DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle. More particularly, to a seat assembly for a vehicle.

5 BACKGROUND

[0001] Light commercial vehicles are significant mode of transportation. The light commercial vehicles are vastly used as a point to point mode of transport. In other words, these vehicles aims at improving last mile transportation. Typically Original
10 Equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) provides various range of commercial vehicles including passenger and cargo vehicles. Typically, these vehicles are running day and night on roads therefore various physical factors being experienced by the drivers. Therefore, driving ergonomics, ease of accessibility are critical parameters for the light commercial vehicles.
15 [0002] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a seat assembly for a vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
25 [0004] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. It should be appreciated that the following figures may not be drawn to scale.
[0005] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a
30 description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of

the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[0006] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle (101), wherein few parts
5 are omitted from the figure, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[0007] Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the vehicle (101), wherein few parts are omitted from the figure, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
10 [0008] Figure 2a illustrates a perspective view of a seat frame assembly (106), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. [0009] Figure 2b illustrates a side cut section view of the vehicle (101) across an A-A’ axis as shown in figure 1a, and a magnified view of a seat lock when viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction (F-R), wherein few parts are omitted from the figure,
15 as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. [00010] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view, and an exploded perspective view of a seat (105), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure 4a illustrates a perspective view of a primary member (106C), as per
20 embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[00012] Figure 4b illustrates a front side view and, a top side view of the primary member (106C), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[00013] Figure 5a illustrates a perspective view of a secondary member (105E), as
25 per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. [00014] Figure 5b illustrates a top view and a side view of the secondary member (105E), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[00015] Figure 6a illustrates a bottom side perspective view of a seat (601) attached
30 to the primary member (106C) as per alternative embodiment, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.

[00016] Figure 6b illustrates a bottom side view of the seat (601) being attached to the primary member (106C) as per alternative embodiment, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
5 [00017] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or
10 described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[00018] Typically, light commercial vehicles being running day and night on rugged roads. Therefore, it is necessary to carry a spare wheel and an associated tool kit. However, a storage compartment is required to keep said spare wheel and other articles including a medical kit, etc. It is known in the prior art to provide a dedicated storage
15 compartment to keep said articles. At the same time, it is important to maximize the design and functional capabilities of the light commercial vehicles. Therefore, designers tends to utilize the dead space in the light commercial vehicle, like space below a driver’s seat being used for accommodating the articles such as tyre or the like. The said space below the driver's seat is accessible after opening the driver’s seat
20 using a seat lock. Importantly, due to continuously evolving demands from customers, one aspect of the design task for a seat assembly, is to ensure that the design of the vehicle system should meet subjective, and objective criteria. The objective criteria includes fitting or packaging of the seat assembly in the light commercial vehicles. However, to fully meet or exceed customer expectation of the light commercial
25 vehicles, subjective criteria including comfort, accessibility are considered. Therefore, designers provide a large driver seat to give ergonomic feel to a driver. The large driver’s seat has two fold benefits, one is more comfort to the driver, and other one is a large storage space below the driver’s seat. However, major disadvantage of the large driver’s seat is the sagging. It is observed that the sagging of the driver’s seat is due to
30 driving for prolonged hours. Further, in many of the developing and under developed countries, overloading of the light commercial vehicles are known. In an overloaded

light commercial vehicle, one or more passenger sits on the driver’s seat along with the driver. Therefore overloading of the driver’s seat further aggravates the sagging. More specifically, a middle portion of the driver’s seat tends to sag. Further, unattended sagging can break a nonmetallic seat base of the driver’s seat.
5 [00019] To address the said issue, it is known in the prior arts, to provide a metallic seat base, and additionally providing a plurality of cross members which are welded to the upper long tubes of the seat frame assembly. However, the associated penalty of said solution is the difficulty for keeping large articles including the tire. This leads to the ineffective use of a valuable space below the driver’s seat assembly. In addition,
10 the metallic seat base increases the overall weight, and manufacturing cost of the seat assembly. In order to address said issue the size of the seat assembly can be increased in a vehicle longitudinal direction. However, the increase in length of the driver’s seat assembly reduces a valuable leg space in a driver’s compartment, and increases the overall weight of the driver’s seat assembly. Additionally, when humans sit on a chair,
15 the thighs and feet will be approximately parallel to each other. However, increase in the length of the driver’s seat assembly in the vehicle longitudinal direction may cause discomfort and muscular pain for the driver as the driver’s thighs and feet may not be substantially parallel when sit on the seat.
[0002] Therefore, there is a need for an improved seat assembly for a light
20 commercial vehicle overcoming all the above problems as well as overcoming problems of the known art.
[00020] It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the sagging of the seat, wherein a space below said seat can be used to store large articles.
[00021] It is another object of the present invention to improve the durability of the
25 seat especially nonmetallic seat base.
[00022] To this end, the present invention discloses a vehicle comprising a chassis frame structure, and a seat assembly. The seat assembly being attached to said chassis frame structure. The seat assembly comprising a seat lock, a seat, and a seat frame assembly. The seat lock being attached to said seat assembly. The seat includes a seat
30 base, a secondary member, and a seat hook. The seat hook being integrated to said secondary member. The said seat frame assembly includes one or more first seat frame

tubes, one or more second seat frame tubes, and one or more primary member. The said primary member being detachably mounted on a portion of said first seat frame tube.
[00023] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said first seat frame
5 tube being oriented in a direction opposite to said second seat frame tube, and said first seat frame tube attached to a middle portion of said second seat frame tube to form a rectangular shape profile when viewed from top of said vehicle. The primary member being detachably mounted on a pair of left and right leg portions of the first seat frame tube.
10 [00024] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said primary member being configured to have substantially a U shaped cross section clamp on either sides.
[00025] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said secondary member being attached to said seat base, wherein said seat base being made of non-
15 metallic material.
[00026] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a channel being formed in a seat cushion of said seat to accommodate said secondary member. [00027] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said secondary member being provided on a top surface of said seat base such that said secondary
20 member extends between opposite edges of said seat base.
[00028] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said secondary member being configured to have U shaped cross section, and provided with flanges extending outwardly in opposite directions.
[00029] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said flanges being
25 provided with one or more holes being configured to receive attachment means. [00030] As per an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein said primary member being attached to said seat base using attachment means.
[00031] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said seat frame assembly being covered with a theft proof cover, and said seat lock, being attached to
30 a seat lock bracket, wherein said seat lock bracket being attached to said seat frame assembly.

[00032] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the
5 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.
[00033] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that
10 various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the
15 claims.
[00034] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
20 Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively
25 illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be
30 construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or

elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[00035] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of
5 the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not
10 necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[00036] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications
15 of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. [00037] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner,
20 or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.
[00038] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail
25 with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00039] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle (101), wherein few parts are omitted from the figure, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. Figure 1b illustrates an exploded view of the vehicle (101), wherein few parts are omitted from the figure, as per embodiment, in accordance with
30 one example of the present subject matter. For sake of brevity, figure 1a, and figure 1b will be discussed together. The vehicle (101) includes a chassis frame structure (102),

a drive wheel assembly (not shown), a passenger cabin (not shown), a driver cabin (not shown) and a seat assembly (103). The drive wheel assembly (not shown) of the vehicle (101) includes a wheel rim (not shown). A spoke plate (not shown) is welded to the wheel rim (not shown) made up of a sheet metal. More specifically, the spoke
5 plate (not shown) covers a brake drum (not shown) in the drive wheel assembly (not shown). Further, holes (not shown) are provided in the spoke plate (not shown) to allow air to pass to the brake drum (not shown) to dissipate the heat generated in the brake drum (not shown). Further, the vehicle (101) being provided with side doors (not shown). The side door (not shown) being configured to have extending profile to cover
10 a portion of the passenger cabin (not shown) and the driver cabin (not shown) to hide the non-uniform gap. The non-uniform gap may be due manufacturing deviation when the passenger cabin (not shown), and the driver cabin (not shown) is mounted on the chassis frame structure (102). Further, the seat assembly (103) being mounted on the chassis frame structure (102). A partition wall (104) being provided behind the seat
15 assembly (103). The seat assembly (103) includes a seat (105), a seat frame assembly (106), and a theft proof cover (107). As per preferred embodiment, the seat (105) being divided into a primary seat (105A), and a secondary seat (105H).
[00040] Figure 2a illustrates a perspective view of the seat frame assembly (106), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
20 Figure 2b illustrates a side cut section view of the vehicle (101) across an A-A’ axis as shown in figure 1a, and a magnified view of a seat lock when viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction (F-R), wherein few parts are omitted from the figure, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. For sake of brevity, figure 2a, and figure 2b will be discussed together. The seat frame assembly
25 (106) includes one or more first seat frame tubes (106B), one or more second seat frame tubes (106A), and one or more primary member (106C). As per preferred embodiment, the first seat frame tube (106B) being oriented in a direction opposite to the second seat frame tube (106A), and welded to a middle portion (106AA) of the second seat frame tube (106A). The first seat frame tube (106B) forms a rectangular
30 shape profile with the middle portion (106AA) of the second seat frame tube (106A) when viewed from a top of said vehicle (101). Importantly, the joining portions of the

first seat frame tube (106B) and the second seat frame tube (106A) being reinforced by one or more gussets (106H). Further, a pair of left and right leg portions (106AL, 106AR) of said second seat frame tube (106A) being attached to a pair of left and right primary tubes (106DL, 106DR) respectively. More specifically, one end of the
5 primary tubes (106DL, 106DR) attached to an end portion of the left and right legs (106AL, 106AR) of the second seat frame tube (106A), and other end being attached to the chassis frame structure (102). The mounting brackets (106DLA, 106DRA) being attached to the primary tubes (106DL, 106DR). More specifically, mounting brackets (106DLA, 106DRA) connects the primary tubes (106DL, 106DR) to the
10 chassis frame structure (102). A secondary tube (106E) being configured to have U shaped profile being attached to a portion of the left and right leg portions (106BL, 106BR) of the first seat frame tube (106B). The primary member (106C) being detachably mounted on a pair of left and right leg portions (106BL, 106BR) of the first seat frame tube (106B). Further, the seat assembly (103) includes a seat lock (106G).
15 The seat lock (106G) being mounted on a seat lock bracket (106F). The seat lock bracket (106F) is attached to the seat frame assembly (106). More specifically, the seat lock bracket (106F) being welded to the middle portion (106AA) of the second seat frame tube (106A). The seat lock (106G) being configured to receive a seat hook (105B) projecting from a bottom surface of the seat (105).
20 [00041] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view, and an exploded perspective view of the seat (105) wherein few parts are omitted from the figure, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. The seat (105) comprises a seat base (105C), a seat cushion (105D), a secondary member (105E), a seat cover (105F). The seat cushion (105D), and the seat cover (105F) being arranged on the seat
25 base (105C) and secured together with attachment means (105FA) or adhesives. A channel (105DA) being formed in the seat cushion (105D) to accommodate the secondary member (105E). The secondary member (105E) being configured to have a first set of openings (105EA). The seat base (105C) being configured to have second set of openings (105CA). The first set of opening (105EA) being coaxial to the second
30 set of openings (105CA), and adapted to receive attachment means (105G) to connect the secondary member (105E) on a top surface of the seat base (105C). Further, the

seat hook (105B) being integrated to the secondary member (105E). The seat hook (105B) outwardly projects from a slot (105CB) provided in the seat base (105C) to engage with the seat lock (106G) (as shown in figure 2b).
[00042] Figure 4a illustrates a perspective view of the primary member (106C), as
5 per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. Figure 4b illustrates a front side and, a top side view of the primary member (106C) as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. For sake of brevity, figure 4a, and figure 4b will be discussed together. The primary member (106C) being configured to have one or more clamps (106CA). The clamps (106CA)
10 being configured to have substantially a U shaped cross section. The clamp (106CA) being attached to a tube portion (106CB) of the primary member (106C) on either sides. As per preferred embodiment, the clamps (106CA) being welded to the tube portion (106CB). However, as per alternative embodiment, the clamps (106CA) can be integrally formed with the tube portion (106CB) using casting or other known
15 process. The primary member (106C) being made of metal. The clamps (106CA) are adapted to mount on the portion of the left and right leg portions (106BL, 106BR) of the first seat frame tube (106B).
[00043] Figure 5a illustrates a perspective view of the secondary member (105E), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
20 Figure 5b illustrates a top and side view of the secondary member (105E), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. For sake of brevity, figure 5a, and figure 5b will be discussed together. The secondary member (105E) being configured to have U shaped cross section with flanges (105EB). The flanges (105EB) extending in an opposite direction throughout the length of the
25 secondary member (105E). The flanges (105EB) being configured to have the first set of openings (105EA). The first set of openings (105EA) are adapted to receive attachments (105G) (as shown in figure 3). As per preferred embodiment, said attachment means (105G) includes plurality of rivets. The seat hook (105B) being integrated to the secondary member (105E).
30 [00044] Figure 6a illustrates a bottom side perspective view of the seat (601) attached to the primary member (106C), as per alternative embodiment, in accordance

with one example of the present subject matter. Figure 6b illustrates a bottom side view of the seat (601) being attached to the primary member (106C), as per alternative embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. For sake of brevity, figure 6a, and Figure 6b will be discussed together. The primary member
5 (106C) being attached to the seat base (105C) using attachment means or adhesives. The primary member (106C) being positioned behind the seat hook (105B) when viewed in a vehicle sideward direction (L-R).
[00045] According to the present invention, the load from the seat is transferred to the seat frame assembly through the clamp provided on either side of the primary
10 member. The primary member being configured to efficiently transfer the load form the seat thereby eliminates the sagging of the seat without using metallic seat base under varying load conditions. This provides efficient ergonomic feel to the driver within the vehicle. In addition, the primary member improves the section modulus of the seat frame assembly thereby improves the overall stiffness of the seat frame
15 assembly.
[00046] Further, according to the present invention, the durability of the non-metallic seat base being improved as the spontaneous load acting on the seat hook while locking and unlocking of the seat being transfers to the secondary member across its length. In addition, this eliminates the need to have metallic seat base which reduces the overall
20 weight of the seat assembly.
[00047] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the space underneath the seat can be effectively utilized as the primary member is detachable attached to the left and right leg portions of the first seat frame tube, thereby large articles can be quickly accessed or placed just by detaching the primary member. This provides ease of
25 accessibility and save time while accessing or keeping said articles.
[00048] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein
30 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

List of Reference

5

,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A vehicle (101) comprising :
a chassis frame structure (102); and
5 a seat assembly (103), said seat assembly being attached to said chassis frame structure (102),
wherein said seat assembly (103) comprising
a seat lock (106G), wherein said seat lock (106G) being attached to said seat assembly (103);
10 a seat (105, 601), wherein said seat (105, 601) includes a seat base (105C),
a secondary member (105E), and
a seat hook (105B), wherein said seat hook (105B) being integrated to said secondary member (105E); and
15 a seat frame assembly (106), wherein said seat frame assembly
(106) includes
one or more first seat frame tubes (106B), one or more second seat frame tubes (106A), one or more primary member (106C),
20 wherein said primary member (106C) being detachably mounted on a portion of said first seat frame tube (106B).

2. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first seat frame tube
25 (106B) being oriented in a direction opposite to said second seat frame tube (106A), and said first seat frame tube (106B) attached to a middle portion (106AA) of said second seat frame tube (106A) to form a rectangular shape profile when viewed from top of said vehicle (101), wherein said primary member (106C) being detachably mounted on a pair of left and right leg
30 portions (106BL, 106BR) of the first seat frame tube (106B).

3. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary member (106C) being configured to have substantially a U shaped cross section clamp (106CA) on either sides.
5
4. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary member (105E) being attached to said seat base (105C), wherein said seat base (105C) being made of non-metallic material.

10 5. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a channel (105DA) being formed in a seat cushion (105D) of said seat (105) to accommodate said secondary member (105E).

6. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary member
15 (105E) being provided on a top surface of said seat base (105C) such that said secondary member (105E) extends between opposite edges of said seat base (105C).

7. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary member
20 (105E) being configured to have a substantially U shaped cross section, and provided with flanges (105EB) extending outwardly in opposite directions.

8. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said flanges (105EB) being provided with a first set of openings (105EA) being configured to receive
25 attachment means (105G).

9. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary member (106C) being attached to said seat base (105C) using attachment means.

30 10. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seat frame assembly
(106) being covered with a theft proof cover (107), and said seat lock (106G),

being attached to a seat lock bracket (106F), wherein said seat lock bracket (106F) being attached to said seat frame assembly (106).