DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a sub fender for a vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a sub fender being attached to a rear fender of the vehicle to provide support to various electrical components being attached at the rear portion of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, a frame is the main supporting structure of a two wheeled vehicle, including saddle-type vehicles. The frame serves to support different parts of the vehicle. Besides acting as the main supporting structure of the vehicle, the construction of the frame also defines the outward shape and appeal of the vehicle. Frame structure of the vehicle supports the vehicle's mechanical components and to deal with static and dynamic loads, without undue deflection or distortion.
[0003] The structure and construction of the frame also plays a critical role for the packaging of components of the saddle-type vehicle. Challenges especially lie in designing a reliable and durable frame which can accommodate several parts including accessories required for the safety of a rider. Such a frame in the present times is covered with a plurality of body panels from all the sides of the vehicle to provide desired shape to the vehicle. These body panels constitute the style parts of the vehicle.
[0004] Rear fender and tail cover assembly are provided in the vehicle by the manufacturers to prevent the mud splashes on the electrical components allowing the electrical components to function normally. The rear fender acts as a base for several electrical components or accessories required to be provided in the vehicle in the best interest of the rider. However, sometimes due to high speed of the vehicle the components attached to rear fender do not get appropriate support from the rear portion of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same reference signs are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Figure.1 illustrates a side partial view of a conventional vehicle in accordance with a known art.
[0007] Figure.2 illustrates a tubular structure which is typically provided under the rear fender in accordance with a known art.
[0008] Figure.3 illustrates the rear portion of a vehicle in accordance with an existing art.
[0009] Figure.4a and Figure 4b illustrate top & bottom perspective view of sub fender in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Figure.5 illustrates the exploded view of the sub fender and rear fender assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure.6 illustrates frame assembly and few peripheral parts of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Figure.7a illustrates a perspective view of the frame assembly and few peripheral parts in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Figure. 7b illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of sub fender and rear fender on the frame assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Figure. 8a illustrates the bottom view of the sub fender in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00015] Figure. 8b and 8c illustrates the bottom view of the sub fender being attached to the rear fender in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00016] Figure. 9 illustrates the sectional view of the sub fender being attached to the frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00017] Figure. 10 illustrates the mounting of the turn signal lamps and license plate on the sub fender in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00018] Figure. 11a illustrates rear perspective view of sub fender being attached to rear tail cover bottom and the rear fender being attached to sub fender in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00019] Figure. 11b illustrates the side view of the assembly of the sub fender with the rear fender in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00020] The frame assembly forms the core structure of a saddle-type vehicle. The frame assembly include a front frame portion, a middle frame portion and a rear frame portion. Typically, the frame assembly supports a power unit, a front and rear suspensions, and several other parts of the saddle-type vehicle. Conventionally, the front frame portion comprises a head tube and a down tube. The head tube connects a handle bar for steering the vehicle. The down tube is connected to the front frame portion rearwardly from the head tube. The down tube extends rearward connecting the middle frame portion which can include a floor board in a scooter type straddle vehicle.
[00021] Conventionally, the rear fender is provided to prevent the mud splashes on the trailing vehicles and also to prevent the electrical components from any damage. The rear fender acts a base for mounting tail lamp, turn signal lamp, one or more reflectors on either sider of the vehicle, license number plate and license number plate illuminator etc. When the vehicle is cruising at high speed, vibration is transferred to various parts of the vehicle. The vibration amplitude of the rear fender depends on the overhang provided from the frame assembly of the vehicle and rear fender mass including mass of additionally mounted components.
[00022] Generally, the frame structure of the vehicle is not extended till the rear fender assembly by the manufacturer of the vehicle. This is done to reduce the weight of overall frame assembly and the cost of the vehicle. Also, sometimes the rider seat and the pillion seat are provided at an angle to make the vehicle aesthetically more appealing and to enhance the vehicle riding dynamics. In that scenario, the frame structure of the vehicle is kept even shorter than the conventional vehicles having the straight seats without any height. Due to road load and vibrations caused in the vehicle and also due to the design of vehicle in which the frame assembly does not provide sufficient support to the rear fender, the frequency of the vibrations, in terms of frequency and amplitude, produced in the rear portion of the vehicle, turns out to be more than the desirable frequency. This shows that the rear fender of the vehicle is not sturdy enough to sustain vibrations caused due to vehicle speed. Further, the rear fender cannot provide sufficient support to above specified electrical components mounted on.
[00023] Usually, metal bracket members or metal frames are used in the rear zone of the vehicle to mount the components like Rear lamp, Rear fender, etc to the frame, because of high strength requirements. However, they increase over-all weight and increases manufacturing complexity. When plastic bracket is used, they are not as stiff as steel brackets to reduce the vibration.
[00024] Sometimes when the vehicle is cruising at a certain speed, displacement may occur on the tip of rear fender due to the road load and vibration input. Owing to the undesirable vibrations, the rear fender can show a displacement of tip up to 10 cm which is not within permissible range of homologation requirements. This kind of prolonged displacement of the tip of rear fender together with the vibration amplitude being more that the desirable frequency can cause the fender to break apart. This may also cause damage to tail lights of the vehicle and loosening and dismantling of various electrical components that are mounted on the rear fender. Further, fender vibrations and displacement are not acceptable beyond a certain limit since the vehicle registration number plate will not be legible. It affects the appearance and quality of the vehicle produced by the manufacturer.
[00025] To overcome the above-mentioned problem, conventional approach to solve this problem is to extend the frame and reduce the overhang of the fender so that amplitude fender vibration comes down. However, this increases overall weight of the vehicle which is undesirable.
[00026] Alternatively of frame extension, a tubular structure is provided under the rear fender to add an additional steel reinforcement (tube or plate structure) on the rear fender to address the above-mentioned issue. Typically, a tubular structure is provided for giving sufficient support to the fender and the other electrical components mounted on the rear fender. Such a tubular structure is made of sheet metal and is specially constructed to overcome fender vibrations and reduce the displacement occurring due to vibration inputs and road load. As per the existing art, the tubular structure is provided in accordance with the shape of the rear fender assembly. The tubular structure is connected to the rear fender assembly through plurality of fastening means. However, to construct such a tubular structure, the manufacturer has to provide multiple welds to attach plurality of cross members to the tubular structure. Welded joints are more brittle and therefore their fatigue strength is less than the members joined. Due to uneven heating & cooling of the members during the welding, the members may distort resulting in additional stresses. Further, the cross members provided with the tubular structure are of specific design and contouring on sheet metal structure requires skilled labour. Also, multiple bends are provided on the tubular structure to reproduce the similar shape as of the rear fender. To fabricate the multiple bends on the tubular structure needs specific knowledge and equipped skill since any force applied exceeding the metal’s strength while forging the bends may cause permanent deformation of metal used in the tubular structure. Hence, to reproduce similar tubular structure to support the rear fender assembly may require precision because when the tubular structure is assembled to the rear portion of the vehicle, it may create some gaps and cause alignment issues which is not desirable while assembling of the vehicle. A desirable smooth fit may not be acquired through such structure. As mentioned above, the construction of such a structure is complicated. The construction of tubular structure is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. Further, several mounting points are provided in the tubular structure to mount it to the rear fender which unnecessary increases load on the vehicle body frame. Sometimes, these mounting points are inbuild and welded to the vehicle body frame which causes the weakening of the frame of the vehicle because of multiple welds.
[00027] Therefore, there is need to provide a vehicle with a durable rear fender assembly to prevent the loss occurring due to vibration input and road load impacts. Further, there is a need to protect the electrical and electronic equipment attached to the rear fender and provide adequate support to the rear portion of the vehicle to withstand vibration and road loads. Furthermore, there is a need to provide a rear fender assembly that overcomes the disadvantages of the conventional rear fender assembly as mentioned above.
[00028] In view of the above, it is an object of the present subject matter to provide a sub fender for a vehicle which provides reinforcement support to the rear fender and the electrical components mounted on the rear fender of the vehicle. Also, another object of the present subject matter is to provide a sub fender which provides additional stiffness to a rear fender assembly without excessively increasing the weight of the vehicle.
[00029] Accordingly, the above and other objects are achieved by providing a vehicle comprising: a frame assembly, a rear fender and a sub fender to improve stiffness of the rear fender. The sub fender provides a durable structure to the rear fender to mount the electrical components since it minimizes the impact of vibration input and road load received from the speed of the vehicle. This prevents any dismantling and loosening of the electrical components mounted on the rear fender.
[00030] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, at least a portion of the sub fender being attached to a bottom surface of the rear fender using attachment means such that the fender is sandwich mounted between the sub fender and the electrical components. As per an embodiment, the attachment formed between the rear fender and the sub fender is configured to form a box section which improves the stiffness of the rear fender. A box section has higher section modulus resulting in high stiffness than a solid support member for a rear fender having same cross section area thereby minimising the weight penalty. Further, a box section is economical and efficient way of providing support to the rear fender. A box section is a hollow structure created between the rear fender and the sub fender. Furthermore, the box section does not bend easily as the stress exerted on sub fender and rear fender, due to road load and vibration input, is taken by the outermost structure of the sub fender. Hence, the material along the neutral axis of the box section is not experiencing much load or stress and is thus configured to be hollow. Therefore, a hollow box section created between the sub fender and rear fender will keep the weight of the overall assembly low by not utilizing excess material thereby, not putting load on the frame of the vehicle. Additionally, such a sub fender provides additional load carrying capability for the rear fender.
[00031] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the frame assembly includes a head tube, a main tube and a pair of down tube. The frame assembly also includes one or more cross members, a pair of left and right seat rails. The one or more cross members being welded to a portion of the left and right seat rails. The sub fender and the rear fender being attached to the one or more cross members using a fastening means. The fastening means may be a nut and bolt arrangement. As per one aspect, the sub fender and the rear fender may be made of thermoplastic material which may be attached through thermoplastic welding. Hence, there can be various kinds of attachment means that may be used to fasten the sub fender and rear fender together. Further, the sub fender and rear fender together in an assembled condition, act as a single and a stiff member. This will reduce the vibrations of the rear fender which in turn increase the durability rear fender. The design of conventional metal bracket members or metal frames used in the rear portion of the vehicle is also optimised in the present invention to make it is easy to manufacture which also improves the structural durability of the rear fender. In the present invention, there is overall reduction in the weight of the vehicle. Over-design of the system is avoided by providing a sub fender made from resin or plastic that can be manufactured through injection moulds thereby keeping the uniformity throughout the assembly. Since there is no additional metal reinforcement, weight of the system is reduced and the sub fender being made from plastic to provide reinforcement support has a higher manufacturing accuracy than metal reinforcement hence the appearance quality is also improved.
[00032] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the vehicle comprises of a pair of turn signal lamps, a license plate, a license plate bracket, a seat lock, a rear reflector, a license plate illuminator, and a pair of reflectors. As per one aspect to the present invention, the pair of turn signal lamps being attached to both sub fender and rear fender though fastening means. As per another embodimentt of the present invention, the license plate bracket being attached to the sub fender and the rear fender, the license plate being mounted on the license plate bracket. The sub fender has in build contours provided by the manufacturer so that the sub fender provides additional support to the electrical components mounted on the rear fender.
[00033] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, sub fender is configured to cover the seat lock from behind to theft proofing the lock.
[00034] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, sub fender comprisies of one or more cavities, at least one opening, one or more attachment points to connect sub fender with the frame assembly, one or more license plate bracket attachment points, at least one attachment point to connect the sub fender with the rear fender, a dipped portion on the bottom surface of sub fender, and plurality of ribs. The ribs are provided in the sub fender which gets hidden during the assembly with the rear fender, thereby giving a smooth finish and appearance to the customer. Providing ribs on the sub fender and not on the rear fender will be advantageous in one more way. If the ribs are provided on the rear fender, then the sink marks that may have occurred during molding become visible which is undesirable. Sink marks are the areas in the moulded part where the surface is deformed into a depression. Providing the ribs on the sub fender, gives extra stiffness to the rear fender without having sink marks caused with the ageing of the component.
[00035] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the plurality of ribs being provided on top surface of the sub fender. As per this embodiment, the sub fender includes primary ribs, cross ribs and secondary ribs.
[00036] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the primary ribs provide additional stiffness to the license plate bracket attachment points. The primary ribs being configured to have more length and depth as compared to the secondary ribs.
[00037] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the secondary ribs being provided on a portion substantially below the one or more license plate bracket attachment points.
[00038] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the sub fender comprising the one or more cavities with one or more mounting holes to mount the turn signal lamps.
[00039] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the sub fender comprises of the dipped portion on a bottom surface of the sub fender providing clearance to a rear wheel.
[00040] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, a portion of the sub fender comprises of the one or more license plate bracket attachment points to attach license plate to the sub fender and at least one attachment point to connect the sub fender with the rear fender. Further, the one or more license plate bracket attachment points and at least one attachment point are configured with high thickness to provide additional support to the rear fender at specific mounting locations.
[00041] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the sub fender of a vehicle being configured to mount on a frame assembly of the vehicle from one end. At least a portion of the sub fender being attached to a bottom surface of a rear fender of the vehicle using attachment means. The attachment between the rear fender and the sub fender forms a box section which improves the overall stiffness of the rear fender.
[00042] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present subject matter will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00043] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the step-through frame structure and its construction, in accordance with the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present subject matter will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the saddle-type vehicle with a driver sitting thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a vertical axis refers to a top to bottom axis relative to the saddle-type vehicle, defining a vehicle vertical direction; while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Further, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the saddle-type vehicle, defining the vehicle in a longitudinal direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00044] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00045] Figure.1 illustrates a side partial view of a conventional vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly 600 (shown in Figure 6) to support different parts of the vehicle 100. The rear portion of the vehicle 100 is shown in the figure 1. A typical vehicle comprising seat 101 for the rider and the pillion. Sometimes, the seats 101 are provided at an angle to give the vehicle 100 more compact look. Further, the rear portion of the vehicle 100 comprises of tail lights 102, a rear fender 103, license plate illuminator 104, turn signal lights 105, license plate 106, a pair of reflectors 107. The rear fender 103 is provided to prevent the electrical components from getting damaged due to water and dirt ingress through mud splashes from the rear wheel 108. Further, the rear fender 103 is generally made of plastic material and act as a base structure to support the tail lights 102, license plate illuminator 104, turn signal lights 105, license plate 106, license plate a rear reflector 114 (shown in figure 5) and a pair of side reflectors 107.
[00046] Figure.2 illustrates a tubular structure 200 as per an known art, which is typically provided under the rear fender 103 to provide sufficient support to the fender 103 and the other electrical components mounted on the rear fender 103 in a vehicle 100. Such a tubular structure 200 is made of sheet metal and is specially constructed to overcome fender vibrations and reduce the displacement occurring due to vibration inputs and road load. As per the existing art, the tubular structure 200 is provided in accordance with the shape of the rear fender assembly 103. The tubular structure 200 is connected to the rear fender assembly 103 through plurality of mounting means 201, 206. However, to construct such a tubular structure, the manufacturer has to provide multiple welds to attach plurality of cross members 207, 208, 209 to the tubular structure 200. Welded joints are more brittle and therefore their fatigue strength is less than the members joined. Due to uneven heating & cooling of the members during the welding, the members may distort resulting in additional stresses. Further, the cross member 209 which is attached to the tubes 202 of the tubular structure 200 are of specific design and contour pattern on sheet metal structure which generally requires skilled labour to develop such design and contour pattern on the cross member 209. Also, multiple bends 203, 204, 205 are provided on the tubular structure 200 to reproduce the similar shape as of the rear fender 103. To fabricate the multiple bends 203, 204, 205 on the tubular structure 200 needs specific knowledge and equipped skill since any force applied exceeding the metal’s strength while forging the bends may cause permanent deformation of metal used in the tubular structure 200. Hence, to reproduce similar tubular structure 200 to support the rear fender assembly 103 may require precision because when the tubular structure is assembled to the rear portion of the vehicle 100, it may create gaps and cause alignment issues which is not desirable while assembling of the vehicle 100. A desirable smooth finish may not be acquired through such structure. As mentioned above, the construction of such a tubular structure 200 is complicated. The manufacturing of tubular structure 200 is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. Further, several mounting points 201,206 are provided in the tubular structure 200 to mount it to the rear fender 103 which unnecessarily increases load on the vehicle body frame 600. Sometimes, these mounting points 201,206 are inbuild and welded to the vehicle body frame 600 which causes the weakening of the frame 600 of the vehicle 100 because of multiple welds required to connect the plurality of cross members 207, 208, 209 to the tubes 202 of the tubular structure 200.
[00047] Figure.3 illustrates the rear portion of a vehicle 100 as per known art. It is shown that the vehicle 100 comprises of the rear tail cover bottom 500 which is provided in the vehicle 100 to prevent the seats from the dirt and water ingress that happens during mud splashing. Further, the rear fender 103 acts as a base to support the tail lights 102, license plate illuminator 104, turn signal lamps 105, license plate 106 and a pair of side reflectors 107. The rear tail cover bottom 500 is mounted on the frame structure 600 of the vehicle 100 through mounting holes provided on the sides of the frame structure 600 of the vehicle 100.
[00048] Figure.4a and Figure 4b illustrate top & bottom perspective views of sub fender 400 comprising one or more cavities 404, at least one opening including a first opening 402 and a second opening403, one or more attachment points 401 to connect sub fender 400 with the frame assembly 600, one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406, at least one attachment point 405 to connect the sub fender 400 with the rear fender 103, a dipped portion 413 on the bottom surface of sub fender 400, and plurality of ribs 407, 408, 409. The plurality of ribs 407, 408, 409 being provided on top surface of the sub fender 400. The sub fender 400 includes primary ribs 407, cross ribs 408 and secondary ribs 409. The primary ribs 407 provide stiffness to the license plate bracket attachment points 406. The primary ribs 407 being configured to have more length and depth as compared to the secondary ribs 409. The cross ribs 408 are further provided to prevent the sub fender 400 from bending and to maintain the shape of the sub fender 400. The secondary ribs 409 being provided on a portion substantially below the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406. The sub fender 400 comprising the one or more cavities 404, one or more mounting holes 414 are provided on a mounting rib structure 410, to mount the turn signal lamps 105. Further, the primary ribs 407 are being provided with greater thickness at a local region near the cavities 404, the thicker ribs thereby forming the mounting rib structure 410. The turn signal lamps 105 is mounted to the mounting holes 414.
[00049] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the sub fender 400 comprises a dipped portion 413 formed as a contoured recess on the bottom surface of the sub fender 400 providing clearance to a rear wheel 108. This dipped portion 413 extends from top to bottom providing thickness to the sub fender 400 at the specific mounting location and forms a Y-shaped structure extending from the one or more attachment points 401 beyond one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406.
[00050] A portion of the sub fender 400 comprising the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 to attach license plate 106 to the sub fender 400 and at least one attachment point 405 to connect the sub fender 400 with the rear fender 103. Further, the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 and at least one attachment point 405 having more thickness to provide additional support to the rear fender 103 at specific mounting locations.
[00051] The sub fender 400 of a vehicle 100 being configured to be mounted on a frame assembly 600 of the vehicle 100 from one end. At least a portion of the sub fender 400 being attached to a bottom surface of a rear fender 103 of the vehicle 100 using attachment means 405. The attachment between the rear fender 103 and the sub fender 400 forms a hollow box region 1203 (shown in Figure 11b) which improves the overall stiffness of the rear fender 103.
[00052] Further, the sub fender 400 is made up of thermoplastic material and is secured to the rear fender 103 with the help of thermoplastic welding. In an embodiment, contours are formed at the edge 411 of sub fender 400 which maybe helpful to snap-fit the sub fender with the rear fender 103 of the vehicle 100. Further, the mounting holes 412 may be provided on either side of the sub fender to secure the sub fender 400 to rear tail cover bottom 500 being provided in the vehicle 100.
[00053] Figure.5 illustrates the exploded view of the sub fender 400 and rear fender 103 assembly. The sub fender 400 is mounted on the rear tail cover bottom 500. Further, the sub fender 400 is secured to the frame 600 of the vehicle 100 with the help of one or more attachment points 401. The rear fender 103 being attached to the sub fender 400 and is also secured to the frame 600 of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, an exploded view of the rear fender assembly 103 is also shown in the figure. The license plate bracket 111, bracket portions 113 to secure turn signal lamps are provided in the rear fender 103. Further, a mounting hole 110 is also provided for accessing seat lock 1204. Further, turn signal lamps 105, a license plate 106, a license plate bracket 112, a seat lock 1204 (shown in Fig 11b), a rear reflector 114, a license plate illuminator 104, and a pair of side reflectors 107.
[00054] Figure.6 illustrates frame assembly 600 along with few peripheral parts of the vehicle 100. In an upper portion of the frame assembly 600, a handlebar assembly is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly (not shown) is used to steer the vehicle 100 and is connected to a front wheel (not shown) through the steering shaft (not shown) and a front fork assembly (not shown). An upper portion of the front wheel (not shown) is covered by a front fender (not shown) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, the front fork assembly (not shown) is supported on the front fender (not shown) by means of a brace fender (not shown).
[00055] In a front portion of the frame assembly 600 a fuel tank assembly (not shown) is arranged immediately behind the handlebar assembly (not shown). A seat assembly 101 is placed behind the fuel tank assembly (not shown). The seat assembly 101 includes a front rider seating portion, herein called as a front seat and a pillion rider seating portion, herein called as a pillion seat. The pillion rider seating portion is placed on the rear part of the frame assembly 600, where the rear part of the frame assembly 600 is covered by the tail cover assembly 500.
[00056] Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the two wheeled vehicle 100 on the road. A front suspension assembly (not shown) serves as rigidity component for the front portion of the vehicle 100 just like the frame assembly 600. The front suspension assembly (not shown) clamped to the head tube 601 through an upper bracket (not shown) and a lower bracket (not shown) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system (not shown), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame assembly 600. The rear suspension system (not shown) comprises of at least one rear suspension (not shown) preferably disposed centrally in the longitudinal mid plane of the vehicle 100. However, in a vehicle 100 with two rear suspensions (not shown), the same may be disposed on the left side and the right side respectively of the vehicle 100.
[00057] The frame 600 of the vehicle comprises of a head tube 601, down tube 602 and a main tube 603. Further, the main tube 603 is extended to form vehicle’s seat rails 604. Cross members 605a, 605b and 606c being secured to the seat rails 604. These cross members 605a, 605b and 606c may be utilized to mount various style parts and body panels of the vehicle. Here, the cross members 605a, 605b and 606c provide support to the rear fender 103 and the sub fender 400. The rear fender 103 is mounted on the frame 600 of the vehicle 100 with the help of the mounting holes 109.
[00058] A rear fender 103 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel 108 is mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle 100 to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel 108 from entering the muffler assembly (not shown). To enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the vehicle 100, a plurality of rear covers (not labelled) is attached to a rear portion of the frame assembly 600.
[00059] Area below the seat assembly 101 and the fuel tank assembly (not shown) of the vehicle 100 is covered on both sides and on the rear side by a rear cover assembly (not shown). The rear cover assembly (not shown) includes the one or more side covers (not shown) and at least one bottom cover (not shown).
[00060] Figure.7a illustrates a side view of the frame assembly 600 along with few peripheral parts of the vehicle 100. The frame assembly 600 includes a head tube 601, a main tube 603 and down tubes 602. The down tube 602 extends rearward from the head tube 601. Further, the mounting arrangement of sub fender 400 is shown in the figure. A sub fender 400 being mounted on the rear tail cover bottom 500 with the help of fastener 703 is provided. The sub fender 400 is also secured to the frame 600 with the help of fastener 701 through one or more attachment points 401 to connect sub fender 400 with the frame assembly 600.
[00061] Figure. 7b illustrates a perspective view of the mounting of sub fender 400 and rear fender 103 on the frame assembly 600. The sub fender 400 is mounted on the frame assembly 600 on the cross member 605c with the help of one or more attachment points 401 being provided on sub fender 400. Further, the sub fender 400 is secured to the rear tail cover bottom 500 though fastening means. The rear fender 103 is also mounted on the frame assembly 600 and is also secured to the sub fender 400 through attachment means.
[00062] Figure. 8a illustrates the bottom view of the sub fender 400. The sub fender 400 comprising one or more cavities 404 to mount turn signal lamps 105, at least one opening 402, 403 (shown in Fig 4a) provided to route the wires of various electrical components mounted on the rear fender 103, one or more attachment points 401 (shown in Fig 4a) to connect sub fender 400 with the frame assembly 600, one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406, at least one attachment point 405 to connect the sub fender 400 with the rear fender 103, a dipped portion 413 on the bottom surface of sub fender 400, and plurality of ribs 407, 408, 409 (shown in Fig 4a). The plurality of ribs 407, 408, 409 being provided on top surface of the sub fender 400. The sub fender 400 includes primary ribs 407, cross ribs 408 and secondary ribs 409. The primary ribs 407 provide stiffness to the license plate bracket attachment points 406. The primary ribs 407 being configured to have more length and depth as compared to the secondary ribs 409. The cross ribs 408 are further provided to prevent the sub fender 400 from bending and to maintain the shape of the sub fender 400. The secondary ribs 409 being provided on a portion substantially below the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406. The sub fender 400 comprising the one or more cavities 404, these cavities are created with one or more mounting holes 414 to mount the turn signal lamps 105 with the help of fasteners 801. The cavities 404 are being provided for ease of assembly of the turn signal lamps 105 and serviceability of the turn signal lamps 105. Further, the primary ribs 407 are being provided with greater thickness and a mounting rib structure 410 being formed onto which the turn signal lamps would be mounted 105.
[00063] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the sub fender 400 comprising the dipped portion 413 on a bottom surface of the sub fender 400 providing clearance to a rear wheel 108. This dipped portion 413 extends from top to bottom providing thickness to the sub fender 400 at the specific mounting location and forms a Y-shaped structure extending from the one or more attachment points 401 till one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406.
[00064] A portion of the sub fender 400 comprising the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 to attach license plate 106 to the sub fender 400 and at least one attachment point 405 to connect the sub fender 400 with the rear fender 103. Further, the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 and at least one attachment point 405 having more thickness to provide additional support to the rear fender 103 at specific mounting locations.
[00065] The sub fender 400 of a vehicle 100 being configured to be mounted on a frame assembly 600 of the vehicle 100 from one end. At least a portion of the sub fender 400 being attached to a bottom surface of a rear fender 103 of the vehicle 100 using attachment means 405. The attachment between the rear fender 103 and the sub fender 400 forms a hollow box region 1203 which improves the overall stiffness of the rear fender 103.
[00066] Further, the sub fender 400 is made up of thermoplastic material and is secured to the rear fender 103 with the help of thermoplastic welding. In an embodiment, contours are formed at the edge 411 of sub fender 400 which may be helpful to snap-fit the sub fender with the rear fender 103 of the vehicle 100. Further, the mounting holes 412 may be provided on either side of the sub fender to secure the sub fender 400 to rear tail cover bottom 500 being provided in the vehicle 100.
[00067] Figure. 8b illustrates the bottom view of the sub fender 400 being attached to the rear fender 103. The sub fender 400 and the rear tail cover bottom 500 are being connected with the help of fasteners 703. Further, the rear tail cover bottom 500 is being mounted on the frame 600 of the vehicle 100 with the help of fastening means 801. Further, the rear fender 103 is secured to the sub fender 400 through fastening means 405.
[00068] Figure. 8c illustrates the bottom view of the sub fender 400 being attached to the rear fender 103. The sub fender 400 and the rear tail cover bottom 500 are being connected with the help of fasteners 703. Further, the rear tail cover bottom 500 is being mounted on the frame 600 of the vehicle 100 with the help of fastening means 801. Further, the rear fender 103 is secured to the sub fender 400 through fastening means 405. If a lateral section is cut along the vertical axis A-A in Fig. 8c, the sectional view obtained is shown in Figure 9 and if a section is cut along the longitudinal axis B-B in Fig. 8b, the sectional view obtained is shown in Figure 11b.
[00069] Figure. 9 illustrates the sectional view of the sub fender 400.
[00070] The sub fender 400 of a vehicle 100 being configured to be mounted on a frame assembly 600 of the vehicle 100 from one end. Further, the sub fender 400 is secured to the frame 600 of the vehicle 100 with the help of one or more attachment points 401. The rear fender 103 being attached to the sub fender 400 and is also secured to the frame 600 of the vehicle 100. The license plate bracket 111, bracket portions 113 to secure turn signal lamps are provided in the rear fender 103. Further, a mounting hole 110 is also provided for seat lock 1204. Further, turn signal lamps 105, a license plate 106, a license plate bracket 112, a seat lock 1204, a rear reflector 114, a license plate illuminator 104, and a pair of side reflectors 107 are provided.
[00071] Figure. 10 illustrates the mounting of the turn signal lamps 105 and license plate 106 on the sub fender 400. The sub fender 400 comprising the one or more cavities 404, these cavities are created with one or more mounting holes 414 (shown in Fig 4a) to mount the turn signal lamps 105 with the help of fasteners 801. The cavities 404 are being provided for ease of assembly of the turn signal lamps 105 and serviceability of the turn signal lamps 105. Further, the primary ribs 407 are being provided with high thickness and a mounting rib structure 410 being formed onto which the turn signal lamps would be mounted 105.
[00072] A portion of the sub fender 400 comprises the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 to attach license plate 106 to the sub fender 400 and at least one attachment point 405 to connect the sub fender 400 with the rear fender 103. Further, the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 and at least one attachment point 405 have high thickness to provide additional support to the rear fender 103 at specific mounting locations.
[00073] Figure. 11a illustrates rear perspective view of sub fender 400 being attached to rear tail cover bottom 500 and the rear fender 103 being attached to sub fender 400.
[00074] A portion of the sub fender 400 comprises the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 to attach license plate 106 to the sub fender 400 and at least one attachment point 405 to connect the sub fender 400 with the rear fender 103. Further, the one or more license plate bracket attachment points 406 and at least one attachment point 405 is provided with high thickness to provide additional support to the rear fender 103 at specific mounting locations.
[00075] The sub fender 400 of a vehicle 100 being configured to be mounted on a frame assembly 600 of the vehicle 100 from one end. At least a portion of the sub fender 400 being attached to a bottom surface of a rear fender 103 of the vehicle 100 using attachment means 405. The attachment between the rear fender 103 and the sub fender 400 forms a hollow box region 1203 which improves the overall stiffness of the rear fender 103.
[00076] Further, the sub fender 400 is made up of thermoplastic material and is secured to the rear fender 103 with the help of thermoplastic welding. Further, the mounting holes 412 may be provided on either side of the sub fender to secure the sub fender 400 to rear tail cover bottom 500 being provided in the vehicle 100.
[00077] A mounting hole 110 on rear fender 103 is also provided for accessing seat lock 1204. The turn signal lamps 105, a license plate 106, a license plate bracket 112, a rear reflector 114, a license plate illuminator 104, and a pair of side reflectors 107 are mounted on the rear fender 103. Sub fender 400 provides support to the rear fender 103 to prevent damage and loosening of the electrical components mounted on the rear fender 103.
[00078] Figure. 11b illustrates the sectional view of the assembly of the sub fender 400 with the rear fender 103. If a section is cut along the longitudinal axis B-B in Fig. 8b, the sectional view obtained is shown in Figure 11b.
[00079] The boundary of the sub fender 400 is shown with the hatched line 1201 and the boundary of the rear fender 103 is shown with line 1202. As seen from the figure, a hollow box region 1203 is created between the rear fender 103 and sub fender 400. A portion of the sub fender 400 being attached to a bottom surface of the rear fender 103 using attachment means. The attachment formed between the rear fender 103 and the sub fender 400 is the hollow box region 1203 which improves the stiffness of the rear fender 103. The hollow box region 1203 has higher section modulus than a solid support member for a rear fender 103 having same cross section area. Further, the hollow box region 1203 is economical and efficient way of providing support to the rear fender 103. The hollow box region1203 is a hollow region created between the rear fender 103 and the sub fender 400. Furthermore, the hollow box region 1203 does not bend easily as the stress exerted on sub fender 400 and rear fender 103, due to road load and vibration input, is carried out by the outermost structure of the sub fender 400. Since the material along the neutral axis of bending is not doing much work, it is removed. Therefore, the hollow box region1203 created between the sub fender 400 and rear fender 103 will keep the weight of the overall assembly low by not utilizing excess material thereby, not putting load on the frame of the vehicle 100. Additionally, such a sub fender 400 provides additional load carrying capability for the rear fender 103.
[00080] Further, sub fender 400 is configured to cover the seat lock 1204 from behind to theft proofing the lock. In a typical vehicle, the seat lock 1204 is covered through an additional lock cover or a tail cover. The requirement to provide additional lock cover is fulfilled by the sub fender 400 which is configured to cover the lock 1204 from the behind.
[00081] The present invention also solves the problem of rattling of rear fender assembly. Further, ease of assembly of the various members on to the frame of the vehicle. Rear fender misalignment due to sheet metal manufacturing variations also goes down. The sub fender disclosed in the present invention is added in such a way that when it is welded through thermoplastic weld with the rear fender, it forms a hollow box region which improves the section modulus of the rear fender and thereby reduces the vibrations and increases the natural frequency of the rear fender, further increasing the vibration & road load bearing capacity of the rear fender. Furthermore, the decrease in vibration on the rear fender will increase the durability of the rear fender.
[00082] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100: Vehicle
101: Seat assembly
102: Tail lights
103: Rear Fender
104: License plate illuminator
105: Turn signal lamps
106: License plate
107: Pair of side reflectors
108: Rear wheel
109: Mounting holes for rear fender

110: Mounting hole for seat lock
111: Mounting hole for license plate illuminator
112: License plate bracket
113: Mounting hole for turn signal lamps
114: Rear reflector
200: Tubular structure
201: Mounting means
202: Tubes

203, 204, 205: Multiple bends
206: Mounting means
207, 208, 209: Cross members
400: Sub fender
401: Mounting holes
402: First Opening

403: Second Opening
404: One or more cavities
405: Attachment means
406: One or more license plate bracket attachment points
407: Primary ribs
408: Cross ribs
409: Secondary ribs
410: Mounting rib structure for Turn signal lamp
411: Edge of sub fender
412: Mounting holes
413: Dipped portion
414: Mounting holes for turn signal lamps
500: Rear tail cover bottom
601: Head tube
602: Down tube
603: Main tube
604: Seat rails
605a, 605b, 606c: Cross Members
701, 703, 801: Fasteners
802: Fender Mounting holes
1201: Boundary line for sub fender
1202: Boundary line for rear fender
1203: Box region
1204: Seat lock
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) including:
a frame assembly (600)
a rear fender (103);
a sub fender (400);
wherein,
said sub fender (400) being configured to mount on said frame assembly (600) of said vehicle (100) from one end, at least a portion of said sub fender (400) being attached to a bottom surface of said rear fender (103) using attachment means (405), said attachment between said rear fender (103) and said sub fender (400) forming a hollow box region (1203) for improving stiffness of said rear fender (103).
2. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (600) includes one or more cross members (605a, 605b, 605c), a pair of left and right seat rails (604), and said one or more cross members (605a, 605b, 605c) being welded to a portion of said left and right seat rails (604).
3. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle (100) including a pair of turn signal lamps (105), a license plate (106), a license plate bracket (112), a seat lock (1204), a rear reflector (114), a license plate illuminator (104), and a pair of side reflectors (107).
4. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said pair of turn signal lamps (105) being attached to said sub fender (400) and said rear fender (103).
5. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a portion of said rear fender (103) being sandwiched between said license plate bracket (112) and said sub fender (400), said license plate (106) being mounted on said license plate bracket (112).
6. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rear reflector (114), said pair of side reflectors (107) and said license plate illuminator (104), being attached to said rear fender (103).
7. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sub fender (400) being configured to cover said seat lock (1204) from an inside region of said vehicle (100) for preventing theft.
8. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sub fender (400) including one or more cavities (404), at least one opening (402,403), one or more attachment points (401) to connect sub fender (400) with said frame assembly (600), one or more license plate bracket attachment points (406), at least one attachment point (405) to connect said sub fender (400) with said rear fender (103), a dipped portion (413) on the bottom surface of sub fender (400), and plurality of ribs (407,408,409).
9. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said plurality of ribs (407,408,409) being provided on top surface of said sub fender (400), said sub fender (400) includes primary ribs (407), cross ribs (408) and secondary ribs (409).
10. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said primary ribs (407) provide stiffness to the license plate bracket attachment points (406), said primary ribs (407) being configured to have higher length and depth as compared to said secondary ribs (409).
11. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said secondary ribs (409) being provided on a portion substantially below said one or more license plate bracket attachment points (406).
12. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sub fender (400) including said one or more cavities (404), a mounting rib structure (410) having one or more mounting holes (414) configured to mount said turn signal lamps (105).
13. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sub fender (400) including said dipped portion (413) on a bottom surface of said sub fender (400) for enhancing stiffness of the sub fender (400) without increasing weight.
14. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a portion of said sub fender (400) including said one or more license plate bracket attachment points (406) for attaching said license plate (106) to said sub fender (400), and said at least one attachment point (405) for connecting said sub fender (400) with said rear fender (103); said portion having higher thickness for providing additional support to said rear fender (103) at specific mounting locations.
15. A vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sub fender (400) being made of plastic material, said sub fender (400) and said rear fender (103) being attached through thermoplastic welding.
16. A sub fender (400) of a vehicle (100) wherein said sub fender (400) being configured to mount on a frame assembly (600) of said vehicle (100) from one end, at least a portion of said sub fender (400) being attached to a bottom surface of a rear fender (103) of said vehicle (100), forming a hollow box region (1203) between said rear fender (103) and said sub fender (400) for improving stiffness of said rear fender (103).