DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a handlebar assembly for a vehicle and more particularly to a handlebar assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle to arrest and limit vibrations reaching the handlebar.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A conventional handlebar assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle including but not limited to a two wheeled vehicle and a three wheeled vehicle is mounted on a steering system using fastening means such as nuts and bolts, screws, studs and the like. The handlebar assembly typically includes tubular handlebar assembly and various control units for example, headlamp switch, electric start switches, horn switch, indicator switches, clutch, accelerator, front wheel brake control, speedometer, and the like.
[0003] The tubular handlebar assembly provides adequate grip to the rider and enables the rider to accelerate or deaccelerate the vehicle as per the requirement. The rider while riding a vehicle whose power unit produces higher vibration receives higher frequency of vibration to his hands through the handlebar assembly. To achieve high speed the rider usually accelerate the vehicle more which results in higher vibrations being released to the handlebar assembly which ultimately reach the rider making his ride uncomfortable. Receiving more vibrations may even affect the nerves of the rider which ultimately deteriorates the riding experience. These vibrations may also affect the rider’s control on the vehicle and makes the vehicle prone to accidents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeled saddle type vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a multi wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of handlebar assembly of a multi wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of handlebar assembly of a multi wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view from one side of a damper assembly, in accordance with the an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view from one side of a damper assembly, in accordance with the an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view for preferred embodiment of a handlebar assembly from one side, in accordance with the an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 7a illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of dampening members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 7b illustrates a top view of a plurality of dampening members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 8a illustrates a perspective view of one or more retaining members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Fig. 8b illustrates a sectional view of one or more retaining members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] Generally while riding a multi wheeled vehicle, a handlebar is an important aspect for the rider. The rider for the maximum period rest his hands on the handlebar and controls the multi wheeled vehicle through his hands. At higher speeds the role of handlebar is even more critical for experiencing a comfortable ride. The rider must feel confident while riding the multi wheeled vehicle and not receive disturbing vibrations while riding the multi wheeled vehicle especially at higher speeds.
[00016] Typically, various dampening means are provided in the handlebar assembly to arrest such vibrations. These dampening means are provided outside the handlebar tube acting as weight balancers. These dampening means are insufficient to arrest vibrations for vehicles with heavier engines or high overall weight. One way to address the vibrations was to provide additional dampening means, which would increase the lateral length of the vehicle.
[00017] As per existing arts, the dampening means are welded to the handlebar tube which foreclose the opportunity of opening the handlebar tube as one has to break the tube for any kind of repair or modification. The existing arts which overcame the problem relating to welding provide for holder that holds the damper with the help of a screw mechanism. However, such dampening means become redundant and are not able to arrest vibrations over long duration because such dampening means loose their dampening properties with time or they are not securely held to the handlebar assembly as per the requirement. The screw mechanism loose fastening ability over the period of time which also become a safety concern as the handlebar assembly may come apart when the handlebar receives vibrations at higher speeds.
[00018] Thus, the objective of the present subject matter is to improve the riding experience by arresting the vibrations being received by hand of the rider when placed on the handlebar assembly. Other objectives of the present subject matter include improving the handlebar assembly by providing additional dampening means with adequate support and additional locking means so that the handlebar assembly is more durable and provides better riding confidence. Further, all the parts of the handlebar assembly including the dampening means shall be securely fitted as per their determined location and a need shall not arise for any replacement, retro-fitting or repair for a longer duration of time. Also, the handlebar assembly shall be provided with an additional locking means that ensures that when dampening means loose out their properties with time even then the handlebar assembly does not get affected negatively and such dampening means continue to arrest vibrations and are held securely to the handlebar assembly.
[00019] The present subject matter aims to arrest and curb vibrations received by the rider at the handlebar while riding the multi wheeled vehicle thereby enhancing riding comfort and NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) performance of the vehicle.
[00020] The present subject matter discloses an improved vibration dampening system for a handlebar assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle which comprises of a handle tube, a damper assembly, an inner mass member disposed inside the handle tube, an outer mass member mounted to the handle tube by means of a mounting link, one or more retaining members mounted between the outer mass member and the inner mass member wherein plurality of dampening members being mounted to the inner mass member. The inner mass member and the outer mass member dampens the majority of vibrations received by the handlebar tube from the power unit of the multi wheeled vehicle whereas one or more retaining members curb and arrest additional vibrations that reach the handle tube despite the provision of the inner mass member and the outer mass member. Furthermore, one or more retaining members fits in the plurality of dampening members and provide an additional locking to the plurality of dampening members which get loosen with period of time and may cause replacement of the handlebar assembly.
[00021] Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide one or more retaining members that can flexibly be fitted to the plurality of dampening members. Also, one or more retaining members is uniquely shaped wherein one or more retaining members have one or more retaining lugs and one or more supporting lugs integrated to one or more retaining members. This eliminates the need of multiple retaining and supporting lugs in different components and thus makes the handlebar assembly, particularly the dampening assembly more durable.
[00022] The present subject matter, by providing one or more retaining members, achieves a technical advance of more durable handlebar assembly. The present subject matter discloses a durable damper assembly for a handle bar of a multi wheeled vehicle wherein the plurality of dampening members are locked. Also, the said handlebar assembly is held securely by one or more retaining members wherein one or more retaining members being disposed between the outer mass member and the inner mass member. Also, the one or more retaining members ensures that the additional vibrations which are not controlled by the inner mass member or the outer mass member are not transferred to the handlebar tube and eventually to the hands of the rider being rested on the handlebar. Additionally, the one or more retaining member being provided with the one or more supporting lugs and one or more retaining lugs in opposite sides of the one or more retaining members which reduces the number of parts for the dampening assembly and makes the dampening assembly more durable and compact. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00023] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a multi wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The multi wheeled vehicle (100) includes a frame member (105) supporting a front wheel (110) and a rear wheel (115). The front wheel (110) and the rear wheel (115) are rotatably supported by front suspension system (120) and the rear suspension system (125), respectively. In one embodiment, the rear wheel (115) is additionally supported by a swingarm (not shown). The front wheel (110) is provided with a front wheel brake (130) and the rear wheel (115) which is provided with a rear wheel brake (136). In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake (130) is a disc brake. However, the front wheel brake (130) can be a drum brake or the disc brake, which is actuated using a hydraulic actuation.
[00024] In the present embodiment, a power unit (140) is mounted to a front portion of the frame member (105) and is disposed substantially below a fuel tank (145) and rearward of the front wheel (110). The power to the rear wheel (115). Further, a carburetor or a fuel injection system or the like (not shown) supplies air-fuel mixture to the power unit (140) including an internal combustion engine. Further, the front wheel (110) is pivotally supported by the frame member (105) and a handle bar assembly (150) is functionally connected to the front wheel (110) for maneuvering the vehicle (100). The handle bar assembly (150) supports an instrument cluster, vehicle controls including throttle, clutch, or electrical switches. Further, the handle bar assembly (150) supports at least one independent brake actuation lever (166). The vehicle (100) inlcudes another lever that is a brake pedal (not shown) disposed adjacent to a rider foot support structure (185).
[00025] Further, a seat assembly (180) is mounted to the frame member (105) and disposed rearward of the fuel tank (145). The rider can operate the vehicle (100) in a seated position on the seat assembly (180). Moreover, the vehicle (100) includes a pair of rider foot support structure (185) disposed on either side of the vehicle (100) for the user to rest feet. The foot support structure (185) being secured to the frame member (105) of the vehicle (100).
[00026] Further, the multi wheeled vehicle (100) includes a front fender (195) covering at least a portion of the front wheel (110) and a rear fender (190) covering at least a portion of the rear wheel (115). Also, the vehicle (100) is provided with plurality of panels including front panel (170A) and rear panel (170B) mounted to the frame member (105) and covering the frame member (105) and/or parts of the vehicle (100). Also, the vehicle (100) is employed with plurality of mechanical, electronic, and electromechanical system including an anti-lock braking system, a vehicle safety system, or an electronic control system.
[00027] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of handlebar assembly of a multi wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, said frame member (105) being connected to a handle tube (151). The frame member being also connected to at least one independent brake actuation lever (166). The handle bar assembly (150) includes said handle tube (151), one or more switches (165) and a damper assembly (152). In the depicted embodiment, the handle tube being connected to said one or more switches (165) on one end and said damper assembly (152) on the opposite end.
[00028] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of handlebar assembly of a multi wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the depicted embodiment, said handle bar assembly (150) comprises said brake lever (166) connected to said frame member (105). Further said handle tube (151) being connected to one or more switches (165) on one end and said damper assembly (152) on the opposite end. In an exploded view as depicted said damper assembly (152) comprises of plurality of dampening members (157) being received by one or more circumferential receiving portions (162) (shown in Fig. 5) of an inner mass member (153). Further, said inner mass member (153) being connected to one or more retaining members (156) wherein said one or more retaining members (156) being connected to said inner mass member (153) at one end and an outer mass member (154) at an opposite end. Also, said outer mass member (154) being connected to said damper assembly (152) by means of a mounting link (155) and forming an interval portion (161) when viewed from a side (shown in Fig. 6). The said one or more retaining members (156) being disposed in said interval portion (161) formed between said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153) wherein one or more retaining members (156) comprises one or more protruding ends on its opposite sides. The one or more protruding ends of said one or more retaining members (156) provides a locking means for said one or more retaining members (156) that arrest gaps and intervals between said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153) which in turn ensures said handlebar assembly (150) is held tight despite any loosening of said mounting link (155) or said outer mass member (154).
[00029] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view from one side of a damper assembly (152), in accordance with the an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the depicted perspective view, said damper assembly (152) comprises of said outer mass member (154) being connected to said dampening assembly (152) by means of said mounting link (155) (shown in Fig. 2) from an outer end (154A) (shown in Fig. 5) of said outer mass member (154) when viewed from side (as depicted in Fig. 4) and connected to said one or more retaining members (156) by means of supporting one or more supporting lugs (160) (as shown in Fig. 6) wherein said one or more supporting lugs (160) are connected to said outer mass member (154) from an inner end (154B) (shown in Fig. 5) of said outer mass member (154). Further, said one or more retaining member (156) being connected to said inner mass member (153) by means of one or more retaining lugs (159) wherein said one or more retaining lugs (159) are on the opposite side to that of said one or more supporting lugs (160) wherein said one or more supporting lugs (160) and said one or more retaining lugs (159) are integrally formed as a single component of one or more retaining members (156). Also, said plurality of dampening members (157) being received on a plurality of circumferential receiving portion (162) of said inner mass member (153). The said plurality of circumferential receiving portion (162) of said inner mass member (153) provides resting position for said plurality of dampening means (157) which are sufficiently spaced between each other and adapt to the shape of said inner mass member (153).
[00030] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view from one side of a damper assembly (152), in accordance with the an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the depicted embodiment, said mounting link (155) acts as a fastening means for fastening said outer mass member (154) from said outer end (154A) of said outer mass member (154) to said dampening assembly (152). The outer mass member (154) being connected to said one or more retaining members (156) from said inner end (154B) of said outer mass member (154). The connection of said one or more retaining members (156) to that of said outer mass member on said inner end (154B) being achieved by one or more supporting lugs (160) that are integrated to said one or more retaining members (156) from one side (156A) of said retaining members (156) (as shown in Fig. 8b). Also, said one or more retaining lugs (159) being fitted to said inner mass member (153). Additionally, said plurality of dampening members (157) being mounted to said inner mass member (153) that dampens the vibrations received by said inner mass member (153).
[00031] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view for preferred embodiment of a handlebar assembly (150) from one side, in accordance with the an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the preferred embodiment, said handlebar assembly (150) comprises said damper assembly (152) and said handle tube (151). The damper assembly (152) comprises of said outer mass member (154) being connected to said handle tube (151) by means of said mounting link (155). The mounting link (155) acts as a fastening member that fastens said outer mass member (154) to said inner mass member (153) disposed inside said handle tube (151). The disposition of said inner mass member (153) inside the said handle tube (151) dampens the vibrations received by the handle tube (151) from the power unit (140) of the multi wheeled vehicle (100). Further, as per the preferred embodiment, said one or more retaining members (156) being provided between said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153). The one or more retaining members (156) plays a major role in arresting the vibrations being passed from said inner mass member (153) and outer mass member (154). The one or more retaining members (156) act as an additional barrier that blocks the transfer of vibrations from both said inner mass member (153) and outer mass member (154) to said handle tube (151).
[00032] Further, as per the preferred embodiment, said one or more retaining members (156) includes of one or more supporting lugs (160) and said one or more retaining lugs (159) on opposite sides of each other and being integrated to said one or more retaining members (156) as a single part. Also, said retaining lugs (159) are fitted and rested in one or more resting slots (158) on the circumference of said inner mass member (153). The one or more resting slots (158) on the circumference of said inner mass member (153) are incorporated to provide a secure resting place for said retaining lugs (159) which in turn contributes in tight holding of said handlebar assembly (150) and provide a barrier that arrest vibrations being arrested by said inner mass member (153).
[00033] As per the sectional view of the preferred embodiment (Fig. 6) , said one or more retaining members (156) forms an elongated S shaped (?) structure that is sandwiched between said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153) wherein one end (156A) (shown in Fig. 8b) of elongated S shaped (?) said one or more retaining members (156) is said supporting lugs (160) whereas said other side (156B) (shown in Fig. 8b) of elongated S shaped ( ?) said one or more retaining members (156) is said retaining lugs (159).
[00034] The vibrations generated by said power unit (140) cannot be completely curbed by modifications done within the power unit (140) which necessitates external ways of arresting such vibrations especially the vibrations received by the hand of the rider placed at the handle bar assembly (150). The inner mass member (153) act as the first damper that dampens the vibrations. Further, there are vibrations that may pass from the said inner mass member (153). Thus, additional plurality of dampening members (157) are configured which are received by said plurality of circumferential receiving portions (162) of said inner mass member (153). In the preferred embodiment said plurality of dampening members (157) are cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, said plurality of dampening members (157) can be of various other shapes. Further, in the preferred embodiment, said inner mass member (153) being cylindrical shaped whereas, in other embodiments, several other shapes can be given to said inner mass member (153) with variety of modifications in such shapes. For example: In one embodiment while the said inner mass member (153) being cylindrical shaped, several slots can be provided on the circumference of the said inner mass member (153).
[00035] Further, in the preferred embodiment, said one or more retaining members (156) being connected to said inner mass member (153) by means of fitting and resting of said retaining lugs (159) to one or more resting slots (158) on the circumference of said plurality of said inner mass member (153). The fitting achieved herein, acts as additional dampening for the vibrations that pass beyond the inner mass member (153). As per the preferred embodiment, one or more retaining members (156) act as a barrier that arrest the left over vibrations by said inner mass member (153). The one or more retaining members (156) being made of different material to that of said inner mass member (153) which acts as a barrier to the transfer of vibrations. The one or more retaining member (156) get fitted in the one or more resting slots (158) (shown in Fig 7a of the damping members (157)) thus do not contribute in increasing the size of the handle bar assembly (150) and instead keep the design and size of handlebar bar assembly (150) compact. This, achieve additional advantage for the handle bar assembly (150) wherein, without any major modification in size, shape or increasing number of parts vibrations not being arrested by said inner mass member (153) and outer mass member (154) are arrested by one or more retaining member (156) having one or more retaining lugs (159) and one or more supporting lugs (160).
[00036] The one or more retaining lugs (159) of said one or more retaining members (156) and the one or more supporting lugs (160) of said one or more retaining members (156) act as additional lock that also arrest any loosening of the handle bar assembly (150) due to loosening of plurality of dampening members (157) over the period of time. Further, disposition of said one or more retaining members (156) between said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153), wherein said one or more retaining members (156) comprises of one or more retaining lugs (159) and one or more supporting lugs (160) on opposite side, prevent loosening of said handlebar assembly (150) due to loosening mounting link (155).
[00037] Additionally, As per the sectional view of the preferred embodiment (Fig. 6), said one or more retaining members (156) forms an elongated S shaped (?) the said elongated S shape (?) balances the one or more retaining members (156) which in turn acts as an additional lock for the damper assembly (152) to the handlebar assembly (150).
[00038] Further, said one or more retaining members (156) being made of an different material and preferably an alloy to that of said inner mass member (153) act as a barrier to the transfer of vibrations. The one or more retaining members (156) being flexible such that flexible one or more retaining members (156) makes ease in assembly and disassembly which in turn reduces time and cost.
[00039] In an embodiment, the one or more retaining members (156) being disposed over a lateral end portion of said inner mass (153) and a portion of said one or more retaining members (156) being disposed at said interval gap (161), wherein said one or more retaining members (156) being configured for connecting said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153).
[00040] Fig. 7a illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of dampening members (157), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the depicted embodiment, said plurality of dampening members (157) being mounted on the plurality of circumferential receiving portions (162) of said inner mass member (153) that comprises of one or more resting slots (158) on the circumference wherein said one or more retaining lugs (159) are fitted and rested.
[00041] Fig. 7b illustrates a top view of a plurality of dampening members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the depicted embodiment, said plurality of dampening members (157) being mounted on the plurality of circumferential receiving portions (162) of said inner mass member (153) that comprises of one or more resting slots (158) on the circumference wherein said one or more retaining lugs (159) are fitted and rested.
[00042] Fig. 8a illustrates a perspective view of one or more retaining members (156), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the depicted embodiment, said one or more retaining members (156) comprises of one or more supporting lugs (160) on one side (156A) of said one or more retaining members (156) and one or more retaining lugs (159) on the other side (156B) of said one or more retaining members (156). The one or more retaining lugs (159) and one or more supporting lugs (160) are provided on opposite sides of said one or more retaining members (156) such that they form an integrated component.
[00043] Fig. 8b illustrates a sectional view of one or more retaining members (156), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the depicted embodiment, said one or more retaining members (156) comprises of one or more supporting lugs (160) on one side (156A) of said one or more retaining members (156) and one or more retaining lugs (159) on the other side (156B) of said one or more retaining members (156). The one or more retaining lugs (159) and one or more supporting lugs (160) are provided on opposite sides of said one or more retaining members (156) such that they form an integrated component.
[00044] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.


LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100: Vehicle
105: Frame assembly
110: Front wheel
115: Rear wheel
120: Front suspension system
125: rear suspension system
130: Front wheel brake
136: Rear wheel brake
140: Power unit
145: Fuel tank
150: Handle bar assembly
151: Handle tube
152: Damper Assembly
153: Inner mass member
154: Outer mass member
154A: Outer end
154B: Inner end
155: Mounting link
156A: One side
156B: Other side
157: Plurality of dampening members
158: One or more resting
159: One or more retaining lugs
160: One or more supporting lugs
161: Interval portion
162: Plurality of circumferential receiving portions
165: One or more switches
166: Actuation lever
170: Front panel
170B: Rear panel
180: Seat assembly
185: Rider foot support structure
190: Rear fender
195: Front fender
,CLAIMS:We Claim

1. A handlebar assembly (150) for a vehicle (100), said handlebar assembly (150) comprising:
a handle tube (151);
a damper assembly (152),
said damper assembly (152) comprising:
an inner mass member (153) being disposed inside said handle tube (151),
an outer mass member (154) being disposed outside said handle tube (151),
said outer mass member (154) being connected to said inner mass member (153) by means of a mounting link (155), and
an interval gap (161) being formed between said outer mass member (154) and inner mass member (153) in an assembled condition,
wherein one or more retaining members (156) being disposed over a lateral end portion of said inner mass (153) and a portion of said one or more retaining members (156) being disposed at said interval gap (161), wherein said one or more retaining members (156) being configured for connecting said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153).
2. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner mass member (153) comprising a plurality of circumferential receiving portions (162) for receiving a plurality of dampening members (157).
3. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more retaining members (156) having one or more supporting and retaining lugs (159, 160) at each end (156B, 156A), said supporting lug (160) being configured to arrest at said interval gap (161).
4. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lateral end portion of said inner mass member (153) having a one or more resting slots (158) on a circumference of said lateral end portion.
5. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said one or more retaining members (156) having one or more supporting and retaining lugs (159, 160) at each end (156B, 156A), said retaining lug (159) being configured to support said retaining member (156) on said outer mass member (154).
6. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or more retaining members (156) having one or more retaining lugs (159) at a first end (156B) of said one or more retaining members (156), said retaining lugs (159) being configured to rest in said one or more resting slots (158) wherein said first end (156B) being opposite to said second end (156A).
7. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more retaining members (156) being sandwiched between said inner mass member (153) and said outer mass member (154).
8. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retaining member (156) being elongated S shaped (?) when viewed from side of said handlebar assembly (150).
9. The handlebar assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more retaining members (156) being flexibly connected to said inner mass member (153).
10. A multi wheeled vehicle (100) comprising a handlebar assembly (150), said handlebar assembly (150) comprising:
a handle tube (151);
a damper assembly (152),
said damper assembly (152) comprising:
an inner mass member (153) being disposed inside said handle tube (151),
an outer mass member (154) being disposed outside said handle tube (151),
said outer mass member (154) being connected to said inner mass member (153) by means of a mounting link (155), and
an interval gap (161) being formed between said outer mass member (154) and inner mass member (153) in an assembled condition,
wherein one or more retaining members (156) being disposed over a lateral end portion of said inner mass (153) and a portion of said one or more retaining members (156) being disposed at said interval gap (161), wherein said one or more retaining members (156) being configured for connecting said outer mass member (154) and said inner mass member (153).