Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

SWING ARM FOR A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a swing arm for a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to swing arm having reduced weight, increased strength, increased dimensional accuracy, and easy to manufacture. The invention further provides a vehicle incorporating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] A swing arm for a motor cycle supports a rear wheel so as to swing in the vertical direction freely with respect to a body frame. The swing arm has a front end pivotally attached to a body frame, and pivotally supports a rear wheel on a rear end that is a free end.In particular, the front end of the conventional swing arm comprises a head pipe which is used for pivotally attachment to the body frame. The swing arm further comprises a right arm and a left arm welded to the head pipe. The right and the left arms include apertures for rotatably supporting the rear wheel.

[003] However, such traditional construction of the swing arm suffers from a wide variety of drawbacks including the process of manufacturing the swing arm is complex, the process of checking the integrity of the swing arm is complex, attaining dimensional accuracy of the swing arm is difficult, the strength of the swing arm is low, the overall weight of the swing arm is high, the swing arm is liable to premature failure, the cost of the swing arm is high.

[004] Thus, there exists a need to provide a swing arm for a vehicle that addresses one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features.

[006] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a swing arm of a vehicle, the swing arm comprising: a left arm member, a right arm member, and a cross member located between the left arm member and the right arm member. In an embodiment of the invention, the cross member comprises at least one through hole for reducing a weight of the swing arm.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the left arm member comprises a left cross wallextending along a width direction of the vehicle, a left front portion extending along a front direction of the vehicle, and a left rear portion extending along a rear direction of the vehicle.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the right arm member comprises a right cross wallextending along a width direction of the vehicle, a right front portion extending along a front direction of the vehicle, and a right rear portion extending along a rear direction of the vehicle.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the right cross wall and the left cross wall co-operate to form the cross member.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, a first opening is formed between the right front portion and the left front portion. In an embodiment of the invention, the first opening extends along a width direction of the vehicle.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the invention, a second opening is formed between the right rear portion and left the rear portion. In an embodiment of the invention, the second opening extends along a width direction of the vehicle.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one cover element is positioned in relation to the at least one through hole for restricting movement of foreign elements there-through.

[0013] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the at least one cover element is detachable with respect to the at least one through hole.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one through hole includes a single through hole. In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one through hole includes a first through hole and a second through hole.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one cover element includes a single cover element. In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one cover element includes a first cover element and a second cover element.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cross member is divided into an upper portion and a bottom portion, the upper portion includes a first through hole and the bottom portion includes a second through hole.

[0017] In still another embodiment of the invention, the one through hole is formed of a first set of half parts provided in the left cross wall and a second set of half parts provided in the right cross wall.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first through hole is formed of a first channel provided in the left cross wall and a second channel provided in the right cross wall.

[0019] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second through hole is formed of a third channel provided in the left cross wall and a fourth channel provided in the right cross wall.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the left arm member, the right arm member, and the cross member are made of aluminum alloy die-cast.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one cover element (138) is made of plastic material.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one cover element has a first dimension at about a centre portion and a second dimension at about a peripheral portion, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a body frame; a rear ground engaging member; and a swing arm pivotally coupling the rear ground engaging member to the body frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the swing arm comprises: a left arm member; a right arm member; and a cross member located between the left arm member and the right arm member. In an embodiment of the invention, thecross member comprises at least one through hole for reducing a weight of the swing arm.

[0024] One advantage of the invention includes the swing arm having reduced weight. Yet another advantage of the invention includes the swing arm having increased strength. Still another advantage of the invention includes the swing arm having increased dimensional accuracy. A further advantage of the invention includes an increased ease to manufacture the swing arm. A furthermore advantage of the invention includes an increased ease in testing the integrity of the swing arm. Yet another advantage of the invention includes a substantial reduction the cost of manufacturing the swing arm. Still another advantage of the invention includes a reduction the weight of the vehicle, attributable to a reduced weight of the swing arm. A further advantage of the invention includes an ease of manufacturing the vehicle, attributable to an increased dimensional accuracy of the swing arm and/or an increased ease in testing the integrity of the swing arm. A furthermore advantage of the invention includes a reduction in the cost of manufacturing the vehicle, attributable to one or more of the aforesaid advantages.

[0025] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0026] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a body frame, a rear ground engaging member and the swing arm in a detached state,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 4illustrates a schematic top viewof the swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 5illustrates a schematic side viewof the swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a swing arm of a vehicle comprising a single through hole in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a swing arm of a vehicle comprising two through holes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a left arm member of a swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic top viewof a left arm member of a swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a right arm member of a swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 11 illustrates a schematic top viewof a right arm member of a swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 12 illustrates a detailed schematic top viewof the swing arm of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swing arm constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swing arm comprising a single through hole and a single cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swing arm comprising two through holes and two covers in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 16 illustrates a side view of a left arm member constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 17illustrates a side view of a right arm member constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 18 illustrates a close-up view of the first cover element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0045] Figure 19 illustrates a close-up view of the second cover element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0046] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0047] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0048] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0049] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0050] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0051] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0052] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0054] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0055] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0056] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0058] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a left side view of a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), a head pipe(14), a front fender (16), a front ground engaging member (18), a rear ground engaging member (20), a headlight (22), a steering handle bar (24), a fuel tank (26), a power unit (28), a rear fender (30), a tail light (32), a seat (34), an exhaust pipe (36), a rear cushion (38), a body frame (40), and a swing arm (100). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a perspective view of the body frame (40), the rear ground engaging member (20), and the swing arm (100) in a detached state. The swing arm (100) supports the rear ground engaging member (20) so as to swing in the vertical direction freely with respect to the body frame (40). In particular, a front end of the swing arm (100) is pivotally attached to the body frame (40), while a rear end of the swing arm (100) rotatably receives the rear ground engaging member (20).

[0061] Now referring to Figure 3,Figure 4, and Figure 5 there is illustrated a perspective view, a schematic top view, and a schematic side view, respectively of a swing arm (100) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The swing arm (100) comprises a left arm member (102), a right arm member (104), and a cross member (106) located between the left arm member (102) and the right arm member (104).

[0062] Traditionally, through hole(s) have been provided in the left arm member or the right arm member. However, it has been believed that providing through hole in the cross member would be detrimental for the strength and integrity of the swing arm. Thus, no attempt has been made to provide through hole in the cross member.

[0063] However, surprisingly it has been observed that weight of the swing arm (100) can be substantially reduced without substantially reducing either the strength or integrity of the swing arm (100) even by providing at least one through hole (108) in the cross member (106).

[0064] By way of a first non-limiting example, the at least one through hole (108) includes a single through hole (108a) as shown in Figure 6which is aperspective view of the first swing arm (100) constructed in accordance with the first non-limiting example. By way of a second non-limiting example, the at least one through hole (108) includes a first through hole (108b) and a second through hole (108c) as shown in Figure 7which is aperspective view of the first swing arm (100) constructed in accordance with the first non-limiting example.By way of anon-limiting example, the cross member (106) is divided into an upper portion (106a) and a bottom portion (106b), the upper portion (106a) includes the first through hole (108b) and the bottom portion (106b) includes the second through hole (108c).

[0065] Now referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9, there is illustrated a perspective view and a schematic top view, respectively of the left arm member (102), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The left arm member (102) comprises a left cross wall (110), a left front portion (112), and a left rear portion (114). The left cross wall (110) extends along a width direction of the vehicle (10). The left front portion (112) of the left arm member (102) extends along a front direction of the vehicle (10). The left rear portion (114) of the left arm member (102) extends along a rear direction of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the left front portion (112) includes a first aperture (116) for pivotally coupling the swing arm (100) to the body frame (40) while the left rear portion (114) includesa second aperture (118) for rotatably receiving the rear ground engaging member (20).

[0066] Now referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11, there is illustrated a perspective view and a schematic top view, respectively of the right arm member (104), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The right arm member (104) of the swing arm (100) comprises a right cross wall (120), a right front portion (122), and a right rear portion (124). The right cross wall (120) extends along a width direction of the vehicle. The right front portion (122) of the right arm member (102) extends along a front direction of the vehicle (10). The right rear portion (124) of the right arm member (102) extends along a rear direction of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of invention, the right front portion (122) includes a third aperture (126) for pivotally coupling the swing arm (100) to the body frame (40) while the right rear portion (120) includes a fourth aperture (128) for rotatably receiving the rear ground engaging member (20).

[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, the right cross wall (116) and the left cross wall (110) co-operate to form the cross member (106). Referring to Figure 8, the left cross wall (110) may include a first set of coupling apertures (130). Referring to Figure 10, the right cross wall (116) may include a second set of coupling apertures (132). The first set of coupling apertures (130) and the second set of coupling apertures (132) may be aligned and coupling means (not shown) may be inserted therethrough. By doing so, the left arm member (102) may be coupled to the right arm member (104), thus forming the swing arm (100). It may be noted that the left arm member (102) may be coupled to the right arm member (104) using other structures.

[0068] Referring to Figure 12, which is a more detailed schematic top view of the swing arm, it can be seen that a first opening (134) and a second opening (136) is formed between the left arm member (102) and right arm member (104). In particular, the first opening (134) is formed between the cross member (106), the left front portion (112), and the right front portion (122). The first opening (134) extends along a width direction of the vehicle (10). In particular, the second opening (136) is formed between the cross member (106), the left rear portion (114), and the right rear portion (124).The second opening (136) extends along a width direction of the vehicle (10). By way of a non-limiting example, at least a part of the seat (34) of the vehicle (10) may be located in the first opening (134). By way of a non-limiting example, at least a part of the rear ground engaging member (20) of the vehicle (10) may be located in the second opening (136).

[0069] In an embodiment of the invention, providing the at least one through hole (108) in the cross member (106) may lead to accumulation of foreign particles under the seat (34) of the vehicle (10). For instance, foreign particles may be thrown by the rear ground engaging member (20) towards the underside of the seat (34) of the vehicle (10), which could get accumulated under the seat (34). In some cases, sensitive components such as electronic components may be are located under the seat (34) of the vehicle (10) and it is believed that foreign particles thrown by the rear ground engaging member (20) might adversely impact the sensitive components.

[0070] Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 13 which is an exploded perspective view of the swing arm (100), the at least one through hole (108) may be covered with at least one cover element (138), thereby restricting movement of foreign elements there-through. Referring to Figure 14which is an exploded perspective view of the swing arm (100) having single through hole (108a) as per one embodiment of the invention, the swing arm (100) includes single cover element (138a) covering the single through hole (108a), thereby restricting movement of foreign elements (which may be debris, dirt, mud or water) there-through.

[0071] Referring to Figure 15which is an exploded perspective view of the swing arm (100) having two through holes namely first through hole (108b) and second through hole (108c) as per one embodiment of the invention, the swing arm (100) includes first cover element (138b) and second cover element (138c). By way of another non-limiting example, the first cover element (138b) covers the first through hole (108b) and restricts movement of foreign elements there-throughand the second cover element (138c) covers the second through hole (108c) and restricts movement of foreign elements (which may be debris, dirt, mud or water) there-through.

[0072] By way of a non-limiting example, the at least one cover element (138) is made of plastic material. Being made of plastic material, the at least one cover material (138) does not increase the weight of the swing arm (100), but provides effective protection against movement of foreign elements through the at least one through hole (108).

[0073] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one cover element (138) is detachable with respect to the at least one through hole (108).Since the at least one cover element (138) is detachable with respect to the at least one through hole (108), there has to be provided an attachment mechanism for detachably attaching the at least one cover (138) to the at least one through hole (108).

[0074] In an embodiment of the invention, the one through hole (108) is formed of a first set of half parts provided in the left cross wall (110) and a second set of half parts provided in the right cross wall (116). In an embodiment of the invention, the first half part and the second half part receive the at least one cover element (138) during the process of assembling the left and right arm members (102, 104). Thus, there is no need to provide separate fasteners for coupling the at least one cover element (138) with respect to the at least one through hole (108).

[0075] Referring to Figure 16 and Figure 17 which is a side view of the left arm member (102) and the right arm member (104), respectively as per an embodiment of the invention. Figure 16 and Figure 17 correspond to a swing arm (100) having first through hole (108b) and second through hole (108c). In particular, there is provided a first channel (140) provided in the left cross wall (110) and a second channel (142) provided in the right cross wall (120); the first channel (140) being in the form of first half part of the first through hole (108b) and the second channel (142) being in the form of second half part of the first hole (108b).

[0076] Additionally, there is provided a third channel (144) provided in the left cross wall (110) and a fourth channel (146) provided in the right cross wall (120); the third channel (144) being in the form of first half part of the second through hole (108c) and the fourth channel (146) being in the form of second half part of the first hole (108b). The first cover element (138b) may be inserted between the first and the second channels (140, 142) during the process of assembling the left and the right arm members (102, 104) so as to cover the first through hole (108b). Likewise, the second cover element (138c) may be inserted between the third and the fourth channels (144, 146) during the process of assembling the left and the right arm members (102, 104) so as to cover the second through hole (108c). Thus, there is no need to provide separate fasteners to couple the first and the second cover elements (138b, 138c) with respect to the first and the second through holes (108b, 108c).

[0077] In an embodiment of the invention, the left arm member (102), the right arm member (104), and the cross member (106) are made of aluminium alloy die-cast.

[0078] In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one cover element has a first dimension at about a centre portion and a second dimension at about a peripheral portion. In an embodiment of the invention, the first dimension is greater than the second dimension. Referring to Figure 18, which illustrates close-up view of the first cover element (138b), it can be seen that at about the centre portion, the first cover element (138b) has a first dimension (S1), while at the peripheral portions, the first cover element (138b) has a second dimension (S2) and a third dimension (S3). In an embodiment of the invention, the first dimension (S1) is greater than the second dimension (S2). In an embodiment of the invention, the first dimension (S1) is also greater than the third dimension (S3).

[0079] Similarly, referring to Figure 19, which illustrates close-up view of the second cover element (138c), it can be seen that at about the centre portion, the second cover element (138c) has a first dimension (S1), while at the peripheral portions, the second cover element (138c) has a second dimension (S2) and a third dimension (S3). In an embodiment of the invention, the first dimension (S1) is greater than the second dimension (S2). In an embodiment of the invention, the first dimension (S1) is also greater than the third dimension (S3).

[0080] One of the advantages of the invention includes the weight reduction of the swing arm. Yet another advantage of the invention is a reduction the cost of manufacturing the swing arm. Since, the left arm member (102), the right arm member (104), and the cross member (106) are made of aluminium alloy die-cast, the swing arm has increased strength and increased dimensional accuracy.

[0081] Still another advantage of the invention is a reduction in the amount of foreign particles as may get accumulated under the seat (34). Also, the probability of sensitive components such as electronic components being impacted due to foreign particles thrown by the rear ground engaging member (20) is substantially reduced.

[0082] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0083] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A swing arm (100) for a vehicle (10), the swing arm (100) comprising:
a left arm member (102), a right arm member (104), and a cross member (106) located between the left arm member (102) and the right arm member (104);
the cross member (106) comprises at least one through hole (108) for reducing a weight of the swing arm.

2. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left arm member (102) comprises a left cross wall (110) extending along a width direction of the vehicle (10), a left front portion (112) extending along a front direction of the vehicle (10), and a left rear portion (114) extending along a rear direction of the vehicle (10).

3. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right arm member (104) comprises a right cross wall (120) extending along a width direction of the vehicle (10), a right front portion (122) extending along a front direction of the vehicle (10), and a right rear portion (124) extending along a rear direction of the vehicle (10).

4. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right cross wall (120) and the left cross wall (110) co-operate to form the cross member (106).

5. The swing arm as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein a first opening (134) is formed between the right front portion (122) and the left front portion (112), the first opening extending along a width direction of the vehicle (10);

6. The swing arm as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein a second opening (136) is formed between the right rear portion (124) and left the rear portion (114), the second opening (136) extending along a width direction of the vehicle.

7. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one through hole (108) includes a single through hole (108a).

8. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one through hole (108) includes a first through hole (108b) and a second through hole (108c).

9. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one cover element (138) is positioned in relation to the at least one through hole (108) for restricting movement of foreign elements there-through.

10. The swing arm as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one cover element (138) is detachable with respect to the at least one through hole (108).

11. The swing arm as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one cover element (138) includes a single cover element (138a).

12. The swing arm as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one cover element (138) includes a first cover element (138b) and a second cover element (138c).

13. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member (106) is divided into an upper portion (106a) and a bottom portion (106b), the upper portion (106a) includes a first through hole (108b) and the bottom portion (106b) includes a second through hole (108c).

14. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one through hole (108) is formed of a first set of half parts provided in the left cross wall (110) and a second set of half parts provided in the right cross wall (120).

15. The swing arm as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first through hole (108b) is formed of a first channel (140) provided in the left cross wall (110) and a second channel (142) provided in the right cross wall (120).

16. The swing arm as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second through hole (108c) is formed of a third channel (144) provided in the left cross wall (110) and a fourth channel (146) provided in the right cross wall (120).

17. The swing arm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left arm member (102), the right arm member (104), and the cross member (106) are made of aluminum alloy die-cast.

18. The swing arm as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one cover element (138) is made of plastic material.

19. The swing arm as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one cover element has a first dimension at about a centre portion and a second dimension at about a peripheral portion, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.

20. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a body frame (40);
a rear ground engaging member (20); and
a swing arm (100) pivotally coupling the rear ground engaging member (20) to the body frame (40);
the swing arm (100) comprising:
a left arm member (102);
a right arm member (104); and
a cross member (106) located between the left arm member (102) and the right arm member (104);
the cross member (106) comprises at least one through hole (108) for reducing a weight of the swing arm (100).