140 to be mounted with the coaxial left barrel portion 134’ and the right barrel portion 136’, as referenced in Figure 4, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a bolt 190 that passes through the right barrel portion 136’, the pivot portion 142 of the housing case 140, and the left barrel portion 134’. The right barrel portion 136’, the pivot portion 142, and the left barrel portion 134’ being connected by single long bolt 190, thereby rotatably mounts the housing case 140 on the right barrel portion 136’ and the left barrel portion 134’ of the holder member 130.
[031] To lock the housing case 140 in a desired position as illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b and the smooth movement of the housing case 140 as illustrated in Figures 6a, 6b and 7, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a compression spring 192 (shown in Figure 4) that is provided inside the hollow section of the left barrel portion 134’. The compression spring 192 is connected to the bolt 190 such that when the bolt 190 rotates, the spring forces in the compression spring 192 act opposite to the tension force in the bolt 190, thus creating enough friction to hold the housing case 140 in position and smooth adjustability of the housing case 140 and thus the display panel 150. Further, a circlip 194 (shown in Figure 4) is provided on the left barrel portion 134’ for preventing axial movement of the bolt 190. Such a configuration allows for the display panel 150 to be adjusted and held in a non-finite number of positions within the set tolerances. This configuration also ensures that there is enough friction to not allow movement of the housing case 140 due to vehicle vibrations and bumpy terrain.
[032] To allow the rider to adjust the inclination of the housing case 140, and hence the display panel 150, as illustrated in Figures 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and 7, in an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 has an adjustment stem 198. The adjustment stem 198 is provided in the hollow section of the right barrel portion 136’. Herein, the adjustment stem 198 is engaged with the pivot portion 142 of the housing case 140, thereby allowing the pivot portion 142 to be moved by the user to adjust the tilt of the display panel 150. To adjust the display panel 150, the rider holds the adjustment stem 198 and moves the adjustment stem 198 up or down, which causes rotational movement of the pivot portion 142 of the housing case 140, and thus the plate portion 144 of the housing case 140 in which the display panel 150 is provided.
[033] In a further embodiment, to engage the adjustment stem 198 with the pivot portion 142 such that movement of the adjustment stem 198 translates to rotation of the pivot portion 142, the pivot portion 142 comprises one or more indents, and the adjustment stem 198 comprises one or more protrusions. The protrusions of the adjustment stem 198 are configured to engage with the one or more indents on the pivot portion 142, thereby engaging the adjustment stem 198 with the pivot portion 142.
[034] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle type vehicle in which a display panel, which is a speedometer cluster and/or an infotainment panel, is adjustable. The display panel being adjustable thus allows the rider to adjust the tilt of the display panel according to their requirement, thereby eliminating the issue of glare on the display panel. This allows for the rider to view the display panel without adjusting their riding position, thus ensuring better ergonomics. The provision for adjustment of the display panel in the present invention is also provided in a compact manner.
[035] Further, in the present invention, the display panel can be adjusted in a non-finite number of positions between the set tolerances., thus allowing better and more accurate adjustments. Also, the present invention allows for locking of the display panel in the desired tilt or position, which prevents movement of the display panel under bumpy riding conditions.
[036] 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
10: Saddle type vehicle
12: Power Unit
14: Front wheel
16: Rear wheel
18: Floorboard
28: Front Fender
29: Seat Assembly
30: Front Panel Assembly
30A: Front style panel
30B: Rear Panel
33: Right-side panel
36: Headlight
38: Taillight
44: Front Suspensions
46: Rear suspension
110: Steering Column
120: Lower Bracket
130: Holder Member
132: Lower portion of holder member
134: Left Holder Arm
134’: Left Barrel Portion
136: Right Holder Arm
136’: Right Barrel Portion
140: Housing case
142: Pivot Portion
144: Plate Portion
150: Display Panel
170: Handle bar
180: Pair of handles
190: Bolt
192: Compression Spring
194: Circlip
198: Adjustment Stem
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe;
a steering column (110) passing through the head pipe;
a lower bracket (120) being mounted to the steering column (110);
a holder member (130) being mounted to the lower bracket (120); and
a housing case (140) configured to receive a display panel (150), the housing case (140) being rotatably mounted on the holder member (130) thereby allowing adjustment of tilt of the display panel (150).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a handle bar (170) mounted to the lower bracket (120), the handle bar (170) configured to support a pair of handles (180) of the saddle type vehicle (10).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder member (130) comprises a lower portion (132) mounted to the lower bracket (120), and a left holder arm (134) and a right holder arm (136) extending upwardly from the lower portion (132) of the holder member (130).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the holder member (130) comprises a left barrel portion (134’) provided on an upper end of the left holder arm (134), the left barrel portion (134’) having a hollow section running partly through the length of the left barrel portion (134’).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holder member (130) comprises a right barrel portion (136’) provided on an upper end of the right holder arm (136), the right barrel portion (136’) being coaxial with the left barrel portion (134’), and the right barrel portion (136’) having a hollow section running through the length of the right barrel portion (136’).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing case (140) comprises a pivot portion (142) arranged between the left barrel portion (134’) and the right barrel portion (136’), the pivot portion (142) being coaxial with the left barrel portion (134’) and the right barrel portion (136’); and a plate portion (144) configured to receive the display panel (150).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a bolt (190) passing through the right barrel portion (136’), the pivot portion (142) of the housing case (140) and the left barrel portion (134’), thereby rotatably mounting the housing case (140) on the right barrel portion (136’) and the left barrel portion (134’) of the holder member (130).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a compression spring (192) provided inside the hollow section of the left barrel portion (134’) for allowing for smooth rotation of the housing case (140) and locking position of the housing case (140); and a circlip (194) provided on the left barrel portion (134’) for preventing axial movement of the bolt (190).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising an adjustment stem (198) provided in the hollow section of the right barrel portion (136’), the adjustment stem (198) being engaged with the pivot portion (142) of the housing case (140), thereby allowing the pivot portion (142) to be moved by the user to adjust the tilt of the display panel (150).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pivot portion (142) of the housing case (140) comprises one or more indents, and the adjustment stem (198) comprises one or more protrusions configured to engage with the one or more indents on the pivot portion (142), thereby engaging the adjustment stem (198) with the pivot portion (142).

Dated this 3rd day of October 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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