DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a frame structure for a two-wheeled vehicle and more particularly to a front panel and floorboard for a two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Generally, a frame structure acts as a skeleton for a vehicle by supporting the vehicle loads. Typically a frame structure of a two-wheeled vehicle comprises of a head tube disposed in a front portion of the vehicle, and a down tube extending from the head tube in a rearward downward fashion. A pair of side tubes extends from the ends of down tube in an upward and rearward manner, when seen from a front view of the vehicle. However, it is the down tube which forms a step-through portion on which a floorboard is welded and mounted. The rider uses the floorboard to rest his/her feet and on some occasions might also use it for carrying loads. Additionally, a floor mat is provided which covers the floorboard from scratches.
[0003] Thus, the floorboard is designed as a load bearing member and is structured to be as strong as the frame structure. However, to fulfill such a requirement the floorboard is designed to bear such loads which results in increase of its weight. In addition to it, the manufacturing cost of the footboard is also increases due to such a structural requirement.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for optimizing and implementing a design for the floorboard of a two-wheeled vehicle which serves the original intended purpose without increasing the weight and manufacturing cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] 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.
[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Figure 2 and Figure 2(a) illustrate a perspective and cross-sectional view of a floorboard mounted on a frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a load being placed over the floorboard of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as illustrated in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the floorboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Figure 5 and Figure 5(a) illustrate a perspective view of an assembly of a set load bearing members along with the footboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the set of load bearing members to the frame structure of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrate a perspective view of a pair of wedge portions with a load assembled on it accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Conventionally, frame structure of a vehicle acts as a skeleton for supporting the loads. The front wheel and rear wheel of the vehicle are also mounted to the frame structure. The front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame structure through one or more front suspension(s), whereas the rear wheel is connected to it through one or more rear suspension(s). In addition to it the internal combustion engine is also mounted over the frame structure and is functionally connected to the rear wheel to provide a forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame structure which covers various vehicle components. Theses vehicle components include electrical and electronic components including an electric starter system, headlamp, side lamps etc.
[00014] Typically a style panel (front panel and floorboard panel) for a two-wheeled vehicle (step-through vehicle to be precise) is supported on frame structure using brackets. As explained above, the frame structure comprises of a head tube disposed in a front portion of the vehicle and a down tube extending from the head tube in a downward and rearwardly fashion. The floorboard panel is mounted over a step through portion formed by the down tube of the frame structure. Thus, the floorboard is used by the rider to rest his/her feet. In addition it, the space is also used by the rider to carry and transport any kind of loads and weights. In such a case, when the rider supports his feet or a load on the floorboard, the weight of the load/feet gets transferred to floorboard first, after which it gets transferred to the frame structure. Hence, for such load bearing purposes the floorboard needs to be strong, such that it is able to sustain the weight and pressure. Thus, in process to meet such an objective different load bearing materials are used for the floorboard which results in increased weight. Furthermore, it also results in a higher manufacturing cost.
[00015] Hence, an objective of the present subject matter is to provide an optimized design for the floorboard for which the manufacturing cost is less and is light as well. In addition to it, such a design should also fulfil the original intended purpose of supporting and bearing the weight of the rider’s feet and loads being transported.
[00016] In an embodiment, a vehicle comprises of a frame structure which acts as a skeleton and supports the structure of the whole vehicle body. In an embodiment, the frame structure comprises of a head tube disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. A down tube extends in a downward and rearward fashion from the head tube. In an embodiment, the down tube comprises of two parts, i.e. front tube and a step-through portion. The front tube extends from the head tube in a downward and rearward fashion. After a certain length, at the end of the front tube, the down tube extends rearewardly but in a straight longitudinal direction being parallel to the ground. This portion of the down tube forms a step-through portion of the vehicle. In an embodiment, a floorboard is mounted and welded on the step-through portion of the down tube. A couple of connecting tubes are also attached to the step-through portion of the down tube, wherein the connecting tubes extend parallel to the step-through portion and help in supporting the floorboard. In an embodiment, a pair of side tubes extends in a rearward and upward manner from the ends of the step-through portion of the down tube.
[00017] In an embodiment, the floorboard structure is disposed over the step-through portion and a set of load bearing members joined to the frame structure by at least one of either welding, adhesive and by fastening mechanism. To be precise the set of load bearing members are attached to the down tube and connecting tubes of the frame structure by at least one of either welding, adhesive and by fastening mechanism. The floorboard structure is disposed over the down tube in such a fashion which allows the set of load bearing members to protrude out from its top surface through cut-outs formed in it. The floorboard structure is provided with cut-outs along the size and dimension of the set of support members, such that once the floorboard structure is mounted the cut-outs allow the set of load bearing members to protrude out form it. Thus, whenever the rider rests his/her feet or mounts a load on the floorboard structure, it is the set of load bearing members which form the first contact with the feet/load, and never allows the floorboard structure to get in contact with it. Through such a system the weight of the feet/leg gets transferred to the set of load bearing members through which it gets transferred to the frame structure. Thus, in such an assembly the floorboard structure never gets in contact with the feet/load and there is no transfer of weight and pressure to it like the previous known arts. Hence, the set of load bearing members in this case act as a load bearing member and transfer the weight and pressure of the feet/load to the frame structure. Therefore, the present subject matter allows the floorboard structure to be manufactured with a lighter structure, since it never supports the weight and pressure of the feet/load and does not acts as the load bearing member.
[00018] As per the present subject matter, the set of load bearing members are relatively smaller in size and have higher load bearing capacity with respect to the floorboard structure. Such a construction overcomes the need for floorboard design as strong as frame structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, the support member is made up of at least one of steel, polymer and FRP (fibre reinforced plastic) material and the support member is joined to the down tube member of the frame structure by at least one of welding, adhesive and fastening mechanism or the like. The set of load bearing members support the floorboard loading by protruding to top surface of the floorboard structure through the cut-outs made in it. In an embodiment, the set of load bearing members are also provided on the front tube of the down tube.
[00019] In an embodiment, a pair of wedge portions is welded on the down tube of the frame structure. The pair of wedge portions comprising of a first wedge portion and a second wedge portion is welded on the front tube as well as the step through portion of the down tube. In an embodiment, the pair of wedge portions is provided to accommodate the set of support members. In an embodiment, the first wedge portion is welded on the front tube and the second wedge portion is welded on the step-through portion to accommodate a large number of support members. The weight and pressure applied by a load kept in the front portion of the vehicle is high. Thus, the wedge portions are provided on the front tube and step through portion, so that a larger number of load bearing members can be provided on its top surface which has a greater surface area. Hence, the weight and pressure of the load mounted is easily transferred to the down tube of the frame structure. In addition to it, the pair of wedge portions provides an extra cushion and element to which the high weight and pressure of the load is transferred, and through it is transferred to the down tube. In addition to it, the pair of wedge portions is angularly inclined when attached to the down tube. Such an arrangement provides stability to the load when kept in the step-through portion. In such an arrangement, the load slides or rolls on the first wedge portion and is supported by the second wedge portion. This is possible since the pair of wedge portions are angularly inclined to each other. Thus, such an arrangement provides stability to the load and does not allow it roll back easily. Hence, such an arrangement enables a stable structure for the load to be kept. Thus, the floorboard structure need not be as strong and heavy as the frame structure since the weight and pressure is still efficiently transferred to the frame structure. In addition to it, another set of load bearing members are provided on the connecting tubes which are used to absorb and transfer the weight and pressure of the rider’s feet. Thus, the other set of load bearing members transfer the weight and pressure of the rider’s feet to the connecting tubes, not allowing the floorboard structure to get in contact and absorb said weight and pressure. Hence, through this assembly the footboard structure need not bear the weight and pressure of the rider’s feet as well.
[00020] Thus, the present subject matter provides a frame structure comprising of a set of load bearing members attached to it which protrudes out from the cut-outs provided on the floorboard. In addition to it, a pair of wedge portions is also provided on the down tube of the frame structure which accommodates the set of load bearing members, wherein another set of load bearing members is attached to the connecting tubes of the frame structure. Thus, the set of load bearing members protrude above the top surface of the floorboard structure such that the rider’s feet and load is in contact with only the load bearing members. Hence, the set of load bearing members absorb the weight and pressure and transfer it to the frame structure. Therefore, the set of load bearing members provided eliminate the weight and pressure being sustained by the floorboard earlier.
[00021] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00022] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00023] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle comprises of a frame structure (1) which provides a generally open central area to permit “step-through” mounting by a rider. Typically, the frame structure (1) comprises of a head tube (2), a down tube (3), and a pair of side tube LH (4) and side tube RH (5) (only one shown). The head tube (2) is disposed towards the front portion, wherein the down tube (3) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (2). The down tube (3) comprises of a front tube (3F) extending from the head tube (2) in a rearward and downward manner, wherein after a certain length the down tube (3) extends in a straight rearward manner being parallel to the ground forming a substantially flat horizontal step-through portion (3S). The other end of the side tube (3) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (4, 5) through a bracket (not shown). In an embodiment, a floorboard (20) is disposed on the step-through portion (3S) of the down tube (3), wherein the floorboard is used by the rider to rest his/her feet and transport any kind of load by keeping it there.
[00024] The head tube (2) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (6) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (9). The upper portion of a front wheel (7) is covered by a front fender (8). The pair of side-tubes (4, 5) extend from the other end of the down tube (3) being disposed parallel on either side of the vehicle (10) width direction. Each of the said side tube (4, 5) extends from the main tube (3) in an upward inclined fashion and gradually after a certain length extends rearward in a substantially horizontal and parallel fashion being placed in the vehicle widthwise direction. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) is secured in between the pair of side-tubes (4, 5) at selected intervals to support vehicular attachments including a utility box (12), a seat assembly (11) and a fuel tank assembly (not shown). The vehicle furthermore, comprises of a side panel LH (19) and side panel RH (not shown) which covers the side tubes (4, 5) and covers the vehicle (10) structure from the sides.
[00025] Generally, the utility box (12) is supported between the side tube LH (4) and side tube RH (5) so as to be disposed below the seat (11). A fuel tank assembly (not shown) may be disposed on between the rear portions of the pair of the side-tubes (4, 5). The vehicle (10) further comprises of a rear wheel (13) covered by a rear fender (14) with a tail light (15) disposed above it and a support bar (16) place above the tail light (15) at the end of the seat assembly (11). The rear wheel (13) is supported towards the rear side of the main frame (1) by an internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) which is horizontally coupled swingably to the rear of the frame assembly (1) of the two-wheeled vehicle (10) through a rear suspension system (17). The IC engine (not shown) transfers the drive directly to the rear wheel (13) as it is coupled directly to it through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system (18).
[00026] Fig. 2 and Fig. 2(a) illustrate a perspective and cross-sectional view of the floorboard (20) mounted on the frame structure (1) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the floorboard (20) is disposed over the down tube (3). A pair of connecting tube (31, 32) comprising of LH connecting tube (31) and RH connecting tube (32) is provided to support the floorboard (20) disposed over the down tube (3), wherein the pair of connecting tubes (31, 32) are attached to the down tube (3) of the frame structure (1). In an embodiment, the floorboard (20) comprises of a top surface (25) formed along a lateral plane A-A’ extending along the vehicle width when seen from a front view of said vehicle (10).
[00027] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a load (33) being placed over the floorboard (20) of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (10) as illustrated in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As illustrated above, the floorboard (20) is disposed over the down tube (3) and connecting tubes (31, 32) of the frame structure (1). In an embodiment, a load (33) is kept over the floorboard (20) comprising of a top surface (25) formed along a lateral plane A-A’. The load (33) is also kept along the lateral plane A-A’, however as per the present subject matter the weight and pressure of the load (33) is not being absorbed by the floorboard (20) since it is never in contact with the top surface (25) of the floorboard (20) (shown in Fig. 8). A set of load bearing members (shown in Fig. 5) are provided which bears the weight/pressure of the load (33) and transfers it to the down tube (3) of the frame structure (1).
[00028] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the floorboard (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. According to the present subject matter, the objective of the present application is to design a floorboard (20) which is light, yet the original objective of resting the rider’s feet and load is met. In accordance with the present subject matter, the floorboard (20) is provided with cut-outs (42) formed in it, wherein said cut-outs (42) are formed to accommodate the set of load bearing members (shown in Fig. 5). The cut-outs (42) are provided in the floorboard (20) such that the load bearing members (shown in Fig. 5) protrude out of the top surface (25) of the floorboard (20). Thus, the floorboard (20) is designed accordingly to meet the objective of the present subject matter.
[00029] Fig. 5 and Fig. 5(a) illustrate a perspective view of an assembly of the set load bearing members (52, 53) along with the footboard (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As described above, the floorboard (20) for a two-wheeled vehicle is disposed in the step-through portion (3S) of the down tube (3). However, as per the present subject matter, the frame structure (1) of the two-wheeled vehicle also comprises of a set of load bearing members (52, 53) attached to it. As illustrated above, the floorboard (20) comprises of cutouts (42) formed in it to accommodate said set of load bearing members (52, 53) which protrude out through it getting accommodated above the top surface (25) of the floorboard (20). As described earlier, the top surface (25) of the footboard is formed along the lateral plane A-A’. In an embodiment, the set of load bearing members (52, 53) protrude from the footboard (20) up to a lateral plane B-B’ extending along the vehicle width direction when seen from a front view of the vehicle. As per, the present subject matter the plane B-B’ extends parallel to plane A-A’ and is disposed above it at a predetermined height. Thus, such an arrangement depicts that the rider’s feet/load (33) comes into contact with the set of load bearing members (52, 53) and not the footboard (20), since the set of load bearing members (52, 53) protrude and are formed above the top surface (25) of the footboard (20). Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, it is the set of load bearing members (52, 53) which protrude out from the top surface (25) of the floorboard (20) to absorb the weight and pressure of the rider’s feet/ any other kind of load (33) and transfer it to the frame structure (1) to which it is attached.
[00030] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the set of load bearing members (52, 53) to the frame structure (1) of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the set of load bearing members (52, 53) comprises of a first set of load bearing members (52) and a second set of load bearing members (53). In an embodiment, a pair of wedge portions (61, 62) comprising of a first wedge portion (61) and a second wedge portion (62) is welded on the down tube (3) of the frame structure (1). As per the present subject matter, the first set of load bearing members (52) are accommodated on the first wedge portion (61) welded upon the step-through portion (3S). In an embodiment, the first set of load bearing members (52) are provided on the second wedge portion (62) as well, wherein said second wedge portion (62) is welded on the front tube (3F) of the down tube (3). In an embodiment, the second set of load bearing members (53) are attached to the connecting tubes (31, 32) directly without any wedge portion. As per the present subject matter, such an arrangement and assembly of set of load bearing members (52, 53) on the frame structure (1) is done on purpose to meet the objective, solve a problem and enhance the efficiency and load distribution. The weight and pressure applied by a weight disposed on the step-through portion (3S) is more as compared to the weight and pressure applied by the rider’s feet. The first set of load bearing members (52) disposed on the pair of composite wedge portions (61, 62) allow a major part of the weight to get transferred to the down tube (3) which is stronger than the connecting tubes (31, 31). The second set of load bearing members (53) disposed on the connecting tubes (31, 32) is used for the weight transfer of the rider’s feet which is less than the load which would be disposed there. In furtherance to it, the pair of wedge portions (61, 62) allows a larger surface area to dispose larger number of first set of load bearing members (52) to effectively absorb and transfer the greater weight and pressure of the load disposed there. Furthermore, the pair of wedge portions (61, 62) allows an extra cushion to which the weight and pressure of the load is transferred by the first set of load bearing members (52), and is not directly transferred to the down tube (3). Such an assembly helps in cases when a heavy load is being transported. In an embodiment, the second wedge portion (62) comprising of first set of load bearing members (52) is disposed on the front tube (3F) of the down tube (3) so that the style panel and body parts do not get hampered by the load kept on the step-through portion (3S). Thus, such an assembly effectively reduces the weight and manufacturing cost of the floorboard (20) without comprising with the original intended objective.
[00031] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrate a side view of the pair of wedge portions (61, 62) with load (33) assembled on it accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the first wedge portion (61) and second wedge portion (62) are angularly inclined to each other when attached to down tube (3). Such an assembly is provided for a stable storage of load (33) is kept in the step-through portion (3S). In such an assembly where the first wedge portion (61) and second wedge portion (62) are angularly inclined, the load (33) slides or rolls on the first composite wedge portion (61) and is supported by second composite wedge portion (62). With such an arrangement, the load (33) is always stably located there and would not roll back. Hence, the weight of the load (33) is absorbed and transferred by the first set of load bearing members (52) disposed on the pair of wedge portions (61, 62) and the rider need not be bothered since the load (33) would not roll or slide, as it its stably placed there. Thus, the weight and pressure of load (33) is absorbed by the first set of load bearing members (52) and transferred to the pair of wedge portions (61, 62) form which it gets transferred to the down tube (3) of the frame structure (1). As explained above, such an assembly helps in effective load distribution to the down tube (3) which is stronger than the connecting tubes (31, 32). In addition to it, such an assembly also allows a greater number of first set of load bearing members (52) to be arranged, and also provides an extra element and cushion for the first set of load bearing members (52) to transfer the weight and pressure from which it is transferred to the down tube (3). Furthermore, the assembly of the pair of wedge portions (61, 62) enables a stable storage for the load (33) kept in the step-through portion (3S).
[00032] Thus, the present subject matter provides a set of load bearing members (52, 53) protruding out from the top surface (25) of the floorboard (20) to effectively absorb the weight and pressure of the rider’s feet/and load (33) disposed on the vehicle (10), and transfer it to the frame structure (1). As per the present subject matter, the floorboard (20) is no more the load bearing member since it is the set of load bearing members (52, 53) which is in contact with the load (33) and the rider’s feet. Hence, such an assembly allows a lighter construction of the floorboard (20) and reduces its manufacturing cost as well. It is understood that such an invention can also be implemented in a three-wheeled vehicle for serving similar purpose. Thus, the invention is claimed for a vehicle which includes a two-wheeled vehicle and a three-wheeled vehicle as well.
[00033] 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.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (1) enabled for supporting automotive parts and load distribution, wherein said frame structure (1) comprises a head tube (2) in a front portion of said two-wheeled vehicle (10), at least one down tube (3) extending in a downward rearward direction from said head tube (2), wherein said down tube (3) comprises a front tube (3F) extending in a downward rearward direction form said head tube (2) and a step-through portion (3S) extending parallel to ground in a straight rearward longitudinal direction from said front tube (3F);
a pair of connecting tubes (31, 32) attached to and extending parallel to said step-through portion (3S) of said down tube (3); and
a floorboard (20) disposed over said step-through portion (3S), wherein said floorboard comprises cut-outs (42) formed therein to allow protrusion of a set of load bearing members (52, 53) attached to said frame structure (1).
2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of load bearing members (52, 53) protrudes out from said floorboard (20) up to a lateral plane B-B’ formed along a vehicle width direction when seen from a front view of said two-wheeled vehicle (10).
3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said floorboard (20) comprises of a top surface (25) formed along a lateral plane A-A’ extending in a vehicle width direction when seen from a front view of said two-wheeled vehicle (10), and wherein said plane B-B’ up to which said set of load bearing members (52, 53) protrude extends parallel to and above said plane A-A’.
4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of load bearing members (52, 53) is made up of at least one of a metal, a fiber reinforced plastic and a composite material.
5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of load bearing members (52, 53) comprises of a first set of load bearing member (52) disposed on said down tube (3) of said frame structure (1).
6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first set of load bearing members (52) is disposed on at least one of said front tube (3F) and said step-through portion (3S) of said down tube (3).
7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of load bearing members (52, 53) comprises of a second set of load bearing members (53) disposed on said pair of connecting tubes (31, 32).
8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5 and claim 7, wherein number of said first set of load bearing members (52) disposed on said down tube (3) is more as compared to number of said second set of load bearing members (53) disposed on said pair of connecting tubes (31, 32).
9. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (1) enabled for supporting automotive parts and load distribution, wherein said frame structure (1) comprises a head tube (2) in a front portion of said two-wheeled vehicle (10), at least one down tube (3) extending in a downward rearward direction from said head tube (2), wherein said down tube (3) comprises a front tube (3F) extending in a downward rearward direction form said head tube (2) and a step-through portion (3S) extending parallel to ground in a straight rearward longitudinal direction from said front tube (3F); and
a pair of wedge portions (61, 62) attached to said down tube (3) of said frame structure (1) in an angularly inclined fashion thereto, wherein said pair of wedge portions (61, 62) comprise a first set of load bearing members (52) disposed over thereto.
10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said pair of wedge portions (61, 62) made up of at least one of a metal, a fiber reinforced plastic and a composite material comprises of a first wedge portion (61) and a second wedge portion (62), and wherein said first wedge portion (61) is connected to said step-through portion (3S) of said down tube (3) and said second wedge portion (62) is connected to said front tube (3F) of said down tube (3).