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 Bracket 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, Tamil Nadu, India.

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] The present invention relates to saddle type vehicles and more particularly to a frame bracket for such vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In existing saddle-type two-wheeler vehicles such as scooter, stands such as a centre stand and / or a side stand for parking the vehicle is provided. Such stands are mounted to a frame of the vehicle, either directly or by using some auxiliary (detachably attached) brackets. Structural details of mounting bracket on to the frame are usually heavy and complex. The part count is also high.
[003] In a known prior art, the side stand is mounted over a bracket which is directly welded to the frame of the vehicle. Any damage to the side stand mounting bracket leads to serviceability issue.
[004] In another known art, brackets used to mount a footrest/ side stand/ centre stand are all separately and independently welded / attached to the frame of the vehicle, which leads to more number of child parts, and hence heavier and complex mounting structure.
[005] Further, the stand and footrest mounting in the prior art are not only bulkier but also require multiple mountings and fasteners for mounting on to the vehicle. This increases the part count and adds to the cost of parts and service and maintenance.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a frame bracket for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed at a frame bracket for a saddle type vehicle located on a lower-middle vehicle of a main frame of the vehicle. The frame bracket has a plurality of mounting holes for mounting a plurality of vehicle components of the vehicle. The frame bracket has a pair of arms including a first arm and a second arm, and a centre frame bracket member. The pair of arms are joined together by the centre frame bracket member to form a U shape. The second arm is longer than the first arm and extends to form a longitudinal portion. The longitudinal portion has at least one of the plurality of mounting holes.
[008] In an embodiment, the frame bracket has reinforcement means for providing strength to the longitudinal portion and the plurality of mounting holes.
[009] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of components has mountings for mounting on to the vehicle wherein at least one of the mountings of each of the components are configured for mounting on to the frame bracket. Atleast one of the mountings of a centre stand, a side stand bracket of a side stand, a footrest bracket of a stand of the vehicle is configured for mounting on to the frame bracket.
[010] In an embodiment, the frame bracket member is welded to the lower middle portion of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the plurality of vehicle components includes the centre stand, the side stand bracket of the side stand, the footrest bracket of the stand, and the footrest-cum-stand bracket of the vehicle.
[012] In an embodiment, the frame bracket has a support member. The support member is fixedly mounted on a distal end of the lower middle vehicle and has a plurality of supporting mounting holes for mounting of the at least one of the mountings of the centre stand of the vehicle.
[013] In another aspect the invention is directed at saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle comprises a frame bracket fixedly mounted on a lower-middle vehicle of a main frame of the vehicle. The frame bracket has a plurality of mounting holes for mounting a plurality of vehicle components of the vehicle; a pair of arms including a first arm and a second arm; and a centre frame bracket member. The pair of arms are joined together by the centre frame bracket member to form a U shape. The second arm is longer than the first arm and extends to form a longitudinal portion. The longitudinal portion has at least one of the plurality of mounting holes, wherein at least one of the mountings of a side stand bracket of a side stand, centre stand, the side stand bracket of the side stand, the footrest bracket of the stand, and the footrest-cum-stand bracket of the vehicle; is configured for mounting on to the pair of arms of the frame bracket.
[014] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle comprises a support member. The support member is fixedly mounted on a distal end of the lower middle vehicle and has a plurality of supporting mounting holes for mounting of the at least one of the mountings of the centre stand of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] 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 1A illustrates a schematic side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1B, which includes Figure 1Ba and Figure 1Bb, illustrates a frame bracket of the vehicle in a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2, which includes Figures 2A and 2B, illustrates mounting of a plurality of components on to the vehicle in an assembled perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3, which includes Figures 3A and 3B, illustrates the mounting of the plurality of components on to the vehicle in an exploded perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame bracket for the saddle type vehicle.
[017] Figure 1A illustrates a schematic side view of a saddle type vehicle 190, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, the vehicle 190 is a two-wheeler vehicle. For example, the vehicle 190 is a two-wheeler type vehicle, a step-through scooter type vehicle, a saddle type vehicle, a straddle type vehicle, and the like. The vehicle 190 has a transmission system (not shown). The vehicle 190 has a front wheel 192f and a rear wheel 192r. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 190 has a frame bracket 100 located on a lower-middle portion 192 of a main frame 190F of the vehicle 190 (as shown in the Figures 1B-4).
[018] Figure 1B, which includes Figure 1Ba and Figure 1Bb, illustrates the frame bracket 100 of the vehicle 190 in a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The frame bracket 100 has a plurality of mounting holes 150 for mounting a plurality of vehicle components of the vehicle 190. The frame bracket 100 has a pair of arms (120,130) including a first arm 120 and a second arm 130, and a centre frame bracket member 110. The pair of arms (120,130) are joined together by the centre frame bracket member 110 to form a U shape. The second arm 130 is longer than the first arm 120 and extends to form a longitudinal portion 130l. The longitudinal portion 130l has at least one of the plurality of mounting holes 130m. The pair of arms (120,130) including the first arm 120 and the second arm 130, and the centre frame bracket member 110 form a single-piece integral frame bracket 100.
[019] Referring to Figure 1Bb, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the frame bracket 100 has a support member 102. The support member 102 is fixedly mounted on a distal end of the lower middle portion 192. The support member 102 has a pair of support arms, an inner arm 102i and an outer arm 102o with respect to the vehicle 190. The pair of support arms are substantially equal and form a U-shape.
[020] Figure 2, which includes Figures 2A and 2B, illustrates mounting of the plurality of components on to the vehicle 190 in an assembled perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Each of the plurality of components has mountings for mounting on to the vehicle 190 wherein at least one of the mountings of each of the components are configured for mounting on to the frame bracket 100. Referring to Figure 1B, the at least one of the plurality of mounting holes 130m is aligned with at least one of mountings of the additional components for mounting of the additional components.
[021] Figure 3, which includes Figures 3A and 3B, illustrates the mounting of the plurality of components on to the vehicle 190 in an exploded perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the plurality of vehicle components includes a centre stand 210, a side stand bracket of a side stand 220, a footrest bracket of a footrest 330 of the vehicle 190 and a footrest-cum-stand bracket 320 of the vehicle 190. Atleast one of the mountings 210m of the centre stand 210, the side stand bracket of the side stand 220, the footrest bracket of the footrest 330, and the footrest-cum-stand bracket 320 of the vehicle 190 is configured for mounting on to the frame bracket 100.
[022] In an embodiment, the frame bracket 100 is welded to the lower middle portion 192.
[023] Referring to Figure 1Bb, in an embodiment, the frame bracket 100 comprises a support member 102. The support member 102 is fixedly mounted on a distal end of the lower middle portion 192 and has a plurality of supporting mounting holes 150s for mounting of the at least one of the mountings 210m of the centre stand 210 of the vehicle 190. The distal end is on the right hand side of the vehicle 190 and is a right end portion of the lower-middle portion 192 with respect to the vehicle 190. The supporting mounting holes 150s are in line with the mounting holes 150 on the pair of arms (120,130) so that the centre stand 210 is mounted on the vehicle 190. The second arm 130 of the frame bracket 100 is on the outside with respect to the vehicle 190. The first arm 120 is on the inside.
[024] In another embodiment, the second arm 130 of the frame bracket 100 is on the inside with respect to the vehicle 190. The first arm 120 is on the outside.
[025] In an embodiment, the frame bracket 100 is configured for mounting the centre stand 210 only. In another embodiment, the frame bracket 100 is configured for mounting the footrest bracket of a footrest 330 of the vehicle 190 only. In yet another embodiment, the frame bracket 100 is configured for mounting the footrest-cum-stand bracket 320 of the vehicle 190 only.
[026] In an embodiment, the frame bracket 100 has reinforcement means 140 for providing strength to the longitudinal portion 130l and the plurality of mounting holes 150. The longitudinal portion 130l is configured for mounting additional components of the plurality of components in addition to the centre stand 210. The additional components include the side stand bracket of the side stand 220, the footrest bracket of the footrest 330, and the footrest-cum-stand bracket 320 of the vehicle 190. The reinforcement means 140 enable the longitudinal portion 130l to mount the additional components by providing strength. The reinforcement means 140 include sheet metal reinforcements, bushes, weld nuts, and the like.
[027] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle 190 comprises a frame bracket 100 fixedly mounted on a lower-middle portion 192 of a main frame 190F of the vehicle 190. The frame bracket 100 has a plurality of mounting holes (150, 130m) for mounting a plurality of vehicle components of the vehicle 190; a pair of arms (120,130) including a first arm 120 and a second arm 130; and a centre frame bracket member 110. The pair of arms (120,130) are joined together by the centre frame bracket member 110 to form a U shape. The second arm 130 is longer than the first arm 120 and extends to form a longitudinal portion 130ll. The longitudinal portion 130ll has at least one of the plurality of mounting holes 130m, wherein at least one of the mountings of a side stand bracket of a side stand 220, centre stand 210, the side stand bracket of the side stand 220, the footrest bracket of the footrest 330, and the footrest-cum-stand bracket 320 of the vehicle 190; is configured for mounting on to the pair of arms 120, 130 of the frame bracket 100.
[028] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 190 comprises a support member 102. The support member 102 is fixedly mounted on a distal end of the lower middle portion 192 and has a plurality of supporting mounting holes 150s for mounting of the at least one of the mountings 210m of the centre stand 210 of the vehicle 190.
[029] Advantageously, the frame bracket provided by the invention is a single piece integral bracket with reinforcements enabling mounting of the plurality of parts/components of the vehicle using less number of parts and mounting provisions. The frame bracket enables reduction in the number of child-parts and thus enables weight reduction, better serviceability and manufacturing ease. The bracket also enables compact packaging of surrounding parts.
[030] Further, the extended longitudinal arm of the frame bracket of the invention, which enables mounting of the additional components such as the side stand, footrest and the like, is not a separate bracket but an integral part of the frame bracket of the invention. As a result, better alignment and rigidity of the additional components while mounting is achieved.
[031] 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. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A frame bracket (100) for a saddle type vehicle (190), the frame bracket (100) being located on a lower-middle portion (192) of a main frame (190F) of the vehicle (190), the frame bracket (100) having a plurality of mounting holes (150) for mounting a plurality of vehicle components of the vehicle (190); the frame bracket (100) having: a pair of arms (120,130) including a first arm (120) and a second arm (130), and a centre frame bracket member (110); the pair of arms (120,130) being joined together by the centre frame bracket member (110) to form a U shape, the second arm (130) being longer than the first arm (120) and extending to form a longitudinal portion (130l), the longitudinal portion (130l) having at least one of the plurality of mounting holes (130m).

2. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame bracket (100) has reinforcement means (140) for providing strength to the longitudinal portion (130) and the plurality of mounting holes (150).

3. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of components has mountings for mounting on to the vehicle (190), at least one of the mountings of each of the components being configured for mounting on to the frame bracket (100).

4. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the mountings (210m) of a centre stand (210) of the vehicle (190) is configured for mounting on to the frame bracket (100).

5. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the mountings of a side stand bracket of a side stand (220) of the vehicle (190) is configured for mounting on to the frame bracket (100).

6. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the mountings of a footrest bracket of a footrest (330) of the vehicle (190) is configured for mounting on to the frame bracket (100).

7. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the mountings of a footrest-cum-stand bracket (320) of the vehicle (190) is configured for mounting on to the frame bracket (100).

8. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame bracket (100) is welded to the lower middle portion (192).

9. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of vehicle components includes the centre stand (210), the side stand bracket of the side stand (220), the footrest bracket of the footrest (330), and the footrest-cum-stand bracket (320) of the vehicle (190).

10. The frame bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 has a support member (102), the support member (102) being fixedly mounted on a distal end of the lower middle portion (192), the support member (102) having a plurality of supporting mounting holes (150s) for mounting of the at least one of the mountings (210m) of the centre stand (210) of the vehicle (190).

11. A saddle type vehicle (190) comprises a frame bracket (100) fixedly mounted on a lower-middle portion (192) of a main frame (190F) of the vehicle (190), the frame bracket (100) having:
a plurality of mounting holes (150, 130m) for mounting a plurality of vehicle components of the vehicle (190);
a pair of arms (120,130) including a first arm (120) and a second arm (130); and
a centre frame bracket member (110); the pair of arms (120,130) being joined together by the centre frame bracket member (110) to form a U shape, the second arm (130) being longer than the first arm (120) and extending to form a longitudinal portion (130l), the longitudinal portion (130l) having at least one of the plurality of mounting holes (130m);
wherein at least one of the mountings of:
a side stand bracket of a side stand (220) of the vehicle (190),
centre stand (210),
the side stand bracket of the side stand (220),
the footrest bracket of the footrest (330), and
the footrest-cum-stand bracket (320) of the vehicle (190);
is configured for mounting on to the pair of arms (120, 130) of the frame bracket (100).

12. The saddle type vehicle (190) as claimed in claim 11 comprises a support member (102), the support member (102) being fixedly mounted on a distal end of the lower middle portion (192), the support member (102) having a plurality of supporting mounting holes (150s) for mounting of the at least one of the mountings (210m) of the centre stand (210) of the vehicle (190).

Dated this 03rd day of August 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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