Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A frame structure (100) for a soft-top assembly (101) of a vehicle (200), the frame structure (100) comprising:
a first bow link member (102) mounted onto a vehicle body (202) and extending vertically upto a top portion (204) of the vehicle (200), the first bow link member (102) having a first end (102a) and a second end (102b) mounted to sides of the vehicle body (202), wherein the first bow link member (102) is adapted to receive and support a flexible roof member (206) for defining a cabin (208) in the vehicle (200),
the first bow link member (102) comprises:
a first side portion (104) extending vertically from the first end (102a), the first side portion (104) defined with a first sloping profile (106) extending outwardly from the vehicle body (202) and positioned proximal to the first end (102a);
a second side portion (108) extending vertically from the second end (102b), the second side portion (108) defined with a second sloping profile (110) extending outwardly from the vehicle body (202) and positioned proximal to the second end (102b); and
a top portion (112) provided between the first side portion (104) and the second side portion (108),
wherein the first sloping profile (106) and the second sloping profile (110) are adapted to enhance space of the cabin (208) and improve stiffness of the frame structure (100).

2. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sloping profile (106) is adapted to extend at an angle (α) from a vertical plane (Y-Y’) of the vehicle body (202) and the second sloping profile (110) is adapted to extend at an angle (β) from the vertical plane (Y-Y’), the angles (α and β) ranging from 25 degrees to 28 degrees respectively.

3. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein location of the first sloping profile (106) and the second sloping profile (110) in the first bow link member (102) corresponds to a shoulder portion of a passenger (228) seated in the cabin (208) for improving shoulder space therein while retaining width of the vehicle (200).

4. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a second bow link member (114) having a first connecting end (114a) mounted to the first side portion (104) and a second connecting end (114b) mounted to the second side portion (108), wherein the second bow link member (114) is adapted to support the flexible roof member (206) received by the first bow link member (102),
the second bow link member (114) comprises:
a first side section (116) extending from the first connecting end (114a), the first side section (116) defined with a first curved profile (118) extending inwardly to the vehicle body (202) and positioned proximal to the first connecting end (114a);
a second side section (120) extending from the second connecting end (114b), the second side section (120) defined with a second curved profile (122) extending inwardly to the vehicle body (202) and positioned proximal to the second connecting end (114b), wherein the first side section (116) and the second side section (120) extend at an angle (ø) from the first bow link member (102); and
a top section (124) provided between the first side section (116) and the second side section (120),
wherein the first curved profile (118) and the second curved profile (122) are adapted to improve stiffness of the frame structure (100).

5. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4 comprises at least one auxiliary bow link member (126) mounted onto the second bow link member (114) and extends away from the second bow link member (114), each auxiliary link member (126) adapted to support the flexible cover member (206) received on the first bow link member (102) and the second bow link member (114).

6. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first curved profile (118) is adapted to extend at an angle (α’) from a horizontal plane (X-X’) of the vehicle (200) and the second curved profile (122) is adapted to extend at an angle (β’) from the horizontal plane (X-X’), the angles (α’ and β’) ranging from 50 degrees to 55 degrees respectively.

7. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second bow link member (114) is a tubular member made of a flexible material.

8. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bow link member (102) is a tubular member made of a flexible material.

9. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bow link member (102) is mounted onto the vehicle body (202) via a vehicle pillar (210).

10. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (200) is a three-wheeled passenger vehicle.

11. A three-wheeled passenger vehicle (200), comprising:
a vehicle body (202); and
a frame structure (100) mounted onto the vehicle body (202) via a C-pillar (210c) and extending upto a top portion (204) of the vehicle (200), the frame structure (100) adapted to receive and support a flexible roof member (206) extending from a front portion (226) of the vehicle (200) for defining a cabin (208) in the vehicle (200), wherein the frame structure (100) is adapted to enhance space of the cabin (208) while retaining width of the vehicle (200).

12. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the frame structure (100) comprises:
a first bow link member (102) having a first end (102a) and a second end (102b) mounted to the C-pillar (210c) of the vehicle body (202), wherein the first bow link member (102) is adapted to receive and support a flexible roof member (206) for defining a cabin (208) in the vehicle (200), the first bow link member (102) comprises:
a first side portion (104) extending vertically from the first end (102a), the first side portion (104) defined with a first sloping profile (106) extending outwardly from the vehicle body (200) and positioned proximal to the first end (102a);
a second side portion (108) extending vertically from the second end (102b), the second side portion (108) defined with a second sloping profile (110) extending outwardly from the vehicle body (202) and positioned proximal to the second end (102b); and
a top portion (112) provided between the first side portion (104) and the second side portion (108),
wherein the first sloping profile (106) and the second sloping profile (110) are adapted to enhance space of the cabin (208) and improve stiffness of the frame structure (100) while retaining width of the vehicle (200).

13. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the frame structure (100) comprises:
a second bow link member (114) having a first connecting end (114a) mounted to the first portion (104) and a second connecting end (114b) mounted to the second portion (108), wherein the second bow link member (114) is adapted to support the flexible roof member (206) received by the first bow link member (102), the second bow link member (114) comprises:
a first side section (116) extending from the first connecting end (114a), the first side section (116) defined with a first curved profile (118) extending inwardly to the vehicle body (202) and positioned proximal to the first connecting end (114a);
a second side section (120) extending from the second connecting end (114b), the second side section (120) defined with a second curved profile (122) extending inwardly to the vehicle body (202) and positioned proximal to the second connecting end (114b), wherein the first side section (116) and the second side section (120) extend at an angle (ø) from the first bow link member (102); and
a top section (124) provided between the first side section (116) and the second side section (120),
wherein the first curved profile (118) and the second curved profile (122) are adapted to improve stiffness of the frame structure (100).

14. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13 comprises at least one auxiliary bow link member (126) mounted onto the second bow link member (114) and extends away from the second bow link member (114), each auxiliary link member (126) adapted to support the flexible cover member (206) received on the first bow link member (102) and the second bow link member (114).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a soft-top assembly for a vehicle, particularly, to a frame structure for the soft-top assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles are typically characterized with rigid or solid roof structures that permanently extend over a passenger compartment. The solid roof structures, though aesthetically inflexible, provide optimum structural rigidity to the vehicle. However, in recent past, in order to cater to recreational requirements of vehicle users, manufacturers are offering flexible roof structures to the vehicles, particularly in passenger vehicles. The flexible roof structures or soft-top include structural framework that extend from a chassis member of the vehicle and a fabric material. The fabric material is mounted on the framework and extends over the passenger compartment to form a cabin in the vehicle.
[003] Further, passenger vehicles such as light commercial vehicles including the soft-top are designed with predefined dimensions for catering to on-road requirements. These passenger compartments of these three-wheeled vehicles are permitted to accommodate three passengers therein. However, due to restrictions in the dimensions of the vehicle, particularly the width, the passengers typically experience uncomfortable ride. Additionally, the frame members provided to support the flexible roof member in the conventional three-wheeled vehicles typically extend vertically. Such vertical frame members are prone to buckling due to insufficient stiffness in the event of a vehicle collision. Such a scenario compromises safety of the passengers during a vehicle collision, rendering safety issues which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need for a frame structure for a soft-top assembly of a vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a frame structure for a soft-top assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The frame structure includes a first bow link member mounted onto a vehicle body and extending vertically upto a top portion of the vehicle. The first bow link member has a first end and a second end mounted to sides of the vehicle body. The first bow link member is adapted to receive and support a flexible roof member for defining a cabin in the vehicle. The first bow link member includes a first side portion extending vertically from the first end. The first side portion is defined with a first sloping profile extending outwardly from the vehicle body and positioned proximal to the first end. A second side portion extends vertically from the second end of the first bow link member. The second side portion defined with a second sloping profile extending outwardly from the vehicle body and positioned proximal to the second end. A top portion is provided between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first sloping profile and the second sloping profile are adapted to enhance space of the cabin and improve stiffness of the frame structure.
[006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first sloping profile is adapted to extend at an angle (α) from a vertical plane of the vehicle body and the second sloping profile is adapted to extend at an angle (β) from the vertical plane. The angles (α and β) ranges from 25 degrees to 35 degrees respectively.
[007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the location of the first sloping profile and the second sloping profile in the first bow link member corresponds to a shoulder portion of a passenger seated in the cabin for improving shoulder space therein while retaining width of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame structure includes a second bow link member having a first connecting end mounted to the first side portion and a second connecting end mounted to the second side portion. The second bow link member is adapted to support the flexible roof member received by the first bow link member. The second bow link member includes a first side section extending from the first connecting end. The first side section is defined with a first curved profile extending inwardly to the vehicle body and positioned proximal to the first connecting end. A second side section extends from the second connecting end. The second side section is defined with a second curved profile extending inwardly to the vehicle body and positioned proximal to the second connecting end. The first side section and the second side section extend at an angle (ø) from the first bow link member. A top section is provided between the first side section and the second side section. The first curved profile and the second curved profile are adapted to improve stiffness of the frame structure.
[009] In an embodiment, at least one auxiliary bow link member is mounted onto the second bow link member and extends away from the second bow link member. Each auxiliary link member is adapted to support the flexible cover member received on the first bow link member and the second bow link member.
[010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first curved profile is adapted to extend at an angle (α’) from a horizontal plane of the vehicle and the second curved profile is adapted to extend at an angle (β’) from the horizontal plane. The angles (α’ and β’) ranges from 50 degrees to 55 degrees respectively.
[011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first bow link member and the second bow link member are tubular members made of flexible materials.
[012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first bow link member is mounted onto the vehicle body via a vehicle pillar.
[013] In an embodiment, the vehicle is a three-wheeled passenger vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and the frame structure mounted onto the vehicle body via a C-pillar and extending upto the top portion of the vehicle. The frame structure is adapted to receive and support the flexible roof member extending from the front portion of the vehicle for defining a cabin in the vehicle. The frame structure is adapted to enhance space of the cabin while retaining width of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] 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 a schematic view of a vehicle including a frame structure for a soft-top assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the vehicle including the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a front side perspective view of a portion of the vehicle including the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic view of the frame structure mounted to a vehicle pillar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic view of the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a front side schematic view of the frame structure mounted on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a front side schematic view of the vehicle depicting passengers seated in a passenger compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a motor vehicle 200 including a frame structure 100 for a soft-top assembly 101 [shown in Figure 2], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the motor vehicle 200 is a three-wheeled passenger vehicle. The motor vehicle 200 has an Internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) or an electric powertrain (not shown) for movement. The vehicle 200 has front wheels 212, rear wheels 214, a chassis member [not shown in Figures], a seat assembly 216 and a fuel tank [not shown in Figures]. The IC engine (not shown) may be disposed on the chassis member under the seat assembly 216. The chassis member (not shown) includes a pair of long members [not shown in Figures] that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle 200. The pair of long members extend in the vehicle front-rear direction substantially parallelly to each other. The chassis member further has one or more cross members [not shown in Figures] that extend transversely between the pair of long members. A head pipe [not shown in Figures] supports a steering shaft and front suspensions [not shown in Figures] attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket. The front suspensions support the front wheel 212. The upper portion of the front wheel 212 is covered by a front fender 218 mounted to the lower portion of the front suspensions at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar [not shown in Figures] is fixed to the upper bracket and can rotate to both sides for maneuvering the vehicle 200.
[017] A front portion of the chassis member supports a plurality of body panels to form a cabin 208, wherein the seat assembly 216 and the handlebar are disposed suitably inside the cabin 208. In an embodiment, the cabin 208 includes a driver cabin 208a and a passenger cabin 208b. In the present embodiment, the driver cabin 208a is provided between the A-pillar 210a and the B-pillar 210b of the vehicle 200, while the passenger cabin 208b is provided between the B-pillar 210b and the C-pillar 210c of the vehicle 200. The passenger cabin 208b also includes the seat assembly 216 for accommodating passengers 228 within [for e.g. as shown in Figure 9]. Typically, for the three-wheeled vehicle, the seat assembly 216 in the passenger cabin 208b is capable of accommodating three passengers. A headlight 220 is provided on a front face of the driver cabin 208a. A pair of swing arms 222 are configured to extend rearwardly from the chassis member and support the rear wheels 214. Generally, the swing arms 222 are further supported by a dual rear suspension [not shown in Figures]. Each of the rear wheels 214 are covered by a rear fender 224 that is disposed above each of the rear wheels 214. In an embodiment, the rear wheels 214 rotate by the driving force of the vehicle powertrain.
[018] The vehicle 200 further includes a soft-top assembly 101 adapted to cover the cabin 208. The soft-top assembly 101 includes a frame structure 100 mounted onto the vehicle body 202 via a vehicle pillar 210, which would be described in description pertaining to Figures 2-9. A flexible roof member 206 is mounted on the frame structure 100 for covering the cabin 208 of the vehicle 200. The frame structure 100 is adapted to enhance space within the cabin 208 and improve stiffness of the soft-top assembly 101.
[019] Referring to Figure 2, the frame member 100 is mounted on the vehicle body 202 via the C-pillar 210c in the passenger cabin 208b. Alternatively, the frame member 100 is also capable of being mounted on the A-pillar 210a and/or the B-pillar 210b [for e.g. as shown in Figure 1] of the vehicle 200. The frame member 100 is adapted to increase width of the cabin 208 [i.e. in the present embodiment the passenger cabin 208b] without altering the width of the vehicle 100.
[020] The frame structure 100 includes a first bow link member 102 mounted onto the vehicle body 202 via the C-pillar 210c. The first bow link member 102 is mounted onto the C-pillar 210c via conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, clamping, riveting and the like, as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the first bow link member 102 is mounted onto a bracket 230 provided on the C-pillar 210c via a fastener 232 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 5]. The first bow link member 102 is also capable of being mounted onto the A-pillar 210a and/or the B-pillar 210b as per feasibility or requirement. In another embodiment, the first bow link member 102 is also capable of being mounted onto D-pillars [not shown in Figures] of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the first bow link member 102 pertains to a link member configured to a substantially C-shaped profile.
[021] The first bow link member 102 has a first end 102a and a second end 102b [for e.g. as shown in Figure 3], mounted onto the sides of the vehicle body 202 via the vehicle pillar 210. In the present embodiment, the first end 102a is mounted to the C-pillar 210c at a left side, while the second end 102b is mounted to the C-pillar 210c at a right side of the vehicle body 202. The first bow link member 102 extends upto a top portion 204 of the vehicle 200 and is adapted to support a flexible roof member 206 for defining the cabin 208. In an embodiment, the flexible roof member 206 is a sheet made of polymer material. The flexible roof member 206 is supported onto the first bow link member 102 [or the frame member 100] via fastening. Alternatively, the flexible roof member 206 is rested or placed over the first bow link member 102.
[022] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figures 2 and 3, the first bow link member 102 includes a first side portion 104 extending vertically from the first end 102a upto the top portion 204. In an embodiment, the phrase “extending vertically” refers to inclination of the first side portion 104 with respect to a vertical plane Y-Y’ [for e.g. as shown in Figure 9] or a vertical plane defined between the front and the rear wheels 212, 214 of the vehicle 200. As such, the first side portion 104 is capable of being inclined with respect to the vertical plane Y-Y’ or the vertical plane defined between the wheels 212, 214 of the vehicle 200 as per design feasibility and requirement. In the present embodiment, the first side portion 104 extends without any deviation or inclination about the vertical plane Y-Y’.
[023] The first side portion 104 is defined with a first sloping profile 106 that extends outwardly from the vehicle body 202. In the present embodiment, the first sloping profile 106 is an S-shaped profile that extends outwardly from the vehicle body 202. Alternatively, the first sloping profile 106 is a curved profile that extends outwardly from the vehicle body 202. Further, the first sloping profile 106 is located proximal to the first end 102a, which corresponds to a shoulder portion of the passenger seated in the cabin 208 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 8]. Alternatively, the first sloping profile 106 is provided along the length of the first side portion 104 as per design feasibility and requirement in the cabin 208.
[024] In an embodiment, the first sloping profile 106 extends at an angle (α) that ranges from 25 degrees to 38 degrees from the vertical plane (Y-Y’). In another embodiment, the angle of inclination of the first sloping profile 106 from a seat axis C-C’ ranges from 58 degrees to 61 degrees [for e.g. as shown in Figure 8]. The angle (α) is selected such that the inclination increases the width [for e.g. as shown in Figure 9] of the cabin 208, while maintaining structural rigidity of the first bow link member 102.
[025] The first bow link member 102 also includes a second side portion 108 extending vertically from the second end 102b upto the top portion 204. In an embodiment, the phrase “extending vertically” refers to inclination of the second side portion 108 with respect to the vertical plane Y-Y’ or a vertical plane defined between the front and the rear wheels 212, 214 of the vehicle 200. As such, the second side portion 108 is capable of being inclined with respect to the vertical plane Y-Y’ or the vertical plane defined between the wheels 212, 214 of the vehicle 200 as per design feasibility and requirement. In the present embodiment, the second side portion 108 extends without any deviation or inclination about the vertical plane Y-Y’.
[026] The second side portion 108 is defined with a second sloping profile 110 that extends outwardly from the vehicle body 202. In the present embodiment, the second sloping profile 110 is an S-shaped profile that extends outwardly from the vehicle body 202. Alternatively, the second sloping profile 110 is a curved profile that extends outwardly from the vehicle body 202. The second sloping profile 110 is located proximal to the second end 102b, which corresponds to the shoulder portion of the passenger seated in the cabin 208 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 9]. As such, the first and the second sloping profile 106, 110 collectively enhance the shoulder room [for e.g. depicted as “W” in Figure 9] for the passenger 228 seated in the cabin 208, thereby facilitating comfort. Alternatively, the second sloping profile 110 is provided along the length of the second side portion 108 as per design feasibility and requirement in the cabin 208.
[027] Further, the second sloping profile 110 extends at an angle β from the vertical plane (Y-Y’). In an embodiment, the angle β ranges from 25 degrees to 38 degrees respectively. In another embodiment, the angle of inclination of the second sloping profile 110 from the seat axis C-C’ ranges from 58 degrees to 61 degrees. The angle β is selected such that the inclination increases the width of the cabin 208 of the vehicle 200, while ensuring optimal structural rigidity of the second bow link member 108. In the present embodiment, the features provided on the second side portion 108 are symmetrically provided as that of the first side portion 104 about the vertical axis Y-Y’, in order to maintain design symmetry of the vehicle 200.
[028] The first bow link member 102 further includes a top portion 112 provided between the first and the second side portions 104, 108. The top portion 112 acts as a connecting member to the side portion 104, 108 and ensures extension of the side portions 104, 108 upto the top portion 204, so that the dimensional requirements of the vehicle 200 are met. Further, the side portions 104, 108 and the top portion 112 in combination form the C-shaped profile, to form the first bow link member 102. As such, the first bow link member 102 is a combination of the side portion 104, 108 and the top portion 112 connected to one another by conventional joining techniques or is a monolithic structure. The top portion 112 supports the flexible roof member 206 extending from the front portion 226 to the rear portion of the vehicle 200.
[029] Further, as depicted in Figure 4, the frame structure 100 includes a second bow link member 114 mounted onto the first bow link member 102. The second bow link member 114 acts as a support member for the first bow link member 102 for improving stiffness of the frame structure 100, to support the flexible roof member 206.
[030] The second bow link member 114 has a first connecting end 114a mounted to the first side portion 104 and a second connecting end 114b connected to the second side portion 108. The first and the second connecting ends 114a, 114b are connected to the side portions 104, 108 respectively via conventional joining techniques such as fastening, clamping and the like as per design feasibility and requirement. In the present embodiment, each of the first and the second connecting ends 114a, 114b are mounted to the side portions 104, 108 via a clamp 234. The clamp 234 is fastened by a rivet 236 for mounting the connecting ends 114a, 114b onto the side portions 104, 108 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 5].
[031] In an embodiment, the connecting ends 114a, 114b are capable of being at any location along the length of the side portions 104, 108. However, in the present embodiment, the connecting ends 114a, 114b are mounted onto the side portions 104, 108 at the location of termination of the first and the second sloping profiles 106, 110. Such a construction maintains structural rigidity of the side portions 104, 108 in the event of loading.
[032] In an embodiment, the second bow link member 114 is inclined at an angle ø with the first bow link member 102. The angle ø is selected to provide optimum structural rigidity to the first bow link member 102 for supporting the flexible roof member 206 or the load acting on the flexible roof member 206. In an embodiment, the angle ø ranges from 42 degrees to about 48 degrees with the first bow link member 102. Additionally, the second bow link member 114 also extends rearwardly from the first bow link member 114 and upto the top portion 204 of the vehicle 200. Such an extension of the second bow link member 114 provides the arched shape to the cabin 208 upon mounting of the flexible roof member 206 thereon, thereby increasing space of the cabin 208.
[033] The second bow link member 114 includes a first side section 116 extending from the first connecting end 114a upto the top portion 204. In an embodiment, the first side section 116 extends at the angle ø from the first side portion 104. The angle ø of the first side section 116 from the first side portion 104 is 42 degrees to about 48 degrees.
[034] Further, the first side section 116 is defined with a first curved profile 118 that extends inwardly to the vehicle body 202. In the present embodiment, the first curved profile 118 is an S-shaped profile that extends or protrudes inwardly to the vehicle body 202. Alternatively, the first curved profile 118 is a curved profile that extends inwardly to the vehicle body 202, wherein the curvature of the profile can be selected as per design feasibility and requirement. Further, the first curved profile 118 extends at an angle α’ from a horizontal plane X-X’. In an embodiment, the angle α’ ranges from 50 degrees to 55 degrees from the horizontal plane X-X’. The angle α’ of the first curved profile 118 improves stiffness of the first side section 116 and consequently enhancing the structural rigidity of the frame structure 100.
[035] The second bow link member 114 also includes a second side section 120 extending from the second connecting end 114b upto the top portion 204. In an embodiment, the second side section 120 extends at the angle ø from the second side portion 108. The angle ø of the second side section 120 from the second side portion 108 is 42 degrees to about 48 degrees.
[036] Further, the second side section 120 is defined with a second curved profile 122 that extends inwardly to the vehicle body 202. In the present embodiment, the second curved profile 122 is an S-shaped profile that extends inwardly to the vehicle body 202. Alternatively, the second curved profile 122 is a curved profile that extends inwardly to the vehicle body 202, wherein the curvature of the profile can be selected as per design feasibility and requirement. Further, the second curved profile 122 extends at an angle β’ from the horizontal plane (X-X’). In an embodiment, the angle β’ ranges from 50 degrees to 55 degrees from the horizontal plane X-X’. The angle β’ of the second curved profile 122 improves stiffness of the second side section 120 and consequently enhancing the structural rigidity of the frame structure 100. Thus, features provided on the second side section 120 are symmetrical to that of the first side section 116 about the vertical axis Y-Y’.
[037] The second bow link member 114 further includes a top section 124 provided between the first and the second side sections 116, 120. The top section 124 acts as a connecting member or a bridge to the side sections 116, 120 and ensures extension of the side sections 116, 120 upto the top portion 204, so that the dimensional requirements of the vehicle 200 are met. Further, the side sections 116, 120 and the top section 124 in combination form the C-shaped profile, to form the second bow link member 114. As such, the second bow link member 114 is a combination of the side sections 116, 120 and the top section 124 connected to one another by conventional joining techniques or is a monolithic structure. The top section 124 supports the flexible roof member 206 mounted on the first bow link member 102.
[038] Referring to Figures 6 and 7 in conjunction with Figure 4, the frame structure 100 also includes at least one auxiliary bow link member 126. The auxiliary bow link member 126 is mounted onto the second bow link member 114 and extends away therefrom. The auxiliary bow link member 126 is adapted to support the flexible cover member 206 received on the first and the second bow link members 102, 114 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 2]. As such, the auxiliary bow link member 126 acts as reinforcement structure to the first and the second bow link members 102, 114 for supporting the flexible roof member 206.
[039] The auxiliary bow link member 126 has one end 128 mounted onto the first side section 116 and another end 130 mounted onto the second side section 120 of the second bow link member 114. The auxiliary bow link member 126 extends from the ends 128, 130 upto the top portion 204 for supporting the flexible roof member 206. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary bow link member 126 is mounted at the location of termination of the first and the second curved profiles 118, 122. In an embodiment, the auxiliary bow link member 126 is mounted onto the second bow link member 114 via the conventional mounting techniques such as fastening, clamping and the like.
[040] In the present embodiment, two auxiliary bow link members 126a, 126b are mounted onto the second bow link member 114. The auxiliary bow link members 126a, 126b are mounted on either sides of the second bow link member 114. As such, the link member 126a is placed between the first and the second bow link members 102, 114, while the link member 126b is placed to orient away from the first bow link member 102 and towards the rear end of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the auxiliary bow link members 126a, 126b are inclined with respect to the second bow link member 114, such that the link member 126a is mounted to be substantially parallel to the first bow link member 102 [about a plane along their respective top portions].
[041] In an embodiment, the bow link members 102, 114 and 126 are tubular members made of flexible materials, which are able to bend or flex upon application of load. The flexibility of the bow link members 102, 114 and 126 reduces overall weight of the frame structure 100, thereby easing the packaging process of the soft-top assembly 101.
[042] Referring to Figure 9, the passengers 228 seated on the vehicle 200 including the frame member 100 is illustrated. As illustrated, the vehicle 200 being the three-wheeled vehicle is adapted to accommodate three passengers 228. However, due to the frame structure 100 that includes the first and the second sloping profiles 106, 110 the shoulder width [indicated by “W”] is enhanced, thereby enabling comfort to the passengers 228. In an embodiment, the width of the cabin 208 [or cabin 208b] is enhanced by 95mm to 105mm, without altering the width of the vehicle body 202.
[043] In an embodiment, in three-wheeled passenger vehicles such as vehicle 200, the C-pillar 210c extends up to an elbow portion of the passenger 228. Thus, upon mounting of the frame structure 100, the first and the second sloping profiles 106, 110 are provided to align with a shoulder portion 228a of the passenger 228.
[044] Advantageously, the frame structure of the present invention enhances the width of the cabin without altering the width of the vehicle body or the vehicle. In other words, cabin space and/or luggage space in the vehicle is improved without altering the width of the vehicle. Further, the frame structure of the present invention provides a sturdier construction to withstand the load of the flexible roof member. Moreover, the frame structure is light in construction and easily collapsible, thereby easing the packaging process of the soft-top assembly of the vehicle. Additionally, the frame structure also provides adequate space at thigh region of the passenger which further enhances comfort.
[045] 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.
Referral numerals
100 - Frame member
101 - Soft-top assembly
102 - First bow link member
102a - First end of first bow link member
102b - Second end of first bow link member
104 - First side portion
106 - First sloping profile
108 - Second side portion
110 - Second sloping profile
112 - Top portion
114 - Second bow link member
114a - First connecting end
114b - Second connecting end
116 - First side section
118 - First curved profile
120 - Second side section
122 - Second curved profile
124 - Top section
126 - Auxiliary bow link member
128 - One end of auxiliary bow link member
130 - Another end of auxiliary bow link member
200 - Vehicle
202 - Vehicle body
204 - Top portion of the vehicle
206 - Flexible roof member
208 - Cabin of the vehicle
208a - Driver cabin
208b - Passenger cabin
210 - Vehicle pillar
210a - A-Pillar
210b - B-Pillar
210c - C-pillar
212 - Front wheel
214 - Rear
216 - Seat assembly
218 - Front fender
220 - Headlight
222 - Swing arms
224 - Rear fender
226 - Front portion of vehicle
228 - Passengers in vehicle
228a - Shoulder portion of passengers
230 - Bracket
232 - Fastener
234 - Clamp
236 - Rivet