Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A height adjustable bumper assembly (100) for a vehicle (10), the assembly (100) comprising:
at least one height adjusting member (102), each height adjusting member (102) being mounted onto a chassis member (12) of the vehicle (10) and having a plurality of height adjustment slots (104) defined along its surface; and
a bumper member (106) mounted onto the chassis member (12) via the height adjusting member (102);
wherein the bumper member (106) is adapted to selectively engage with the height adjustment slots (104) for adjusting a height of the bumper member (106) with the chassis member (12).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more bumper stay members (108) adapted to mount the bumper member (106) to the chassis member (12), each bumper stay member (108) having a first end (110) mounted to the bumper member (106) and a second end (112) adapted to selectively engage with the height adjustment slots (104) of the height adjusting member (102);
wherein engagement of the bumper stay member (108) with the height adjustment slots (104) enables adjustment in height of the bumper member (106) from the chassis member (12).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bumper stay members (108) comprise:
a first bumper stay member (108a) mounted proximal to a fore end (106a) of the bumper member (106) and to a first height adjusting member (102a); and
a second bumper stay member (108b) mounted proximal to an aft end (106b) of the bumper member (106) and to a second height adjusting member (102b).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bumper member (106) includes an overhanging portion (114) at each of the fore end (106a) and the aft end (106b) upon mounting of the first and the second bumper stay members (108a, 108b).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and the second bumper stay members (108a, 108b) are inclined at an angle (θ) from the chassis member (12), the inclination configured to position and protrude the bumper member (106) from the chassis member (12).

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each bumper stay member (108) comprises a support bracket (116) on each of the first end (110) and the second end (112),
wherein the support bracket (116) provided at the first end (110) is adapted to be mounted onto the bumper member (106); and
the support bracket (116) provided at the second end (112) is adapted to be mounted onto the height adjustment slots (104) via one of a pin engagement mechanism and a fastening mechanism for mounting the bumper member (106) onto the chassis member (12).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each height adjusting member (102) comprises a weldnut (118), the weldnut (118) adapted to align and receive the second end (112) of the bumper stay member (108).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bumper member (106) comprises a support bracket (116) adapted to engage with the height adjustment slots (104) via one of a pin engagement mechanism and a fastening mechanism for mounting the bumper member (106) onto the chassis member (12).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bumper member (106) upon engagement with the height adjustment slots (104) is positioned below a rear taildoor (14) of the vehicle in an open condition (16) and protrudes from the chassis member (12).

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bumper member (106) is mounted to a rear portion (18) of the chassis member (12).

11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the height adjustment slots (104) are aligned vertically on the height adjusting member (102) for enabling height adjustment of the bumper member (106) upon selective engagement therewith.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a bumper assembly for a vehicle, particularly, to a height adjustable bumper assembly for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, a vehicle includes a body mounted onto a chassis structure, which is compartmentalized into a passenger compartment for accommodating passengers and a loading compartment for transporting load. A tailgate, which is capable of being opened and closed, is provided to the loading compartment for selectively allowing access thereto. The vehicle also includes a rear bumper fixed to the body and positioned below the loading compartment for withstanding impact forces during a vehicle collision.
[003] However, the loading compartment is typically positioned at a height from a ground surface. Thus, a user is required to open the tailgate and directly climb onto the loading compartment for placing load thereon, which becomes a tedious task. Similarly, during unloading of the loading compartment, the user is required to directly climb onto the loading compartment, carry the load and thereafter descend therefrom which is cumbersome and undesirable.
[004] To overcome such a limitation, the user can use the rear bumper as a step member to climb onto the loading compartment. However, the conventional rear bumper is concealed when the tailgate is opened. Thus, the user is restricted to access the rear bumper as a step to overcome the limitations faced while directly accessing the loading compartment. Such a limitation in conventional rear bumpers is overcome by positioning the rear bumper at a distance from the chassis member. However, such a positioning of the rear bumper lowers the ground clearance of the vehicle, which affects the drivability, which is undesirable.
[005] In order to overcome the aforesaid limitations, step assemblies are installed below the loading compartment, so that the user can climb or descend therefrom effortlessly. However, installation of the conventional step assemblies contributes to increase in number of parts in the vehicle, and thus increase weight of the vehicle. Moreover, the conventional step assemblies are typically welded onto the chassis structure, which may compromise the structural integrity of the chassis structure, which is undesirable. Also, the step assemblies are incapable of providing leg support to the user sitting on rear part of the loading compartment, due to its mounting position on the vehicle. Moreover, the conventional rear bumpers are also incapable of providing leg support to the user sitting on the rear part of the loading compartment, which is undesirable.
[006] In view of the above, there is a need for a bumper assembly for a vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a height adjustable bumper assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The bumper assembly includes at least one height adjusting member. Each height adjusting member is mounted onto a chassis member of the vehicle and having a plurality of height adjustment slots defined along its surface. A bumper member is mounted onto the chassis member via the height adjusting member. The bumper member is adapted to selectively engage with the height adjustment slots for adjusting a height of the bumper member with the chassis member.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, one or more bumper stay members adapted to mount the bumper member to the chassis member are provided. Each bumper stay member has a first end mounted to the bumper member and a second end adapted to selectively engage with the height adjustment slots of the height adjusting member. Engagement of the bumper stay member with the height adjustment slots enables adjusting the height of the bumper member from the chassis member.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the bumper stay members include a first bumper stay member mounted proximal to a fore end of the bumper member and to a first height adjusting member. A second bumper stay member is mounted proximal to an aft end of the bumper member and to a second height adjusting member.
[010] In an embodiment of the invention, the bumper member includes an overhanging portion at each of the fore end and the aft end upon mounting of the first and the second bumper stay members.
[011] In an embodiment of the invention, the first and the second bumper stay members are inclined at an angle from the chassis member. The inclination is configured to position and protrude the bumper member from the chassis member.
[012] In an embodiment of the invention, each bumper stay member includes a support bracket on each of the first end and the second end. The support bracket provided at the first end is adapted to be mounted onto the bumper member and the support bracket provided at the second end is adapted to be mounted onto the height adjustment slots via one of a pin engagement mechanism and a fastening mechanism for mounting the bumper member onto the chassis member.
[013] In an embodiment of the invention, each height adjusting member comprises a weldnut. The weldnut is adapted to align and receive the second end of the bumper stay member.
[014] In an embodiment, the bumper member includes a support bracket adapted to engage with the height adjustment slots via one of a pin engagement mechanism and a fastening mechanism for mounting the bumper member onto the chassis member.
[015] In an embodiment of the invention, the bumper member is mounted to a rear portion of the chassis member. Further, the bumper member upon engagement with the height adjustment slots is positioned below a rear taildoor of the vehicle in an open condition and protrudes from the chassis member.
[016] In an embodiment of the invention, the height adjustment slots are aligned vertically on the height adjusting member for enabling height adjustment of the bumper member upon selective engagement therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle including a height adjustable bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the vehicle depicting an exploded view of the height adjustable bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a side view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an exploded view of the height adjustable bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the height adjustable bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic view of the height adjustable bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is an exploded view of height adjustable bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an exploded view of the height adjustable bumper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[019] 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.
[020] Figures 1-4 illustrates an exemplary cargo vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cargo vehicle 10 has an Internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) or an electric powertrain (not shown) for driving the cargo vehicle 10. The cargo vehicle 10 has one or more front wheels 20, a pair of rear wheels 22, a chassis member 12, a seat assembly 24 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 3] and a fuel tank (not shown). The IC engine is disposed on the chassis member 12. The chassis member 12 includes a pair of long members 26a, 26b [for e.g. as shown in Figures 1 and 2] that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The pair of long members 26a, 26b extend in the vehicle front-rear direction substantially parallelly to each other. The chassis member 12 further has one or more cross members 44 that extend transversely between the pair of long members 26a, 26b. A head pipe 46 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and front suspensions (not shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspensions support the one or more front wheels 20. The upper portion of each of the one or more front wheels 20 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the front suspensions at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is fixed to upper bracket and can rotate to both sides for maneuvering the vehicle 10.
[021] A front portion of the chassis member 12 supports a plurality of body panels to form a cabin 32, wherein the seat assembly 24 and the handlebar 30 are disposed inside the cabin 32. One or more headlights 34 are provided on a front face of the cabin 32. A pair of swing arms 36 are configured to extend rearwardly from the chassis member 12 and support a pair of rear wheels 22. Generally, the pair of swing arms 36 are further supported by a dual rear suspension 48 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 3]. Each of the pair of rear wheels 22 are covered by a rear fender 38 [for e.g. as shown in figure 4] that is disposed above each of the rear wheels 22. In an embodiment, the pair of rear wheels 22 rotate by the driving force of either the Internal combustion engine transmitted from a differential unit of the IC engine through propeller shafts 50 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 3], or the electric power source transmitted through electric power train.
[022] The cargo vehicle 10 further has a loading deck 40 [for e.g. as shown in Figures 3 and 4] that is mounted on the chassis member 12 via mounting brackets 52 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 4]. In an embodiment, the loading deck 40 includes a floor base panel 54. Sidewalls 56 are hingedly mounted at a right side, a left side and a top side of the floor base panel 54. Each of the sidewalls 56 are openable for loading or unloading cargo onto the floor base panel 54. Upon loading or unloading operation, the sidewalls 56 are closed for retaining the cargo on the floor base panel 54. The loading deck 40 includes a taildoor 14 mounted onto the floor base panel 54, and adapted to be operable between an opened position 16 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 4] and a closed position 42 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 3].
[023] Further, the vehicle 10 includes a height adjustable bumper assembly 100. In the present embodiment, the bumper assembly 100 is mounted at the rear portion and positioned below the taildoor 14 of the vehicle 10. The bumper assembly 100 is also capable of being mounted on at least one of a front side, a right side and a left side of the vehicle 10, as per design feasibility and requirement. The bumper assembly 100 is adapted to protect the vehicle 10 during a collision, while also acting as a footrest for enabling a user to climb and descend from the loading deck 40. Additionally, the bumper assembly 100 is also adapted to act as a leg support or a footrest member to the users seated at a rear end of the loading deck 40.
[024] Referring to Figure 5, the height adjustable bumper assembly 100 includes at least one height adjusting member 102 mounted onto the chassis member 12 of the vehicle 10. The height adjusting member 102 is adapted to support components of the height adjustable bumper assembly 100 and thus acts as supporting structure. In the present embodiment, the height adjustment member 102 is a plate-like structure mounted onto the chassis member 12 via conventional mounting techniques, such as fastening, welding, brazing and the like. As an exemplary implementation, two height adjusting members 102a, 102b are provided in the present embodiment. The height adjusting members 102a, 102b are mounted onto the long member 26a, 26b respectively of the chassis member 12. In an embodiment, the dimensions and configuration of the height adjusting member 102 is selected based on the dimensions of a bracket mounting member configured on the chassis member 12 or the long members 26a, 26b. In the present embodiment, the dimensions and configuration of the height adjusting member 102 is identical to the bracket mounting member of the chassis member 12.
[025] The height adjusting member 102 is further defined with a plurality of height adjustment slots 104 on its surface. As such, in the present embodiment, each of the height adjusting member 102a, 102b are defined with the plurality of height adjustment slots 104. In the present embodiment, the plurality of height adjustment slots 104 are aligned vertically on the surface of the height adjusting member 102 and are equidistant from one another. In an embodiment, four height adjustment slots 104 are provided on the surface of the height adjusting member 102 and disposed equidistant from one another. As such, the user is capable of adjusting height of the height adjustable bumper assembly 100 four times the distance between two of the four height adjustment slots 104 in an incremental manner or in a single instance. Alternatively, the configuration and distance between each of the height adjustment slots 104 are considered as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the term ‘height’ in the present description corresponds to the vertical distance from the chassis member 12 and to the bumper member 106 when viewed from a side view of the vehicle 12. In another embodiment, each of the height adjustment slots 104 are placed at varying distance between each other, as per design feasibility and requirement.
[026] Further, a bumper member 106 selectively engages with the height adjustment slots 104 for mounting onto the chassis member 12. The bumper member 106 engages with the height adjustment slots 104 such that, it is positioned at a location below the taildoor 14 in an open position 16. Such positioning of the bumper member 106 on the chassis member 12 enables the taildoor 14 to be opened completely or without any obstruction, thereby easing the loading and unloading process on the loading deck 40 of the vehicle 10. Further, in a preferable embodiment, the plurality of height adjustment slots 104 being equidistant from one another enables the user to select the desired slot, based on the required height of the bumper member 106 with the chassis member 12. Accordingly, the desired height of the bumper assembly 100 is obtained based on the mounting position of the bumper member 106 with the chassis member 12 via the slots 104.
[027] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the bumper member 106 is positioned to protrude away from the chassis member 12 and beyond the surface of the taildoor 14. As such, the bumper member 106 acts as a collision protection device for the vehicle 10 in the event of a collision. Alternatively, the bumper member 106 includes a bracket [not shown in Figures] which engages with the slots 104 for connecting the bumper member 106 with the chassis member 12. The bracket enables the bumper member 106 to protrude away from the chassis member 12, to act as the collision protection device. In an embodiment, the bumper member 106 along with the bracket is a monolithic or a singular structure or may be structure obtained by connection therebetween.
[028] In an embodiment, the length of the bumper member 106 is selected based on width of the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the length of the bumper member 106 is identical to the width of the vehicle 10. Further, the bumper member 106 is a cylindrical member or a hollow cylindrical member oriented horizontally to the vehicle 10 [for e.g. as depicted in Figure 3]. The bumper member 106 is also configured with one of a rectangular profile, a circular profile, a square profile or any other profile as per design feasibility and requirement. Additionally, the dimensions and configuration of the bumper member 106 is selected based on structural rigidity requirements.
[029] In an embodiment, the bumper member 106 engages with the height adjustment slots 104 via conventional joining mechanisms such as a fastening mechanism, a clamping mechanism, and the like, as per design feasibility and requirement. In the present embodiment, the bumper member 106 engages with the slots 104 via a fastening mechanism or a pin engagement mechanism. The selective engagement of the bumper member 106 with the slots 104 ensures height adjustment with the chassis member 12.
[030] In the present embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes a fastener 120 which has one end adapted to engage with the bumper member 106 and the height adjustment slot 104. As such, the fastener 120 is engaged to the bumper member 106 and the height adjustment slot 104, for connecting the bumper member 106 to the chassis member 12 via the fastening mechanism.
[031] In the present embodiment, the pin mechanism includes a pin member [not depicted in Figures] adapted to engage with the height adjustment slot 104 and the bumper member 106. As such, the pin member engages with the bumper member 106 and the height adjustment slot 104 for connecting the bumper member 106 to the chassis member 12 via the pin engagement mechanism.
[032] In an embodiment, the height adjusting member 102 includes a weldnut 118 adapted to align and receive the bumper member 106 for connection therebetween. As such, the weldnut 118 ensures alignment of the bumper member 106 with the height adjustment slot 104 during engagement, thereby ensuring hassle-free connection therebetween.
[033] Further, the bumper member 106 includes a support bracket 116 [for e.g. as shown in Figures 6, 8 and 9] which is adapted to engage with the height adjustment slots 104, for connecting the bumper member 106 with the chassis member 12. As such, the fastener 120 or the pin engages with the support bracket 116 for connecting with the bumper member 106. Thereafter, the fastener 120 or the pin engages with the slot 104 for connecting the bumper member 106 with the chassis member 12 [for e.g. as shown in Figures 6 and 7]. In the present embodiment, the support bracket 116 is a rectangular member including a slit [not shown in Figures] for receiving the fastener 120 or the pin member. the support bracket 116 includes a first surface [not shown] configured to engage with the bumper member 106 and a second surface [not shown] configured to engage with the height adjusting member 102. The second surface may act as a clamp upon engagement with the height adjusting member 102, for ensuring secured connection of the bumper member 106 with the chassis member 12. In an embodiment, the size and configuration of the support bracket 116 corresponds to the configuration of the height adjusting member 102, for ease of assembly.
[034] Referring to Figure 7 in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6, the bumper assembly 100 includes one or more bumper stay member 108 adapted to mount the bumper member 106 to the chassis member 12. The bumper stay member 108 acts as a connecting member for the bumper member 106 with the chassis member 12. The bumper stay member 108 includes a first end 110 mounted to the bumper member 106 and a second end 112 adapted to selectively engage with the slots 104.
[035] In the present embodiment, the first end 110 is adapted to engage with an opening 124 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 9] provided on the bumper member 106 via a connecting pin 122. The connecting pin 122 is secured through the opening 124 for connection between the bumper member 106 and the bumper stay member 108. Alternatively, the connecting pin 122 is capable of being engaged to the bumper member 106 in the manner identical to the pin engagement mechanism or any other joining technique known in the art as per design feasibility and requirement. Further, the second end 112 engages with the fastener 120 or the pin of the pin engagement mechanism [not shown in the Figures], which in turn engages with the height adjustment slots 104. Hence, the bumper member 106 is connected with the chassis member 12 via the bumper stay member 108. During the engagement of the bumper stay member 108 with the height adjustment slots 104, the second end 112 may align therewith due to the weldnut 118 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 8], preventing misalignment.
[036] Further, the support bracket 116 is provided at the first end 110 and the second end 112 for ensuring secured connection therebetween. In other words, the support bracket 116 is provided between the first end 110 and the bumper member 106, as well as between the second end 112 and the slots 104, for ensuring secured connection. During engagement of the support bracket 116 with the height adjustment slot 104, the support bracket 116 aligns with the weldnut 118 for preventing misalignment during engagement.
[037] In the present embodiment, the bumper stay member 108 is a cylindrical member. Alternatively, the bumper stay member 106 can be the bracket member with a uniform cross-section and profile or a non-uniform cross-section and profile, as per design feasibility and requirement. Additionally, the dimensions and configuration of the bumper stay member 106 is selected as per structural rigidity requirements of the assembly 100. Also in the present embodiment, dimensions and configuration of the first and the second bumper stay members 108a, 108b are identical for simplicity in the assembly 100. In an embodiment, the bumper stay member 106 and the bumper member 106 are tubular members configured with a square cross-section. In another embodiment, the bumper stay member 106 and the bumper member 106 are cylindrical members as per design feasibility and requirement.
[038] In the present embodiment, the bumper stay member 108 includes a first bumper stay member 108a mounted to the long member 26a and a second bumper stay member 108b mounted to the long member 26b. The first and the second bumper stay members 108a, 108b are mounted at a fore end 106a and an aft end 106b of the bumper member 106 respectively, via the mechanisms already described. The first and the second bumper stay members 108a, 108b are mounted on the bumper member 106 to include an overhanging portion 114 on each of the fore end 106a and the aft end 106b. The overhanging portions 114 increase the surface area available for the bumper member 106 to attenuate impact forces transmitted during the vehicle collision, thereby improve the protection imparted to the vehicle 10. The overhanging portions 114 provides an increased surface area for the user to use the bumper member 106 as a step or as a leg support member, while also being the collision protection device. In an embodiment, two bumper stay members 108a, 108b are considered in order provide optimum structural rigidity and stability to the assembly 100 during use.
[039] Further as depicted in Figure 7, the bumper stay member 108 is inclined at an angle θ between an axis A-A’ of the chassis member 12 and the stay member axis X-X’. As such, the first and the second bumper stay members 108a, 108b are also inclined at the angle θ with respect to the axis A-A’. The inclination is configured to position and protrude the bumper member 106 from the chassis member 112. Alternatively, the angle θ of the bumper member 106 is selected as per positional requirement of the assembly 100. In an embodiment, greater the angle θ, greater will be the height of the bumper member 106 from the chassis member 12. Similarly, lower the angle θ lesser will be the height of the bumper member 106 from the chassis member 12. As such, an optimum angle θ is selected so that the bumper member 106 is usable as the collision protection device, as the footrest and as the step. In an embodiment, the angle θ ranges from about 30 degrees to 70 degrees.
[040] In an operational embodiment, the user operates the taildoor 14 to an opened position. Due to the position of the bumper member 102, the taildoor 14 swivels about 180 degrees to the opened position, due to the position of the bumper member 106. Thereafter, the user steps on the bumper member 106 for climbing onto the loading compartment. In this scenario, the bumper member 106 acts as the step member. Thereafter, if the user is seated at the end portion of the loading deck 40, the user can place foot on the bumper member 106. In this scenario, the bumper member 106 acts as the footrest member for the user. Further, in the event of the vehicle collision, the bumper member 106 being protruded from the chassis member 12, acts as the collision protection device, thereby protecting the vehicle 10.
[041] In an embodiment, when the user is unable to swivel the taildoor 14 to 180 degrees or is unable to step thereon for accessing the loading deck 40 or is positioned inwardly than the taildoor 14, the user adjusts the height of the bumper member 106. The user adjusts the height by repositioning the bumper member 106 on the height adjusting member 102. In other words, the end connecting with the chassis member 12 is selectively positioned on the height adjustment slots 104 of the height adjusting member 102, thereby adjusting height of the bumper member 106.
[042] Advantageously, the present invention provides the bumper assembly 100 which acts as the step member to allow the user to step thereon for accessing the loading deck. The bumper assembly 100 also acts as the footrest member for enabling the user to rest his foot while being seated at the rear portion of the loading deck 40. Additionally, the bumper assembly 100 also acts as the collision protection device due to protrusion of the bumper member 106 from the chassis member 12, thereby protecting the vehicle in the event of the vehicle collision. Thus, the bumper assembly 100 of the present invention acts as the collision protection device, as the step member and as the footrest member, without the need for installation of additional parts or components in the vehicle 10, while being in simple in construction and assembly. The construction in the bumper assembly 100 also reduces weight and cost of the vehicle 10, while also minimizing effort required during maintenance. Additionally, the reduction in weight also enhances handling or maneuverability of the vehicle 10.