Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
Frame Assembly for a Vehicle

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

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a frame assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the frame assembly for a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles are provided with a frame member, which acts as a main supporting structure or a load bearing structure for the vehicle. Typically, in vehicles such as two or three-wheeled vehicles, the frame member is divided into a front frame and a rear frame.
[003] In conventional two or three wheeled vehicles, the rear frame is fabricated and is attached to the front frame using mounting leads through fasteners. However, the fabricated rear frame is typically larger in size and may be associated with a larger number of child parts. Moreover, the fabricated rear frame may enhance welding complexities, thereby making the frame member heavier. Consequently, overall vehicle weight is also increased, which is undesirable.
[004] In order to overcome the limitations imposed by the fabricated rear frame, the rear frame of the vehicle may be made as an aluminium cast frame. The aluminium cast frame enhances aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, while also reducing weight of the frame member. However, the overall cost to weight ratio increases when whole of the rear frame is made from the aluminium. Moreover, the overall aluminium cast rear frame aesthetic exposure ratio is also reduced, as half of the aluminium cast frame is only exposed. Additionally, it is challenging to service and manufacture the aluminium cast rear fame due to higher length of the casted member and also due to higher tooling cost. Furthermore, modularity in the aluminium cast rear frame is limited, thereby inhibiting customization in the vehicle.
[005] Thus, there is a need for a frame assembly of a vehicle which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a frame assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The frame assembly comprises a front frame assembly comprising a head tube, one or more main tubes extending downwardly and rearwardly from a top portion of the head tube and one or more downtubes. The one or more downtubes extend downwardly and rearwardly from a bottom portion of the head tube. The one or more downtubes terminate at a bottom rail. One or more center tubes extend downwardly from the one or more main tubes and terminate at the bottom rail. Further, a rear frame assembly is coupled to the front frame assembly. The rear frame assembly comprises a primary rear frame coupled to the one or more main frames and adapted to support a seat of the vehicle. The primary rear frame extends upwardly and rearwardly from the one or more main frames. The primary rear frame comprises a first arm portion coupled to the one or more main tubes and a second arm portion coupled to the bottom rail. The primary rear frame is made of an aluminium cast structure. Furthermore, a secondary rear frame is attached to the primary rear frame and is adapted to support the seat of the vehicle. The secondary rear frame extends upwardly and rearwardly from the primary rear frame.
[007] In an embodiment, the primary rear frame comprises a right-side rear frame that extends upwardly and rearwardly from a right-side main tube. The right-side rear frame comprises a first arm portion coupled to the right-side main tube and a second arm portion coupled to the bottom rail. The primary rear frame further comprises a left-side rear frame extending upwardly and rearwardly from a left-side main tube. The left-side rear frame comprises a first arm portion coupled to the left-side main tube and a second arm portion coupled to the bottom rail.
[008] In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame comprises one or more upper tubes extending upwardly and rearwardly from the primary rear frame. The one or more upper tubes is adapted to support the seat of the vehicle. The one or more upper tubes is attached to a top-rear portion of the primary rear frame. The secondary rear frame also comprises one or more side tubes extending downwardly and forwardly from a rear end of the one or more upper tubes. The one or more side tubes is attached to a bottom-rear portion of the primary rear frame.
[009] In an embodiment, a tubular member is oriented transversely to the one or more upper tubes. The tubular member is coupled to a front end of each of the one or more upper tubes, wherein a support bracket is mounted at each end of the tubular member. The support bracket is attached to the top-rear portion of the primary rear frame.
[010] In an embodiment, the support bracket is attached to the top-rear portion of the primary rear frame by one of a fastening technique and a welding technique.
[011] In an embodiment, the tubular member comprises a first seat latch support member. The first seat latch support member is adapted to engage with a first seat latch of the seat.
[012] In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame comprises a second seat latch support member. The second seat latch support member is mounted at a rear end of the one or more upper tubes, wherein the second seat latch support member is adapted to engage with a second seat latch of the seat.
[013] In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame comprises one or more seat brackets mounted on the one or more upper tubes. Each of the one or more seat brackets are adapted to support the seat. The secondary rear frame further comprises one or more support brackets that are mounted on each of the one or more upper tubes. The one or more support brackets is adapted to support at least one of a pannier case and at least one side cover of the vehicle. A tail lamp support bracket is provided at a rear end of the one or more upper tubes. The tail lamp support bracket is adapted to support a tail lamp of the vehicle.
[014] In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame comprises one or more connecting members. Each of the one or more connecting members is adapted to connect the one or more upper tubes and the one or more side tubes, wherein each of the one or more connecting members is adapted to position the one or more upper tubes at a distance from the one or more side tubes.
[015] In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame is made by one of a fabricated steel structure, a tubular steel structure, a cast structure and a molded structure.
[016] In an embodiment, the primary rear frame is coupled to the front frame assembly through a connecting frame. The connecting frame is provided at a rear end of the front frame assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] 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 is an exploded view of a frame assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a left-side view of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a secondary rear frame of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the secondary rear frame being coupled to a primary rear frame of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a frame assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the frame assembly for a saddle type vehicle, which may be a motorcycle, a scooter or a trike. The frame assembly is modular, cost-effective and light, while enhancing aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a frame assembly 100 for a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The frame assembly 100 is light in weight, while being modular and inexpensive. Also, the frame assembly 100 enhances aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (not shown). In the present embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle type vehicle, such as a motorcycle, a scooter or a trike.
[020] In the present embodiment, the directions “front”, “rear”, “right” and “left” are considered with reference to the two-wheeled vehicle. Accordingly, “front” refers to a front direction, “rear” refers to a rear direction, “right” refers to a right direction and “left” refers to a left direction of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[021] The frame assembly 100 comprises a front frame assembly 102 extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The front frame assembly 102 (as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1) may extend from a front portion (not shown) of the frame assembly 100 up to a central portion (not shown) of the frame assembly 100.
[022] The front frame assembly 102 comprises a head tube 104 and one or more main tubes 106a, 106b (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘main tubes 106a, 106b’) extending downwardly and rearwardly from a top portion 104a of the head tube 104. In other words, the main tubes 106a, 106b extend rearwardly at an angle (not shown) from the top portion 104a of the head tube 104. In the present embodiment, the two main tubes 106a, 106b extend from the head tube 104, wherein the main tube 106a is a right-side main tube and the main tube 106b is a left-side main tube. In an embodiment, the main tubes 106a, 106b may be made of a solid tubular member or a hollow tubular member as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle.
[023] The front frame assembly 102 comprises one or more downtubes 108a, 108b (hereinafter selectively referred as ‘downtubes 108a, 108b’) extend downwardly and rearwardly from a bottom portion 104b of the head tube 104. That is, the downtubes 108a, 108b extend rearwardly at an angle (not shown) from the bottom portion 104b of the head pipe 104. The downtubes 108a, 108b terminate at a bottom rail 110. In the present embodiment, two downtubes 108a, 108b extend from the bottom portion 104b of the head tube 104, wherein the downtube 108a is a right-side downtube and the downtube 108b is a left-side downtube. In an embodiment, the downtubes 108a, 108b are positioned parallelly to the main tubes 106a, 106b. That is, the right-side downtube 108a and the left-side downtube 108b are positioned parallelly with the right-side main tube 106a and the left-side main tube 106b respectively, from a top view of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the downtubes 108a, 108b may be made of a solid tubular member or a hollow tubular member as per design feasibility and requirement of the vehicle.
[024] Further, the front frame assembly 102 comprises one or more center tubes 112a, 112b (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “center tubes 112a, 112b”) that extend downwardly from the main tubes 106a, 106b and terminate at the bottom rail 110. The center tubes 112a, 112b upon termination at the bottom rail 110 along with the main tubes 106a, 106b and the downtube 108a, 108b form a closed structure of the front frame assembly 102. In an embodiment, two center tubes 112a, 112b extend from the main tubes 106a, 106b, wherein the center tube 112a is a right-side center tube 112a extending from the right-side main tube 106a and the center tube 112b is a left-side center tube 112b extending from the left-side main tube 106b. In an embodiment, each of the center tubes 112a, 112b may be made of a solid tubular member or a hollow tubular member as per design feasibility and requirement of the vehicle.
[025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in conjunction with Figure 1, the frame assembly 100 comprises a rear frame assembly 114 (as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1) coupled to the front frame assembly 102. The rear frame assembly 114 is coupled to the front frame assembly 102 via conventional coupling techniques known in the art such as fastening technique, welding technique and the like.
[026] The rear frame assembly 114 comprises a primary rear frame 116a, 116b coupled to the main frames 106a, 106b. The primary rear frame 116a, 116b extends upwardly and rearwardly from the main frames 106a, 106b. That is, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b extends at an upward angle upon coupling with the main frames 106a, 106b. The primary rear frame 116a, 116b is adapted to support a seat (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b is adapted to support a rider seat (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b is coupled to the front frame assembly 102 or to the main frames 106a, 106b through a connecting frame 136 provided at a rear end of the front frame assembly 102.
[027] In an embodiment, two primary rear frames 116a, 116b are coupled to the main frames 106a, 106b, wherein the primary rear frame 116a is a right-side primary rear frame coupled to the right-side main frame 106a, and the primary rear frame 116b is a left-side primary rear frame coupled to the left-side main frame 106b. Thus, for conforming to construction of the frame assembly 100 with two main frames 106a, 106b, two primary rear frames 116a, 116b are provided.
[028] Further, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b comprises a first arm portion 118a, 118b coupled to the main tubes 106a, 106b and a second arm portion 120a, 120b coupled to the bottom rail 110. Thus, the construction of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b connects the main tubes 106a, 106b and the bottom rail 110, thereby ensuring structural integrity of the frame assembly 100.
[029] Furthermore, between the first arm portion 118a, 118b and the second arm portion 120a, 120b, a first cutout 152 (shown in Figure 3) is provided. The first cutout 152 minimizes the material required for the primary rear frame 116a, 116b, while maintaining structural rigidity of the frame assembly 100. As such, the first cutout 152 makes the frame assembly 100 lighter while maintaining the structural rigidity required for operation of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cutout 152 is a U-shaped cutout for defining a fork-like structure of each of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. Further, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b is made of an aluminium cast structure, which further makes the frame assembly 100 lighter, consequently enhancing performance and maneuvering capabilities of the vehicle.
[030] In an embodiment, a second cutout 154 (as shown in Figures 1 and 3) is also provided at a central portion of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. The second cutout 154 further minimizes the material required for the primary rear frame 116a, 116b, while maintaining structural rigidity of the frame assembly 100. As such, the second cutout 154 makes the frame assembly 100 lighter while maintaining the structural rigidity required for operation of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, shape of the second cutout 154 is triangular. Alternatively, shape of the second cutout 154 may also be a square shape, a rectangular shape of any other geometric shape as per feasibility and requirement.
[031] In an embodiment, from the first cutout 152, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b is configured with a narrowed section or a tapered section to form a pointed structure. The pointed structure enhances the aesthetic appeal of the frame assembly 100, while providing the requirement structural rigidity to the frame assembly 100. Moreover, the pointed structure minimizes the material utilization for achieving the required structural rigidity of the frame assembly 100.
[032] In an embodiment, the right-side primary rear frame 116a comprises the first arm portion 118a and the second arm portion 120a. The first arm portion 118a is coupled to the right-side main frame 106a and the second arm portion 120a is coupled to the bottom rail 110. The first cutout 152 is provided between the first arm portion 118a and the second arm portion 120a. Further, the second cutout 154 is also provided at a central portion (not shown) of the right-side main frame 106a.
[033] In an embodiment, the left-side primary rear frame 116b comprises the first arm portion 118b and the second arm portion 120b. The first arm portion 118b is coupled to the left-side main frame 106a and the second arm portion 120b is coupled to the bottom rail 110. The first cutout 152 is provided between the first arm portion 118a and the second arm portion 120a. Further, the second cutout 154 is also provided at a central portion (not shown) of the left-side main frame 106b.
[034] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, a secondary rear frame 122 of the rear frame assembly 114 is depicted. The secondary rear frame 122 is attached to the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame 122 is attached to the primary rear frame 116a, 116b through conventional attachment techniques known in the art, such as fastening, welding and the like. The secondary rear frame 122 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. As such, the secondary rear frame 122 also extends at an upward angle (not shown) with respect to the main frames 106a, 106b. In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame 122 is inclined at an angle identical to the angle of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. As such, the secondary rear frame 122 is inclined along the same plane as that of the primary rear frame 116a, 116v. The secondary rear frame 122 is also adapted to support the seat of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the secondary rear frame 122 is adapted to support a pillion seat (not shown) of the vehicle.
[035] Further, the secondary rear frame 122 comprises one or more upper tubes 124a, 124b (hereinafter selectively referred to as “upper tubes 124a, 124b”) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. The upper tubes 124a, 124b are inclined along the same plane as that of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. The upper tubes 124a, 124b are attached to a top-rear portion 128 (as shown in Figure 3) of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. In an embodiment, the upper tubes 124a, 124b are attached to the top-rear portion 128 through conventional attachment techniques known in the art such as the fastening technique, the welding technique and the like. In an embodiment, two upper tubes 124a, 124b are attached to the primary rear frame 116a, 116b, wherein the upper tube 124a is a right-side upper tube connected to the right-side primary rear frame 116a and the upper tube 124b is a left-side upper tube connected to the left-side primary rear frame 116b.
[036] In an embodiment, the upper tubes 124a, 124b are connected to the primary rear frame 116a, 116b through a support bracket 134a, 134b (as shown in Figure 5). The support bracket 134a, 134b is mounted at each end of a tubular member 132 coupled to a front end 134 of each of the upper tubes 124a, 124b. The support bracket 134a, 134b is attached to the top-rear portion 128 of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. The support bracket 134a, 134b is attached to the top-rear portion 128 of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b by conventional attachment techniques known in the art which can be one of the fastening technique and the welding technique. In an embodiment, as two primary rear frames 116a, 116b are provided in the frame assembly 100, two support brackets 134a, 134b is provided to the tubular member 132. The support bracket 134a is adapted to engage with the top-rear portion 128 of the right-side primary rear frame 116a, while the support bracket 134b is adapted to engage with the top-rear portion 128 of the left-side primary rear frame 116b. In an embodiment, each support bracket 134a, 134b may be an elongated member capable of being connected to the tubular member 132 and to the primary rear frame 116a, 116b.
[037] In an embodiment, the tubular member 132 is oriented laterally to the upper tubes 124a, 124b. The tubular member 132 acts as a cross member for the upper tubes 124a, 124b and accordingly enhances structural integrity of the secondary rear frame 122. Further, the tubular member 132 comprises a first seat latch support member 138, which is adapted to engage with a first seat latch of the seat. Accordingly, the first seat latch support member 138 provides necessary support to the first seat latch, thereby ensuring attachment of the seat with the frame assembly 100.
[038] Further, the secondary rear frame 122 comprises a second seat latch support member 140 (as shown in Figure 5) provided at a rear end of the one or more upper tubes 124a, 124b. The second seat latch support member 140 is adapted to engage with a second seat latch (not shown) of the seat. Thus, the second seat latch support member 140 also ensures attachment of the seat with the frame assembly 100. In an embodiment, the second seat latch support member 140 engages with the second seat latch of the seat through conventional engagement techniques known the art such as the fastening technique. In an embodiment, the first seat latch support member 138 and the second seat latch support member 140 are adapted to support a pillion seat (not shown) of the vehicle.
[039] Furthermore, the secondary rear frame 122 comprises one or more seat brackets 142 (hereinafter selectively referred to as “seat brackets 142”) mounted on the upper tubes 124a, 124b. Each of the seat brackets 142 act as support points along the frame assembly 100 for the seat, thereby providing suitable support to the seat. Also, one or more support brackets 144 (hereinafter selectively referred as “support brackets 144”) are mounted on each of the upper tubes 124a, 124b. The support brackets 144 are adapted to support at least one of a pannier case and at least one side cover of the vehicle. As such, the secondary rear frame 122 not only acts as a support for the seat, but also acts as a luggage support member for the vehicle. In an embodiment, the support member 144 may be a bracket member comprising a slot for receiving straps or mounting members of one of the pannier case and the side cover. The straps or the mounting members may be inserted into the slot of the bracket member or the bracket member may engage with the mounting member of the pannier case and the side cover, for enabling mounting.
[040] Additionally, a tail lamp support bracket 146 is provided at the rear end of the upper tubes 124a, 124b. The tail lamp support bracket 146 is adapted to support a tail lamp (not shown) of the vehicle. The tail lamp support bracket 146 is adapted to engage with the tail lamp through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as the fastening technique, for supporting the tail lamp of the vehicle. That is, the tail lamp is mounted onto the tail lamp support bracket 146, wherein the tail lamp support bracket 146 supports the tail lamp upon mounting. In an embodiment, the tail lamp support bracket 146 may be a bracket that extends laterally from the upper tubes 124a, 124b.
[041] Further, the secondary rear frame 122 comprises one or more side tubes 126a, 126b (hereinafter selectively referred to as “side tubes 126a, 126b”) extending downwardly and forwardly from the rear end of the upper tubes 124a, 124b. The side tubes 126a, 126b are attached to a bottom-rear portion 130 (as shown in Figure 3) of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b. In an embodiment, two side tubes 126a, 126b extend from the rear end of the upper tubes 124a, 124b, wherein the side tube 126a is a right-side side tube 126a that is attached to the rear portion 130 of the right-side primary rear frame 116a and the side tube 126b is a left-side side tube that is attached to the rear portion 130 of the left-side primary rear frame 116b. In an embodiment, the side tubes 126a, 126b may be made of solid tubular material or a hollow tubular material as per design feasibility and requirement of the vehicle.
[042] Further, as the side tubes 126a, 126b extend downwardly and forwardly from the rear end of the upper tubes 124a, 124b, a distance or a gap exists between the side tubes 126a, 126b and the upper tubes 126, 124b. In order to maintain structural integrity of the secondary rear frame 122 at the gap, one or more connecting members 150a, 150b (as shown in Figure 4) (hereinafter selectively referred to as “connecting members 150a, 150b”) are provided. The connecting members 150a, 150b are adapted to connect the upper tubes 124a, 124b and the side tubes 126a, 126b. In an embodiment, the connecting members 150a, 150b connect with the upper tubes 124a, 124b and the side tubes 126a, 126b through conventional connecting techniques known in the art such as the welding technique.
[043] In an embodiment, two connecting members 150a, 150b are provided, wherein the connecting member 150a is a right-side connecting member adapted to connect the right-side upper tube 124a and the right-side side tube 126a, while the connecting member 150b is a left-side connecting member adapted to connect the left-side upper tube 124b and the left-side side tube 126b. In an embodiment, the connecting members 150a, 150b may be a bar member adapted to connect the upper tubes 124a, 124b and the side tubes 126a, 126b.
[044] Further, the secondary rear frame 122 is made by one of a fabricated steel structure, a tubular steel structure, a cast structure and a molded structure. In other words, the combined structure of the upper tubes 124a, 124b, the side tubes 126a, 126b, the tubular member 132 and the connecting members 150a, 150b is made by one of the fabricated steel structure, the tubular steel structure, the cast structure and the molded structure. Such a construction is selected due to the fact that the secondary rear frame 122 is masked upon mounting of the seat and side panels (not shown) of the vehicle. As such, the secondary rear frame 122 forms a closed part of the rear frame assembly 114, and thus is made using one of the fabricated steel structure, the tubular steel structure, the cast structure and the molded structure. Such construction reduces the cost incurred in making the secondary rear frame 122, while maintaining the required structural rigidity required.
[045] In an embodiment, while the secondary rear frame 122 is a masked portion of the rear frame assembly 114, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b is an exposed portion of the rear frame assembly 114. As such, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b is made using the aluminum cast structure. Consequently, the aluminum cast structure of the primary rear frame 116a, 116b makes the rear frame assembly 114 lighter, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal of the rear frame assembly 114.
[046] In an embodiment, to the front frame assembly 102, the primary rear frame 116a, 116b is fastened through the connecting frame 136. Thereafter, the secondary rear frame 122 is fastened to the primary rear frame 116a, 116b through the support brackets 134a, 134b to form the frame assembly 100.
[047] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the rear frame assembly comprising the primary rear frame made of the aluminum cast structure and the secondary rear frame made by one of the fabricated steel structure, the tubular steel structure, the cast structure and the molded structure, makes the rear frame assembly lighter. Consequently, the frame assembly is lighter. Additionally, only the exposed part of the rear frame assembly is made from the aluminum cast structure, instead of the entire rear frame assembly. Thus, the cost of making the rear frame assembly is considerably reduced, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal of the frame assembly. Moreover, the front frame assembly, the primary rear frame and the secondary rear frame being connectable to form the frame assembly, makes the frame assembly modular.
[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 Frame assembly
102 Front frame assembly
104 Head tube
104a Top portion of head tube
104b Bottom portion of head tube
106a, 106b One or more main tubes
108a, 108b Downtube
110 Bottom rail
112a, 112b One or more center tubes
114 Rear frame assembly
116a, 116b Primary rear frame
118a, 118b First arm portion
120a, 120b Second arm portion
122 Secondary rear frame
124a, 124b One or more upper tubes
126a, 126b One or more side tubes
128 Top-rear portion
130 Rear portion
132 Tubular member
134a, 134b Support bracket
136 Connecting frame
138 First seat latch support member
140 Second seat latch support member
142 One or more seat brackets
144 One or more support brackets
146 Tail lamp support bracket
148 Front end of upper tubes
150a, 150b One or more connecting members
152 First cutout
154 Second cutout

 
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A frame assembly (100) for a vehicle, the frame assembly (100) comprising:
a front frame assembly (102) comprising:
a head tube (104);
one or more main tubes (106a, 106b) extending downwardly and rearwardly from a top portion (104a) of the head tube (104);
one or more downtubes (108a, 108b) extending downwardly and rearwardly from a bottom portion (104b) of the head tube (104), the one or more downtubes (108a, 108b) terminating at a bottom rail (110); and
one or more center tubes (112a, 112b) extending downwardly from the one or more main tubes (106a, 106b), the one or more center tubes (112a, 112b) terminating at the bottom rail (110); and
a rear frame assembly (114) coupled to the front frame assembly (102), the rear frame assembly (114) comprising:
a primary rear frame (116a, 116b) coupled to the one or more main frames (106a, 106b) and adapted to support a seat of the vehicle, the primary rear frame (116a, 116b) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the one or more main frames (106a, 106b),
wherein, the primary rear frame (116a, 116b) comprising: a first arm portion (118a, 118b) coupled to the one or more main tubes (106a, 106b); and a second arm portion (120a, 120b) coupled to the bottom rail (110), wherein the primary rear frame (116a, 116b) is made of an aluminium cast structure; and
a secondary rear frame (122) attached to the primary rear frame (116a, 116b) and adapted to support the seat of the vehicle, the secondary rear frame (122) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the primary rear frame (116a, 116b).

2. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary rear frame (116a, 116b) comprises:
a right-side rear frame (116a) extending upwardly and rearwardly from a right-side main tube (106a), the right-side rear frame (116a) comprising a first arm portion (118a) coupled to the right-side main tube (106a) and a second arm portion (120a) coupled to the bottom rail (110), and
a left-side rear frame (116b) extending upwardly and rearwardly from a left-side main tube (106b), the left-side rear frame (116b) comprising a first arm portion (118b) coupled to the left-side main tube (106b) and a second arm portion (120b) coupled to the bottom rail (110).

3. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary rear frame (122) comprises:
one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the primary rear frame (116a, 116b), the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b) being adapted to support the seat of the vehicle, the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b) being attached to a top-rear portion (128) of the primary rear frame (116a, 116b); and
one or more side tubes (126a, 126b) extending downwardly and forwardly from a rear end of the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b), the one or more side tubes (126a, 126b) being attached to a bottom-rear portion (130) of the primary rear frame (116a, 116b).

4. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3 comprises a tubular member (132) oriented transversely to the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b), the tubular member (132) being coupled to a front end (134) of each of the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b),
wherein a support bracket (134a, 134b) is mounted at each end of the tubular member (132), the support bracket (134a, 134b) being attached to the top-rear portion (128) of the primary rear frame (116a, 116b).

5. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support bracket (134a, 134b) being attached to the top-rear portion (128) of the primary rear frame (116a, 116b) by one of a fastening technique and a welding technique.
6. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tubular member (132) comprises a first seat latch support member (138), the first seat latch support member (138) being adapted to engage with a first seat latch of the seat.

7. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the secondary rear frame (122) comprises a second seat latch support member (140), the second seat latch support member (140) being mounted at a rear end of the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b), wherein the second seat latch support member (140) is adapted to engage with a second seat latch of the seat.

8. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the secondary rear frame (122) comprises:
one or more seat brackets (142) mounted on the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b), each of the one or more seat brackets (142) being adapted to support the seat;
one or more support brackets (144) mounted on each of the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b), the one or more support brackets (144) being adapted to support at least one of a pannier case and at least one side cover of the vehicle; and
a tail lamp support bracket (146) provided at a rear end of the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b), the tail lamp support bracket (146) being adapted to support a tail lamp of the vehicle.

9. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the secondary rear frame (122) comprises one or more connecting members (150a, 150b), each of the one or more connecting members (150a, 150b) adapted to connect the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b) and the one or more side tubes (126a, 126b),
wherein each of the one or more connecting members (150a, 150b) being adapted to position the one or more upper tubes (124a, 124b) at a distance from the one or more side tubes (126a, 126b).

10. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary rear frame (122) is made by one of a fabricated steel structure, a tubular steel structure, a cast structure and a molded structure.

11. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary rear frame (116a, 116b) is coupled to the front frame assembly (102) through a connecting frame (136), the connecting frame (136) being provided at a rear end of the front frame assembly (102).

Dated this 28th day of February 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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