Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a main frame extending rearwardly from a head pipe;
a pair of left (208) and right seat rails extending rearwardly from the main frame between a front portion and a rear portion (208a);
a cross frame (214) disposed between the seat rails at the rear portion; a pillion handle (138) configured to be mounted on the cross frame (214) and receive one or more first members of the vehicle (100); and
a stay (212) configured to be mounted on the pillion handle (138) and receive one or more second members of the vehicle (100).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first members comprises: seat base cushions, a seat latch and a utility box (210). .

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the one or more second member comprises: a rear center panel (202), a rear left side panel (204), a rear right side panel (206), a tail lamp assembly (200) and a charging console.

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pillion handle (138) comprises a first member (216) configured to be mounted on the cross frame (214) and a second member (218) extending from the first member (216) and adapted to be held by a pillion rider.

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first member (216) extends between a first end (216a) and a second end (216b) in a vehicle left-right direction and the second member (218) extends rearwardly and upwardly from the first end (216a) and the second end (216b) of the first member (216).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the utility box (210) extends between a front portion (210a) and a rear portion (210b) in a vehicle front-rear direction, the rear portion (210b) of the utility box (210) configured to be mounted on the first member (216) of the pillion handle (138).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 and claim 6 , wherein the seat base cushions are supported on the first member (216) of the pillion handle (138) such that the rear portion (210b) of the utility box (210) is positioned between the seat base cushions and the first member (216) of the pillion handle (138).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pillion handle (138) is a die cast part made of aluminum.

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stay (212) comprises:
a main member (220) extending in vehicle lateral direction and configured to be mounted on the first member (216) of the pillion handle (138), the main member having a center portion (220a) provided between a left portion (220b) and a right portion (220c);
a pair of first rear members (222) extending obliquely and downwardly from the left portion (220b) and the right portion (220c) of the main member (220) in a vehicle rear direction and configured to receive the tail lamp assembly (200) of the vehicle (100);
a pair of second rear members (224) extending obliquely and downwardly from the center portion (220a) of the main member (220) in the vehicle rear direction and configured to receive the charging console.

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the left portion (220b) of the main member (220) is configured to receive a left bracket (226) and the right portion (220c) of the main member (220) is configured to receive a right bracket (228), the left bracket (226) and the right bracket (228) configured for being mounted on the first member (216) of the pillion handle (138) and further configured to receive the rear center panel (202), the rear left side panel (204) and the rear right side panel (206) of the vehicle (100).

11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rear left side panel (204) is received by the left bracket (226) and the rear right side panel (206) is received by the right bracket (228).

Dated this 29th day of March 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pillion handle of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Pillion handle is generally used as a grab rail for pillion rider and is a structural, load-carrying member on a vehicle. In general practice, a rear panel assembly, a utility box and/or a charging console are mounted onto the pillion handle which increases the structural load on the pillion handle. As the pillion handle bears substantial structural load, it is not possible to use a light weight and sleek pillion handle in conventional vehicles. A sleek pillion handle is desired, for optimizing space around the pillion handle. The available space can be utilized for packaging of critical electrical and electronic components in the vehicle. Further, as the rear panel assembly, the utility box and/or the charging console are mounted onto the pillion handle, it becomes uncomfortable to grab the pillion handle.
[003] In view thereof, there is a need-felt to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] In one aspect, a vehicle comprising a pillion handle and a stay is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a main frame and a pair of left and right seat rails. The main frame extends rearwardly from the head pipe. The pair of left and right seat rails extends rearwardly from the main frame between a front portion and a rear portion thereof. A cross frame is disposed between the seat rails at the rear portion of the seat rails. The pillion handle is configured to be mounted on the cross frame and receive one or more first members of the vehicle. The stay is configured to be mounted on the pillion handle and receive one or more second members of the vehicle.
[005] In an embodiment, the one or more first members comprises seat base cushions, a seat latch and a utility b ox and the one or more second members comprises a rear panel assembly, a tail lamp assembly and a charging console. The rear panel assembly includes a rear center panel, rear left side panel and rear right side panel.
[006] In an embodiment, the pillion handle comprises a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to be mounted on the cross frame. The first member extends between a first end and a second end in a vehicle left-right/lateral direction. The second member extends from the first member and is adapted to be held by a pillion rider. The second member extends rearwardly and upwardly from the first end and the second end of the first member.
[007] In an embodiment, a utility box of the vehicle extends between a front portion and a rear portion in a vehicle front-rear direction. The rear portion of the utility box is configured to be mounted on the first member of the pillion handle.
[008] In an embodiment, seat base cushions are supported on the first member of the pillion handle. The rear portion of the utility box is positioned between the seat base cushions and the first member of the pillion handle.
[009] In an embodiment, the pillion handle is a die cast part made of aluminum.
[010] In an embodiment, the stay comprises a main member, a pair of first rear members and a pair of second rear members. The main member extends in a vehicle lateral direction and is configured to be mounted on the first member of the pillion handle. The main member comprises a center portion, a left portion and a right portion. The center portion is provided between the left portion and the right portion. The pair of first rear members extends obliquely and downwardly from the left portion and the right portion of the main member in a vehicle rear direction. The pair of first rear members are configured to receive the tail lamp assembly of the vehicle.
[011] The pair of second rear members extends obliquely and downwardly from the center portion of the main member in the vehicle rear direction. The pair of second rear members are configured to receive the charging console.
[012] The left side portion of the main member is configured to receive a left bracket and the right side portion of the main member is configured to receive a right bracket. The left bracket and the right bracket are configured to be mounted on the first member of the pillion handle. The left bracket and the right bracket are further configured to receive the rear center panel, the rear left side panel and the rear right side panel of the vehicle. The rear left side panel is received by the left bracket and the rear right side panel is received by the right bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[013] 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 perspective view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of the rear portion of the vehicle illustrating mounting of the pillion handle and a stay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle illustrating mounting of the pillion handle and the stay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of the rear portion of the vehicle illustrating the mounting of the pillion handle on the cross frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the stay , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded side-view illustrating mounting of the utility box on the pillion handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating mounting of rear left side panel and rear right side panel on the stay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 and Figure 9 are perspective views of the rear portion of vehicle illustrating mounting of tail lamp assembly on the stay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of rear center panel on the stay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[014] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[015] It is to be understood that a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to a two-wheeled vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction while a lateral/transverse axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the two-wheeled vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral/width direction. Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rearward direction, an arrow UP denotes upward direction, an arrow DW denotes downward direction, an arrow Rt denotes right direction, an arrow Lt denotes left direction, as and where applicable. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is only for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 100 is a scooter type vehicle. However, this example should not be construed as limiting and term “vehicle” includes two-wheeled, three-wheeled and four wheeled vehicles including scooters as well as motorcycles. The vehicle 100 has a prime mover (not shown) that is disposed behind a floorboard 104 and below a seat assembly 122. The prime mover is one of an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor adapted to provide motive force for vehicle movement. The vehicle 100 has a front wheel 126 and a rear wheel 128. A utility box 210 (Refer to Figure 5) is provided below the seat assembly 122 for storing one or more articles such as helmet.
[017] A head pipe (not shown) supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension (not shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspension support the front wheel 126. The upper portion of the front wheel 126 is covered by a front fender 130 mounted to the front suspension. In an embodiment, the front fender 130 is movable along with the front wheel 126, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar 132 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 100. A headlight (not shown) and a visor guard 134 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. A main frame (not shown) extends rearwardly from a head pipe (not shown). A pair of left (208) (shown in Figure 2) and right (not shown) seat rails extends rearwardly from the main frame between a front portion (not shown) and a rear portion (208a) (shown in Figure 2).
[018] Further, a fuel tank is mounted below the floorboard 104 of the vehicle 100. A rear suspension (not shown) is provided to the rear wheel 128 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 100 over undulations on the road surface. A taillamp assembly 200 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 100 and at the rear of the seat assembly 122. A pillion handle 138 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to the rider on the vehicle 100 during movement. The rear wheel 128 is arranged below the seat assembly 122 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission assembly (not shown) is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 128 for driving the vehicle 100. A rear fender 140 is disposed above the rear wheel 128. An exhaust pipe 142 is also provided, for the prime mover of internal combustion engine type, that extends therefrom towards the rear end of the vehicle 100.
[019] The vehicle 100 also comprises a rear panel assembly. The rear panel assembly 100 comprises a rear center panel 202, a rear left side panel 204 and a rear right side panel 206 (shown in Figure 7) to cover the rear portion of the vehicle 100.
[020] The vehicle 100 may further comprise a charging console in case of the vehicle being electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle.
[021] Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of the rear portion of the vehicle 100 illustrating mounting of the pillion handle 138 and a stay 212, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[022] As already stated, the vehicle 100 has the main frame (not shown) and the pair of left 208 and right seat rails. The main frame extends rearwardly from the head pipe. The pair of left and right seat rails extends rearwardly from the main frame between a front portion and a rear portion 208a. A cross frame 214 is disposed between the left 208 and right seat rail at a rear portion 208a thereof. The pillion handle 138 is configured to be mounted on the cross frame and receive one or more first members of the vehicle 100. The stay 212 is configured to be mounted on the pillion handle 138 and receive one or more second members of the vehicle 100. As shown, the pillion handle 138 is mounted on the cross frame with one or more first fasteners F1, preferably two fasteners.
[023] In an embodiment, the one or more first members comprises seat base cushions (not shown), a seat latch (not shown) and a utility box 210 (shown in Figure 6) and the one or more second members comprises a rear center panel 202, rear left side panel 204, rear right side panel 206, tail lamp assembly 200 and a charging console (not shown). In an embodiment, the pillion handle is a die cast part made of aluminum.
[024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle 100 illustrating mounting of the pillion handle 138 and the stay 212, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of the rear portion of the vehicle 100 illustrating the mounting of the pillion handle 138 on the cross frame 214, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[025] As shown, the pillion handle 138 comprises a first member 216 and a second member 218. The first member and the second member of the pillion handle 138 are integrally formed. The first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 is configured to be mounted on the cross frame 214. The first member 216 extends between a first end 216a and a second end 216b in a vehicle left-right/lateral direction. The second member 218 of the pillion handle 138 extends from the first member 216 and is adapted to be held by a pillion rider. The second member 218 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the first end 216a and the second end 216b of the first member 216. In one non-limiting example, the pillion handle 138 has one or more first mounting holes P1 and is mounted on the cross frame 214 with one or more first fasteners F1, preferably only two fasteners.
[026] The pillion handle 138 is also configured to receive a utility box 210. In one non-limiting example, the first member 216 of the pillion handle has one or more second mounting holes P2. The utility box 210 is mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 with one or more second fasteners F2 (shown in Figure 5), preferably only two fasteners.
[027] The seat base cushions (not shown) are also supported by the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138. The first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 has one or more protrusions for supporting the seat base cushions. The seat base cushions are supported on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 such that the utility box 210 is positioned between the seat base cushions and the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138.
[028] The stay 212 is also configured to be mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138. In one non-limiting example, the stay 212 has one or more first mounting holes S1 and is mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 with one or more fasteners.
[029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the stay 212, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[030] The stay 212 is configured to be mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 and receive one or more second members of the vehicle 100. The second members of the vehicle comprises the rear center panel 202, the rear left side panel 204, the rear right side panel 206 and/or a charging console (not shown).
[031] As shown, the stay comprises a main member 220, a pair of first rear members 222 and a pair of second rear members 224. The main member 220 extends in a vehicle right-left lateral direction of the vehicle 100 and is configured to be mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138. The main member 220 comprises a center portion 220a, a left portion 220b and a right portion 220c. The center portion 220a is provided between the left portion 220b and the right portion 220c. The pair of first rear members 222 of stay 212 extends obliquely and downwardly from the left portion 220b and the right portion 220c of the main member 220 in a vehicle rear direction. The pair of first rear members 222 are configured to receive the tail lamp assembly 200 of the vehicle 100. In one non-liming example, the pair of first rear members comprises one or more second mounting holes S2. The tail lamp assembly 200 also comprises one or more mounting holes (not shown). During assembly, one or more second mounting holes S2 of the pair of first rear members 222 are aligned with one or more mounting holes of the tail lamp assembly and fastened with one or more fasteners (not shown).
[032] The pair of second rear members 224 extends obliquely and downwardly from the center portion 220a of the main member 220 in the vehicle rear direction. The pair of second rear members 224 are configured to receive the charging console (not shown). In one non-liming example, the pair of second rear members 224 comprises one or more third mounting holes S3. The charging console also comprises one or more mounting holes (not shown). During assembly, one or more mounting holes S3 of the pair of second rear members 224 are aligned with one or more mounting holes of the charging console and fastened with one or more fasteners.
[033] The left portion 220b of the main member 220 is configured to receive a left bracket 226 and the right portion 220c of the main member 220 is configured to receive a right bracket 228. The left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 are configured to be mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138. The left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 are further configured to receive the rear center panel 202, the rear left side panel 204 and the rear right side panel 206 of the vehicle 100. The rear left side panel 204 is received by the left bracket 226 and the rear right side panel 206 is received by the right bracket 228.
[034] In one non-liming example, the left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 comprises the one or more first mounting holes S1 for mounting of the stay 212 on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 with one or more fasteners.
[035] In another non-limiting example, the left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 comprises one or more fourth mounting holes S4 capable of receiving the rear center panel 202 of the vehicle 100 with one or more fasteners.
[036] In another non-limiting example, the left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 comprises one or more fifth mounting holes S5 capable of receiving the rear left side panel 204 and rear right side panel 206 of the vehicle 100 with one or more fasteners.
[037] Figure 6 is an exploded side-view illustrating mounting of the utility box 210 on the pillion handle 138, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[038] The utility box 210 is configured to be mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138. The utility box extends between a front portion 210a and a rear portion 210b in a vehicle front-rear direction. The rear portion 210b of the utility box is configured to be mounted on the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138.In one non-limiting example, the first member 216 of the pillion handle 138 has the one or more mounting holes P2 for receiving the utility box 210 and is fastened with one or more fasteners F2, preferably two fasteners.
[039] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating mounting of rear left side panel 204 and rear right side panel 206 on the stay 212, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[040] The left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 of the stay 212 are configured for receiving the rear left side panel 204 and the rear right side panel 206 of the vehicle 100 respectively. In one non-limiting example, the left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 comprises one or more fifth mounting holes S5 capable of receiving the rear left side panel 204 and rear right side panel 206 of the vehicle 100 with one or more fasteners.
[041] Figure 8 and Figure 9 are perspective views of the rear portion of vehicle 100 illustrating mounting of tail lamp assembly 200 on the stay 212, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[042] The pair of first rear members 222 are configured to receive the tail lamp assembly 200 of the vehicle 100.
[043] Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of rear center panel 202 on the stay 212, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[044] The left bracket 226 and the right bracket 228 of the stay 212 are configured for receiving the rear center panel 202 of the vehicle 100 respectively. The rear center panel 202 comprises an opening 230 for accessing the charging console. The opening 230 can be provided with or without a lid.
[045] Advantageously, the present invention provides a pillion handle 138 which is light weight and sleek. This is possible as the structural load of a rear center panel 202, a rear left side panel 204, a rear right side panel 206, a tail lamp assembly 200 and a charging console is carried by the stay 212. Owing to decrease in structural load on the pillion handle, the pillion handle can be mounted on the cross frame using only two fasteners. Also, owing to decrease in the number of components mounted on the pillion handle, it becomes comfortable for the pillion rider to grab the pillion handle. The sleek pillion handle 138 optimizes space around the pillion handle 138. The available space is utilized for packaging of critical electrical and electronic components in the vehicle 100.
[046] Further, the rear center panel 202, a rear left side panel 204, a rear right side panel 206, a tail lamp assembly 200 and a charging console can be pre-assembled onto the stay 212 which, thereafter, is assembled on the pillion handle 138 of the vehicle 100. The present invention, therefore, saves time on an assembly line and makes the entire process of assembly easy and economical.
[047] Further, the pillion handle 138 is detachably mounted on the cross frame 214 and the stay 212 is detachably mounted on the pillion handle 138. Also, the first members and the second members are detachably mounted/supported onto the pillion handle 138 as well as the stay 212. In case of damage to the pillion handle 138, stay 212, first members and the second members, the damaged component can be easily replaced.
[048] 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
100- vehicle
104- floor board
122- seat assembly
126- front wheel
128- rear wheel
130- front fender
132- handlebar
134-visor guard
138-pillion handle
140- rear fender
142- exhaust pipe
200-tail lamp assembly
202- rear center panel
204- rear left side panel
206- rear right side panel
208- left seat rails
208a- rear portion of left seat rails
210- utility box
210a- front portion of utility box
210b-rear portion of utility box
212- stay
214- cross frame
216- first member of the pillion handle
216a- first end of the first member
216b- second end of the first member
218- second member of the pillion handle
220- main member of stay
220a- center portion
220b- left portion
220c- right portion
222- pair of first rear members of stay
224- pair of second rear members of stay
226- left bracket
228- right bracket
230- opening
P1- first mounting holes on pillion handle
P2-second mounting holes on pillion handle
S1- first mounting holes on stay
S2- second mounting holes
S3- third mounting holes
S4- fourth mounting holes
S5- fifth mounting holes
F1- first fasteners
F2- second fasteners