DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more particularly, a frame assembly of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] In recent times, automobiles have pacified the need for faster transportation. Though automobiles, especially two wheeled vehicles, provide quicker maneuverability, however, they do not compensate the lack of space in the two wheeled vehicles. Hence, an improved vehicle layout having additional storage space to accommodate user articles is required.
BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS
[003] The present invention is described with reference to figures. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[004] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[005] Figure 2a illustrates a top view of a frame assembly (200) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[006] Figure 2b illustrates a left perspective view of the frame assembly (200) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[007] Figure 3a illustrates a top perspective view of the frame assembly (200) accommodating a storage compartment (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[008] Figure 3b illustrates a left side view of the frame assembly (200) accommodating the storage compartment (300) above a power unit (114) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[009] Figure 4a illustrates a top perspective view of the storage compartment (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[010] Figure 4b illustrates a left side view of the storage compartment (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[011] In conventional vehicles, a storage compartment is disposed in a saddle type vehicle in a rear region of the vehicle. The storage compartment is generally disposed under a seat of the vehicle and is accessed by lifting the seat of the vehicle.
[012] However, in conventional straddle type vehicles, such as motorcycles, there is no provision of a storage compartment in the vehicle. Hence, it becomes difficult for a rider to store the articles such as helmets, in the vehicle, without additionally mounting ancillary storage parts. This in turn increases the overall cost of the vehicle.
[013] In a known art, the straddle type vehicles are configured to have a storage compartment disposed in a rear region of the vehicle under a seat of the vehicle. However, the storage compartment in such a configuration having a small volume and is only configured to store small articles such as keys or documents.
[014] In order to overcome such shortage of storage space in a straddle type vehicle, a vehicle is configured to have a storage compartment in a front region of the vehicle in a known art. In such a configuration, in order to accommodate the storage compartment in the front region, layout of the frame assembly is changed and a diamond shaped frame structure is designed. However, designing such a diamond shaped frame structure is expensive and requires numerous changes in the design and mounting arrangement of the vehicle components.
[015] Furthermore, in such a configuration, a power unit of the vehicle is mounted at a horizontal configuration at a lowermost portion of the vehicle. Further, such a mounting arrangement reduces the ground clearance of the power unit of the vehicle and thereby makes the power unit of the vehicle prone to aberrations at uneven terrains and bumps on the road.
[016] Furthermore, such a configuration further prevents proper circulation of air around the power unit parts and eventually leads to inefficient cooling of the power unit and the allied power unit components of the vehicle. Furthermore, in such a configuration, in order to provide stabilized and rigid mounting of the power unit at a lowermost region of the vehicle, the frame structure is made of heavy and robust elements which in turn increases the overall weight of the vehicle.
[017] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to overcome all the above stated and other related problems existing in the known arts, with respect to a frame assembly of a straddle type vehicle to provide optimum storage space in the vehicle as well as other problems of known art.
[018] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a storage space of a higher volume equipped to store larger utility articles such as a helmet.
[019] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a storage space without changing mounting arrangement of a power unit and allied power unit components in the vehicle.
[020] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a sufficient air circulation for cooling of the power unit of the vehicle.
[021] It is further an object of the present invention to a frame structure of a vehicle which does not increase the overall weight of the vehicle.
[022] The present subject matter provides a frame assembly of a vehicle comprising: a head tube, a main tube extending downwardly in a front region (F) of the vehicle, a pair of upper frame member being configured to extend rearwardly from the head tube, a front bridge member being configured to laterally connect the pair of upper frame members in the front region (F) of the frame assembly, a rear bridge member being configured to laterally connect the pair of upper frame member towards a rear region (R) of the frame assembly. The front bridge member, the pair of upper frame members and the rear bridge member forming an expanse for accommodating one or more vehicle components.
[023] As per an aspect of the present invention, a frame assembly of a vehicle comprising: a head tube, a main tube extending downwardly in a front region (F) of the vehicle, a pair of upper frame member being configured to extend rearwardly from the head tube, a front bridge member being configured to connect the pair of upper frame members in the front region (F) of the frame assembly, a rear bridge member being configured to connect the pair of upper frame member towards a rear region (R) of the frame assesmbly. The front bridge member, the pair of upper frame members and the rear bridge member forming an expanse for accommodating one or more vehicle components. In order to achieve compact packaging and layout of the vehicle and the frame assembly, the front bridge member is disposed substantially within the vertical top and bottom end of said main tube and additionally said bottom bridge member is configured to at least partially overlap said main tube when viewed in a side view of the vehicle. As per another embodiment, the front bridge member is disposed vertically above the rear bridge member as seen in a side view of the vehicle.
[024] As per an embodiment, the pair of upper frame members forms a portion of an elliptical profile, and each of the pair of upper frame members have at least two tapering edges and the pair of upper frame members been broader at centre.
[025] As per another embodiment, the bridge member connects at least one of the tapering edges of the pair of upper frame members in the front region (F) of the vehicle. Further, the rear bridge member connects at least one of the tapering edges of the pair of upper frame members in the rear region (R) of the vehicle. Further, the one or more vehicle components is a storage compartment and is configured to store articles of a user. As per an embodiment, the storage compartment can be either detachably attached or rigidly attached to the frame assembly.
[026] As per another embodiment, the storage compartment has a conical profile, and the storage compartment is disposed at a clearance (L1) from a power unit of the vehicle. Further, the storage compartment is rigidly affixed upon the pair of upper frame members, and the conical profile of the storage compartment conforms with the shape of the expanse.
[027] As per another embodiment, the storage compartment is rigidly affixed on the front bridge pipe through one or more fasteners. Further, two-thirds portion of the storage compartment is floatingly disposed above the pair of upper frame members and the storage compartment is configured to be covered by a storage compartment cover.
[028] As per another embodiment, the storage compartment is tapering as extending from a top region to a bottom region of the storage compartment, and the storage compartment is covered by a front wall, a rear wall and at least two side walls for compact storage of articles. Further, the top region of the storage compartment has a predetermined length (L2), and the rear wall is disposed at a predetermined height (L3) at a rear end of the storage compartment, and also the front wall is disposed at a predetermined height (L4) at a front end of the storage compartment.
[029] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the frame assembly of the present invention allows mounting of the power unit and other vehicular components without any change in layout or mounting configurations.
[030] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the structure of the storage compartment allows one or more articles like helmet to be readily accessed and stored by the user without affecting the overall vehicle dynamics.
[031] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that a clearance provided between the power unit and the storage compartment prevents aberrations on the power unit due to mounting of the storage compartment and also aids in proper air circulation for cooling purposes.
[032] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the frame assembly in the present invention is configured to accommodate the storage tank and a fuel tank in the same vicinity and thereby reduces number of parts required to mount each element separately.
[033] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[034] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[035] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[036] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[037] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. A vehicle (100) comprising a handle bar (102) for maneuvering the vehicle (102) by a rider. The handle bar (102) is disposed behind a headlamp (104) which aids in providing illumination during riding condition of the vehicle (100). A pair of front suspension (108) extends downwardly from the handle bar (102) and aids in providing riding comfort at uneven terrains. The vehicle (100) further comprising a front wheel (110) and the front wheel (110) is covered by a front fender (110) at an upper portion for preventing entry of dirt and dust inside the front wheel (110).
[038] A fuel tank (112) extends rearwardly from the handle bar (102) as seen from a front (F) to a rear (R) direction of the vehicle (100). A power unit (114) is disposed at a bottom region of the fuel tank (112). In the present illustration, the power unit (114) is an internal combustion engine. In an embodiment, the power unit (114) is an electric motor. Further, a seat (118) is disposed at the rear region (R) of the vehicle (100) behind the fuel tank (112). Further the vehicle (100) has one or more electric components such as sensors, and these one or more electric components are covered by a cover assembly (116). The cover assembly (116) is disposed below the seat (118) and is configured to protect the one or more electric components from dirt, dust or any external impact.
[039] The seat (118) is further provided with a pillion handle (120) for the pillion rider to securely sit on the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) is further configured to have a rear wheel (126) and the rear wheel (126) is covered by a rear fender (124) for prevention of entry of pebbles and dirt inside the vehicle (100).
[040] Figure 2a illustrates a top view of a frame assembly (200) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2b illustrates a left perspective view of the frame assembly (200) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, figures 2a and 2b will be discussed together. The vehicle (100) is supported on a skeletal framework of a frame assembly (200). The frame assembly (200) of the vehicle (100) comprises a head tube (200a) for mounting the handle bar (102) and the pair of front suspension (108). The frame assembly (200) further comprising a main tube (202) extending rearwardly downwardly from the head tube (200a) in the front region (F) of the vehicle (100). Further, a pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) is configured to extend rearwardly from the head tube (200a).
[041] The pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) is a split frame structure and forms at least a portion of an elliptical profile. Further, each of the pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) has a convex C-shape profile and includes one or more tapered edges (2033a, 203b) and a broader centre profile. This profile provides strength and rigidity to the vehicle (100) without affecting the layout and mounting configurations of one or more vehicle parts, such as the power unit (114) or an air cleaner, etc. The frame assembly (200) further includes a front bride member (206) being disposed in the front region (F) of the vehicle (100) and connecting at least two of the tapering edges (203a) of the pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b).
[042] The front bridge member (206) provides rigidity and support to the pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) without any additional mounting requirement. The frame assembly (200) further comprising a rear bridge member (208) being disposed at the other tapered edge (203b) of the pair of the upper frame members (204a, 204b). The pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) terminates into the rear bridge member (208). The front bridge member (206), the pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) and the rear bridge member (208) defines an expanse (208a) for accommodating one or more vehicle components. In one embodiment, the one or more vehicle components being a storage compartment (300) for storing one or more user articles. The one or more user articles include helmets, water bottles, documents, etc.
[043] The frame assembly (200) also includes a pair of rear frame members (210a, 210b) for mounting the seat (118) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the pair of rear frame members (210a, 210b) is also being referred as seat rails.
[044] The storage compartment (300) has a profile that conform with the shape of the expanse (208a) and is configured to be mounted on the front bridge member (206) and the rear bridge member (208 through one or more fasteners. In another embodiment, the storage compartment (300) is being rigidly affixed on the pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) through one or more fasteners.
[045] Figure 3a illustrates a top perspective view of the frame assembly (200) accommodating a storage compartment (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 3b illustrates a left side view of the frame assembly (200) accommodating the storage compartment (300) above a power unit (114) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, figures 3a and 3b will be discussed together. The storage compartment (300) is disposed in the expanse (208a) such that the storage compartment (300) is having a clearance (L1) from the power unit (114) of the vehicle (100). In the present illustration, the power unit (114) is the internal combustion engine which has been mounted as a vertical alignment. The vertical alignment of the internal combustion engine provides ease of assembly of allied vehicle parts such as the air cleaner, the exhaust system without providing additional mounting brackets and layout for mounting the same. The clearance (L1) in one embodiment being not more than 5 mm. The storage compartment (300) is further disposed on a portion of the upper frame members (204a, 204b) such that at least one third of the storage compartment (300) is disposed above the power unit (114) inside the frame assembly (200) of the vehicle (100). The remaining two-third of the storage compartment is floatingly disposed on the pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b), and is configured to be covered by a storage compartment cover (not shown). The storage compartment cover is disposed at a maximum clearance of 25mm from the storage compartment (300).
[046] Further, in one embodiment, the fuel tank (112) of the vehicle (100) is configured to be mounted on the pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) and is disposed behind the storage compartment (300).
[047] The fuel tank (112) and the storage compartment (300) is covered by the storage compartment cover (not shown). This aids in accommodating the fuel tank (112) and the storage compartment (300) at a same location and thereby prevents the use of multiple mounting brackets and fasteners to mount each of the vehicle parts. In one embodiment, the storage compartment (300) is mounted to a portion of the upper frame members (204a, 204b) through at least two mounting fasteners (302a, 302b). These mounting fasteners (320a, 302b) are disposed at each of the tapering edges (203a, 203b) for effective weight distribution across the storage compartment (300) and thereby enables the storage compartment (300) to accommodate one or more heavy articles such as a helmet without increasing the overall weight of the front region (F) of the vehicle (100) and further prevents toppling of the vehicle (100).
[048] Figure 4a illustrates a top perspective view of the storage compartment (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 4b illustrates a left side view of the storage compartment (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity figures 4a and 4b will be discussed together. The storage compartment (300) is configured to have a conical profile having a top region (400a) and a bottom region (404). The top region (400a) being broader than the bottom region (404). The top region (400a) is configured to be covered by the storage compartment cover. The storage compartment (300) is further covered by a front wall (402a), a rear wall (402b) and at least two side walls (400a, 400b) for covering the storage compartment on at least five sides for compact storage of articles.
[049] The storage compartment (300) is further configured to have predetermined dimensions. The top region has a predetermined length (L2), the predetermined length (L2) being not more than 350 mm. Further, the front wall (402a) is disposed at a predetermined height (L4) from the bottom region (404). The predetermined height (L4) being not more than 200 mm. Further, the rear wall (402b) is disposed at a predetermined height (L3) from the bottom region (404) of the storage compartment (300). The predetermined height (l3) being not more than 200 mm. Therefore, this layout of the storage compartment (300) aids in providing storage for one or more articles of the user without any changes in the existing layout and mounting arrangement of the vehicle parts in the vehicle.
[050] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those 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.

Reference Numerals:


100 vehicle
102 handle bar
104 headlamp
106 front fender
108 front suspension
110 front wheel
112 fuel tank
114 power unit
116 cover assembly
118 seat
120 pillion handle
122 rear fender
124 rear wheel
200 frame assembly
200a head tube
202 main tube
203a, 203b tapering edges
204a, 204b pair of upper frame members
206 a front bridge member
208 a rear bridge member
210a, 210b pair of rear frame members
300 front surface of control unit
302a, 302b one or more fastening mounting points
400 a front wall
400a top region
402a front wall
402b rear wall
404 bottom region
400a, 400b one or more side walls

,CLAIMS:I/ We Claim:
1. A frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), said frame assembly (200) comprising:
a head tube (200a);
a main tube (202), said main tube (202) extending downwardly in a front region (F) of said vehicle (100);
a pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b), said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) being configured to extend rearwardly from said head tube (200a);
a front bridge member (206), said front bridge member (206) being configured to laterally connect said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) in said front region (F) of said frame assembly (200);
a rear bridge member (208), said rear bridge member (208) being configured to laterally connect said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) towards a rear region (R) of said frame assembly (200);
wherein said front bridge member (206), said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) and said rear bridge member (208) forming an expanse (208a) for accommodating one or more vehicle components.
2. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) forming at least a portion of an elliptical profile, wherein each of said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) having at least two tapering edges (203a, 203b) and being broader at centre.
3. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein said front bridge member (206) being configured to connect at least one of said tapering edges (203a) of said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b), said connection being disposed in said front region (F) of said vehicle (100).
4. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein said rear bridge member (208) being configured to connect at least one of said tapering edges (203b) of said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b), said connection being disposed in said rear region (R) of said vehicle (100).
5. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more vehicle components being a storage compartment (300) capable of storing articles of a user, said storage compartment being one of a detachably attached and rigidly attached to the frame assembly (200).
6. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said storage compartment (300) having a conical profile and said storage compartment (300) being disposed at a predetermined clearance (L1) from a power unit (114) of said vehicle (100).
7. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said storage compartment (300) being rigidly affixed upon said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b), and said conical profile of said storage compartment (300) being conforming with said expanse (208a).
8. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said storage compartment (300) being rigidly affixed on said front bridge pipe (206) through one or more fasteners.
9. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein two-thirds portion of said storage compartment (300) being floatingly disposed above said pair of upper frame members (204a, 204b) and said storage compartment (300) being configured to be covered by a storage compartment cover.
10. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said storage compartment (300) being tapering and extending from a top region (400) to a bottom region (404), wherein said storage compartment (300) being covered by a front wall (402a), a rear wall (402b) and at least two side walls (400a, 400b) for compact storage of articles.
11. The frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said top region (400) of said storage compartment (300) having a predetermined length (L2), and wherein said rear wall (402b) being of a predetermined height (L3) at a rear end of said storage compartment (300), and wherein said front wall (402a) being of a predetermined height (L4) at a front end of said storage compartment (300).
12. A storage compartment (300) of a vehicle (100) having features of claim 1-11.
13. A frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said front bridge member (206) being disposed between the vertical top end (not labelled) and bottom end (not labelled) of said main tube (202); and said bottom bridge member (208) being at least partially overlapping said main tube (202) when viewed in a side view of the vehicle (100), for achieving a compact layout of said vehicle (100)