The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to a rear
bracket of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles, particularly vehicles configured to be ridden such as motorized
scooters, are provided with a utility box for carrying helmet, luggage and any other items. Traditionally, the utility box size is having limitations due to other internal and external components of the vehicle. However, with emergence of modernization in automobile industry, there is a need of providing modern features in the vehicle. One such modern feature is the provision of a big size utility box. Conventional utility box is causing inconvenience to the rider with their limited utility space.
[0003] Additionally, the vehicle aesthetics and safety should not be affected. Further, there is need to take care the position of the other internal and external components of the vehicle which causes inconvenience to the rider.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] 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 of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a body frame, swinging unit, and at least one suspension device. The body frame comprises a head tube, a down tube, a cross tube, a right rear tube, a left rear tube, and rear bracket. The down tube extends downwards and rearwards from the head tube. The cross tube is connected to the down tube. The right rear tube is extending rearwardly in upward direction from the cross tube. The left rear tube

extending rearwardly in upward direction from the cross tube. The rear bracket comprises a first end, and a second end. The first end is mounted to the right rear tube. The second end is mounted to the left rear tube. The swinging unit is swingably coupled to the cross tube of the body frame. The at least one suspension device is coupled between the rear bracket, and the swinging unit.
[0006] In an embodiment, the swinging unit comprises a swing arm, and a motor
is mounted to the swing arm. A motor bracket is mounted to the motor.
[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one suspension device is mounted to the motor bracket at a bottom mounting point.
[0008] In an embodiment, the rear bracket comprises an upper member, and a lower member. The upper member and the lower member are mounted combinedly to the left rear tube, and the right rear tube of the body frame.
[0009] In an embodiment, the upper member comprises a first upper end portion,
a second upper end portion, and an upper intermediate portion.
[00010] In an embodiment, an upper receiving hole is provided on an upper horizontal wall of the upper intermediate portion.
[00011] In an embodiment, the lower member comprises a first lower end portion, a second lower end portion, and a lower intermediate portion.
[00012] In an embodiment, a lower receiving hole is provided on a lower horizontal wall in the lower intermediate portion. The lower receiving hole remains in alignment with the upper receiving hole.
[00013] In an embodiment, the first upper end portion, and the second upper end portion of the upper member are mounted to a top portion and an outer side portion of the right rear tube, and the left rear tube.

[00014] In an embodiment, the first lower end portion, a second lower end portion of the lower member are mounted to a bottom portion and an inner side portion of the right rear tube, and the left rear tube.
[00015] In an embodiment, the rear bracket comprises a collar member is enclosed in between the upper intermediate portion, and the lower intermediate portion.
[00016] In an embodiment, the collar member is placed between the lower receiving hole, the upper receiving hole.
[00017] In an embodiment, the at least one suspension device is mounted to the collar member at a top mounting point of the at least one suspension device.
[00018] In an embodiment, the rear bracket is having a U-shaped structure while viewing from top of the vehicle, and C-shaped structure while viewing from right side of the vehicle.
[00019] In an embodiment, the rear bracket is made one of the material from a group of material comprising different types of steel such as cold rolled coil steel, hot rolled coil steel.
[00020] In an embodiment, the top mounting point of the at least one suspension device to the collar member is positioned in between the right rear tube, and the left rear tube.
[00021] One advantage of the present invention is that an optimum position for mounting the at-least one suspension device thereby reducing force distribution to the body frame and resulting into reduced motion ration with same travel of the rear ground engaging member.

[00022] One advantage of the present invention is that the disclosed mounting of the at least one suspension device ensures that a big size utility box is easily placed in the vehicle.
[00023] One more advantage of the present invention is that the optimum position for the mounting of the at-least one suspension device without altering travel of the rear ground engaging member and SAG characteristics of the rear ground engaging member.
[00024] One more advantage of the present invention is that substantial amount of force transferred to the body frame is reduced thereby ensuring the simple design of the swinging unit, and the body frame.
[00025] One more advantage of the present invention is that the easiest, and convenient provision for accommodating the big sized utility box in the vehicle without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle.
[00026] One more advantage of the present invention is that the optimum mounting location for the at least one suspension device of the vehicle without raising the cost of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00027] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[00028] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00029] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a frame body with a rear bracket of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00030] Figure 3 illustrates another side view of the frame body with a suspension device and the rear bracket of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00031] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the frame body with a pair of rear tubes and the rear bracket of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00032] Figure 5a illustrates a perspective view of the rear bracket with the pair of rear tubes, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00033] Figure 5b illustrates an exploded view of the rear bracket with the pair of rear tubes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00034] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature. The colored drawings, if provided along with this description are only meant to make the details of invention clear and have no effect whatsoever on the scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00035] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00036] The term "comprises", comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[00037] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[00038] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, a rear bracket and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms "vehicle", "two wheeled vehicle" and "scooters" have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term "vehicle" comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[00039] 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 drawing Figures.
[00040] The vehicle (100) comprises a front end structure (102), a rear end structure (104), and a footboard (190). The front end structure (102) forms the front portion of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (104) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The footboard (190), also referred to as bottom panel assembly, lies between the front end structure (102) and the rear end structure (104).

[00041] The rear end structure (104) comprises a seat (108), a rear ground engaging member (112), and a power unit (not shown). The seat (108) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (112) underlies the seat (108) and is driven by the power unit. The power unit comprises an engine (not shown) and a transmission unit (not shown). The rear end structure (104) comprises a storage box (not shown). The storage box is provided under the seat (108). More particularly, the storage box is disposed within a space defined by the seat (108) and the engine of power unit. Further, the rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as rear fender, suspension systems, tail lights, rear grips etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00042] The front end structure (102) comprises a front ground engaging member (114), and a steering mechanism (116). The front ground engaging member (114) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (116). The steering mechanism (116) comprises a handle bar (118). The handle bar (118) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). The front end structure (102) comprises a head lamp unit (110), a pair of turn signal lamp units (not numbered). The head lamp unit (110) is provided ahead of the handle bar (118) of the steering mechanism (116). The head lamp unit (110) is configured to move along with the steering mechanism (116). The turn signal lamp units indicate the rider's intention to turn or change lanes. The head lamp unit (110) and the turn signal lamp units are provided for safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic regulations.
[00043] Further, the front end structure (102) comprises a front cover assembly (120) and a rear cover assembly (122), arranged ahead of the seat (108). The front cover assembly (120) encloses the steering mechanism (116). The rear cover assembly (122) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (100). The turn signal lamp units may be disposed on the front cover assembly (120) in slots provided thereon. Further, the front end structure (102) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, front fender, front forks etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00044] Referring to Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4, the vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (130). The body frame (130), also referred to as the frame member (130), supports the front end structure (102), the footboard (190), and the rear end structure (104) of the vehicle (100). The frame assembly (130) comprises a head tube (132), a down tube (134), a cross tube (136), and a pair of rear tubes (137, 138). The down tube (134) extends downwards and rearwards from the head tube (132). The down tube (134) is connected to the cross tube (136). The pair of rear tubes (137, 138) are extending rearwardly in upward direction from the cross tube (136). The pair of rear tubes (137, 138) further comprises a left rear tube (137), and a right rear tube (138). The left rear tube (137) is connected to the cross tube (136). Similarly, the right rear tube (138) is also connected to the cross tube (136). The left rear tube (137) and the right rear tube (138) extends substantially parallel in a rearward and upward direction from the cross tube (136). In present embodiment, the left rear tube (137) thickness is more than the thickness of the right rear tube (138). However, in another embodiment, thickness of the right rear tube (138) is more than the thickness of the left rear tube (137).
[00045] In an embodiment, the right rear tube (138) extends substantially parallel in a rearward and upward direction from the cross tube (136) in the right side of the vehicle (100), and the left rear tube (137) extends substantially parallel in a rearward and upward direction from the cross tube (136) in the left side of the vehicle (100). It may herein be noted that in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the right rear tube (138) may be positioned in the left side of the vehicle (100) and the left rear tube (137) may be positioned in the right side of the vehicle (100), without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Further, in another embodiment, the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137) may extends substantially parallel in a rearward and upward direction from any other component of the body frame (130) instead of the cross tube (136), without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Further, the body frame (130) comprises a rear bracket (300). The rear bracket (300) comprises a first end (302), and a second end (304). The first end (302)

of the rear bracket (300) is mounted to the right rear tube (138). The second end (304) of the rear bracket (300) is mounted to the left rear tube (137).
[00046] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the vehicle (100) further comprises a swinging unit (124), and at least one suspension device (125). The swinging unit (124) is swingably coupled to the cross tube (136) of the body frame (130). The swinging unit (124) comprises a swing arm (124a), and a motor (180). The motor (180) is mounted to the swing arm (124a). The motor bracket (184) is mounted to the motor (180). The at least one suspension device (125) is coupled between the rear bracket (300), and the swinging unit (124). More particularly, the at least one suspension device (125) is mounted to the motor bracket (184) at a bottom mounting point (215). The bottom mounting point (215) is the another mounting point of the at least one suspension device (125). Further, the at least one suspension device (125) is mounted to the rear bracket (300) at a top mounting point (225).
[00047] Referring to Figure 5 a, a perspective view of the rear bracket (300) with the pair of rear tubes (137, 138) is shown. In the present embodiment, the first end (302) of the rear bracket (300) is mounted to the right rear tube (138). The second end (304) of the rear bracket (300) is mounted to the left rear tube (137). It may herein be noted that in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the first end (302) of the rear bracket (300) may be mounted to the left rear tube (137), and the second end (304) of the rear bracket (300) may be mounted to the right rear tube (138), without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.
[00048] Referring to Figure 5b, the rear bracket (300) comprises an upper member (312), a lower member (314). The upper member (312), and the lower member (314), are mounted combinedly to the left rear tube (137), and the right rear tube (138) of the body frame (130). The upper member (312) comprises a pair of upper end portion (322, 323), and an upper intermediate portion (324). An upper receiving hole (344) provided in the upper intermediate portion (324). The lower member (314) comprises a pair of lower end portion (332, 333), and a lower intermediate portion (334). A lower receiving hole (354) is provided in the lower intermediate portion (334)

in the alignment of the upper receiving hole (344). Further, the pair of upper end portion (322, 323) of the upper member (312) are mounted to top and side portion of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137), and the pair of lower end portion (332, 333) of the lower member (314) are mounted to bottom and side portion of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). Also, a profile built from the combination of the pair of upper end portion (322, 323), and the pair of lower end portion (332, 333). The suspension device (125) is mounted to the rear bracket (300) thereby helping transfer of forces getting distributed to the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). More particularly, the suspension device (125) is mounted between the upper intermediate portion (324), and the lower intermediate portion (334) thereby helping transfer of forces getting distributed to the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137).
[00049] Further, the rear bracket (300) comprises a collar member (316). The collar member (316) is enclosed in between the upper intermediate portion (324), and the lower intermediate portion (334). The collar member (316) is placed between the lower receiving hole (354), the upper receiving hole (344).
[00050] During the assembly of the rear bracket (300), firstly, the upper member (312), and the lower member (314) are welded together. Secondly, the collar member (316) is enclosed in between the upper member (312), and the lower member (314). More particularly, the collar member (316) is welded with the upper member (312), and the lower member (314). Finally, the rear bracket (300) is welded to the pair of rear tubes (137, 138). Further, the rear bracket (300) is made one of the material from a group of material comprising different types of steel such as cold rolled coil steel, hot rolled coil steel thereby enhancing rigidity of the rear bracket (300) between the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). In some cases, the material may be a stainless steel, and a sheet steel. Further, the material requirement may be varied as per the changes in load requirement. In present embodiment, the rear bracket (300) is made of one of the cold rolled coil steel and the hot rolled coil steel thereby ensuring strength to the rear bracket (300) without increasing cost of the rear bracket (300). In

general, the cold rolled coil steel is used for thickness less than 3mm and the hot rolled coil steel is used for thickness above 3mm. When the stress levels are high depending on load, then high grade materials may be used for manufacturing the rear bracket (300).
[00051] In present embodiment, the rear bracket (300) is having a U-shaped structure while viewing from top of the vehicle (100). Also, the rear bracket (300) is having a C-shaped structure while viewing from right side of the vehicle (100). However, in another embodiment, the rear bracket (300) may have different shape of structure with an objective that the top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125) to the collar member (316) is positioned in the rearmost side of the vehicle (100) thereby ensuring larger space for the placement of a big sized utility box.
[00052] In present embodiment, the top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125) to the collar member (316) is positioned in between the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). More particularly, the top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125) to the collar member (316) is positioned at an offset in top view of the vehicle (100) with respect to one of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). Further, the top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125) between the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137) is helping transfer of forces getting distributed to the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). This resulted into avoidance of concentration of forces or loads at one of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). As with present invention, the forces get distributed on the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137).
[00053] In an embodiment, the first upper end portion (322), and the second upper end portion (323) of the upper member (312) are mounted to a top portion (138a, 137a) and an outer side portion (138b, 137b) of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). More particularly, the first upper end portion (322) is welded to the top portion (138a,) and the upper side portion (138b) of the right rear tube (138). The

second upper end portion (323) of the upper member (312) is welded to the top portion (137a) and the upper side portion (137b) of the left rear tube (137). Further, the first lower end portion (332), and a second lower end portion (333) of the lower member (314) are mounted to a bottom portion (138c, 137c) and an inner side portion (138d, 137d) of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137). More particularly, the first lower end portion (332) is welded to the bottom portion (138c) and the inner side portion (138d) of the right rear tube (138). The second lower end portion (333) of the lower member (314) is welded to the bottom portion (137c) and the inner side portion (137d) of the left rear tube (137).
[00054] Further, in present embodiment, the top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125) to the collar member (316) is positioned at an offset with respect to the upper intermediate portion (324), and the lower intermediate portion (334) of the rear bracket (300). Furthermore, the top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125) to the collar member (316) may be positioned in either side of the rear ground engaging member (112).
[00055] In an embodiment, the collar member (316) is enclosed in between the upper intermediate portion (324), and the lower intermediate portion (334). The upper intermediate portion (324), and the lower intermediate portion (334) includes a bent portion. The collar member (316) is interchangeably termed as a rear suspension collar (316). More particularly, the collar member (316) passes through the lower receiving hole (354), the upper receiving hole (344). Further, the at least one suspension device (125) is mounted to the collar member (316). In present embodiment, the at least one suspension device (125) is having one suspension device (125). However, in another embodiment, the at least one suspension device (125) may have more than one suspension device (125). In case of two suspension device (125) place either side of the rear ground engaging member (112), two top mounting point (225) provisions for the mounting of the at least one suspension device (125) are provided on the rear bracket (300).

[00056] As in present embodiment, the at least one suspension device (125) is mounted in proximity of the left rear tube (137). Hence, thickness of the left rear tube (137) is more than the thickness of the right rear tube (138). However, in another embodiment, when the at least one suspension device (125) is mounted in proximity of the right rear tube (138). The thickness of the right rear tube (138) is more than the left rear tube (137).
[00057] With above-mentioned mounting of the at least one suspension device (125), the provision of having a big size utility box is ensured in the vehicle (100).
[00058] The present invention provides an optimum position for the mounting of the at-least one suspension device (125) thereby reducing force distribution to the body frame (130) and resulting into reduced motion ration with same travel of the rear ground engaging member (112).
[00059] The present invention provides an optimum position for the mounting of the at-least one suspension device (125) without altering travel of the rear ground engaging member (112) and SAG characteristics of the rear ground engaging member (112).
[00060] The present invention ensures that substantial amount of force transferred to the body frame (130) is reduced thereby ensuring the simple design of the swinging unit (124), and the body frame (130).
[00061] Further, the present invention provides the easiest, and convenient provision for accommodating the big sized utility box in the vehicle (100) without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle (100).
[00062] Further, the present invention provides new mounting location for the at least one suspension device (125) in the vehicle (100) without raising the cost of the vehicle (100), and without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle (100).

[00063] Further, the present invention provides convenient to the rider by providing bigger utility space through rearwards shifting of the mounting location of the at least one suspension device (125) of the vehicle (100).
[00064] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[00065] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

We claim:

1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a body frame (130) comprises:
a head tube (132);
a down tube (134) extends downwards and rearwards from the head tube (132);
a cross tube (136) connected to the down tube (134);
a right rear tube (138) extending rearwardly in upward direction
from the cross tube (136);
a left rear tube (137) extending rearwardly in upward direction
from the cross tube (136); and
a rear bracket (300) comprising:
a first end (302) mounted to the right rear tube (138); and
a second end (304) mounted to the left rear tube (137); a swinging unit (124) swingably coupled to the body frame (130); and at least one suspension device (125), wherein the at least one suspension device (125) coupled between the rear bracket (300), and the swinging unit (124).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the swinging unit (124) comprises a swing arm (124a), and a motor (180) mounted to the swing arm (124a), wherein a motor bracket (184) mounted to the motor (180).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the at least one suspension device (125) mounted to the motor bracket (184) at a bottom mounting point (215).
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the rear bracket (300) comprises:

an upper member (312); and
a lower member (314), wherein the upper member (312), and the lower member (314), are mounted combinedly to the left rear tube (137), and the right rear tube (138) of the body frame (130).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 4, wherein the upper member (312) comprises a first upper end portion (322), a second upper end portion (323), and an upper intermediate portion (324).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 5, wherein an upper receiving hole (344) provided on an upper horizontal wall (324a) of the upper intermediate portion (324).
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 4, wherein the lower member (314) comprises a first lower end portion (332), a second lower end portion (333), and a lower intermediate portion (334).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 6 and claim 7, wherein a lower receiving hole (354) provided on a lower horizontal wall (334a) in the lower intermediate portion (334), wherein the lower receiving hole (354) remains in alignment with the upper receiving hole (344).
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 4, wherein the first upper end portion (322), and the second upper end portion (323) of the upper member (312) are mounted to a top portion (138a, 137a) and an outer side portion (138b, 137b) of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137).
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 7, wherein the first lower end portion (332), and a second lower end portion (333) of the lower member (314) are mounted to a bottom portion (138c, 137c) and an inner side portion (138d, 137d) of the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137).

11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the rear bracket (300) comprises a collar member (316) enclosed in between the upper intermediate portion (324), and the lower intermediate portion (334).
12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 8 and claim 11, wherein the collar member (316) placed between the lower receiving hole (354), the upper receiving hole (344).
13. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1 and claim 12, wherein the at least one suspension device (125) mounted to the collar member (316) at a top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125).
14. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the rear bracket (300) is having a U-shaped structure while viewing from top of the vehicle (100), and C-shaped structure while viewing from right side of the vehicle (100).
15. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the rear bracket (300) is made one of the material from a group of material comprising different types of steel such as cold rolled coil steel, hot rolled coil steel.
16. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1 and claim 13, wherein the top mounting point (225) of the at least one suspension device (125) to the collar member (316) is positioned in between the right rear tube (138), and the left rear tube (137).