Claims:We Claim:
1) A handle grip (109) for a saddle type saddle type vehicle (100), the handle grip (109) comprises:
a first member (110)
a second member (111) attached to at least a portion (P, W) of the first member (110).
2) The handle grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member includes a left grip (110L), a right grip (110R), and a rear end (110a), the rear end (110a) joining the left grip (110L) and the right grip (110R);
3) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear end (110a) is integrally joining the left grip (110L) and the right grip (110R).
4) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second member (111) overlaps the at least a portion (P, W) of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110), said at least a portion (P, W) includes a length portion (P) and a width portion (W), said length portion (P) and said width portion (W) are 20-80% of total length and width the rear end (110a).
5) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) includes a receiving portion (112).
6) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 5, wherein the receiving portion (112) defines a groove (112a) provided in the rear end (110a), said groove (112a) being provided with at least one forward extension (112b).
7) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one forward extension (112b) includes at least one first mounting hole (112c) and at least one fitting slot (112d).
8) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim6, wherein the at least one forward extension (112b) of the receiving portion (112) is integrally attached with the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) such that the at least one forward extension has a section modulus at least 50% of a section modulus of the rear end of the first member.
9) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (111) includes an upper wall (111a), a lower wall (111b), and a side wall (111c), the side wall (111c) connecting the upper wall (111a) and the lower wall (111b) to define a substantial C or U shape when viewed from a side.
10) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second member (111) includes a cavity (10d) between the upper wall (111a) and the lower wall (111b).
11) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second member (111) includes at least one fitting extension (111e) disposed in the cavity (111d).
12) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one fitting extension (111e) is attached with the upper wall (111a), the lower wall (111b), and the side wall (111c) of the second member (111).
13) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 12 and claim 7, wherein the at least one fitting extension (111e) of the second member (111) is aligned with the at least one fitting slot (112d) of the receiving portion (112) of the first member (110).
14) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 13, the second member (111) is disposed in the receiving portion (112) of the first member (110) using the at least one fitting extension (111e) secured in at least one fitting slot (112d).
15) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lower wall (111b) includes at least one second mounting hole (111f).
16) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 14 and claim 7, the at least one second mounting hole (111f) is aligned to the at least one first mounting hole (112c).
17) The handle grip (109), as claimed in claim 16, the second member (111) is secured with the receiving portion (112) of the first member (110) using one or more mounting means (112g) passing through the at least one first mounting hole (112c) and the at least one second mounting hole (111f).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle, and more particularly relates to a grab handle of the saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the last few decades, automobile industry has shown a remarkable growth and development, in terms of technology as well as sales. Different sections of society, based on their requirements such as look, feel, utility prefer different type of vehicles with specific details. As a result, it becomes pertinent for the automobile industry to constantly develop and modify the components of the vehicles to suit requirements of different users. For example, due to consistent advancement in technology, saddle type vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and lightweight scooters, have succeeded in maintaining their popularity among different sections of society. Different variants for different user segments are being developed by the automobile manufactures. For example, two-wheeler industry is flooded with vehicles with unique aesthetic features, different power outputs, different load carrying requirements, and the like.
[0003] In saddle type vehicles, to enable safe & stable seating of a pillion occupant, customers prefer a grip part that is strong enough and gives a smooth & safe feeling while holding the grab handle. The requirement of a stable grip arises not only during on-boarding or alighting from the vehicle but also during the dynamic driving condition of the vehicle which makes it all the more difficult. Unlike, in four wheelers, where the occupant is safely seated, the requirement of safe, strong & sable grip in a saddle type vehicle is critical since any slip in grip can lead to fatal accidents. Typically, the handle grip is made of resin which suffer from providing adequate grip strength. Some known arts have suitable negative cavity to enable fingers to grab hold the support member so as to strengthen the grip. Alternatively, in some arts, the grip surface is provided with rough surface finish in order to enhance the strength of the grip. All such known arts suffer from drawbacks like flexibility to accommodate different finger ergonomic dimensions of different users, potential risk of finger damage owing to locking in the cavity, scratches on palm area of users owing to rough surface texture etc. Thus, known arts suffer from one or more drawbacks resulting in failure to provide a safe, comfortable & stable grip to the user. Additionally, in case of handle grip made of metal, overall weight and cost increases which is not desired.
[0004] In some cases, handle grip is made of a hard-synthetic resin along with a flexible filling member disposed in a recess provided therein to improve grip comfort. However, in such cases, to achieve adequate stiffness, it is necessary to increase the cross-sectional size of the handle grip or combine members for reinforcement such as ribs or brackets or the like to ensure the necessary stiffness & strength. With the increased size of the grip customer comfort, handle grip visuals are compromised and the cost is also increased. On the contrary retaining smaller cross section leads to compromise on the stiffness which defeats the very need of providing a stable & safe handle grip. Providing reinforcement member increases number of parts and the structure becomes complex to manufacture as well as assemble resulting in increase in overall cost and complexity.
[0005] At many instances, metal is molded with resin to form the handle grip in order to achieve the strength as well as less weight for the handle grip in comparatively lesser cost. However, once metal is molded with resin, end of life recycling becomes difficult as the metal and the resin are integrally formed. Also, in the molded handle grip resin may get cracked due to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the metal and the resin while the vehicle is being used in extreme hot to cold environmental conditions.
[0006] In view of the growing environmental awareness, various attempts have been made to enhance the recycling of the material in automobiles. Split-type handle grips comprising a core metal handle covered with a resin material is used in many vehicles. Since the shape of the handle grip usually is made so as to enable the pillion to grip it conveniently, the shape of the single integrated resin cover becomes complicated to manufacture. Moreover, assembling is difficult due to complicated shapes. As the resin material is weak in strength, it is particularly designed with ribs and stiffeners; resulting in discomfort/inconvenience to the pillion or rider while holding. This also increases the assembling time as the number of parts are higher for a split-type handle grip. In addition, as the resin part covers the entire core metal handle grip (except the mounting points), it affects the touch and feel perception by the pillion rider. Therefore, a solution is required that addresses one or more of mentioned and other associated problems in known arts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description with an embodiment of a handle grip is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to denote like features and components.
[0008] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 2 illustrates the handle grip for the saddle type vehicle of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig 3 depicts a rear view of the handle grip of Fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 4 illustrates a first member of the handle grip of Fig 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 5 illustrates a second member of the handle grip of Fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the second member of Fig. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrates the assembly details of the first member and the second member of the handle grip of Fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] The subject matter of the present invention intends to provide a handle grip for a saddle type vehicle, the handle grip includes a first member and a second member.
[00016] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, for a handle grip bar type unit, the first member includes a left grip, a right grip, and a rear end. The rear end integrally joins the left grip and the right grip. Each of the left grip and the right grip includes a horizontal extension to support mounting of the handle grip with a frame of the saddle type vehicle. The rear end of the first member includes a receiving portion. The receiving portion defines a groove provided in the rear end. Said groove is provided with at least one forward extension. The at least one forward extension is integrally attached with the rear end of the first member. The at least one forward extension includes at least one first mounting hole and at least one fitting slot. The at least one forward extension has a section modulus at-least 30-70% of a section modulus of the rear end of the first member. This enables achieving good stiffness & strength of the assembly leading to safe & stable grab rail assembly.
[00017] The second member is attached to at least a portion of the rear end of the first member. The second member overlaps the at least a portion of the rear end. The second member includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall, the side wall connecting the upper wall and the lower wall to define a C shape when viewed in cross sectional view. The second member includes a cavity between the upper wall and the lower wall. The second member includes at least one fitting extension disposed in the cavity. The at least one fitting extension is attached with the upper wall, the lower wall, and the side wall. The lower wall includes at least one second mounting hole.
[00018] The at least one fitting extension of the second member is aligned with the at least one fitting slot of the receiving portion of the first member. The at least one second mounting hole is aligned to the at least one first mounting hole. The second member is disposed in the receiving portion of first member using the at least one fitting extension secured in at least one fitting slot. The second member is secured in the receiving portion of the first member using one or more mounting means passing through the at least one first mounting hole and the at least one second mounting hole.
[00019] As a best embodiment of the invention, the first member is made of metal and the second member is made of resin. In addition, as a best embodiment, the second member is disposed in a substantial mid portion of the first member.
[00020] The present subject matter provides an exemplary embodiment of a saddle type vehicle (hereinafter ‘vehicle’) (100) as shown in FIG. 1. The described vehicle (100) typically includes a low-framework structure (hereinafter ‘frame’) (not shown), a display unit (not shown), a handle bar assembly (101), and a headlamp assembly (102), a plurality of body panels (103), a front wheel (104), a rear wheel (105), a plurality of suspension units (106), an internal combustion engine (hereinafter ‘engine’) (not shown), a transmission system (107), a seat assembly (108), a utility box (not shown), and a handle grip (109).
[00021] The frame (not shown) includes a head tube, a main tube, and a pair of side frames. The main tube extends downwards from an anterior portion of the head tube and then extends rearwards in an inclined manner. The pair of side tubes extends inclinedly upwards from the main tube, in rearward direction of the vehicle. Thus, the frame extends from a front portion (F) to a rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100).
[00022] The display unit (not shown), the handle bar assembly (101), and the headlamp assembly (102) are disposed above the main tube (not shown), in front portion (F) of the vehicle (100). The display unit is disposed in front of the rider such that the parameters displayed on the display unit are visible to the rider.
[00023] The plurality of body panels (103) covers multiple portions of the frame (not shown). The plurality of body panels (103) includes a front panel (103a), a leg shield (not shown), a floorboard (103b), an under-seat cover (103c), a left-side panel (103d), a right-side panel (not shown), a left-side trim cover (103e), and a right-side trim cover (not shown). The front panel (103a) and the leg shield (not shown) cover the front portion of the frame (not shown), particularly by covering the head tube and the front portion of the main tube. The floorboard (103b), the under-seat cover (103c), the left-side trim cover (103e), and the right-side trim cover (not shown) shield the center portion of the frame, particularly by covering the center and rear part of the main tube. Similarly, the left-side panel (103d) and the right-side panel (not shown) cover the rear end of the frame, particularly by covering the pair of side tubes.
[00024] The front wheel (104) is disposed in the front portion F of the vehicle (100), under a front fender (104a). The front fender (104a) is further disposed below the front panel (103a) and the leg shield. The front fender (104a) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (104). The front wheel (104) includes a front hub (104b) and a front tire (104c), removably attached with each other.
[00025] The rear wheel (105) is disposed at the rear portion R of the vehicle (100) under a rear fender (105a). The rear fender (105a) is further disposed below and between the left side panel (103d) and the right side panel (not shown). The rear fender (105a) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (105). The rear wheel (105) includes a rear hub (105b), a rear tire (105c) removably attached with each other.
[00026] The plurality of suspension units (106) includes a front suspension unit (106a) and a rear suspension unit (106b). The front suspension unit (106a) connects the front wheel (104) to the front portion of the frame through the front hub (104b). The rear suspension unit (106b) connects the rear wheel (105) to the rear portion of the frame through the rear hub (105b). The front and rear suspension unit (106a, 106b) may include one or more suspension units. For example, the front suspension unit (106a) may include a mono suspension or a left front suspension unit and a right front suspension unit. Similarly, the rear suspension unit (106b) may include a mono suspension or a left-rear suspension unit and a right-rear suspension unit.
[00027] The powertrain (not shown) is disposed behind the floorboard (103b) and the under-seat cover (103c) and is supported between the pair of side tubes. The powertrain is disposed on a swing arm through one or more mounting bosses (not shown) being attached therein. A front end of the swing arm is attached to the rear portion of the main tube and a rear end of the swing arm is attached to the rear wheel (105). The powertrain generates power that is to be transferred to the rear wheel (105) during - propulsion of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) may also different types of powertrain like IC engine, may include a motor (not shown) driven using a battery (not shown) power in case of electric vehicles.
[00028] The transmission system (107) is a power transfer system of the vehicle (100) that transmits power either from the powertrain to the rear wheel (105) or from motor to the rear wheel (105), based on propulsion mode of the vehicle (100) for example electric vehicle or IC engine vehicle. In a hybrid type setup, the vehicle (100) may have multiple propulsion modes such as propulsion by the engine alone, propulsion by the motor alone, and propulsion by both the engine and the motor simultaneously.
[00029] The seat assembly (108) is disposed above the under-seat cover (103c) and between the left-side panel (103d) and the right-side panel (not shown). The seat assembly (108) is pivotally mounted to the top portion of the under-seat cover (103c). The utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly (108). The utility box (not shown) can be accessed by opening the seat assembly (103).
[00030] As per an embodiment the handle grip (109) in form of a pillion handle is disposed behind the seat assembly (108) and acts as a holding support for the pillion rider. In a preferred embodiment, front end of the handle grip (109) is attached to the rearmost portion of the frame.
[00031] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the handle grip (109) includes a first member (110) and a second member (111). The first member (110) includes a left grip (110L), a right grip (110R), a rear end (110a), and a plurality of mounting points (110b). The rear end (110a) joins the left grip (110L) and the right grip (110R). In a preferred embodiment, the rear end (110a) is integrally joining the left grip (110L) and the right grip (110R). The plurality of mounting points (110b) includes a left horizontal extension (110bL) and a right horizontal extension (110bR). The left mounting point (110bL) is provided with the left grip (110L) and the right mounting point (110bR) is provided with the right grip (110R). The left horizontal extension (110bL) and the right horizontal extension (110bR) facilitate the mounting of handle grip (109) with the rear portion of the frame.
[00032] The second member (111) is attached to at least a portion (P) of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110). As shown in Fig. 2, the second member (111) is attached to the rear end (110a) such that the second member (111) at least partially overlaps the at least a portion (P, W) of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110). In an embodiment, the second member (110a) overlaps length portion (P) which is at least 20-80 % of the total length of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) such that remaining length portion of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) is always visible from the top view of the vehicle. As per another embodiment, the second member (110a) overlaps a width portion (W) which is at least 20-80% of the total width of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) such that remaining width portion of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) is always visible from the top view of the vehicle. As per another embodiment, the second member is disposed on either the inner side or the outer side of the first member.
[00033] Referring to Fig. 4, the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) of the handle grip (109) further includes a receiving portion (112). The receiving portion (112) is provided in at least a portion (P) of the rear end (110a). This portion (P) of the rear end (110a) is of same length that of the length portion (P) of the rear end (110a) that the second member (110a) overlaps. The receiving portion is a space (112) in the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) in which the second member (111) is accommodated. The receiving portion (112) defines a groove (112a) provided in the rear end (110a) of the first member (110). The groove (112a) is provided with at least one forward extension (112b). In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined length of the length portion (P) may be at least 20-80% of the total length of the rear end (110a) in order to sufficiently reduce the weight while maintaining the required strength of the handle grip (109).
[00034] The at least one forward extension (112b) includes at least one first mounting hole (112c) and at least one fitting slot (112d). Said at least one forward extension (112b) is integrally attached with the rear end (110a) of the first member (110). In an embodiment, the at least one forward extension (112b) is molded integrally with the rear end (110a) of the first member (110). In another embodiment, the at least one forward extension (112b) is machined integrally with the rear end (110a) of the first member (110). In another embodiment, the at least one forward extension (112b) may be integrally attached with the rear end (110a) of the first member (110) using any known means. In an embodiment, the at least one forward extension (112b) may include a plurality of forward extension (112b) disposed equidistant from each other. In another embodiment, the at least one forward extension (112b) may include a single at least one forward extension (112b) disposed in the receiving portion (112). In any preferred embodiment, at least one forward extension (112b) has a section modulus at-least 30-70% of a section modulus of the rear end (110a) of the first member (110). This enables achieving good stiffness & strength of the assembly leading to safe & stable grab rail assembly.
[00035] Referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the second member (111) includes an upper wall (111a), a lower wall (111b), and a side wall (111c). The side wall (111c) connects the upper wall (111a) and the lower wall (111b) such that the second member (111) forms a substantial C or U shape when viewed from a side view. The second member (111) includes a cavity (111d) between the upper wall (111a) and the lower wall (111b) which results in C or U shape of the second member (111). C or U shape of the second member (111) is provided as an example and includes any similar shapes in which the second member is covered from upper, bottom, and one longitudinal side and is open from other longitudinal side and transverse sides.
[00036] The second member (111) further includes at least one fitting extension (111e) disposed in the cavity (111d). The at least one fitting extension (111e) is attached with the upper wall (111a), the lower wall (111b), and the side wall (111c) of the second member (111). In an embodiment, the at least one fitting extension (111e) may include a plurality of fitting extensions (111e) disposed equidistant from each other. In another embodiment, the at least one fitting extension (111e) may include a single fitting extension (111e) disposed in the cavity (111d).
[00037] The second member further includes at least one second mounting hole (111f) provided on the lower wall (111b). in a preferred embodiment, said at least one second mounting hole (111f) supports a threaded screw mounting (111g), however the at least one second mounting hole (111f) may support any known mounting means of mounting or connecting two parts.
[00038] Referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, mounting details of the first member (110) and the second member (111) with each other is explained. The second member (111) is disposed in the receiving portion (112) of the first member (110) using the at least one fitting extension (111e) secured in at least one fitting slot (112d). The at least one fitting extension (111e) of the second member (111) is aligned with the at least one fitting slot (112d) of the receiving portion (112) of the first member (110).
[00039] In addition, the second member (111) is secured in the receiving portion (112) of the first member (110) using one or more mounting means (112g) passing through the at least one first mounting hole (112c) and the at least one second mounting hole (111f). Said at least one second mounting hole (111f) is aligned to the at least one first mounting hole (111f). in a preferred embodiment, the one or more mounting means (112g) are fitted in the at least one first mounting hole (112c) and the at least one second mounting hole (111f) from a bottom side of the handle grip (109).
[00040] In an embodiment (not shown), the handle grip may be on spit type. The split type handle grip (not shown) includes a left handle grip (not shown) and a right handle grip (not shown) each independently attached to the frame. Each of the left handle grip (not shown) and the right handle grip (not shown) includes a first member and a second member. Said second member overlaps the first member and is attached to the first member in the manner described in the above description.
[00041] In a preferred embodiment of the handle grip (109), the first member (110) is made of metal, and the second member (111) is made of resin. Described construction of the handle grip (109) provides a cost effective, light weight, simple and strong design for the handle grip (109). As per the preferred embodiment, the second member (111) is provided in the mid-region of the first member (110) such that the second member (111) partially overlaps the first member (110) of the handle grip (109). Said mid-region of the first member (110) has a simple and well-defined shape on to which the corresponding second member (111) can be fitted easily, which reduces the assembly time for the handle grip (109). Also, the left and right side grips (110R, 110L) of the handle grip (109) are of metal and the center part is of resin due to which the weight of the handle grip (109) reduces when compared to full metal handle grip, which is cost effective and lighter to handle. In addition, the stiffness, strength, touch and feel at the customer end handle grip is improved better than known solutions without any compromise on ergonomic comfort, safety as well as stability in static as well as dynamic usage conditions across varying loads & temperature conditions. The substantial U or C shape overlap between the 2 members also ensures the grab rail assembly is reliable & durable against rough usage conditions like loading vehicle with heavy good, objects. The overlap configuration can resist any dislodging forces acting upon the assembly during dynamic road load usage conditions. In comparison to the molded metal-resin handle grips manufacturing cost and handling efforts of the handle grip (109) are lesser in the present invention.

List of Reference Numerals:

100 Saddle type vehicle
F Front portion of 100
R Rear portion of 100
101 Handle bar assembly of 100
102 Headlamp assembly of 100
103 Plurality of body panels of 100
103a Front panel of 103
103b Floorboard of 103
103c Under-seat cover of 103
103d Left-side panel of 103
103e Left-side trim cover of 103
104 Front wheel of 100
104a Front fender of 100
104b Front hub of 104
104c Front tire of 104
105 Rear wheel of 100
105a Rear fender of 100
105b Rear hub of 105
105c Rear tire of 105
106 Plurality of suspension units of 100
106a Front suspension unit of 106
106b Rear suspension unit of 106
107 Transmission system of 100
108 Seat assembly of 100
109 Handle grip of 100
110 First member of 109
110L Left grip of 109
110R Right grip of 109
110a Rear end of 109
P At least a length portion 110a
W At least a width portion 110a
110b Plurality of mounting points of 109
110bL Left horizontal extension of 110b
110Br Right horizontal extension of 110b
111 Second member of 109
111a Upper wall of 111
111b Lower wall of 111
111c Side wall of 111
111d Cavity of 111
111e Fitting extension of 111
111f Second mounting hole of 111
111g Mounting means for 110 and 111
112 Receiving portion of 110a
112a Groove of 112
112b Forward extension of 112
112c First mounting hole of 112
112d Fitting slot of 112