Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a seat frame assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a seat frame assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, such as three-wheeled vehicles are well known and are used for transportation of passengers or cargo, worldwide. Typically, these vehicles are operated by a driver. The driver is seated within the vehicle through a seat member mounted on a seat frame assembly. The seat frame assembly provides support required for withstanding the load acting on the seat member during seating of the driver.
[003] However, due to worldwide use of these three-wheeled vehicles, drivers with diverse anthropological dimensions are involved for operating these three-wheeled vehicles. Consequently, it is difficult to arrive at a single design of the seat member for satisfying comfort needs of the driver. Further, it is necessary to position the seat frame assembly within the vehicle, without affecting design parameters such as ease in stepney tire removal, while maintaining clearance with surrounding parts in the vehicle.
[004] Further, it is observed that, drivers tend to modify the seat member or use the seat member along with cushion members to meet comfort requirements. Even upon inclusion of the cushion members on the seat member, the drivers are typically unhappy, as the drivers are required to carry and relocate the cushion members from the seat member when the vehicle is unused, which is laborious. Moreover, addition of cushion members on the seat member increases height of the seat member, which may be uncomfortable to the driver during operation of the vehicle. Additionally, though addition of cushion members increases height of the seat member, there is no solution available in the art for reducing height of the seat member.
[005] Furthermore, the three-wheeled vehicle being a commercial vehicle is abused by drivers by overloading the seat member with passengers. As such, the seat frame assembly may fail prematurely due to overloading. To overcome such a limitation, a cushion pan (as provided in conventional four-wheeled vehicles) may be provided. The cushion pan act as a structural member and reinforces the seat frame assembly for withstanding the overload exerted on the seat member. However, the cushion pan makes the seat frame assembly heavy, which is not desirable. Moreover, the cushion pan is adapted to synchronize with a left-side and a right-side of the seat frame assembly. As a result, when a width between the left-side and the right-side of the seat frame assembly increases, the material cost required for the cushion pan increases, thereby increasing overall cost of the seat frame assembly, while also making the seat frame assembly heavy.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a seat frame assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a seat frame assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The seat frame assembly comprises a base tubular member disposed in a driver compartment of the three-wheeled vehicle. The base tubular member is oriented about a horizontal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle and engaged to a chassis member of the three-wheeled vehicle. A first tubular member extends from a first end of the base tubular member. The first tubular member being oriented about a vertical axis of the three-wheeled vehicle. Further, a second tubular member extends from a second end of the base tubular member. The second tubular member is oriented about the vertical axis. A height adjustment mechanism is mounted on a top end of each of the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The height adjustment mechanism is oriented about a longitudinal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle and is adapted to support a seat member of the three-wheeled vehicle. The height adjustment mechanism is adapted to enable adjustment of a height of the seat member.
[008] In an embodiment, the first tubular member and the second tubular member are inclined at an angle with respect to the vertical axis of the three-wheeled vehicle, wherein the angle being in a range of 4 degrees to 9 degrees.
[009] In an embodiment, the seat frame assembly comprises a first bent portion formed at an interface between the base tubular member and the first tubular member. The seat frame assembly also comprises a second bent portion formed at an interface between the base tubular member and the second tubular member.
[010] In an embodiment, the first tubular member comprises a first portion provided proximal to the top end of the first tubular member and a second portion provided proximal to the first end of the base tubular member. The first bent portion connects the second portion, the first tubular member and the base tubular member.
[011] In an embodiment, the first portion is inclined at an angle by 87 degrees to 93 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle. Also, the second portion is inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle, wherein the angle being in a range of 105 degrees to 110 degrees.
[012] In an embodiment, the second tubular member comprises a third portion provided proximal to the top end of the second tubular member and a fourth portion provided proximal to the second end of the base tubular member. The second bent portion connects the fourth portion of the second tubular member and the base tubular member. The third portion is inclined at an angle with respect to a horizontal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle, wherein the angle being in the range of 87 degrees to 93 degrees. The fourth portion is inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle, wherein the angle being in the range of 105 degrees to 110 degrees.
[013] In an embodiment, one or more support tubes are mounted to height adjustment mechanisms. The one or more support tubes are adapted to enhance structural integrity of the seat frame assembly. The one or more support tubes comprises a first support tube mounted at a front portion of each of the height adjustment mechanisms and a second support tube mounted at a rear portion of each of the height adjustment mechanisms. The second support is placed opposite to the first support tube, wherein the first support tube is placed closer to a handlebar of the three-wheeled vehicle and the second support tube is placed towards a backrest of the seat member.
[014] In an embodiment, the first support tube is positioned parallelly to the second support tube. The first support tube is spaced apart from the second support tube by a distance of 220mm to about 320mm.
[015] In an embodiment, a stepney support member is mounted to the top end of the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The stepney support member is adapted to support at least one stepney tire below the seat member. Further, the stepney support member comprises at least one stepney mounting bracket. The at least one stepney mounting bracket is provided at a central portion of the stepney support member, wherein the at least one stepney mounting bracket is adapted to support the at least one stepney tire.
[016] In an embodiment, the at least one stepney mounting bracket is oriented at an angle with respect to at least one of a first stepney support tube and a second stepney support tube, wherein the angle being in the range of 27 degrees to 33 degrees.
[017] In an embodiment, the stepney support member comprises a first stepney support tube extending from one end of the stepney support member. The first stepney support tube is adapted to engage with the top end of the first tubular member. A second stepney support tube extends from a second end of the stepney support member. The second stepney support tube is adapted to engage with the top end of the second tubular member, wherein the second end of the stepney support member is located opposite to the one end of the stepney support member.
[018] In an embodiment, the first stepney support tube and the second stepney support tube being inclined at an angle from one of the first tubular member and the second tubular member, wherein the angle being in the range of 23 degrees to 27 degrees.
[019] In an embodiment, the first stepney support tube and the second stepney support tube are inclined at an angle with respect to at least one of the first tubular member and the second tubular member, wherein the angle ranges from 17 degrees to 23 degrees.
[020] In an embodiment, the stepney support member is adapted to support a fuel cylinder of the three-wheeled vehicle, the fuel cylinder being one of a Liquified Petroleum Gas cylinder and a Compressed Natural Gas cylinder.
[021] In an embodiment, the top end of each of the first tubular member and the second tubular member being provided with a shoe bracket for supporting the height adjustment mechanism.
[022] In an embodiment, the base tubular member is connected to a floorboard of the three-wheeled vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[023] 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 perspective view of a three-wheeled vehicle comprising a seat frame assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a driver compartment of the three-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a front view of the seat frame assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a perspective view depicting a first tubular member and a second tubular member extending from a base tubular member of the seat frame assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting a height adjustment mechanism mounted to the first tubular member and the second tubular member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a front view depicting the height adjustment mechanism connected to the first tubular member and the second tubular member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a left-side view depicting the height adjustment mechanism connected to the first tubular member and the second tubular member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a top perspective view depicting a stepney support member mounted to the first tubular member and the second tubular member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is a perspective view depicting the stepney support member mounted to the first tubular member and the second tubular member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a side view depicting the stepney support member mounted to the first tubular member and the second tubular member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the seat frame assembly depicting a stepney tire being mounted to the seat support assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 is a top view of the seat frame assembly depicting a stepney tire being mounted to the seat support assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 13 is a left-side view of the seat frame assembly depicting the stepney tire being mounted to the seat support assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 is an exploded view of the seat support assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[024] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[025] The present invention relates to a seat frame assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle. The seat frame assembly is modular and capable of being height adjustable as per comfort of a driver of the three-wheeled vehicle.
[026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a three-wheeled vehicle 102 comprising a seat frame assembly 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The three-wheeled vehicle 102 (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle 102’) in the present embodiment may be a cargo vehicle or a passenger vehicle. A powertrain (not shown) is mounted on a chassis member and is coupled to a plurality of rear wheels 144. The powertrain is adapted to generate power for driving the vehicle 102. The power generated in the powertrain is routed to the plurality of rear wheels 144 for driving the vehicle 102.
[027] In an embodiment, the powertrain may be an internal combustion engine (not shown) or an electric motor (not shown). The internal combustion engine may be adapted to receive one of gasoline, diesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) for generating power required for operating the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the vehicle 102 may comprise a CNG cylinder or an LPG cylinder coupled to the internal combustion engine, for supplying CNG or LPG respectively, for operation of the internal combustion engine. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine is mounted on the chassis member and positioned below a seat member 112 of the vehicle 102.
[028] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the vehicle 102 further comprises a plurality of body panels 146 mounted on a front portion of the chassis member to form a driver compartment 102a. The driver compartment 102a encloses a handlebar (not shown) or a steering member (not shown) and the seat member 112. The seat member 112 is adapted to enable seating of a driver for driving the vehicle 102. Further, the seat member 112 in the driver compartment 102a is supported by a seat frame assembly 100 (as shown in Figure 1).
[029] The vehicle 102 also comprises a loading deck 102b mounted on a central portion and/or a rear portion of the chassis member. The loading deck 102b acts as a loading compartment of the vehicle 102 for transporting cargo. In an embodiment, a passenger compartment (not shown) may be provided at the central portion and/or the rear portion of the chassis member instead of the loading deck 102b. The passenger compartment may be adapted to accommodate passengers in the vehicle 102 for transportation.
[030] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the seat frame assembly 100 for the seat member 112 is provided. The seat frame assembly 100 (hereinafter referred to as ‘assembly 100’) is adapted to prevent sagging of the seat member 112, while also ensuring ease of assembly. Additionally, the assembly 100 ensures to accommodate a stepney tire 132 (as shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13) of the vehicle 102 below the seat member 112, thereby improving packaging of the vehicle 102.
[031] The assembly 100 comprises a base tubular member 104 disposed in the driver compartment 102a and oriented about a horizontal axis X-X’ (as shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 102. The base tubular member 104 is engaged to the chassis member within the driver compartment 102a. Accordingly, the load exerted on the base tubular member 104 is transferred to the chassis member. Thus, the base tubular member 104 acts as a load bearing member for the seat frame assembly 100. In an embodiment, the base tubular member 104 is engaged to the chassis member through a floorboard 142 (as shown in Figure 2) of the vehicle 102.
[032] In an embodiment, the base tubular member 104 is engaged to the chassis member through engagement techniques known in the art such as a fastening technique, a clamping technique, a welding technique and the like. In an embodiment, the base tubular member 104 is an elongated tubular member adapted to engage with the chassis member. In a preferred embodiment, the base tubular member 104 is engaged to the chassis member through the clamping technique, for ease of engagement of disengagement of the base tubular member 104 with the chassis member. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the base tubular member 104 are selected based on the size of the seat member 112 and/or a load capacity requirement of the seat member 112.
[033] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figure 3, the assembly 100 comprises a first tubular member 106 extending from a first end 104a of the base tubular member 104. The assembly 100 also includes a second tubular member 108 extending from a second end 104b of the base tubular member 104. The first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 are oriented about a vertical axis Y-Y’ (as shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 102. The inclination of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ is evident through a side view as shown in Figure 7 (which is a left-side view of the assembly 100). The inclination of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 is inclined at an angle C (as shown in Figure 7) with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the angle C is in a range of 4 degrees to 9 degrees. In an embodiment, the vertical axis Y-Y’ may be an axis about a top-down direction of the vehicle 100. Such an inclination of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ enables transfer of load to the chassis member such that, one component of force acts along a front-rear direction of the vehicle 102, while another component of force acts along a top-down direction of the vehicle 102. The component of force acting on the front-rear direction of the vehicle 102 ensures to maintain position of the base tubular member 104 on the chassis member, thereby ensuring rigid mounting of the assembly 100 onto the chassis member.
[034] Further, proximal to a top end 106a of the first tubular member 106, the first tubular member 106 comprises a first portion 118. The first portion 118 is substantially perpendicular to a horizontal axis X-X’ (as shown in Figure 6) of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the first portion 118 may be inclined at an angle A (as shown in Figure 6) with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the angle A with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ is in the range of 87 degrees to 93 degrees. Proximal to the first end 104a of the base tubular member 104, the first tubular member 106 comprises a second portion 120. The second portion 120 is inclined with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ (as shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the second portion 120 may be inclined at an angle B (as shown in Figure 6) with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the angle B with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ is in the range of 105 degrees to 110 degrees. As such, the first tubular member 106 comprises the first section 118 and the second section 120, wherein the first section 118 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’, while the second section 120 is inclined with respect to the base tubular member 104 (or the horizontal axis X-X’).
[035] Further, proximal to a top end 108a of the second tubular member 108, the second tubular member 108 comprises a third portion 122. The third portion 122 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis X-X’ (as shown in Figure 6) of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the third portion 122 may be inclined at the angle A with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the angle A with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ is in the range of 87 degrees to 93 degrees. Proximal to the second end 104b of the base tubular member 104, the second tubular member 108 comprises a fourth portion 124. The fourth portion 124 is inclined with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ (as shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the fourth portion 124 may be inclined at the angle B with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the angle B with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’ is in the range of 105 degrees to 110 degrees. As such, the second tubular member 108 comprises the level section 122 and the inclined section 124, wherein the level section 122 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the horizontal axis X-X’, while the inclined section 124 is inclined with respect to the base tubular member 104 (or the horizontal axis X-X’).
[036] In an embodiment, the construction of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 are identical to one another. As such, the inclination of the first portion 118 is identical to the inclination of the third portion 122, while the inclination of the second portion 120 is identical to the inclination of the fourth portion 124. Such a construction of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 prevents buckling of the assembly 100. Also, the first portion 118 and the third portion 122 may be bent inwardly in order to reduce the distance between the top ends 106a, 108a. In other words, the first portion 118 and the third portion 122 are inclined towards each other, and thus reduce the distance between the top ends 106a, 108a. Consequently, weight of the assembly 100 is reduced without compromising on the structural stiffness.
[037] In an embodiment, the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 upon mounting with the base tubular member 104 are aligned in the same plane. Thus, no deviation of inclination exists between the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 with respect to the base tubular member 104, upon mounting.
[038] Further, a first bent portion 114 is formed at an interface between the base tubular member 104 and the first tubular member 106. The first bent portion 114 acts as a junction between the base tubular member 104 and the first tubular member 106. In other words, the first bent portion 114 connects the second portion 120 of first tubular member 106 and the base tubular member 104. In an embodiment, the first bent portion 114 forms a convex bent portion between the base tubular member 104 and the first tubular member 106. As such, the first bent portion 114 mitigates sharp edges in the assembly 100, while also preventing stress concentration zone at the junction between the base tubular member 104 and the first tubular member 106. In an embodiment, the curvature of the first bent portion 114 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement of the assembly 100 and the vehicle 102.
[039] Further, a second bent portion 116 is formed at an interface between the base tubular member 104 and the second tubular member 108. As such, the second bent portion 116 is formed at an opposite end of the base tubular member 104. The second bent portion 116 acts as a junction between the base tubular member 104 and the second tubular member 108. In other words, the second bent portion 116 connects the fourth portion 124 of second tubular member 108 and the base tubular member 104. In an embodiment, the second bent portion 116 forms a convex bent portion between the base tubular member 104 and the second tubular member 108. As such, the second bent portion 116 mitigates sharp edges in the assembly 100, while also preventing stress concentration zone at the junction between the base tubular member 104 and the second tubular member 108. In an embodiment, the curvature of the second bent portion 116 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement of the assembly 100 and the vehicle.
[040] Referring to Figure 5, the assembly 100 comprises a height adjustment mechanism 110 mounted on a top ends 106a, 108a of each of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108. As such, the assembly 100 comprises two height adjustment mechanisms 110 (depicted as 110R, 110L). For the sake of brevity, the height adjustment mechanism 110 is interchangeably referred to as the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L in the present application.
[041] The height adjustment mechanism 110 is oriented about a longitudinal axis A-A’ of the vehicle 102 and is adapted to support the seat member 112. In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis A-A’ is an axis oriented about a front-rear direction of the vehicle 102. As such, the height adjustment mechanism 110 is oriented about a front-rear direction of the vehicle 102. The height adjustment mechanism 110 is adapted to enable adjustment of a height of the seat member 112 from the floorboard 142 of the vehicle 102. The height adjustment mechanism 110 is adapted to be operable along the vertical axis Y-Y’ or along the longitudinal axis A-A’ or along the horizontal axis X-X’ for adjusting height of the seat member 112. In an embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 110 operates the seat member 112 in a curve direction towards the handlebar of the vehicle, when the rider actuates the height adjustment mechanism 110 for height of the seat member 112. As such, the height adjustment mechanism 110 enables adjustment of height of the seat member 112 in the horizontal axis X-X’ and along the vertical axis Y-Y’. In an embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 110 may comprise an actuator member (not shown) coupled to the seat member 112 and operable through a mechanical system or an electromechanical system, for adjusting height of the seat member 112.
[042] In an embodiment, height of the seat member 112 may be a distance H (as shown in Figure 6) from the floorboard 142 of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the distance H is in the range of 330 mm to 400 mm. Accordingly, the length of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 are selected such that, the distance H is in the range of 330 mm to 400 mm upon mounting of the height adjustment mechanism 110.
[043] In an embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 110 may be housed within a housing 110c (as shown in Figure 5). Accordingly, the seat member 112 is mounted on the housing 110c through conventional mounting techniques known in the art. In an embodiment, shape of the housing 110c may be a rectangular shape, a square shape or any other geometrical shape as per design feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the housing 110c is considered based on the dimensions of the seat member 112 and the size of the height adjustment mechanism 110.
[044] In an embodiment, the housing 110c of each of the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L may comprise of mounting provisions for receiving the first support tube 126 and the second support tube 128. In the present embodiment, the mounting provisions (not shown) may be slots defined on the housing 110c, which are capable of receiving the first support tube 126 and the second support tube 128.
[045] In an embodiment, the top end 106a, 108a of each of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 are provided with a shoe bracket 140 (as shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9) for supporting the height adjustment mechanism 110. The shoe bracket 140 is provided with a flange (not shown), wherein the height of the flange is greater than the height of the shoe bracket 140 at the edges. As such, the flange provides a higher or elevated section at the connecting junction with the height adjustment mechanism 110. In an embodiment, the shoe bracket 140 is welded to each of the top end 106a, 108b. In another embodiment, the shoe bracket 140 engages with the height adjustment mechanism 110 by one of conventional engagement techniques such as the fastening technique, the welding technique and the like.
[046] Further, the assembly 100 comprises one or more support tubes 126, 128 (hereinafter referred to as ‘support tubes 126, 128’) mounted to the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L. In an embodiment, the support tubes 126, 128 are mounted to the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L through conventional mounting techniques known in the art. The support tubes 126, 128 are adapted to enhance structural integrity of the assembly 100 and thus, prevent sagging of the seat member 112 during an overloaded condition, due to load exerted on the seat member 112. The load exerted on the seat member 112 may be due to the load of the driver and/or passengers seated on the seat member 112.
[047] In an embodiment, the support tubes 126, 128 comprise a first support tube 126 mounted at a front portion 110a of each of the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L, and a second support tube 128 (also shown in Figure 12). The second support tube 128 is mounted at a rear portion 110b of each of the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L and placed opposite to the first support tube 126. In other words, the first support tube 126 is placed closer to a handlebar (not shown) of the vehicle 102, while the second support tube 128 is placed towards a backrest portion (not shown) of the seat member 112. Also, the first support tube 126 is positioned parallelly to the second support tube 128 (as depicted in Figure 12). Further, the first support tube 126 is spaced apart from the second support tube 128 by a distance G (as shown in Figure 12), wherein the distance G is of 220mm to about 320mm. Such a construction of the support tubes 126, 128 enhances structural integrity of the assembly 100, thereby preventing sagging of the seat member 112 upon loading. Additionally, the distance G between the first support tube 126 and the second support tube 128 is selected such that, a stepney tire 132 (as shown in Figures 11-14) that is stored below the seat member 112, can be effortlessly removed without the need for dismantling the assembly 100.
[048] In an embodiment, the dimensions of each of the support tubes 126, 128 are selected based on strength requirement of the assembly 100, for withstanding the load exerted by the driver and/or the passengers. In an embodiment, the length of each of the support tubes 126, 128 is 440 mm to about 500 mm.
[049] Referring to Figure 8, the assembly 100 further comprises a stepney support member 130 mounted to the top end 106a, 108a of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108. The stepney support member 130 is adapted to support at least one stepney tire 132 (hereinafter referred to as ‘stepney tire 132’) below the seat member 112. In an embodiment, the stepney support member 130 is mounted to the top end 106a, 108a of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art. In the present embodiment, one stepney tire 132 is supported by the stepney support member 130 below the seat member 112.
[050] In an embodiment, the stepney support member 130 is an elongated tube identical to the base tubular member 104. As such, in a front view of the assembly 100 (as shown in Figure 8), the stepney support member 130 appears to be parallel to the base tubular member 104. In an embodiment, length of the stepney support member 130 is smaller than length of the base tubular member 104 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 8). However, the length of the stepney support member 130 is selected such that the stepney tire 132 is capable of being mounted onto the stepney support member 130. In an embodiment, dimensions of the stepney support member 130 are selected based on size of the stepney tire 132.
[051] In an embodiment, the stepney support member 130 comprises at least one stepney mounting bracket 134 (hereinafter referred to as ‘stepney mounting bracket 134’) for supporting the stepney tire 132. In the present embodiment, one stepney mounting bracket 134 is provided for supporting one stepney tire 132. The stepney mounting bracket 134 is provided at a central portion of the stepney support member 130. The stepney mounting bracket 134 provided at a central portion of the stepney support member 130 facilitates easy accessibility to the driver for mounting or dismantling the stepney tire 132 from the stepney mounting bracket 134. In an embodiment, the stepney tire 132 is mounted to the stepney mounting bracket 134 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as the fastening technique or the clamping technique.
[052] Referring to Figure 9, the stepney mounting bracket 134 comprises a first stepney support tube 136 extending from one end 130a of the stepney support member 130. The first stepney support tube 136 is adapted to engage with the top end 106a of the first tubular member 106. In an embodiment, the first stepney support tube 136 engages with the top end 106a of the first tubular member 106 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as the fastening technique, the clamping technique and the like. A second stepney support tube 138 also extends from a second end 130b of the stepney support member 130. The second stepney support tube 138 is adapted to engage with the top end 108a of the second tubular member 108. As such, the second stepney support tube 138 is located opposite to the first stepney support tube 136.
[053] In an embodiment, the first stepney support tube 136 and the second stepney support tube 138 upon mounting with the stepney support tube 130 are aligned in the same plane. Thus, no deviation exists in inclination between the first stepney support tube 136 and the second stepney support tube 138 with respect to the stepney support tube 130 upon mounting.
[054] In an embodiment, the first stepney support tube 136 and the second stepney support tube 138 being inclined at an angle E (as shown in Figures 10 and 13) by 23 degrees to 27 degrees from one of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108. As such, from a side view of the assembly 100, the first stepney support tube 136 and the second stepney support tube 138 are inclined by 23 degrees to 27 degrees from the first tubular member 106 and/or the second tubular member 108. Also, the first stepney support tube 136 and the second stepney support tube 138 are inclined at an angle D (as shown in Figure 8) by 17 degrees to 23 degrees with respect to the first tubular member 106 and/or the second tubular member 108. Further, the stepney mounting bracket 134 is oriented at an angle F (as shown in Figure 10) by 27 degrees to 33 degrees with respect to the first stepney support tube 136 and/or the second stepney support tube 138.
[055] In an embodiment, angle E, angle D and angle F are considered so as to enable effortless access to the stepney mounting bracket 130 for mounting or dismantling the stepney tire 132. Additionally, the angle F is considered such that, upon mounting of the stepney tire 132, a distance J (as shown in Figure 12) between a front edge (i.e. highest point of the stepney tire 132 from the floorboard 142) of the stepney tire 132 to the first support tube 126 is 5 mm to about 50 mm.
[056] In an embodiment, the stepney support member 130 is adapted to support a fuel cylinder (not shown) of the vehicle 102, which can be one of a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder (not shown) and a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder (not shown). As such, the assembly 100 is capable of supporting the stepney tire 132 and the fuel cylinder as per requirement. Moreover, the assembly 100 is capable of supporting accessories below the seat member 112 irrespective of a model of the vehicle 102.
[057] Referring to Figure 14, for assembling the seat frame assembly 100, the base tubular member 104 is initially clamped to a clamping bracket provided in the floorboard 142 of the driver compartment 102a. Upon clamping the base tubular member 104, the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 are connected to the first end 104a and the second end 104b respectively. The inclination of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ and the horizontal axis X-X’ is provided as described in Figures 3-13. Thereafter, at the top end 106a, 108b of the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108, the shoe bracket 140 is mounted. On the shoe bracket 140, the height adjustment mechanism 110 is mounted. At this juncture, the first support tube 126 is mounted at the front portion 110a of the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L, while the second support tube 128 is mounted on the rear portion 110b of the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L.
[058] Subsequently, the stepney support member 130 is welded to the top end 106a, 108a through the first stepney support bracket 136 and the second stepney support bracket 138. The inclination of the first stepney support bracket 136 and the second stepney support bracket 138 with respect to the first tubular member 106 and the second tubular member 108 or the vertical axis Y-Y’ and the horizontal axis X-X’ is provided as described in Figures 8-13. Thereafter, the stepney mounting bracket 134 is welded to the central portion of the stepney support member 130. The inclination of the stepney mounting bracket 134 is considered as mentioned in description pertaining to Figure 9. Subsequently, the stepney tire 132 is fastened on the stepney support member 130. The seat member 112 is then mounted on the height adjustment mechanisms 110R, 110L for seating the driver.
[059] In the event of a requirement of the stepney tire 132, the seat member 112 is firstly dismantled from the heat adjustment mechanism 110. Thereafter, the driver or a user can access the stepney tire 132, whereby the driver or the user may disengage the stepney tire 132 from the stepney mounting bracket 134.
[060] In an embodiment, each of the base tubular member 104, the first tubular member 106, the second tubular member 108, the stepney support member 130, the first stepney support member 136 and the second stepney support member 138 is a hollow tubular member.
[061] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the aspects of the seat frame assembly comprising the base tubular member, the first tubular member and the second tubular member makes, makes the assembly simple in construction and modular, while being easy to install and dismantle. Also, the height adjustment mechanism in the assembly enables the driver to adjust height of the seat as per his comfort requirements. Additionally, the aspect of providing the support tubes to the height adjustment mechanism enhances structural integrity of the assembly, thereby enhancing durability of the assembly, while also eliminating sagging of the seat member. Further, the first tubular member and the second tubular member connected to the base tubular member are inclined at inclinations which prevent formation of stress concentration zones in the assembly, and thus ensure enhanced load bearing characteristics of the assembly.
[062] Additionally, the stepney support member is also mounted to the first tubular member and the second tubular member for supporting the stepney tire or the fuel cylinder, based on the model of the vehicle. As such, the assembly is capable of accommodating varying requirement of different models of the vehicle. Additionally, the inclination of each of the first tubular member, the second tubular member, the first stepney support member and the second support member is considered in accordance with assembly and dismantling of the stepney tire from the assembly. Moreover, due to strategic construction of the assembly, the material required for assembling the assembly is minimized, consequently minimizing the costs associated with the assembly, while also ensuring minimal maintenance.
[063] 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.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters
100 Seat frame assembly
102 Three-Wheeled vehicle
102a Driver compartment
102b Loading deck
104 Base tubular member
104a First end of base tubular member
104b Second end of base tubular member
106 First tubular member
106a Top end of first tubular member
108 Second tubular member
108a Top end of second tubular member
110, 110R, 110L Height adjustment mechanism
110a Front portion of height adjustment mechanism
110b Rear portion of height adjustment mechanism
110c Housing of height adjustment mechanism
112 Seat member
114 First bent portion
116 Second bent portion
118 First portion of first tubular member
120 Second portion of first tubular member
122 Third portion of second tubular member
124 Fourth portion of second tubular member
126, 128 One or more support tubes
130 Stepney support member
132 Stepney tire
134 Stepney mounting bracket
136 First stepney support tube
138 Second stepney support tube
140 Shoe bracket
142 Floorboard of three-wheeled vehicle
144 Rear wheels
146 Body panels
A, B, C, D, E, F Angle
X-X’ Horizontal axis
Y-Y’ Vertical axis
A-A’ Longitudinal axis
G, H, J Distance
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A seat frame assembly (100) for a three-wheeled vehicle (102), the seat frame assembly (100) comprising:
a base tubular member (104) disposed in a driver compartment (102a) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102), the base tubular member (104) being oriented about a horizontal axis (X-X’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102) and engaged to a chassis member of the three-wheeled vehicle (102);
a first tubular member (106) extending from a first end (104a) of the base tubular member (104), the first tubular member (106) being oriented about a vertical axis (Y-Y’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102);
a second tubular member (108) extending from a second end (104b) of the base tubular member (104), the second tubular member (108) being oriented about the vertical axis (Y-Y’); and
a height adjustment mechanism (110) mounted on a top end (106a, 108a) of each of the first tubular member (106) and the second tubular member (108), the height adjustment mechanism (110) being oriented about a longitudinal axis (A-A’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102) and adapted to support a seat member (112) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102), wherein the height adjustment mechanism (110) being adapted to enable adjustment of a height of the seat member (112).

2. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tubular member (106) and the second tubular member (108) being inclined at an angle (C) with respect to the vertical axis (Y-Y’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102), wherein the angle (C) being in a range of 4 degrees to 9 degrees.

3. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
a first bent portion (114) formed at an interface between the base tubular member (104) and the first tubular member (106); and
a second bent portion (116) formed at an interface between the base tubular member (104) and the second tubular member (108).

4. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first tubular member (106) comprises a first portion (118) provided proximal to the top end (106a) of the first tubular member (106) and a second portion (120) provided proximal to the first end (104a) of the base tubular member (104), wherein the first bent portion (114) being connecting the second portion (120) the first tubular member (106) and the base tubular member (104).

5. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein:
the first portion (118) being inclined at an angle (A) with respect to a horizontal axis (X-X’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102), wherein the angle (A) being in a range of 87 degrees to 93 degrees; and
the second portion (120) being inclined at an angle (B) with respect to the horizontal axis (X-X’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102), wherein the angle (B) being in a range of 105 degrees to 110 degrees.

6. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second tubular member (108) comprises a third portion (122) provided proximal to the top end (108a) of the second tubular member (108) and an fourth portion (124) provided proximal to the second end (104b) of the base tubular member (104) wherein the second bent portion (116) being connecting the fourth portion (124) of the second tubular member (108) and the base tubular member (104).

7. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
the third portion (122) being inclined at an angle (A) with respect to a horizontal axis (X-X’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102), wherein the angle (A) being in a range of 87 degrees to 93 degrees; and
the fourth portion (124) being inclined at an angle (B) with respect to the horizontal axis (X-X’) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102), wherein the angle (B) being in a range of 105 degrees to 110 degrees.
8. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more support tubes (126, 128) mounted to height adjustment mechanisms (110R, 110L), the one or more support tubes (126, 128) being adapted to enhance structural integrity of the seat frame assembly (100).

9. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more support tubes (126, 128) comprising:
a first support tube (126) mounted at a front portion (110a) of each of the height adjustment mechanisms (110R, 110L); and
a second support tube (128) mounted at a rear portion (110b) of each of the height adjustment mechanisms (110R, 110L) and is placed opposite to the first support tube (126),
wherein the first support tube (126) is placed closer to a handlebar of the three-wheeled vehicle (102) and the second support tube (128) is placed towards a backrest of the seat member (112).

10. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first support tube (126) being positioned parallelly to the second support tube (128), the first support tube (126) being spaced apart from the second support tube (128) by a distance (G) wherein the distance G being in a range of 220mm to 320mm.
11. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a stepney support member (130) mounted to the top end (106a, 108a) of the first tubular member (106) and the second tubular member (108), the stepney support member (130) being adapted to support at least one stepney tire (132) below the seat member (112).

12. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stepney support member (130) comprising at least one stepney mounting bracket (134), the at least one stepney mounting bracket (134) being provided at a central portion of the stepney support member (130), wherein the at least one stepney mounting bracket (134) being adapted to support the at least one stepney tire (132).

13. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one stepney mounting bracket (134) being oriented at an angle (F) with respect to at least one of a first stepney support tube (136) and a second stepney support tube (138), wherein the angle (F) being in a range of 27 degrees to 33 degrees.

14. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stepney support member (130) comprises:
a first stepney support tube (136) extending from one end (130a) of the stepney support member (130), the first stepney support tube (136) being adapted to engage with the top end (106a) of the first tubular member (106); and
a second stepney support tube (138) extending from a second end (130b) of the stepney support member (130), the second stepney support tube (138) being adapted to engage with the top end (108a) of the second tubular member (108), wherein the second end (130b) of the stepney support member (130) is located opposite to the one end (130a) of the stepney support member (130).

15. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein:
the first stepney support tube (136) and the second stepney support tube (138) being inclined at an angle (E) from one of the first tubular member (106) and the second tubular member (108), wherein the angle (E) being in a range of 23 degrees to 27 degrees.

16. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein:
the first stepney support tube (136) and the second stepney support tube (138) being inclined at an angle (D) with respect to at least one of the first tubular member (106) and the second tubular member (108), wherein angle (D) being in a range of 17 degrees to 23 degrees.
17. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stepney support member (130) is adapted to support a fuel cylinder of the three-wheeled vehicle, the fuel cylinder being one of a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder and a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder.

18. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top end (106a, 108a) of each of the first tubular member (106) and the second tubular member (108) being provided with a shoe bracket (140) for supporting the height adjustment mechanism (110).

19. The seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base tubular member (104) is connected to a floorboard (142) of the three-wheeled vehicle (102).

20. A three-wheeled vehicle (102) comprising a seat frame assembly (100) as claimed in claims 1-19.

Dated this 16 day of February 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471