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 VEHICLE

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

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 vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rear fender assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional designs for both scooters and motorcycles, a rear fender is either mounted directly to a frame or is mounted to the frame via metal brackets or tubular structures. Such an arrangement allows use of bolts having large pitch values for mounting the rear fender such that a metal bracket or a tubular structure is sufficient to rigidly mount the rear fender on to the vehicle. However, in case the rear fender is to be directly mounted on a pillion handle of the vehicle, bolts with low pitch values shall have to be used as the pillion handle is made of plastic/resin and also for weight reduction, which pose a challenge for rigidly mounting the rear fender to the vehicle.
[003] Moreover, in conventional designs of scooters and motorcycles, rear turn signal lamps (RTSLs) are either an integrated module with the tail lamp or are mounted on a center tail cover. Such arrangements make the tail lamp and the RTSL unit bulky and the center tail cover wider, which in turn makes the rear of the vehicle wider. Such designs cannot give a “sport appeal” or “sporty look” to the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[004] Further, a lot of mass is overhung on the rear fender of the vehicle like, left hand RTSL, right hand RTSL, RTSL driver, reflex reflectors, number plate brackets, number plate, RTSL wiring, number plate illuminator and the likes which increases the probability of failure of the rear fender.
[005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a head pipe, a main frame and a pair of left and right rear frames. The main frame extends rearwardly from the head pipe. The pair of left and right rear frames extends rearwardly from the main frame. The pair of the left and right rear frames extends between a front portion and a rear portion. The front portions of the left and right seat rails are attached to the main frame. The rear portions of the left and right seat rails are adapted to receive a pillion handle. In other words, the pillion handle is disposed between the rear portions of the left and right seat rails. The present invention further includes a rear fender assembly. The rear fender assembly is adapted to be mounted on the pillion handle. The rear fender assembly includes a rear fender and a rear fender bracket. In one non-limiting example, the rear fender bracket may be made of a rigid material selected from a group of metals including sheet metal. In another non-limiting example, the rear fender bracket may be made of plastic, resin or polyurethane. In another non-limiting example, the rear fender may be made of rigid material selected from a group of metals including sheet metal. In another non-limiting example, the rear fender may be made of plastic, resin or polyurethane
[007] In an embodiment, the rear fender is attached to the rear fender bracket. The rear fender bracket is attached to the rear fender with one or more fasteners and/or one or more snap locking mechanisms.
[008] In an embodiment, the rear fender extends between a top end and a bottom end in a vehicle downward direction. The rear fender also extends between a right end and a left end in a vehicle width (left-right or lateral) direction. The top end of the rear fender and the first end of the rear fender bracket are integrally formed with a mounting structure. The mounting structure is adapted to be mounted on the pillion handle via one or more fasteners. The bottom end of the rear fender and the second end of the rear fender are integrally formed with an aerodynamic structure. The aerodynamic structure prevents fluttering of the rear fender assembly during the movement of the vehicle.
[009] The rear fender includes a right extension member and a left extension member. The right extension member extends from a first portion on the right end in a rightward direction of the vehicle. The left extension member extends from a second portion on the left end in a leftward direction of the vehicle. The right extension member and the left extension member are located proximate to the top end of the rear fender. The right extension member has a first surface and a second surface. The left extension member also has a first surface and a second surface. The first surfaces of both the right extension member and the left extension member faces in a downward direction of the vehicle and second surfaces of both the right extension member and the left extension member faces in an upward direction of the vehicle. Similarly, the rear fender bracket extends in a vehicle downward direction between a first end and a second end. The rear fender bracket also extends between a third end and a fourth end in the width direction of the vehicle. The rear fender bracket includes a right-wing member and a left-wing member. The right-wing member extends from a first part on the third end in the rightward direction of the vehicle. The left-wing member extends from a second part on the fourth end in the leftward direction of the vehicle. The right-wing member and the left-wing member are located proximate to the first end of the rear fender bracket. The right-wing member has a front surface and a rear surface and the left-wing member has a front surface and a rear surface. The front surfaces of both the right-wing member and the left-wing member faces in a front direction of the vehicle and rear surfaces of both the right-wing member and the left-wing member faces in the rear direction of the vehicle. A right rear signal turn lamp RTSL is fastened to the right extension member of the rear fender and provided between the first surface of the right extension member and the rear surface of the right-wing member. The left rear signal turn lamp is fastened to the left extension member of the rear fender and is provided between the first surface of the left extension member and the rear surface of the left-wing member.
[010] In an embodiment, a surface of the rear fender bracket facing the rear fender includes a plurality of ribs and a storage space. The storage space is provided between two consecutive ribs. The one or more storage spaces between the consecutive ribs are adapted to house a driver for operating the right RTSL and the left RTSL and/or wires and wire connectors connecting the driver with the right RTSL and the left RTSL.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic rear view of the vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic rear view of the rear fender assembly with a right RTSL and a left RTSL, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective rear view of the rear fender assembly without the right RTSL and the left RTSL, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic front view of the rear fender assembly with a right RTSL and a left RTSL, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective front view of the rear fender assembly without the right RTSL and the left RTSL, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged view of area B-B of the rear fender assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8a illustrates the rear view of the rear fender assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8b illustrates a cut section of Figure 8a taken along plane A-A of the rear fender assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[013] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic right-side view of a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the motor vehicle is a scooter type vehicle. However, this example should not be construed as limiting and the vehicle 10 may be a motorcycle. The term “vehicle” also includes internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, the construction and operation of which are well known in the art and have not been discussed in detail.
[014] It is to be noted that a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle 10, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle 10, defining a vehicle lateral/width direction.
[015] Arrows provided in the top right corner of Figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle 10, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Lt denotes left direction and an arrow Rt denoted right direction, as and where applicable.
[016] The vehicle 10 has a head pipe [not shown] which connects to the main frame [not shown]. The main frame extends rearwardly from the head pipe. The vehicle 10 further comprises a pair of left and right seat rails [not shown]. The pair of left and right seat rails extends between a front portion [not shown] and a rear portion [not shown]. The front portions of the left and right seat rails are integrally formed or fastened to the main frame and the rear portions of the left and right seat rails are adapted to receive a pillion handle 102. The pillion handle 102 is provided for facilitating grip and/or balance to a pillion rider riding on the vehicle 10. The main frame and the pair of left and right seat rails are adapted to support various components of the vehicle 10 which is already known in the art and not discussed in detail. The left and right seat rails are also used to support a seat assembly 12.
[017] The head pipe supports a steering shaft [not shown] and a front suspension [not shown] attached to the steering shaft. The front suspension supports a front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 16 mounted to the front suspension. In an embodiment, the front fender 16 is movable along with the front wheel 14, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar 18 is rotatably connected to the steering shaft and is used to steer the vehicle 10 in a rotatable range.
[018] A rear suspension [not shown] is provided to the rear wheel 20 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 10 over undulations on the road surface. A taillight unit 22 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 12. The rear wheel 20 is arranged below the seat assembly 12 and adapted to receive the motive force from a prime mover [not shown]. In one non-limiting example, the primer mover is an internal combustion engine. In another non-limiting example, the prime mover is one or more electric motors. In another non-limiting example, the prime mover is one or more electric motors as well as internal combustion engine. A suitable transmission assembly [not shown] is also provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel for driving the vehicle. In conventional internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicle, a fuel tank operably connected to the internal combustion engine is also provided. Such fuel tank may be supported on the main frame or pair of the left and right seat rails. A rear fender assembly 103 [shown in Figure 2] is also provided that is disposed above the rear wheel 20 and discussed in detail in the subsequent paragraphs.
[019] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic rear view of the vehicle 10, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[020] As shown, the rear fender assembly 103 is mounted on the pillion handle 102 of the vehicle 10. The pillion handle 102 comprises a first member 102a and a second member 102b. The first member 102a of the pillion handle 102 is adapted to be received on rear portions of the left and right seat rails. The second member 102b of the pillion handle 102 extends from the first member 102a in an upward direction of the vehicle 10 and is adapted for facilitating grip and/or balance to the rider during movement of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the pillion handle 102 is made of plastic or resin material.
[021] The rear fender assembly 103 comprises a rear fender 104 and a rear fender bracket 106 (shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4). The rear fender assembly 103 is mounted on the first member 102a of the pillion handle 102 via one or more fasteners. In one non-limiting example, the fasteners used for mounting the rear fender assembly 103 onto the first member 102a of the pillion handle 102 have less pitch values than fasteners used for mounting a conventional rear fender onto a conventional metal bracket or tubular structure. A left rear signal turn lamp (RTSL) 112 and a right rear signal turn lamp (RTSL) 110 are positioned between the rear fender 104 and the rear fender bracket 106 as discussed in detail in Figure 5.
[022] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic rear view of the rear fender assembly 103 with the right RTSL 110 and the left RTSL 112, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective rear view of the rear fender assembly 103 without the right RTSL 110 and the left RTSL 112, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[023] The rear fender bracket 106 is connected to the rear fender 104 via one or more fasteners F1 such as, not being limited to screws, nuts and bolts and the likes and/or one or more snap lock mechanisms F2 (shown in Figure 8b). The rear fender 104 has a front surface 104k (shown in Figure 5) and a rear surface (not shown). The front surface 104k of the rear fender 104 faces in rear direction of the vehicle 10 and the rear surface of the rear fender 104 faces in front direction of the vehicle 10. The rear fender bracket 106 is connected to the rear surface of the rear fender 104.
[024] The rear fender 104 extends between a top end 104a (shown in Figure 5) and a bottom end 104b (shown in Figure 5) in downward direction of the vehicle 10. Similarly, the rear fender bracket 106 extends between a first end (not shown) and a second end 106b in downward direction of the vehicle 10. The top end 104a of the rear fender 104 and the first end of the rear fender bracket 106 are integrally formed with a mounting structure 118. The mounting structure 118 is rigidly mounted on the first member 102a of the pillion handle 102 via one or more fasteners already known in the art. In one non-limiting example, the mounting structure 118 comprises a plurality of mounting holes M1. The first member 102a of the pillion handle 102 also comprises a plurality of mounting holes (not shown). During assembly, the plurality of mounting holes M1 on the mounting structure 118 are aligned with the plurality of mounting holes on the first member 102a of the pillion handle 102 and fastened via one or more fasteners such as, not being limited to, screws, nuts and bolts and the likes. In another non-limiting example, the mounting structure 118 has three mounting holes M1 which are aligned with the mounting holes on the first member 102a of the pillion handle 102 and fastened via one or more fasteners such as, not being limited to, screws, nuts and bolts and the likes
[025] The rear fender bracket 106 extends between a third end 106c and a fourth end 106d in the width direction of the vehicle 10. The rear fender bracket 106 also comprises a right-wing member 106e and a left-wing member 106f. The right-wing member 106e extends from a first part on the third end 106c in the rightward direction of the vehicle 10 and the left-wing member 106f extends from a second part on the fourth end 106d in the leftward direction of the vehicle 10. The right-wing member 106e and the left-wing member 106f are located proximate to the first end of the rear fender bracket 106. The right-wing member 106e has a front surface 106g and a rear surface. The left-wing member has a front surface 106i and a rear surface. The front surfaces 106g, 106i of both the right-wing member 106e and the left-wing member 106f face in the front direction of the vehicle 10 and rear surfaces of both the right-wing member 106e and the left-wing member 106f face in the rear direction of the vehicle 10.
[026] The left rear signal turn lamp (RTSL) 112 and the right rear signal turn lamp (RTSL) 110 are positioned between the rear fender 104 and the rear fender bracket 106 as discussed in detail in Figure 5.
[027] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic front view of the rear fender assembly with a right RTSL 110 and a left RTSL 112, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a perspective front view of the rear fender assembly without the right RTSL 110 and the left RTSL 112, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[028] As shown, the rear fender 104 extends between the top end 104a and the bottom end 104b in the vehicle downward direction. The rear fender 104 generally tapers in the downward direction of the vehicle. The rear fender also extends between a right end 104c and a left end 104d in the vehicle width direction.
[029] The rear fender 104 comprises a right extension member 104e and a left extension member 104f. The right extension member 104e extends from a first portion on the right end 104c in a rightward direction of the vehicle 10 and the left extension member 104f extending from a second portion on the left end 104d in a leftward direction of the vehicle 10. The right extension member 104e and the left extension member 104f are located proximate to the top end 104a of the rear fender 104.
[030] The right extension member 104e has a first surface 104g and a second surface 104h. The left extension member 104f also has a first surface 104i and a second surface 104j. The first surfaces 104g, 104i of both the right extension member 104e and the left extension member 104f face in the downward direction of the vehicle 10 and second surfaces 104h, 104j of both the right extension member 104e and the left extension member 104f face in the upward direction of the vehicle 10.
[031] The right rear signal turn lamp 110 is fastened to the right extension member 104e and provided between the first surface 104g of the right extension member 104e and the rear surface of the right-wing member 106e.
[032] The left rear signal turn lamp 112 is fastened to the left extension member 104f and is provided between the first surface 104i of the left extension member 104f and the rear surface of the left-wing member 106f.
[033] Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged view of area B-B of the rear fender assembly 103, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[034] As shown, the bottom end 104b of the rear fender 104 and the second end 106b of the rear fender bracket 106 are integrally formed with an aerodynamic structure 120. The top surface 120a of the aerodynamic structure 120 receives the bottom end 104b of the rear fender 104 and the second end 106b of the rear fender assembly 106. In one non-limiting example, the top surface 120a of the aerodynamic structure 120 faces in the upward direction of the vehicle 10 and is substantially triangular in shape. The top surface 120a extends in the downward direction of the vehicle 10 to form side surfaces 120b and one bottom surface. The bottom surface of the aerodynamic structure 120 faces in the downward direction of the vehicle 10. The aerodynamic structure 120 prevents the fluttering of the rear fender assembly 103 during the movement of the vehicle 10. Other known or later developed aerodynamic structure 120 having different shapes and sizes which are capable of preventing or minimizing the fluttering of the rear fender assembly 103 may also be used for the purposes of the present invention.
[035] Figure 8b illustrates a cut section of Figure 8a taken along plane A-A of the rear fender assembly 103, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[036] As shown, the rear fender bracket 106 also comprises a front surface 106j and a rear surface 106k. The front surface 106j of the rear fender bracket 106 faces in the rear direction of the vehicle 10 and the rear surface 106k of the rear fender bracket 106 faces in the front direction of the vehicle 10. The front surface 106j of the rear fender bracket 106 also faces the rear surface 104l of the rear fender 104. The front surface 106j of the rear fender bracket comprises a plurality of ribs 114 and storge space 116 between two consecutive ribs 114. The storage space 116 provided on the rear fender bracket 106 can be used to store a driver 122 for operating the right RTSL 110 and the left RTSL 112. In other words, the driver 122 for operating the right RTSL 110 and the left RTSL 112 is positioned between the rear fender 104and the rear fender bracket 106 in a storage space 116 provided on the rear fender bracket 106. Moreover, the storage space 116 can be used for storing the wiring harness and/or wire connector used for connecting the right RTSL 110 and the left RTSL 120 with the driver. The position of the driver 122 can be seen as dotted lines in Figure 3 and Figure 6 of the present invention.
[037] Figure 8b further shows the enlarged area C-C of rear fender assembly. As shown, the rear fender 104 and the rear fender bracket are attached together via snap lock mechanism F2.
[038] The claimed features/method steps of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed features/steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of mounting the rear fender 104 onto the pillion handle 102 is solved by the present invention. In conventional designs, the rear fender could not be mounted on the pillion handle as the fasteners used for mounting the rear fender onto the pillion handle generally have lower pitch values and, therefore, rigid mounting of the rear fender onto the pillion handle was compromised.
[039] Also, the rear fender 104 generally has an aero wing type design or cantilever type design which tapers in the downward direction of the vehicle 10 and receives components such as left RTSL 112, right RTSL 110, RTSL driver 122, reflex reflectors, number plate brackets, number plate, RTSL wiring, number plate illuminator and the likes. With such design of the rear fender 104 and number of components mounted on the rear fender 104, the overhang weight on the cantilever type rear fender 104 was increased. This would result in poor stiffness along with high vibrational loads on the rear fender 104 and increased the probability of failure of the rear fender 104.
[040] The present invention overcomes the problem of the prior art by providing a rear fender bracket 106 which is fastened to the rear fender 104. Owing to the rear fender bracket 106, substantial load on the rear fender 104 is transferred to the rear fender bracket 106 and the probability of failure of the rear fender 104 is prevented or minimized. Moreover, both the rear fender 104 and the rear fender bracket 106 are provided with flanges (right extension member 104e, left extension member 104f, right wing member 106e and left-wing member 106f) and/or ribs 114 which increases the stiffness and load bearing capacity of both the rear fender 104 and the rear fender bracket 106.
[041] Also, the right-wing member 106e and the left-wing member 106f of the rear fender bracket 106 not only increases the stiffness of the rear fender 104 but also addresses the issue of gaps between two mating parts large enough for a rat to enter, called a rat hole. This protects the wires and the RTSL units 110, 112 kept between the rear fender 104 and rear fender bracket 106. Moreover, rear fender bracket 106 has plurality of ribs 114 provided between the first end 106a and the second end 106b. Such ribs 114 add to the stiffness of the rear fender assembly 103, while at the same time providing a storage space 116 to store driver 122, wire connectors and wires connecting the driver 122 to the left RTSL 112 and the right RTSL 110, which increases the aesthetics of the vehicle 10 as such components are not openly visible. The storage space 116 can also be used to store another driver for operating sequential light emitting diodes with different patterns provided on the rear fender 104.
[042] In the present invention, the left RTSL 112 and the right RTSL 110 are not mounted to the centre tail cover or to the tail light unit of the vehicle 10. The left RTSL 112 and the right RTSL 110 are positioned between the rear fender 104 and the rear fender bracket 106 which allows the rear fender 104 to taper down in a sleek manner and reducing the overall width of the rear portion of the vehicle 10. Such reduction in width of the rear portion of the vehicle 10 gives sporty look to the vehicle 10, which is desirable and increases the aesthetics of the vehicle 10.
[043] The present invention, therefore, increases the strength of the rear fender 104 as well as increases aesthetics of the vehicle 10. Also, as the rear fender 104 is directly mounted onto the pillion handle 102 and not to metal brackets and tubular structures, the overall weight and cost of the vehicle 10 is reduced. The rear fender bracket 106 attached to the rear fender 104 may be made of plastic and does not contribute to substantial increase in the weight of the vehicle 10. The sporty look of the vehicle 10 owing to sleek tapered design of the rear fender 104 and reduced width of the rear portion of the vehicle 10 increases the market attractiveness of the vehicle 10.
[044] Also, the aerodynamic structure 120 provided to the rear fender assembly 103 in the present invention prevents fluttering of the rear fender assembly 103 during movement of the vehicle 10 which increases comfort in driving the vehicle 10.
[045] As the rear fender bracket 106 is mounted to the rear fender 104 with one or more fasteners and/or snap locking mechanisms, manufacturability, and serviceability of the rear fender 104 and rear fender bracket 106 is simple and cost effective.
[046] 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- vehicle
12- seat assembly
14- front wheel
16- front fender
18- handlebar
20- rear wheel
22- tail light unit
102- Pillion handle
102a- first member
102b-second member
103- rear fender assembly
104- rear fender
104a- top end of the rear fender
104b- bottom end of the rear fender
104c- right end of the rear fender
104d- left end of the rear fender
104e-right extension member
104f-left extension member
104g- first surface of the right extension member
104h-second surface of the right extension member
104i-first surface of the left extension member
104j- second surface of the left extension member
104k-front surface of the rear fender
104l- rear surface of the rear fender
106- rear fender bracket
106b- second end of the rear fender bracket
106c- third end of the rear fender bracket
106d- fourth end of the rear fender bracket
106e-right wing member
106f-left wing member
106g- front surface of the right wing member
106i-front surface of the left wing member
106j-front surface of the rear fender bracket
106k-rear surface of the rear fender bracket
110- right rear signal turn lamp
112- left rear signal turn lamp
114- ribs
116- storage space
118-mounting structure
120-areodynamic structure
120a-top surface of aerodynamic structure
120b- side surfaces
122- driver
F1- Fasteners
F2- snap lock mechanisms
M1- Mounting Holes of the mounting structure
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe;
a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe;
a pair of left and right seat rails extending rearwardly from the main frame between a front portion and a rear portion;
a pillion handle (102) disposed between the seat rails at the rear portion;
a rear fender assembly (103) comprising a rear fender (104) and a rear fender bracket (106), the rear fender assembly adapted to be mounted on the pillion handle (102).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear fender (104) is attached to the rear fender bracket (106) via at least one of: one or more fasteners (F1) and one or more snap interlock mechanism (F2).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear fender (104) extends in a vehicle downward direction between a top end (104a) and a bottom end (104b), the top end (104a) being mounted on the pillion handle (102).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rear fender (104) tapers in the downward direction of the vehicle (10).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rear fender (104) extends between a right end (104c) and a left end (104d) in a vehicle width direction.

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rear fender (104) comprises a right extension member (104e) and a left extension member (104f), the right extension member (104e) extending from a first portion on the right end (104c) in a rightward direction of the vehicle (10) and the left extension member (104f) extending from a second portion on the left end (104d) in a leftward direction of the vehicle (10).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the right extension member (104e) and the left extension member (104f) are located proximate to the top end (104a) of the rear fender (104).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the right extension member (104e) has a first surface (104g) and a second surface (104h) and the left extension member(104f) has a first surface (104i) and a second surface (104j), the first surfaces (104g, 104i) of both the right extension member (104e) and the left extension member (104f) facing in a downward direction of the vehicle and second surfaces (104h, 104j) of both the right extension member (104e) and the left extension member (104f) facing in an upward direction of the vehicle (10).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rear fender bracket (106) extends in a vehicle downward direction between a first end (106a) and a second end (106b).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rear fender bracket (106) tapers in the downward direction of vehicle (10).

11. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rear fender bracket (106) extends between a third end (106c) and a fourth end (106d) in the width direction of the vehicle (10).

12. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the rear fender bracket (106) comprises a right wing member (106e) and a left wing member (106f), the right wing member (106e) extending from a first part on the third end (106c) in the rightward direction of the vehicle (10) and the left wing member (106f) extending from a second part on the fourth end (106d) in the leftward direction of the vehicle (10).

13. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the right wing member (106e) and the left wing member (106f) are located proximate to the first end of the rear fender bracket (106).

14. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the right wing member (106e) has a front surface (106g) and a rear surface and the left wing member (106f) has a front surface (106i) and a rear surface, the front surfaces (106g, 106i)) of both the right wing member (106e) and the left wing member (106f) facing in a front direction of the vehicle (10) and rear surfaces of both the right wing member (106e) and the left wing member (106f) facing in a rear direction of the vehicle (10).

1. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 14, wherein a right rear signal turn lamp (110) is fastened to the right extension member (104e) and provided between the first surface (104g) of the right extension member (104e) and the rear surface of the right wing member (106e).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the left rear signal turn lamp (112) is fastened to the left extension member (104f) and is provided between the first surface (104g) of the left extension member (104f) and the rear surface (106j) of the left wing member (106f).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein a front surface (106j) of the rear fender bracket (106) between the first end and the second end (106b) and facing the rear fender (104) comprises a plurality of ribs (114) and a storage space (116) between two consecutive ribs (114).

4. The vehicle (10) as claim in claim 17, wherein the one or more storage spaces (116) houses at least one of: a driver (122) for the right rear signal turn lamp (110) and left rear signal turn lamp (112); and wires and wire connectors connecting the driver (122) with the right rear signal turn lamp (110) and left rear signal turn lamp (112).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear fender bracket (106) is made of a rigid material selected from a group of metals including sheet metal or plastic.

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top end (104a) of the rear fender (104) and the first end of the rear fender bracket (106) are integrally formed with a mounting structure (118), the mounting structure (118) having one or more mounting holes (M1) for mounting the rear fender assembly (103) onto the pillion handle (102) of the vehicle (10).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom end (104b) of the rear fender (104) and the second end (106b) of the rear fender bracket (106) are integrally formed with an aerodynamic structure (120) to prevent fluttering of the rear fender assembly (103) during movement of the vehicle (10).

Dated this 7th day of October 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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