TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a suspension assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism for the suspension assembly of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, one or more suspension assembly is provided each at a front end and at a rear side of the vehicle. The one or more suspension assembly is provided in a vehicle to absorb and dissipate road shocks experienced by the vehicle while operating on the roads. The suspension assembly provided in the vehicle prevents the shocks and vibrations from reaching the rider or the pillion, thereby providing ride comfort to the rider as well as to the pillion. Generally, the suspension assembly is mounted to a vehicle body frame at one end and another end is mounted to a swing arm of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The, same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of a two-wheeled motorcycle in accordance with an embodiment.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a suspension assembly of the two^wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment.

[0006] Fig. 3(a) illustrates a side perspective view of a second end including one or more drain provisions in the suspension assembly.
[0007] Fig. 3(b) illustrates a top view of the second end comprising one or more drain provisions.
[0008] Fig. 3(c) illustrates a sectional view of the second end comprising one or more drain provisions.
[0009] Fig. 4(a) illustrates a side perspective view of a second end including one or more drain provisions according to another embodiment.
[00010] Fig. 4(b) shows a top view of the second end including one or more drain provisions according to another embodiment.
[00011] Fig. 4(c) illustrates a sectional view of the second end including one or more drain provisions according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] Most often, the vehicle riding on the roads is commonly exposed to mud, dust particles, or any other foreign particles. There is a possibility that the mud, dust particles or any other foreign particles may enter the different parts present in the suspension assembly and gets stored inside a suspension assembly in the suspension assembly. During the vehicle operation condition and during working of the reciprocating member, the stored mud/dust particles or any other foreign particles present between a compression spring and other parts inside the suspension assembly may tend to enter the damper body resulting in oil leakage

present inside the forks. Due to oil leakage, the damping provided by the damper deteriorates and leads to failure of the suspension assembly.
[00013] The failure of the suspension assembly or poor working of the suspension assembly ceases to provide ride comfort to the rider and the pillion. Therefore, with the existing drawbacks in the conventional type suspension assembly, the rider and the pillion during operation of the two-wheeled vehicle are subject to discomfort.
[00014] Typically, in a conventional two-wheeled vehicle, the suspension assembly is provided with a typical dust tube disposed co-axial to the compression spring in the suspension assembly to protect the suspension assembly from mud, dust particles, and other foreign particles. The problem involved in the suspension assembly provided with dust tube is that there may be stagnation of mud, dust particles, and other foreign particles at the bottom area of the suspension assembly leading to deterioration of damping provided by the suspension assembly. The suspension assembly with dust tube may eventually provide very poor ride comfort to the rider and the pillion due to dust accumulation.
[00015] Hence, a suspension assembly capable of providing better damping effect and better ride comfort to the rider is required.
[00016] The present invention proposes a dust free mechanism for the protection of a suspension assembly present in a suspension assembly 200 of a two-wheeled vehicle according at an embodiment. The present invention proposes a mechanism for the suspension assembly such that mud, dust particles, or any other foreign

particles are drained out without any accumulation, which would affect the working of the suspension assembly. The prevention of mud, dust particles, or any other foreign particles from being accumulated in the suspension assembly is achieved as disclosed in the following description with reference to the figures.
[00017] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, for example, a motorcycle 100 according to an embodiment. The motorcycle 100 according to an embodiment includes a front wheel 101 steered by a handlebar 102 and a rear wheel 103 supported by a swing arm 104. Steering assembly parts including the handlebar 102 and the front wheel 101 are supported for pivotal steering operation on a head pipe 105 at the front end of the vehicle body frame 106. A seat 110 for a driver and a pillion is placed rearward to a fuel tank 114. An engine assembly 113 is disposed below the fuel tank. A front fender 111 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being, splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 112 is placed above the rear wheel 103, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 103. Rear fender 112 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 103.
[00018] The swing arm 104 along with a suspension assembly 109 is supported at a front portion thereof for pivotal motion and upward and downward rocking motion on the rear side of a.lower portion of the vehicle body frame 106. A suspension assembly including a pair of front forks 108 and the suspension assembly 109 is provided in the two-wheeled vehicle 100 for providing better ride comfort to the rider. In general terms, the suspension assemblys help cushion vehicles on uneven roads. In the two-wheeled vehicle, suspension assemblys

reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling.
[00019] The vehicle body frame 106 includes the head pipe 105, a pair of left and right main frames 107. The head pipe 105 is positioned at a front-end portion of the vehicle body frame 106. The main frames 107 extend in a leftwardly and rightwardly branching state obliquely downwardly rearwardly from a lower portion of the head pipe 105.
[00020] Fig.2 depicts a suspension assembly 200 provided in a two-wheeled vehicle 100 in accordance with another embodiment A typical suspension assembly 200 includes an elastic member 203 and orifices to control the flow of oil through an internal reciprocating member 204. The flow of oil is from a canister housing 205 into a damper body. The canister housing 205 is disposed at a first end portion of the suspension assembly 200. A second end portion 201 of the suspension assembly 200 is capable of holding the reciprocating member 204. The suspension assembly 200 is mounted in the two-wheeled vehicle such that the first end 505 including the canister housing 205 is bolted to the vehicle body frame and the second end 504 is bolted to the swing arm.
[00021] Generally, during vehicle operating condition, the suspension assembly 200 is exposed to atmosphere and the mud, dust particles and any other foreign materials present in the atmosphere is deposited in the various parts of the suspension assembly 200. Further, during servicing of the vehicle, the mud and other dust particles flow down from the other vehicular parts due to gravity and gets deposited on the second end 504 of the suspension assembly 200. The

stagnation of dust particles leads to improper stroking and damage to the reciprocating member 204 in the suspension assembly 200. During stroking of the reciprocating member 204, the dust particles tend to enter into the damper body leading to contamination and damage to oil seal resulting in oil leakage. The oil leakage leads to poor functioning of the suspension assembly 200 and results in providing poor ride comfort to the rider and to the pillion.
[00022] However, a dust tube may be provided co-axially inside the compression spring resting on second end portion of the suspension assembly. The drawback involved in the suspension assembly with the dust tube is that the mud, dust particles and any other foreign materials is deposited, at the bottom portion of the dust tube between the second end portion and the dust tube. Hence, the disadvantages present in the conventional suspension assembly still prevail. Sometimes, the dust accumulation in the surrounding areas of the dust tube may be eliminated by providing openings in the dust tube for mud to escape or drain out. However, the mud draining out under gravity by flow of water during servicing of the vehicle may not be completely effective and small amount of mud or dust particles may remain potentially leading to failure of the suspension assembly and providing poor performance.
[00023] The disadvantages present in the conventional suspension assembly of a two-wheeled vehicle are overcome in the present invention. The mud, dust particles and other foreign materials that are accumulated in the second end 504 can be drained out through a plurality of drain provisions provided on a first mounting portion 302 of the second end 504. The configuration of the one or

more drain provisions 301 provided in the suspension assembly 200 is discussed as below. The drain provisions may be in the form of one or more drain holes or drain provisions in the form of slots on the first mounting portion 302 of the first end 505 or the second end 504.
[00024] Figs. 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c) shows right perspective view of a second end portion with a plurality of drain provisions in the form of a plurality of drain holes, top view of the second end portion with a plurality of drain holes and a front view of the second end portion respectively. In accordance with another embodiment, the one or more drain provisions 301 are provided on the second mounting portion 304 of the second end 504. The atmospheric mud, dust particles and other foreign materials is deposited on the first mounting portion 302 of the second end 504. The dust particles tend to enter into the reciprocating member mounting area 303 in the second end 504 leading to performance deterioration of the suspension assembly 200. The one or more drain provisions 301 provided on the first mounting portion 302 of the second end 504 functions as evacuation of mud, dust, and even water particles from inside the suspension assembly 200. The evacuation of dust, mud, and water particles from inside the suspension assembly 200 prevents the oil leakage and improves the durability of the^ parts included in the suspension assembly 200.
[00025] Figs. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) shows a right perspective view of a second end portion with a plurality of drain provisions in the form of a plurality of drain slots, top view of the second end portion with a plurality of drain slots and a front view of the second end portion respectively. In accordance with an yet another

embodiment, the one or more of drain provisions 301 are provided on the first mounting portion 302 of the second end 504. The one or more drain provisions 301 are in the shape of slots. The atmospheric mud, dust particles and other foreign materials is deposited on the first mounting portion 302 of the second end 504. The dust particles tend to enter into the reciprocating member 204 mounting area 303 in the second end 504 leading to performance deterioration of the suspension assembly 200. The one or more drain provisions 301 provided on the first mounting portion 302 of the second end 504 functions as evacuation of mud, dust and even water particles from inside the suspension assembly 200. The evacuation of dust, mud, and water particles from inside the suspension assembly 200 prevents the oil leakage and improves the durability of the parts included in the suspension assembly 200.
[00026] Fig. 5 illustrates a suspension assembly according to an embodiment. The various parts of the suspension assembly include an elastic member 502 and orifices to control the flow of oil through an internal reciprocating member 501. The first end 505 is capable of holding the reciprocating member 501 and is configured to include an orifice capable of being bolted to the vehicle body frame 106. A second end 504 of the suspension assembly is bolted to the swing arm. An retainer member 503 is disposed at the lower half portion of the suspension assembly 200.
[00027] In the present construction of the suspension assembly, the retainer member 503 is located at the lower half portion of the suspension assembly. During servicing of the vehicle 100," the dust or mud particles washed from the

other parts of the suspension assembly are deposited on the surface of the retainer member and results in improper working of the suspension assembly 200 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100. The mud or dust particles accumulating over the adjuster member can be eliminated by providing one or more drain provisions on i the surface of the adjuster member.
[00028] Fig. 6(a) illustrates a top view of the retainer member including surface having one or more drain holes according to an embodiment. Fig. 6(b) illustrates a left side perspective view of the adjuster member including one or more drain holes on the surface of the retainer member in accordance with an embodiment. ) The one or more drain holes 601 may be in the form of circular holes or in the form of slots. The one or more drain holes 601 provided on the surface of the retainer member 503 drain out the mud and dust particles accumulated on the retainer member 503.
[00029] The drain provisions may be provided on the second end surface or on a i spring locator surface, depending upon whichever part is used at the bottom towards gravity. The number of slots/holes and the shape of slots/holes may be varied depending upon the strength consideration of the eyelet or the spring-retainer and the materials used. The slots/holes may be closed or open at the edges on the surface of the eyelet. If the slots/holes are on outer periphery, the same may ). also be used to adjust the spring pre load. The one or more drain provisions 301 and the one or more drain holes 601 are any of the circular, square, rectangular or elongated shaped. The one or more drain provisions 301 are disposed on the first mounting portion 302 at an angle of approximately 120 degrees.

[00030] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

I/We claim:
1. A suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said suspension assembly (200) comprising:
a first end (505) including a first mounting portion (302), said first end (505) is capable of being attached to a vehicle body frame (106);
a second end (504) including a second mounting portion (304), said second end (504) is capable of being connected to a rear wheel (103) of said two-wheeled vehicle (100);
at least one tubular member (206) connected, to at least second end (504) of said ends (505 and 504);
a reciprocating member (204) connected to at least first end (505) of said ends (505 and 504) and slidably movable inside said tubular member (206);
an elastic member (203) disposed between said first end (505) and said second end (504); and
one or more retainer member(s) (503) mounted to said at least second end (504) of said ends (505 and 504), said retainer member(s) (503) circumferentially covers at least a portion of said ends (505 and 504),

wherein,
at least one of said first mounting portion (302) and said second mounting portion (304) include one or more drain provisions (301) disposed at proximity to outer circumference (305) of at least one of said first mounting portion (302) and said second mounting portion (304).
2. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more retainer member(s) (503) include one or more drain holes (601) disposed at a proximity to another outer circumference (602).
3. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more drain provisions (301) are disposed on said outer circumference (305) of at least one of said first mounting portion (302) and said second mounting portion (304).
4. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more drain holes (601) are disposed on said another outer circumference (602) of said one or more retainer member(s) (503).
5. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more drain provisions (301) are any of circular, square, or elongated shaped.
6. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more drain holes (601) are any of circular, square, or elongated shaped.
7. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or

more drain provisions (301) are through provisions extending from said first mounting portion (302) up to the thickness of said first end (505).
8. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more drain holes (601) are through holes extending up to the thickness of said one or more retainer member(s) (503).
9. The suspension assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more drain provisions (301) are disposed on said first mounting portion at an angle of approximately 120 degrees.
10. A vehicle comprising a suspension assembly (200) as claimed in any of the preceding claims.