Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a three wheeled
vehicle, but does not exclusively relate to a body frame structure of said three
wheeled vehicle.
Background
[0002] Homologation norms across all nations require automobile
manufacturers to provide occupant impact protection systems on board the
vehicles. Typically, provisions for occupant impact protection systems such as
seat belts have been most prevalently used in four wheeled vehicles. However,
seat belts have not yet seen the light of the day in three wheeled vehicles such as
auto rickshaws which are a popular means of transportation in countries such as
India, Pakistan and other South East Asian countries. Moreover, since three
wheeled vehicles are light in weight as compared to four wheeled vehicles, they
are more prone to toppling over. It is therefore desirable to provide seat belt
anchorage in three^Wheeled vehicles for the safety of the occupants.
[0003] Load transfer is an important aspect to be ensured while providing
a seat belt anchorage system in any vehicle, since the load borne by the seat belt
needs to be effectively transferred to a body frame structure of said vehicle.
[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide a three wheeled vehicle whose
1 body frame structure is adapted to accommodate an occupant impact protection system such as a seat belt. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above
circumstances.
I [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a three wheeled
vehicle which includes a seat belt anchoring assembly which aids in securing an occupant from an impact of vehicle crash.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a three
wheeled vehicle which includes a body frame structure adapted to encompass the
I seat belt anchoring assembly in a manner so that load from at least a portion of said seat anchoring assembly is effectively transferred to the body frame structure.

[0008] With the above and other objects in view, the present invention
provides a three wheeled vehicle including a body frame structure adapted to
protect an occupant from impact of vehicle crash. As per an embodiment of the
present invention, the three wheeled vehicle includes a body frame structure that
defines a structural layout thereof, a steering assembly to steer said vehicle, a seat
assembly for seating occupants of the vehicle, an engine to power said vehicle, a
front wheel and two rear wheels for mobility of said vehicle, and a seat belt
anchoring assembly for securing occupants of said vehicle. Particularly, the body
frame structure includes a floor plane extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis,
a first chassis member extending perpendicularly upwards from the floor plane, a
second chassis member disposed behind the first chassis member and extending
perpendicularly upwards from the floor plane, a pair of first vertical pillars
extending vertically above the first chassis member, a pair of second vertical
pillars extending vertically above the second chassis member, a first cross tube
connecting said pair of first vertical pillars at a top portion thereof, and a second
cross tube connecting said pair of second vertical pillars at a top portion thereof.
Further, the seat assembly includes a first seat sub assembly disposed in front of
the first chassis member, and a second seat sub assembly disposed behind the first
chassis member. Furthermore, the seat belt anchoring assembly includes one or
more seat belts, a plurality of seat belt anchoring points, at least two load
transferring members and at least two load receiving members.
[0009] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the first
seat sub assembly includes a seat frame affixed to the first chassis member and to the floor plane. Said seat frame is adapted to encompass a first set of seat belt anchoring points of said plurality of seat belt anchoring points. At least one seat belt of the one or more seat belts is anchored at the first set of seat belt anchoring points in a manner so that said at least one seat belt can be strapped across a waist of the occupant. Further, said seat belt is adjustably wearable across the waist of the occupant. In the present embodiment, the seat frame serves as one of the at least two load transferring members and transfers load to a transverse bar disposed beneath the floor plane, wherein the transverse bar serves as one of the at least

two load receiving members of the seat belt anchoring assembly. Further, since
the seat frame is mounted to the first chassis member, the seat frame transfers at
least a portion of the load from the first set of seat belt anchoring points to the first
chassis member. A first reinforcement member is also provided in the first chassis
member to reinforce the first chassis member, so that load is effectively
transferred to the first chassis member without damage thereto.
[0010] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a second set of
seat belt anchoring points of the plurality of seat belt anchoring points is
encompassed between the pair of first vertical pillars. For example, whereas a seat
belt anchoring point is provided on a third cross tube disposed below the first
cross tube, another seat belt anchoring point is provided on a fourth cross tube
which supports a first back rest of the first seat sub assembly, and is disposed
above the first chassis member. Particularly, the two seat belt anchoring points are
disposed in a manner such that one seat belt anchoring point lies directly below
another seat belt anchoring point. At least one seat belt passing through the afore
mentioned seat belt anchoring points may be buckled at one of the at least two
seat belt anchoring points provided on the seat frame so that it can be strapped
across a torso of the occupant. In the present embodiment, load from the second
set of seat belt anchoring points is transferred by the third cross tube and the
fourth cross tube to the first chassis member through the pair of first vertical
pillars, said pair of first vertical pillars being affixed to the first chassis member.
In other words, while the third cross tube and the fourth cross tube serve as two of
the at least two load transferring members, the first chassis member serves as a
load receiving member. Thus, in effect since load from the third and fourth seat
belt anchoring points is transferred to the first chassis member, overall
effectiveness of the seat belt anchoring assembly in securing the occupant seated
in a first seat cushion of the first seat sub assembly is achieved.
[0011] In a third embodiment of the present invention, a third set of seat
belt anchoring points of the plurality of seat belt anchoring points is disposed in a seat base of the second seat sub assembly so that at least three seat belts of the one or more seat belts can be held at said third set of seat belt anchoring points of the

plurality of seat belt anchoring points. Said at least three seat belts serve to secure
multiple occupants seated on a second seat cushion of the second seat sub
assembly, around their waists. In the present embodiment, load received at the
third set of seat belt anchoring points of the plurality of seat belt anchoring points
is transferred by the seat base to a second reinforcement member disposed behind
a second back rest of the second seat sub assembly. Particularly, the second
reinforcement member is mounted to a rear section of the second chassis member
and is placed adjoining the second back rest. Thus, in the present embodiment,
since a substantial amount of load is transferred from the second chassis member
to the second reinforcement member, the at least three seat belts of the one or
more seat belts effectively serve the purpose of securing multiple occupants
seated on the second seat cushion of the second seat sub assembly.
[0012] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a fourth set of
seat belt anchoring points are provided on a fifth cross tube connecting the pair of second vertical pillars and in each second vertical pillar of the pair of second vertical pillars. Further, at least two more seat belt anchoring points are provided on the seat base for receiving at least two seat belts to be strapped against torsos . of occupants. In the present embodiment, a pair of rear tubes extending rearwardly from the pair of second vertical pillars and mounted to a third reinforcement member disposed on a tower assembly disposed in the rear portion of the. second chassis member, serve as load transferring members of the at least two load transferring members. The third reinforcement member serves as a load receiving member while also aiding in transferring substantial amount of load to the tower assembly.
[0013] Thus, the present invention serves to provide different means for
anchoring one or more seat belts for securing multiple occupants of the three wheeled vehicle, from impact due to vehicle crash.
[0014] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the
invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further i characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings
[0015] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description
and accompanying drawings where:
[0016] FIG.l illustrates a side perspective view of a three wheeled vehicle
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG.2 illustrates a perspective view depicting a seat belt anchoring
assembly of the three wheeled vehicle in accordance with a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG.3 illustrates a detailed view depicting the seat belt anchoring
assembly of the three wheeled vehicle in accordance with the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG.4a illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a first chassis
member of the three wheeled vehicle in accordance with the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG.4b illustrates a perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle
depicting a transverse bar disposed therein in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] . FIG.5 illustrates a perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle
depicting a seat belt anchoring assembly in accordance with a second embodiment
of the present invention.
[0022] FIG.6 illustrates a perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle
depicting a seat belt anchoring assembly in accordance with a third embodiment
of the present invention.
[0023] FIG.7 illustrates a detailed view depicting a seat belt anchoring
assembly in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG.8 illustrates a detailed view depicting a load receiving
member of the seat belt anchoring assembly in accordance with the third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG.9 illustrates a detailed view depicting a seat belt anchoring
assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG.10 illustrates a detailed view depicting a load receiving
member of the seat belt anchoring assembly in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
i [0027] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of a seat belt anchoring
assembly for a three wheeled vehicle, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following
) description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. 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 three wheeled vehicle with a driver riding thereon.
5 Furthermore, a vehicle longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the three wheeled vehicle, while a vehicle lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the three wheeled vehicle. 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.
) [0028] Firstly a description is made of an entire schematic layout of the
three wheeled vehicle 10 with reference to FIG.l.
[0029] FIG.l is a perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle 10. The
three wheeled vehicle 10 includes a steering assembly (not shown), a seat assembly S for seating occupants of the vehicle, an engine (not shown) to power
5 said vehicle, a front wheel FW, and two rear wheels RW for mobility of said vehicle, and a seat belt anchoring assembly SA for securing multiple occupants of said vehicle 10. A layout of the three wheeled vehicle 10 is defined by a body frame structure B. The body frame structure B in accordance with the present embodiment includes a floor plane 1 extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis, a
D first chassis member 2 extending perpendicularly upwards from the floor plane 1, a second chassis member 3 disposed behind the first chassis member 2, and

extending perpendicularly upwards from the floor plane 1, a pair of first vertical pillars 4 extending vertically upwards from the first chassis member 2, a pair of second vertical pillars 5 extending vertically upwards from a portion of the second chassis member 3, a first cross tube 4a connecting said pair of first vertical pillars
i 4 at its top portion, a second cross tube 5a connecting said pair of second vertical pillars 5 at its top portion, a.pair of first horizontal tubes 6a connecting the pair of first vertical pillars 4 to windshield 8, and a pair of second horizontal tubes.6b connecting the pair of first vertical pillars 4 to the pair of second vertical pillars 5. Particularly, the pair of second vertical pillars 5 is bolted to a portion of the
) second chassis member 3.
[0030] The seat assembly S is encompassed within the body frame
structure B. Particularly, the seat assembly S includes a first seat sub assembly FS and a second seat sub assembly SS. While the first seat sub assembly FS is disposed in front of the first chassis member 2, the second seat sub assembly SS is
> disposed behind the first chassis member 2. Further, the first seat sub assembly FS
includes a seat frame 11, a first seat cushion 12, and a first seat back rest 13. The
second seat sub assembly SS includes a seat base 14, a second seat cushion 15,
and a second seat back rest 16.
[0031] The three wheeled vehicle 10 with the above described layout is
) adapted to carry at least four occupants. The seat belt anchoring assembly SA serves to protect occupants of the three wheeled vehicle 10 from impact of a vehicle crash.
[0032] With reference to FIG.2 and FIG.3, a first embodiment of the seat
belt anchoring assembly SA is elaborated. As maybe seen, the seat frame 11 of the
> first seat sub assembly FS is mounted to the first chassis member 2 at its upper
portion and to the floor plane 1 at its lower portion. While a pair of upper
mounting brackets 11a is provided to mount the seat frame 11 to the first chassis
member 2, a pair of lower mounting brackets lib (shown in FIG.3) is provided to
mount the seat frame 11 to the floor plane 1. In the present embodiment, said pair
) of upper mounting brackets 11a and said pair of lower mounting brackets lib are welded to the seat frame 11. Further, in the present embodiment, the pair of upper

mounting brackets 11a and the pair of lower mounting brackets lib are fastened to the first chassis member 2 and to the floor plane 1 respectively. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pair of upper mounting brackets 11a is adapted to serve as a first set of seat belt anchoring points of said plurality of seat belt anchoring points AP. For example, each upper mounting bracket of the pair of upper mounting brackets 11a, is provided with a first mounting hole llaa and a second mounting hole llab. While the second mounting hole llab receives a fastener for fastening the seat frame 11 to the first chassis member 2, the first mounting hole llaa receives at least one seat belt of one or more seat belts 17.
i For example in the present embodiment, while an upper mounting bracket of the pair of upper mounting brackets 11a disposed on a right hand side of the seat frame 11 receives a seat belt tensioner 17aof said seat belt 17an upper mounting bracket of the pair of upper mounting brackets 11a disposed on a left hand side of the seat frame 11 receives a seat belt buckle 17b of said seat belt 17. Thus, in effect, the pair of upper mounting brackets 11a disposed on either sides of the seat frame 11 serve to function as a first set of seat belt anchoring points 18a,18b of a plurality of seat belt anchoring points AP. The seat belt tensioner 17a aids in adjusting length of the seat belt 17, and the seat belt buckle 17b aids in receiving the seat belt 17 while strapping. The present arrangement of the first set of seat
I belt anchoring points 18a,18b on the seat frame 11 ensures that the seat belt 17 can be strapped around the waist of an occupant seated on the first seat cushion 12.
[0033] Further, in the present embodiment, since the first set of seat belt
anchoring points 18a, 18b is disposed in the seat frame 11, it is to be ensured that
i load is effectively transferred from said seat frame 11. Thus, in the present embodiment the seat frame 11 serves as one load transferring member of at least two load transferring members (LT). The present embodiment of the seat belt anchoring assembly SA ensures that load from the first set of seat belt anchoring points 18a, 18b is effectively transferred at least partially to the floor plane 1 and
) to the first chassis member 2. For example as shown in FIG.4a, the first chassis member 2 includes a first reinforcement member 2a disposed therein which serves

as one load receiving member of at least two load receiving members (LR). The first reinforcement member 2a is welded to the first chassis member 2 and is disposed in a manner such that it lies on an opposing side to that of a side of the first chassis member 2, to which the seat frame 11 is mounted. The first
5 reinforcement member 2a serves to reinforce strength of the first chassis member
2, in order that the same is able to withstand load transferred by the seat frame 11.
Preferably, a metal plate may be used as the first reinforcement member 2a.
"Further, as shown in FIG.4b, the seat frame 11 transfers load from the first set of
seat belt anchoring points 18a,18b to a transverse bar la disposed below the floor
0 plane 1 (shown in FIG.l). The transverse bar la is provided with two floor plane mounting holes (not shown) in order to receive the seat frame 11 through the pair of lower mounting brackets lib. In other words, since the seat frame 11 is directly mounted to the transverse bar la, the seat, frame 11 effectively transfers at least partially, load from the first set of seat belt anchoring points 18a,18b to the
5 transverse bar la which serves as a one load receiving member of the at least two load receiving members LR.
[0034] FIG.5 is a perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle 10
depicting a second set of seat belt anchoring points of said plurality of seat, belt anchoring points AP of the seat belt anchoring assembly SA in accordance with a
0 second embodiment of the present invention. As per the second embodiment, the second set of seat belt anchoring points 18c,18d, is provided to secure an occupant seated on a first seat cushion 12 of the first seat sub assembly FS. For example in the present embodiment, while one seat belt anchoring point 18c of the second set of seat belt anchoring points 18c,18d is provided on a third cross tube
5 4b connecting an upper portion of the pair of first vertical pillars 4, the other seat belt anchoring point 18d of the second set of seat belt anchoring points 18c,18d is provided on a fourth cross tube 4c connecting a lower portion of said pair of first vertical pillars 4. Further, a seat belt anchoring point 18b of the first set of seat belt anchoring points 18a,18b serves to hold the seat belt buckle 17b. Thus, while
0 seat belt anchoring points 18c, 18d serve to receive portions of the seat belt tensioner 17a, the seat belt anchoring point 18b serves to receive the seat belt

buckle 17b for fastening the seat belt 17. As per the present embodiment, arrangement of the second set of seat belt anchoring points, 18c, 18d and arrangement of the seat belt anchoring point 18b ensures that the seat belt 17 can be strapped across a torso of an occupant seated on the first seat cushion 12 and aids in preventing the occupant from falling over in a forward direction over the steering assembly during a vehicle crash.
[0035] Load transfer from the second set of seat belt anchoring points
18c,18d is also effectively ensured in the present embodiment. For example, load from the seat belt anchoring points 18c and 18d is transferred by the third cross tube 4b and fourth cross tube 4c respectively along a left and right side thereof to the pair of first vertical pillars 4, thereby ensuring uniform load transfer. Moreover, since the pair of first vertical pillars 4 is affixed to the first chassis member 2 at either ends thereof, substantial amount of load is transferred to the first chassis member 2, thereby ensuring reliable functioning of the seat belt tensioner 17a. Furthermore, as explained in the aforementioned embodiment, load from the seat belt anchoring point 18b is effectively transferred by the seat frame 11 to the first chassis member 2. Thus, in the present embodiment, while the third cross tube 4b and the fourth cross tube 4c serve as two load transferring members of the at least two load transferring members LT, the pair of first
i vertical pillars 4 and the first chassis member 2 serve as load receiving members of said at least two load receiving members LR. Further, a substantial amount of load is also transferred from the pair of first vertical pillars 4 to the pair of second vertical pillars 5 through the pair of second horizontal tubes 6b (shown in FIG.l). Additionally, since the pair of second vertical pillars 5 is directly connected to the
i second chassis member 3, load is also transferred to the second chassis member 3.
Thus, the second chassis member 3 also serves as a load receiving member LR.
[0036] FIG.6 illustrates a perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle
10 depicting the seat belt anchoring assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen in the figure, the second
) seat sub assembly SS comprising the seat base 14, the second seat cushion 15 disposed above said seat base 14, and the second seat back rest 16 is encompassed

in a space formed above the second chassis member 3 and between the pair of
second vertical pillars 5. Particularly, the pair of second vertical pillars 5 is _
mounted to a rear portion (not shown) of the second chassis member 3 through
seat base 14. The second seat sub assembly SS as per the present embodiment
allows accommodation of at least three occupants. The occupants seated on the
second seat cushion 15 can be secured by the one or more seat belts 17 as
disclosed in the present embodiment. Reliefs are provided in a bottom portion of
the second seat back rest 16 to accommodate seat belt anchoring points AP of the
seat belt anchoring assembly SA and thereby the one or more seat belts 17.
[0037] For example as may be seen in FIG.7, a third set of seat belt
anchoring points of said plurality of seat belt anchoring points AP is provided. In
the present embodiment, said third set of seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18f, 18g,
18h, 18i, 18j is provided in the seat base 14 of the second seat sub assembly SS.
Further, in the present embodiment, whereas seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18g,
and 18j serve to receive seat belt tensioners 17a (shown in FIG.5), seat belt
anchoring points 18f, 18h and 18i serve to receive seat belt buckle 17b. Since the
third set of seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, is disposed on
the seat base 14, at least three seat belts 17 of the one or more seat belts 17
(shown in FIG.6) can be encompassed for securing occupants, seated on the
second seat cushion 15. In other words, a seat belt 17 each can be strapped across
the waist of each occupant seated on the second seat cushion 15.
[0038] Further, as may be seen in FIG.8, in order to ensure load transfer
from the third set of seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i and 18j, a second reinforcement member 3a is disposed in the rear portion of the second chassis member 3. In the present embodiment, the second reinforcement member 3a is affixed to a rear chassis member 3c in a manner such that it extends throughout length of the seat base 14 and adjoining a rear portion of the second seat back rest 16. The present disposition of the second reinforcement member 3a ensures that load is effectively transferred from the third set of seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i and 18j, to the second reinforcement member 3a through the seat base 14, and from the second reinforcement member 3a to the

rear chassis member 3c. As a result, it is ensured that load received at the third set
of seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i and 18j does not cause
damage to the second seat sub assembly SS at the time of a vehicle crash.
Moreover, load transfer as per the present embodiment ensures that any one of the
one or more seat belts 17 does not.snap during a vehicle crash and thereby ensures
safety of the occupants of the three wheeled vehicle. Thus, in the present
embodiment, the seat base 14 serves as a load transferring member of the at least
two load transferring members LT, and the second reinforcement member 3a, and
the rear chassis member 3c serve as a load receiving members LR.
[0039] FIG.9 illustrates a seat belt anchoring assembly in accordance with
a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As per the fourth embodiment, while four seat belt anchoring points 18f, 18g, 18h and 18i of the third set of seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j are provided on the seat base 14, a fourth set of seat belt anchoring points, 18k, 181, 18m and 18n are disposed above the second seat sub assembly SS and between the pair of second vertical pillars 5. For example, at least two seat belt anchoring points 18m and 18n of the fourth set of seat belt anchoring points 18k, 181, 18m, and 18n are disposed on the pair of second vertical pillars 5, and at least two seat belt anchoring points 18k and 181 of the fourth set of seat belt anchoring points 18k, 181, 18m, and 18n are provided on the fifth cross tube 5b connecting said pair of second vertical pillars 5. Further, three seat belt anchoring points 18f, 18h, 18i of the third set of seat belt anchoring points 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, serve to receive seat belt buckles 17b, one seat belt anchoring point 18g, serves to receive the seat belt tensioner 17a. The two seat belt anchoring points 18k and 181 serve to receive at least a portion of the seat belt tensioner 17a each. At the two seat belt anchoring points 18m and 18n an adapter 23 each is provided to hold the seat belt 17 in place through the seat belt tensioner 17a. Thus, two seat belts 17 passing through the two seat belt anchoring points 18k and 181 can be strapped across the torso of an occupant seated on the second seat cushion by fastening to the seat belt buckle 17b disposed at the two seat belt anchoring points 18f and 18i respectively. Thus, while the torsos of two occupants seated at two corners of the second seat cushion

15 (shown in FIG.8) can be secured by the seat belt 17, the waist of an occupant
seated in a centre of the second seat cushion 15 can be secured by the seat belt 17.
[0040] With reference to FIG.10, for the seat belt anchoring assembly as
elaborated in the fourth embodiment, since seat belt anchoring points 18f,^18g, 18h and 18i of the third set of seat belt anchoring points are provided on the seat base 14, the seat base 14, serves as one of the load transferring members of the at least two load transferring members LT, and the second reinforcement member 3a serves as one of the load receiving members LR, as described in the third embodiment. However, since additional seat belt anchoring points, 18k, 181, 18m and 18n are provided, an additional load receiving member (LR) in the form of a third reinforcement member 3d is provided. In the present embodiment, the third reinforcement member 3d is affixed over a tower assembly TA disposed over the rear chassis member 3c. Further, the third reinforcement member 3d is connected to the pair of second vertical pillars 5, through a pair of rear tubes 5c. In the present embodiment, the pair of rear tubes 5c extending inclinedly rearwardly. from the pair, of second vertical pillars 5 towards the tower assembly TA, serve as load transferring members of the at least two load transferring membersXT and aid in transferring substantial amount of load from the fifth cross tube 5b to the rear chassis member 3c through the tower assembly TA. Additionally, the pair of second vertical pillars 5 also serve as load transferring members LT by transferring at least a portion of the load borne by the fifth cross tube 5b to the second chassis member 3. The pair of second vertical pillars 5 being directly affixed to the second chassis member 3. through the seat base 14 enables load transfer from the pair of second vertical pillars 5 to the second chassis member 3, thereby ensuring reliable functioning of the seat belt anchoring assembly. Additionally, in order to render support to the pair of second vertical pillars 5, a rubber cushion 24 is provided on each second vertical pillar of the pair of second vertical pillars 5. Further, in order to provide additional comfort to the occupants, a plurality of head rests 25 is disposed between the second cross tube 5a and the fifth cross tube 5b. Similarly, the plurality of head rests 25 may be provided

between the first cross tube 4a and the third cross tube 4b for comfort of an occupant seated on the first seat cushion.
[0041] While the present invention has been shown and described with
reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those 5 skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I/We Claim:
1. A three wheeled vehicle (10) comprising:
a body frame structure (B) including a first chassis member (2), a second
chassis member (3), a floor plane (1) disposed below said first chassis
member (2) and said second chassis member (3), a pair of first vertical
pillars (4) extending upwards from a portion of the first chassis member
(2), a pair of second vertical pillars (5) extending upwards from a portion
of the .second chassis member (3), a tower assembly (TA) disposed in a
rear portion of the second chassis member (3);
a seat assembly (S) including a first seat sub assembly (FS) disposed in
front of the first chassis member (2), and a second seat sub assembly (SS)
disposed behind the first chassis member (2); and,
a seat belt anchoring assembly (SA) including one or seat belts (17), a
plurality of seat belt anchoring points (AP), at least two load transferring
members (LT), and at least two load receiving members (LR),
wherein said seat belt anchoring assembly (SA) is encompassed in said
body frame structure (B).
2. The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first seat sub assembly (FS) includes a seat frame (11) fixedly mounted to the first chassis member (2) and to the floor plane (1), and wherein said seat frame (11) is adapted to encompass at least a first set of seat belt anchoring points (18a, 18b) of the plurality of seat belt anchoring points (AP).
3. The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 1, wherein the seat frame (11) serving as one of the at least two load transferring members (LT), transfers-load to a transverse bar (la) disposed below the floor plane (1) and to a first reinforcement member (2a) mounted to the first chassis member (2), said transverse bar (la) and said first reinforcement member (2a) serving as a load receiving member each of the at least two load receiving members (LR).
i 4. The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of
first vertical pillars (4) includes therebetween a second set of seat belt

anchoring points (18c, 18d), one seat belt anchoring point (18c) of the second set of seat belt anchoring points (18c,18d) being disposed on a third cross tube (4b), and another seat belt anchoring point (18d) of the second set of seat belt anchoring points (18c,18d) being disposed on a fourth cross tube (4c) connecting the pair of first vertical pillars (4).
5. The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4 or claim 1, wherein the third cross tube (4b) and the fourth cross tube (4c) serving as a load transferring member each of said at least two load transferring members (LT) transfer load to the pair of first vertical pillars (4) and to the first chassis member (2), which serve as a load receiving member each of the at least two load receiving members (LR).
5. The three wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second seat sub assembly (SS) includes a seat base (14) disposed above the second chassis member (3) and encompassed between the pair of second vertical pillars (5), and a second seat back rest (16) extending substantially rearwardly and inclinedly from the seat base (14).
7. The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the seat base (14) encompasses a*third set of seat belt anchoring points (18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j) of the plurality of seat belt anchoring points (AP), and wherein the seat base (14) being one of the load transferring members of the at least two load transferring members (LT) transfers load to a second reinforcement member (3a) disposed adjoining a rear portion of the second seat back rest (16) and affixed to a rear chassis member (3c), said reinforcement member (3a) and said rear chassis member (3c) serving as a load receiving member each of the at least two load receiving members (LR).
8. The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of second vertical pillars (5) includes therebetween a fourth set of seat belt anchoring points (18k, 181, 18m, 18n) of the plurality of seat belt anchoring points (AP), two seat belt anchoring points (18m, 18n) of the fourth set of seat belt anchoring points (18k, 181, 18m, 18n) being

disposed on the pair of second vertical pillars (5), and two other seat belt anchoring points (18k, 181) of the fourth set of seat belt anchoring points (18k, 181, 18m, 18n) being disposed on a fifth cross tube (5b) connecting said pair of second vertical pillars (5).
». The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fifth cross tube (5b) and the pair of second vertical pillars (5) serving as load transferring members of the at least two load transferring members (LT), transfer load to a third reinforcement member (3d) affixed on a portion of the tower assembly (TA), and to the rear chassis member (3c), said third reinforcement member (3d), and said rear chassis member (3c) serving as a load receiving member each of the at least two load receiving members (LR).
0. The three wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or
more seat belts (17) includes a seat belt tensioner (17a) and seat belt
buckle (17b)each.
- i