DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to saddle type vehicles and particularly, but not exclusively, to a mounting bracket.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A saddle type vehicle has a handlebar assembly capable of steering the saddle type vehicle in the desired direction. Conventionally, a number of components, including an instrument cluster and a windshield, are mounted to the handlebar assembly.
[0003] Mounting of the components individually on to the handlebar assembly leads to the region being cluttered with multiple mounting brackets which further leads to jostling of components against each other, causing their misalignment or damage.
[0004] The windshield is used to reduce extent of air flow impact on rider of the saddle type vehicle when the saddle type vehicle is in motion. Adjustment of the windshield with respect to angle and position is essential to facilitate optimum positioning of the windshield to suit height of the rider.
[0005] The instrument cluster, displaying vehicle related information, when fixed rigidly to the handlebar assembly makes reading of information on the instrument cluster cumbersome and uncomfortable for the rider, especially when the saddle type vehicle is in motion and when the display is exposed to sunlight, as well as for optimum visibility of riders of different seated heights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of a handle bar assembly of the saddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket assembly of the saddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket of the bracket assembly of the saddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 5 illustrates a right side view of the bracket of the bracket assembly bracket assembly of the saddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Generally, a plurality of components including a windshield and an instrument cluster is mounted to the handlebar assembly. The plurality of components is mounted individually, with separate mounting brackets and arrangements on the handlebar assembly. Such separate mounting of the plurality of components leads to interference of the components with each other and creating a cluttered appearance of the handlebar assembly.
[0013] It is customary for the plurality of components to be mounted in a rigid fashion, unmovable except by complete removal or adjustment through use of tools. Such a rigid mounting is necessitated to prevent one of the plurality of components from interfering or damaging another of the plurality of components by change in position or angle of any of the plurality of components with respect to each other.
[0014] The plurality of components includes the windshield as well as the instrument cluster, both of which need to be able to be adjusted according to rider’s preference to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free riding experience for the rider. Moreover, lack of required alignment of the instrument cluster may cause the rider to get distracted from focusing on the road while getting into an odd and uncomfortable position to read vehicle related information displayed on the instrument cluster. Such a distraction may prove hazardous, especially when the saddle type vehicle is in motion.
[0015] Therefore, a bracket assembly that allows compact and easy mounting of the plurality of components including the windshield and the instrument cluster on a single bracket, with the plurality of components including the windshield and the instrument cluster being able to be adjusted, without tooling, with respect to angle and position, is desirable in the art.
[0016] The present invention discloses a bracket assembly which has a single bracket to secure a plurality of components including a windshield and an instrument cluster to a handlebar assembly of a saddle type vehicle.
[0017] As per one embodiment of the present invention., a handlebar assembly is attached to a head tube of the saddle type vehicle. The bracket assembly is mounted on the handlebar support member.
[0018] As per one embodiment of the present invention., the bracket assembly includes the bracket mounted on the handlebar support member and the plurality of components mounted on the bracket. The plurality of components includes one or more of the windshield and the instrument cluster.
[0019] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the bracket includes a front portion, a base portion and an elevated portion. In this embodiment, the front portion, the base portion and the elevated portion are all integrally formed together to make the bracket.
[0020] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the front portion, the base portion and the elevated portion are secured to each other through one or more of various means including welding and use of fasteners.
[0021] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the windshield is mounted on the front portion of the bracket. The front portion is adapted to be positioned at an angle from 0 to 90 degree, the angle being measured in a clockwise direction from the plane of the base portion of the bracket, when the bracket is viewed from the left.
[0022] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the windshield is mounted to the front portion of the bracket through at least one fastener. The angle of the windshield, in this embodiment, is adapted to be modified by rider of the saddle type vehicle. The modification may be done manually or through use of tools.
[0023] As per another embodiment of the present invention, a telescopic extension member is mounted to the front portion of the bracket. The windshield is mounted to the telescopic extension member. The position of the windshield with respect to height, in this embodiment, is adapted to be modified by rider of the saddle type vehicle. The modification may be done manually or through use of tools.
[0024] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the instrument cluster is mounted to the elevated portion of the bracket. The elevated portion is configured to rise from the plane of the base portion and have a top end in a plane above the plane of the base portion. The plane of the top end of the elevated portion is higher than the plane of the base portion.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the instrument cluster is adapted to be tilted angularly in accordance with the rider’s preference. The instrument cluster, in this embodiment is mounted to the elevated portion, in the plane above the plane off the base portion, through at least a fastener. The rider may be allowed to adjust the angular orientation of the instrument cluster either manually or through use of tools.
[0026] As per another embodiment, the instrument cluster is adapted to be positioned in accordance with the rider’s preference. The instrument cluster, in this embodiment is mounted to the elevated portion, in the plane above the plane off the base portion, through at least a fastener. The rider may be allowed to adjust the angular orientation of the instrument cluster either manually or through use of tools.
[0027] Thus, the present subject matter provides a bracket assembly including a bracket capable to secure a plurality of components, including a windshield and an instrument cluster, to the handlebar assembly. The bracket functions as a single integrated mounting bracket, thereby, improving ease of assembly and preventing misalignment of the plurality of components.
[0028] The present invention provides an advantage of avoiding damage or misalignment of the plurality of components mounted on the handlebar assembly by providing ample and specific space between said plurality of components. The space also enables provision of angular and locational adjustment of the components by a rider of the saddle type vehicle in accordance to the rider’s preference.
[0029] The present invention advantageously discloses a bracket capable of functioning as a common mounting bracket for the plurality of components mounted on the handlebar assembly. The disclosed arrangement reduces manufacturing costs which would be incurred in production of multiple mounting elements. Also, use of the bracket which acts as a common mounting bracket improves ease of assembly.
[0030] Apart from the advantages already mentioned, the described invention has several advantages over conventional arrangements prevalent in state of the art. In the event of a crash or an impact, the plurality of components mounted on the handlebar assembly endure lesser force from the impact on account of their ability to be displaced angularly and in position. This greatly improves the lifetime of the plurality of components and also raises the impact force value at which said plurality of components tend to fail.
[0031] A few embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. Typically, the frame assembly (not shown) comprises of a head tube (not shown), a main tube (not shown), and a pair of side tubes (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is disposed towards a front portion. The main tube (not shown) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (not shown) forming a flat horizontal portion (not shown). The other end of the main tube (not shown) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (not shown) through a bracket member (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (104) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (105) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (106).
[0033] As per one embodiment of the present invention, two telescopic suspensions of the front suspension system (104) are attached to a holding member (not shown) on the lower part of the steering tube (not shown) on which is supported the front wheel (109). The upper portion of the front wheel (109) is covered by a front fender (108) mounted to the lower portion of the steering shaft (not shown). The front end of the saddle type vehicle (100) is protected by a front panel assembly (120). A head lamp assembly (140) is disposed in the front portion with the head lamp (not shown) adapted to be surrounded by the front panel assembly (120).
[0034] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side-tubes (not shown) extends from the other end of the main tube and are disposed parallel on either side of the vehicle width direc¬tion. Each of the side tube (not shown) includes a down frame section (not shown) inclined and extending from the main tube (not shown) and gradually af¬ter a certain length extending rearward in a substantially horizontal direction to the rear of the vehicle. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) is secured in be¬tween the pair of side-tubes (not shown) at selected intervals to support vehicular attachments including at least a battery and a utility box (not shown) and a seat assembly (150)
[0035] As per one embodiment of the present invention, a seat (150) is supported on the pair of side-tubes (not shown) on which a rider may sit. Generally, the utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat (not shown). A coolant tank assembly (not shown) is also disposed below the seat (not shown).
[0036] As per one embodiment of the present invention, there is front brake (111) and rear brake (not shown) arranged on the front wheel (109) and a rear wheel (110) respectively. The rear wheel (110) is covered by a rear hugger (113) and a rear fender (114) with a tail light (not shown) disposed near it, at the end of the seat assembly (150). The rear wheel (110) is supported towards the rear side of the frame by a horizontally coupled swing arm (180). The swing arm (180) is secured to the rear of the frame assembly (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle (100) through a rear suspension system (181).
[0037] Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of the handle bar assembly (106) of the saddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. The handlebar assembly (106) includes the handlebar support member (105) mounted on the head tube. A bracket assembly (201) and a handlebar (202) are mounted on the handlebar support member (105). The bracket assembly (201) is configured to be a multifunctional integrated member which includes a bracket (210) to which a plurality of components (220) are secured, which increases the ease of accessibility of the components when it is required to be modified and also each of the components as mounted can be removed separately.
[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket assembly (201) of the saddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. The bracket assembly (201) includes the bracket (210) to which a plurality of components (220) are secured. In this embodiment, said plurality of components includes a windshield (301) and an instrument cluster (302). The windshield (301) and the instrument cluster (302) are mounted on the bracket (210). Further, this embodiment increases the ease of assembling of components and also decreases the requirements of extra components to mount the windshield and an instrument cluster, which ultimately results in reduction of manufacturing cost and also increases the accessibility of components to the respective riders.
[0039] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket (210) of the bracket assembly (201) of the saddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. The bracket (210) of the bracket assembly (201) comprises a front portion (401), a base portion (402) and an elevated portion (403). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the front portion (401), the base portion (402) and the elevated portion (403) are integrally formed together to make the bracket (210) a single unit.
[0040] The windshield (301) is mounted to the bracket (210) through at least one fastener, to the front portion (401). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the windshield (301) is mounted to the bracket (210) through one or more fasteners adapted to pass through corresponding tapped holes (410). The mounting arrangement, as disclosed in this embodiment, allows the windshield (301) to be adjusted to an angle as preferred by a rider of the saddle type vehicle (100) which increases the ease of accessibility for the riders when the saddle type vehicle is in motion and also, increase the comfort level of riders while riding the vehicle. Further, this embodiment also protects the riders from debris, heavy wind etc
[0041] The instrument cluster (302) is mounted on a top end (403a) of the elevated portion (403) of the bracket (210) through one or more of at least a fastener. The at least fastener is adapted to be disposed at the top end (403a) of the elevated portion (403) of the bracket (210). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the need of extra components for mounting is reduced and also, the ease of accessibility to the riders as because instrument cluster is the main source of information for the riders.
[0042] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the windshield (301) is rigidly mounted to the front portion (401) of the bracket (210) and the instrument cluster (302) is rigidly secured to the top end (403a) of the elevated portion (403) of the bracket (210).
[0043] Figure 5 illustrates a left side view of the bracket (210) of the bracket assembly (201) of the saddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention, includes the front portion (401), the base portion (402) and the elevated portion (403) of the bracket (210). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the plane of the base portion (402) is marked X-X’ and the plane of the elevated portion (403) at the top end (403a) is marked Y-Y’, where, the plane Y-Y’ is higher than the plane X-X’.
[0044] The front portion (401) is adapted to be positioned at an angle between 00 and 900 with respect to the plane of the base portion (402), also the angle being measured in a clockwise direction when the bracket (210) is viewed from the left.
[0045] The bracket (210) is a common integrated mounting element for the plurality of components (220) is secured. The bracket (210) may be made of one or more of materials including plastic, metal and fiber. The elevated portion (403) of the bracket (210) is adapted to support the instrument cluster (302) of the plurality of components (220). The angle of the top end (403a) of the elevated portion (403) is determined based upon the angle at which the instrument cluster (302) is to be oriented with respect to the rider.
[0046] A fastener placed on the top end (403a) of the elevated portion (403) allows custom-adjustment of the instrument cluster (302) with respect to the preference of the rider. Similarly, the front portion (401) of the bracket (210), in another embodiment, be attached to the base portion (402) and the elevated portion (403) of the bracket (210) in such a manner as to allow rotation of the front portion (401) around an axis in a plane perpendicular to X-X’ and Y-Y’ and perpendicular to the left side view of the bracket (210). The arrangement as described, which allows the rotation of the front portion (401) enables custom-adjustment of the windshield (301) as per rider’s preference.
[0047] Thus, the present subject matter provides a bracket assembly (201) including a bracket (210) capable to secure a plurality of components (220), including a windshield (301) and an instrument cluster (302), to the handlebar assembly (106). The bracket (210) serves to mount said plurality of components (220), thereby, improving ease of assembly and preventing misalignment of the plurality of components (220). The integrated bracket can be made of metal or plastic or the like.
[0048] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of References:

Fig:1

100: Saddle type Vehicle
105: Handle Bar Support Member
106: Handle Bar Assembly
120: Front Panel Assembly
108: Front Fender
109: Front Wheel
104: Front Suspension System
111: Front Brake
140: Head Lamp Assembly
181: Rear Suspension System
180: Transmission Member
110: Rear Wheel
113: Real Wheel Hugger
114: Rear Fender
130: Side Cover Assembly
150: Seat Assembly

Fig.2:

201: Bracket Assembly

202: Handlebar

210: Bracket

220: Plurality of components.

Fig.3:

301: Windshield

302: Instrument Cluster

Fig.4:

401: Front Portion

402: Base Portion

403: Elevated Portion

403a: Top End.

410: Tapped Holes

Fig.5:

X-X’- Plane of base portion

Y-Y’- Plane of elevated portion.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a handlebar support member (105) adapted to provide support to said saddle type vehicle (100);
a handlebar assembly (106 ) includes said handlebar support member (105);
a multifunctional integrated bracket assembly (201) and a handlebar (202), mounted on said handlebar support member (105);
characterized in that, said bracket assembly (201) includes the bracket (210) mounted on said handlebar assembly (106), and on said bracket (210) plurality of components (220) are mounted.

2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of components includes a windshield (301) attached to a front portion (401) through suitable attachment means and the instrument cluster (302) is attached to elevated portion (403) through suitable attachment means.

3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracket includes a front portion (401), the base portion (402) and the elevated portion (403).

4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said front portion (401), said base portion (402) and said elevated portion (403) are integrally formed together to make said bracket (210).

5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said elevated portion (403) is configured to rise from the plane of base portion (X-X’) and have a top end (403a) in a plane above the plane of base portion (X-X’).

6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said windshield (310) is joined by at least a fastener passed through corresponding holes (410).

7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said front portion (401) is adapted to be projected at an angle A with respect to said plane of base portion (X-X’) of said bracket (210).

8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said angle A is in range 0 to 90 degree with respect to the base portion (X-X’).

9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said instrument cluster (302) is projected at an angle B with respect to the top end surface plane (Y-Y’).

10. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein said angle B is in range of 0 to 90 degree with respect to the top end surface portion (Y-Y’).