VEHICLE SEAT FOR A STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 0 0.· . 6·· )DEL ' '. /_...A
:,.: ~
ORIGINl.\.l
The present invention relates to straddle-type vehicles, and more particularly to a vehicle
seat for straddle-type vehicles which is detachable and can be carried with the straddle-type
vehicle for allowing extra luggage space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally straddle-type vehicles, such as two-wheeled vehicles are provided with rear
carrier primarily intended to carry loads such as bags, boxes, and the like. Examples of the twowheeled
vehicles may include, but are not limited to, motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, and bikes.
Typically, it is desirable to support and carry extra load in addition to the load that may be
accommodated on the rear carrier of such two-wheeled vehicles. From a perspective of
manufacturers of such vehicle, designing rear carriers and other components for carrying extra
load, has always been a challenge, owing to varying preferences of different users. For example,
there may be a set of users who may prefer a trendy look of such vehicles and may not like large
rear carrier on the two-wheeled vehicles. However, there may be another set of users who may
seek utility feature such as extra large carrier with trendy look of the vehicles.
In some exemplary scenarios, a rear seat is removed from the vehicle and a rear frame
body of the vehicle is used as a luggage space. For instance, the rear seat may be kept in its
normal position for carrying passenger (for example, pillion riders), and the rear seat may be
removed for usage as the luggage space based on when a load is required to be carried.
Particularly, United States Patent number US 6,354,476 titled "SNAP-ON
MOTORCYCLE LUGGAGE" discloses a motorcycle comprising a storage container attached
on a rigid base plate. The rigid base plate is arranged to be snapped on to a conventional
motorcycle body in place of the removable rear seat. Latching members arranged on the bottom
of the rigid base plate typically· mate with the existing latching receptacles on the motorcycle.
2
\\ 1 l ~" 1\)\, i
0., " -J 6 2 DEL \ ~. CR1 (Jt~~,l\l
Japanese Patent Application number JP2008-076320 titled "SEAT STRUCTURE FOR
SMALL VEHICLE" discloses a seat structure for a small vehicle, comprising a pair of separate
seats, composed as front and rear getting-in seats to cover a storage box from above, and
rotatably connected to the storage box separately from each other. The arrangement is such that a
part of one separate seat is held between the other separate seat and the storage box, and that the
closed state of the pair of the separate seats at the front and the rear are retained by a single seat
closure locking mechanism.
However, the disclosed systems present a new problem of carrying a removed seat, since
when the rear seat is removed for luggage to be mounted onto the frame, there is no provision or
space available for the rear seat to be stored, hence carrying the rear seat is always a problem.
Indian Patent Application number 1506/CHE/2006 titled "A FLEXIBLE LOADING
SURF ACE IN A TWO WHEEL VEHICLE" discloses an arrangement of providing luggage
space by removing a pillion seat. The pillion seat is stored in a compartment mounted on a side
of the vehicle, where the compartment is designed to accommodate the pillion seat for
convenience of the rider. However, in this arrangement, extra compartment is required to be
designed and mounted onto the vehicle and such a compartment may create difficulties for a
pillion sitting astride. Further, while the pillion seat is stored in the compartment, this space
cannot be used for storing other materials. In addition, such a compartment may not aesthetically
appeal to a large set of users ofthe vehicles.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seat for a straddle-type vehicle
which can be easily removed and deployed from a normal position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement enabling the
removed seat to be carried along with the straddle type vehicle.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement. that enables the
3
removed seat to be installed at a second position.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for carrying the
removed seat which is secured from theft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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.
Briefly in accordance with aspects of the present technique, a vehicle seat for a straddletype
vehicle is presented. The vehicle seat includes a first portion for seating thereon, and a
second portion having at least one engagement member adapted for removably coupling the
vehicle seat to the vehicle, wherein the vehicle seat is adapted to be removably coupled to the
vehicle at a first location and further adapted to be removably coupled to the vehicle at a second
location. By having such an arrangement the seat can be uninstalled from the first location in the
vehicle and can be mounted onto the second location in the vehicle. Furthermore, such an
arrangement enables the seat to be detached and reattached at the desired first location and/or the
second location in the vehicle.
According to one embodiment, the at least one engagement member is one of a latch
member, a locking member, a locking loop, a catch member, or combinations thereof. The
different types of engagement members enable the seat to be securely coupled at the first
location and/or the second location.
According to another embodiment, the second portion is a base portion of the seat. The
base portion includes the engagement members for securely coupling the seat.
According to another embodiment, the vehicle seat is in the first position or a normal
position when the seat is remo.vabl:Y coupled at the first location and wherein tht} vehicle seat is
4
. f ~~ ·- ( >''l .
in a second position or a disposed position when the vehicle is removably coupled to the second
position. The normal position is the position which enables a passenger to sit on the vehicle, the
disposed position of the seat is the position which would enable the seat being carried along with
the vehicle.
According to another embodiment, the vehicle seat includes at least one bracket member
having a first end and a second end, the bracket member coupled to the second portion of the
vehicle seat at the first end and wherein the bracket member includes a locking hole at the
second end, the locking hole adapted for engaging the vehicle seat at the second location of the
vehicle. By having such an arrangement, the vehicle seat can be securely attached to the vehicle.
In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a straddle-type vehicle is
presented. The straddle-type vehicle includes a rear frame body, at least one seat comprising a
first portion and a second portion, the second portion having at least one engagement member
adapted for removably coupling the seat to the rear frame body at a first location of the vehicle,
and a protective covering disposed on a side of the vehicle adapted to receive the at least one
engagement member of the vehicle seat at a second location of the vehicle ..
According to an embodiment, the rear frame body includes one or more complementary
engagement members adapted to engage with the at least one engagement member of the vehicle
seat.
According to another embodiment, the protective covering includes one or more
additional complementary engagement members adapted to engage with the at least one
engagement member ofthe vehicle seat.
According to another embodiment, the at least one engagement member includes a
latching member, a locking member, a locking loop, a catch member or combinations thereof.
The different types of engagement members enabling better securing of the vehicle seat with the
vehicle.
According to one embodiment; the vehicle seat is arranged in a . first position when
5
• .•••. ':1-••
coupled to the rear frame body and wherein the vehicle seat is arranged in a second position
when coupled to the protective covering ofthe vehicle. Such an arrangement provides an ease of
convenience without the seat occupying excess space and causing inconvenience to a rider.
According to another embodiment, the at least one complementary engagement member
is one of at least one hook member and a locking hole.
According to yet another embodiment, the at least one additional complementary
engagement member includes at least one interconnecting loop, a lock device, a locking plate
and one or more reinforcing loops. By having the above mentioned additional complementary
engagement member the vehicle seat can be securely coupled to the vehicle at the second
location.
According to one embodiment, the lock device is provided on the rear frame body of the
vehicle.
According to one embodiment, the catch member extends downwardly and frontwardly
from the second portion of the seat, when the seat is in the first position.
According to another embodiment, the locking loop includes an opening extending in a
transverse direction of the vehicle, when the seat is in the first position.
According to yet another embodiment, the opening in the locking loop is adapted to
receive the locking plate coupled to the protective covering, when the seat is in the second
position.
According to yet another embodiment, the interconnecting loop of the protective covering
is adapted to receive the catch member of the vehicle seat, when the vehicle seat is in the second
position.
According to an embodiment, the vehicle seat at least one bracket member having a first
6
end and a second end, the bracket member coupled to the second portion of the vehicle seat at
the first end and wherein the bracket member comprises a locking hole at the second end, the
locking hole adapted for engaging the vehicle seat at the second location of the vehicle.
According to one embodiment, the protective covering includes a noise damping
material. This prevents noise and vibrations when the vehicle is in motion.
According to another embodiment, the protective covenng includes a pipe member
having an opening towards a front direction of the vehicle, the pipe member including an upper
longitudinal bar, a rear inclined bar and a lower longitudinal bar.
According to one embodiment, the lower longitudinal bar is connected to a pillion side
step member.
According to one embodiment, the protective covering comprises a support member.
According to one embodiment, the protective covering comprises a wire rod.
According to one embodiment, the wire rod is parallel to the rear inclined bar.
According to one embodiment, the protective covering comprises a plate holding bar.
According to one embodiment, the plate holding bar is fixedly connected to the wire rod
and the rear inclined bar.
According to one embodiment, the plate holding bar extends perpendicular to the
direction of movement of a locking plunger of the lock device.
According to one embodiment, the locking plate is rotatably and/or slidably mounted to
the plate holding bar.
7
According to one embodiment, the locking plate comprises a locking hole adapted to
receive the locking plunger of the lock device, such that the locking hole and the locking plunger
are coaxial.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present technique, a method for mounting
the seat to the protective covering is provided. The method includes receivably inserting the at
least one engagement member of the vehicle seat into the at least one additional complementary
engagement member of the protective covering, wherein the at least one engagement member is
one of a latching member, a locking member, a locking loop, a catch member and combinations
thereof, and wherein the at least one additional complementary engagement member is one of an
interconnecting loop, a lock device, a locking plate and one or more reinforcing loops, rotating
the locking plate about a plate holding bar of the protective covering and passing the locking
plate through the locking loop of the vehicle seat.
According to an embodiment, the method further includes actuating the lock device for
engaging a locking plunger of the lock device with the locking hole for locking the seat with the
protective covering.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ORA WINGS
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with
reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating rear portion of a straddle-type vehicle with a seat in a
first position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle with the seat
in a second position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
8
FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle where the
seat is removed, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle with the seat
in the first position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the seat, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a protective covering of the straddle-type vehicle, according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the protective covering of the straddle-type vehicle,
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the seat when mounted to the protective covering
and that is seen from a side of the straddle-type vehicle, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 9 illustrates the seat when mounted to the protective covering and seen from top
view where a lock device is not shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 illustrates an intermediate position of the seat being mounted to the protective
covering, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle with the
seat in the second position, according to the another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle with the
seat in the second position, according to the another embodiment of the invention;
9
FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle with the
seat in the second position, according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the seat when mounted to the protective covering,
according to the another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the seat, according to another embodiment of the present
invention; and
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the seat mounted to the protective covering
according to another embodiment of the invention.
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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various modes for carrying out the present invention are presented in terms of the
embodiments, herein depicted in FIGS. I to 16. The embodiments are described herein for
illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. It is understood that various omissions
and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render
expedient, but are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from
the spirit or scope of the present invention. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be
regarded as limiting. Any heading utilized within this description is for convenience only and has
no legal or limiting effect.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described
in detail 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,
10
equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote
the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device 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 device 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.
For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the
embodiment illustrated in greater depth in the accompanying figures and description herein
below, further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the
same components in various views.
The terms "front I frontward", "rear I rearward", "left I leftward", "right I rightward",
"upper I top I upward", "lower I below I lowerward" used therein represents the directions as
seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, L, R,
U, Lr in the figures.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a seat for a straddle-type vehicle or a two
wheeled vehicle, which is capable of easy removal from a frame body of the vehicle and easily
mountable on a protective covering. Embodiments as will be described hereinafter are capable of
providing easy removal of such a seat from the frame body of the vehicle from a first position,
and easily mounting the seat on the protective covering in a second position. For instance,
various embodiments are capable of providing a seat for the straddle-type vehicle which is
adapted to be removable and disposed juxtaposed to a rear wheel or a nearby area. Herein, the
·· .. ,first position of the seat represents a -positiofl··Where the seat is engaged to a rear frame. body of
11
the vehicle, and is used to carry the passengers or equivalent loads. Further, the second position
of the seat represents a position where the seat is uninstalled from the rear frame body and
mounted juxtaposed to the rear wheel or any nearby area of the vehicle. Various embodiments of
the vehicle enabling the seat to assume the first position and the second position are described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of a rear portion of a straddle-type vehicle (100) is
illustrated. The straddle-type vehicle 100 (hereinafter "vehicle") includes at least one seat (08),
such as a front seat or a rear seat in accordance with aspects of the present technique. The rear
seat of the vehicle (100) is employed on the rear portion of the vehicle (100) and the front seat of
the vehicle may be employed in front ofthe rear seat ofthe vehicle (100). Alternatively, the seat
(08) may be a single seat for seating both the rider and a pillion rider on the vehicle (100).
In the presently contemplated configuration, exemplary components of the vehicle (1 00)
are depicted, for example, a rear suspension (01), a down tube (02), a swing arm (03), a rear
fender (04), a rear wheel (05), a tail light (06), a rear winker (07), a vehicle seat (08) (also
referred to as "seat (08)") which is adapted to be removable from the elongated legs (12a) and
( 12b) and removably mounted to a protective covering ( 1 0) juxtaposed to the rear wheel (05).
As used herein, the terms "vehicle seat" and "seat" are used interchangeably throughout
the description, without deviating from the spirit of the invention.
It may be noted that the vehicle seat (08) is removably coupled at a first location in the
vehicle. At the first location the vehicle seat (08) is placed in the first position, which is generally
the normal position, for seating an occupant or a passenger thereon.
The protective covering (I 0) is primarily intended to protect the cloths of a rider I
passenger from getting entangled with the rear wheel (05). The protective covering (1 0) may be
arranged on a left side of the vehicle (100), on a right side ofthe vehicle or on both the left side
and the right side ofthe vehicle (100).
12
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view ofthe rear portion of the vehicle (100), wherein the vehicle
seat (08) is coupled to the vehicle (I 00) at a second location. As illustrated, the vehicle seat (08)
is arranged in the second position, which may be referred to as a disposed position of the vehicle
seat (08).
Referring particularly to FIG. 3, a rear frame body ofthe vehicle (100) is depicted. It may
be noted that a frame for the straddle-type vehicle includes a main frame body (not shown) and a
rear frame body coupled to the main frame body. The rear frame body is shown as extending in
form of two spaced apart and opposed elongated legs (12a) and (12b) running substantially
parallel to each other and disposed on opposite sides of a centre line of the vehicle (1 00). The
elongated legs (12a, 12b) merge together in rearward direction (as indicated by reference
numeral 11) to form an English alphabet "U" like structure. The rear frame body in the rear
portion is strengthened by providing plurality of cross bars (40). Further, each of the elongated
legs (12a, 12b) of the rear frame body has a pair of hook members (34a) securely fixed thereto,
and adapted to receive latch members (34) of the vehicle seat (08). As can be clearly seen in FIG.
1 and FIG. 2, there are provided support beams. The support beams at their ends are fixedly
coupled to the respective elongated leg (12a, 12b) and the down tube (02). As shown in the FIG.
2, a left support beam (09) is fixedly coupled to the elongated leg (12a) and the down tube (02).
As such, it should be noted that only the left support beam (09) is visible in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
and there is also a right support beam similar to the left support beam (09) that may be coupled
with the elongated leg (12b) and down tube (02).
The protective covering (10) for the rear wheel (05) of the vehicle (100) is disposed in
such a manner that it extends in a vertical direction. In an embodiment, the protective covering
(1 0) is mounted juxtaposed to the rear wheel (05) and primarily intended to protect the cloths of
rider I passenger from getting entangled with the rear wheel (05). In an embodiment, the
protective covering ( 1 0) is mounted to the left support beam (09) using brackets (09a, 09b ). In an
embodiment, the protective covering ( 1 0) can also be adapted to be mounted on the elongated leg
(12a). In another embodiment, the protective covering (10) is mounted at any suitable location
using bracket members or through a direct coupling. It should be noted that in some
ambodiments, additionally or alternatively, -another similar protective covering can also be
13
mounted in a similar manner from the right side of the vehicle (1 00).
Referring now to FIG. 4, a top view of the rear portion of the vehicle ( 1 00) is depicted.
As illustrated, the vehicle seat (08) is in the first position or the normal position, enabling a
passenger to sit thereupon. It may be noted that the vehicle seat (08) as depicted herein is
removably coupled with the rear frame body of the vehicle (100).
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle seat (08), according to one
embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the vehicle seat (08)
comprises at least one engagement member, such as a latch member (34) that may aid in
removably coupling the vehicle seat (08) with the rear frame body of the vehicle (I 00).
Specifically, the at least one engagement member of the vehicle seat (08) is removably coupled
with at least one complementary engagement member present in the rear frame body of the
vehicle (100). In accordance with aspects of the present technique, the complementary
engagement members may include at least one hook member (34a), a locking hole (33o) and the
like.
In the presently contemplated configuration, the at least one complementary engagement
members are present in elongated legs (l2a, I2b) ofthe rear frame body of the vehicle (100). As
an example, while fixing, the vehicle seat (08) on the rear frame body of the vehicle (I 00), the
latch members (34) of the vehicle seat (08) are receivably engaged with the hook members such
as the hook members (34a) of the elongated legs (l2a,I2b). Also, additionally or alternatively, a
locking member (33) of the vehicle seat (08) is lockably engaged with the locking hole (33o) (as
shown in FIG. 3).
FIG. 6 shows one view of the protective covering (IO) and FIG. 7 is perspective view of
the protective covering (I 0), in accordance with aspects of the present technique. Referring now
to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 in combination, the protective covering (10) which is intended to be
disposed on at least one side of the rear wheel (05) of the vehicle (100), is depicted. The
protective covering (I 0) can be disposed at a left side of vehicle ( 100), but this should not be
considered as limiting. In other forms, alternatively or additionally, similar protective covering
oan·.be disposed at a right side of the vehicle. IA:{)f.}e embodiment, the protective covering may·be
14
disposed on both the left side and the right side of the vehicle (I 00) juxtaposed to the rear wheel
(05). In an embodiment, the protective covering (I 0) comprises a pipe member (13) shaped to
form an approximately English alphabet "U" like structure having an opening towards the front
direction of the vehicle (100) defining an upper longitudinal bar (13u) running generally in
longitudinal direction of the vehicle (I 00), a rear inclined bar ( 13r) extending rearwardly and
downwardly from the upper longitudinal bar (13u) and a lower longitudinal bar (131) extending
frontwardly from the rear inclined bar (13r). The lower longitudinal bar (131), generally, in the
rear portion thereof, is connected to the rear end of the pillion side step member ( 14) using
fastening means such as bolts and the like, Alternatively, the lower longitudinal bar (131) may be
connected to the rear end of the pillion side step member (14) using a welding technique. The
front end ofthe pillion side step member (14) is connected to a rider step bracket (15) for a rider
side step member (16) (see, FIG. 4). The pillion side step member (14) is primarily intended to
provide a platform for the pillion to put his/her/their feet thereupon while sitting on the vehicle
(100). The pillion side step member (14), the rider side step member (16) and the rider step
bracket (15) are of conventional design and would be known to the person skilled in the art,
hence their corresponding description is omitted here for the sake of brevity.
In an embodiment, the protective covering ( 1 0) is provided with a support member ( 17)
running inclined at an angle to the upper longitudinal bar (13u) and the lower longitudinal bar
(131) and, generally, substantially parallel to the rear inclined bar (13r) is joined to and towards
frontal region ofthe upper longitudinal bar (13u) and the lower longitudinal bar (131). Without
being considered as limiting to the scope of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
support member (17) and the pipe member (13) together substantially form a parallelogram
shaped structure. In one form, alternatively, the support member (17) and the pipe member (13)
may be made as one integrated unit and may be a single pipe structure.
In an embodiment, the upper longitudinal bar (13u) further comprises at least one bracket
member. FIG. 7 illustrates two bracket members such as bracket members (18a) and (18b)
extending upwardly thereof and having joining hole (18o) there through. In an embodiment, the
rear inclined bar (13r) ofthe protective covering (10) in the upper region thereof is provided with
a ,real' bracket member ( 19) extending rearwardly-.and upwardly with respect to rear inclined -bar·
15
(13r).
In accordance with aspects of the present technique, the protective covering includes a
Jock device (20). The lock device (20), primarily intended to hook and lock the helmet, is
provided on the rear bracket member ( 19). The lock device (20) includes a locking plunger (20p)
preferably movable in the vertical direction to lock I unlock the helmet lock device (20). In an
embodiment, the lock device (20) can be provided at suitable location on the main frame body of
the vehicle (I 00) or can also be provided on some bracket which in turn is mounted to the main
frame body. In one embodiment, the lock device (20) is provided on the rear frame body of the
vehicle (I 00). In an alternate embodiment, the lock device (20) can also be mounted in such way
that the locking plunger (20p) is movable in the horizontal direction. In an embodiment, the lock
device (20) can also be mounted in such way that the locking plunger (20p) is movable at a
particular angle depending upon requirement.
In an embodiment, the protective covering (1 0) includes at least one reinforcing loop. As
shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, two reinforcing loops such as an upper
reinforcing loop (21) and a lower reinforcing loop (22) primarily intended to strengthen the
structure ofthe protective covering (10) are provided. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and
7, the upper reinforcing loop (21) and the lower reinforcing loop (22) are disposed substantially
parallel to the upper longitudinal bar (13u) and the lower longitudinal bar (131). The rear ends of
the upper reinforcing loop (21) and the lower reinforcing loop (22) are attached to the rear
inclined bar (13r) and front ends ofthe upper reinforcing loop (21) and a lower reinforcing loop
(22) are attached to the support member ( 17). The rear ends and the front ends of the upper
reinforcing loop (21) and a lower reinforcing loop (22) are attached by suitable mechanisms such
as, but not limited to welding.
The upper reinforcing loop (21) and the lower reinforcing loop (22) in the front region
thereof are interconnected by an interconnecting loop (23) extending outwardly in the transverse
direction of the vehicle (100). For instance, in case of the protective covering (10) on the left
side, the interconnecting loop (23) extends outwardly in the left direction having an opening
substantially in the longitudinal direction as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6
· and·l."•However, in other forms, the opening of interconnecting loop (23) can also be oriented··in~.-
16
the direction inclined to longitudinal plane and I or transverse plane of the vehicle ( 1 00). The
interconnecting loop (23), apart from further providing strength to the protective covering (1 0),
is intended to adaptively receive a catch member (35) of the vehicle seat (08) of the vehicle
(1 00).
In an embodiment, towards the rear end, the upper reinforcing loop (21) includes a wire
rod (24) running substantially parallel to the rear inclined bar (13r) of protective covering (10).
Further, a plate holding bar (25) is fixedly connected to the wire rod (24) and the rear inclined
bar (13r). The plate holding bar (25) extends, preferably, substantially perpendicular to the
direction of movement of the locking plunger (20p) of the lock device (20). In the exemplary
illustrated embodiment the plate holding bar (25) is shown as extending substantially horizontal.
In one embodiment, a locking plate (26) is rotatably received by the plate holding bar
(25). In other embodiments, the locking plate (26) can also slide in along a length direction onto
the plate holding bar (25).
Referring now to FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, views depicting the vehicle seat when
mounted to the protective covering (10) are illustrated. The locking plate (26), in an
embodiment, when in a locked position (as shown in FIG. 6) extends outwardly from the plate
holding bar (25), which in the present embodiment is leftwardly from the plate holding bar (25)
forming a lower base portion (27) (as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10), then upwardly from the
lower base portion (27) forming a central vertical region (28) then inwardly from the central
vertical region (28) (rightward in a preferred embodiment) and preferably, substantially parallel
to the lower base portion (27) forming an upper locking portion (29) (as shown in FIG. 9). The
upper locking portion (29) is having a locking hole (29p) adapted to receive the locking plunger
(20p) of the lock device (20). In one embodiment, the locking plunger (20p) of the lock device
(20) and the locking hole (29p) are coaxial to each other. In an embodiment, the locking plate
(26) is English letter "C" shaped. In alternate embodiments, the locking plate (26) can be of other
suitable shapes.
c····Referring back to FIG. 2, at the upper end~·the protective covering (10) is mounted to the-- , .
17
bracket members (09a, 09b) of the left support beam (09). In one embodiment, the bracket
members (18a, 18b) of protective covering (I 0) can be detachably attached to the bracket
members (09a, 09b). Further, at the lower end, the protective covering (I 0) is supported by the
pillion side step member (14 ), which in turn, is connected to the rider step bracket (15).
Referring to FIG. 5 in combination with FIG. 9, the vehicle seat (08) includes a first
portion (31) for seating thereon, and a second portion (30), which is a base portion of the vehicle
seat (08). The second portion (30) of the vehicle seat (08) includes engagement members such as
a latch member, a locking member, a locking loop, at least one catch member, or combinations
thereof. The first portion (31) may be formed of a material such as but not limited to sponge, for
enabling seating of a person. As used herein the terms "second portion" and "base portion" of the
seat, may be used interchangeably.
Additionally, the second portion (30) of the seat (08) includes at least one stopper (32),
which may typically be formed of a material such as, but not limited to rubber, for preventing
vibrations thereby suppressing noise.
It may be noted that the first portion (31) is attached to the second portion (30) of the
vehicle seat (08). As previously noted, the vehicle seat (08) also includes the latch members (34)
intended to be removably engaged with the hook members (34a) ofthe rear frame body (see FIG.
1) to aid in coupling ofthe vehicle seat (08) onto the vehicle (100).
Referring again to FIG. 8, the second portion or the base portion (30) of the vehicle seat
(08) in the central region thereof from its bottom side is provided with at least one catch member
(35). The catch member (35) extends, generally, in the same orientation as that of the opening of
the interconnecting loop (23). In an embodiment, the catch member (35) is made integral with
the base portion (30) of the vehicle seat (08). In another embodiment, the catch member (35) is
fastened separately with the base portion (30) of the vehicle seat (08). In one form, the catch
member (35) can be of a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 15 .
. ~ 'f.he second portion (30) of the seat towards a right rear portion is provided with a locking· .. .,,
18
loop (36). When the vehicle seat (08) is in the first position, the locking loop (36) extends
downwardly from the second portion (30) of the vehicle seat (08). Typically, the opening (37) of
the locking loop (36) is in the same orientation as that of direction of the movement of the
locking plunger (20p) of the lock device (20), when the vehicle seat (08) is in the second
position. In a preferred embodiment, the opening (37) of the locking loop (36) extends in the
transverse direction of the vehicle when vehicle seat (08) is in the first position, that is
removably fixed on the elongated legs (12a, 12b) of vehicle (100) and is adapted to receive the
locking plate (26). The locking loop (36) can be made up ofthe same or different material as that
of second portion (30) of the seat. In an embodiment, the locking loop (36) is an integral part of
the second portion (30) ofthe vehicle seat (08). In an embodiment, the locking loop (36) is fixed
/fastened to the second portion (30) ofthe vehicle seat (08).
It should be noted that the vehicle seat (08), particularly, the second portion (30) of the
vehicle seat (08) includes a plurality of engagement members such as latch member(s) (34),
locking member (33), locking loop (36), and at least one catch member (35) . The engagement
members alone or in combination are capable of removably coupling the vehicle seat (08) with
the rear frame body and the protective covering (1 0). It should be noted that the rear frame body
includes complementary engagement members and the protective covering (I 0) include
additional complementary engagement members to aid in removably coupling the vehicle seat
(08) thereto. For instance, the rear frame body includes the pair of hook members (34a) and the
locking hole (33o). Further, the protective covering (10) may include the interconnecting loop
(23), the lock device (20), the locking plate (26), the reinforcing loops (21, 22), and the like. It
should be understood that only these engagement members and complementary engagement
members and additional complementary engagement members are shown for exemplary
purposes, and such members may be configured in variety of other configurations.
Pertaining to some exemplary embodiments described above, operation of mounting the
vehicle seat (08) on the protective covering (10) is described below.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 9, the catch member (35) of the vehicle seat (08) which has
been removed is receivably inserted into the interconnecting loop (23) of the protective covering -· "···
19
(I O) and the rear portion of the vehicle seat (08) is brought near to the rear bracket member (19)
ofthe rear inclined bar (13r) and the locking plate (26) is rotated about the plate holding bar (25)
in clockwise direction (when seen from a rear side of the vehicle (I 00)) such that the upper
locking portion (29) is passed through the opening (37) of the locking loop (36) of the vehicle
seat (08) (as shown in FIG. 9). Specifically shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the locking plate (26) is
further rotated in clockwise direction intending to bring the locking hole (29p) of the upper
locking portion (29) in consonance with the opening of the lock device (20). At the same time,
the central vertical region (28) presses, the locking loop (36) from inside of the opening (37) of
the locking loop (36) thereby moving the vehicle seat (08) towards the protective covering (1 0)
or the vehicle (I 00). During this process, it should be noted that the at least one rubber stopper
(32) may get pressed against the reinforcing loops (2I, 22), or the pipe member (13) or the
support member (17) or any similar other member of the protective covering (1 0), thereby
further aiding in mounting the vehicle seat (08) on the protective covering (I 0).
When the locking hole (29p) of the upper locking portion (29) of the locking plate (26)
matches/aligns with the opening of lock device (20), the lock device (20) is actuated, using key
or otherwise, thereby engaging the locking plunger (20p) with the locking hole (29p) of the
upper locking portion (29) to lock the locking plate (26) with the lock device (20). Since, a
central vertical region of the locking plate (26) lies inside the opening (3 7) of the locking loop
(36), the vehicle seat (08) also gets locked with the lock device (20) and thereby with the
protective covering (10). Accordingly, in this manner, or alternatively or additionally in other
manners, the vehicle seat (08) can be easily uninstalled from its normal position and can be
carried along with the vehicle (I 00) by disposing the vehicle seat (08) onto the protective
covering (I 0), and hence it is not required to be stored in any compartment, box, and the like.
FIG. II illustrates that a vehicle seat (08), which is a single long seat can also be
mounted/ disposed in similar manner described above on the protective covering (10).
FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment, typically a side view of the rear portion of the vehicle
with the vehicle seat (08) in the second position or the disposed position. As illustrated, the
vehicle ,scat (08) when mounted to the protective covering (10) rests on the pillion side step .,. ......
20
member (14).
In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a side view and a top view ofthe
vehicle seat (08) when mounted to the protective covering (I 0) is depicted, respectively. The
second portion (30) of the seat, which is also the base portion (30) of the vehicle seat (08), as
previously mentioned, on the right rear portion is provided with a locking loop (36) extending
downwardly from the base portion (30) when the vehicle seat (08) is fixed on the elongated legs
(12a,12b) of the vehicle (100)) with an opening (37) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle
(I 00). The opening (37) is adapted to receive the locking plunger (20p) of the lock device (20)
where locking plunger (20p) being movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100).
In accordance with aspects of the present technique, the base portion (30) of the vehicle
seat (08) is provided with a locking loop (36) that extends downwardly from the base portion
(30) (seen when the vehicle seat (08) is fixed on the elongated legs (12a, 12b) of vehicle(! 00))
with an opening (37) at suitable locations on the vehicle seat (08) such that locking loop (36) can
be directly removably engaged with the lock device (20).
In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a perspective view of the vehicle
seat (08) and a perspective view of the vehicle seat (08) when mounted to the protective covering
(I 0) and seen from a rear side of the vehicle (100), respectively, are illustrated. The vehicle seat
(08) among other components includes a bracket member (70). At one end, the bracket member
(70) is fastened to the base portion (30) of the vehicle seat (08), and at the other end the bracket
member (70) includes a locking hole (70o ). A catch member (35) extends downwardly and
frontwardly from the second portion (30) of the vehicle seat (08), when the vehicle seat (08) is
fixed on the elongated legs (12a, 12b) of vehicle (100). The catch member (35) of the vehicle
seat (08), which has been removed, is receivably inserted into the interconnecting loop (23) of
the protective covering (1 0) and the rear portion of the vehicle seat (08) is brought near to the
rear bracket member (19) of the rear inclined bar (13r) such that the locking hole (70o) of the
bracket member (70) is in consonance with the opening of the lock device (20). Further, the lock
device (20) is actuated, using key or otherwise, thereby engaging the locking plunger (20p) with
the locking· hole (70o ), and locking the vehicle seat (08)-,with the lock device (20) and thereby
21
with the protective covering (I 0).
In an embodiment, the reinforcing loops (2 I, 22), the pipe member (I 3), the support
member (I 7) or any other components of the protective covering (I 0) are covered, partially or
fully, with rubber material or any other similar suitable material so as to dampen the noise, if any
due to vibration between the vehicle seat (08) and the protective covering (I 0).
In one embodiment, the catch member (35), the interconnecting loop (23) of the
protective covering (I 0); and the locking loop (36), the lock device (20) of the vehicle seat (08)
are positioned in such a way that the vehicle seat (08) when mounted to the protective covering
(10) rests on the pillion side step member (14).
In another embodiment, the plurality of interconnecting loops (23) and catch members
(35) are provided for better mounting of the vehicle seat (08) onto the protective covering (I 0).
In another embodiment, the lock device (20) can be provided on the frame body of the
vehicle instead of providing on the protective covering (10).
In another embodiment, the position of the interconnecting loop (23) can be suitably
changed such that the catch member (35) can be receivably inserted into the interconnecting loop
(23) of the protective covering (10).
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.

1/We claim:
I. A vehicle seat for a straddle-type vehicle, the vehicle seat comprising:
a first portion for seating thereon, and
a second portion having at least one engagement member adapted for removably coupling
the vehicle seat to the vehicle, wherein the vehicle seat is adapted to be removably coupled to
the vehicle at a first location and further adapted to be removably coupled to the vehicle at a
second location.
2. The vehicle seat according to claim I, wherein the at least one engagement member is one
of a latch member, a locking member, a locking loop, a catch member, or combinations
thereof.
3. The vehicle seat according to claim I, wherein the second portion is a base portion of the
vehicle seat.
4. The vehicle seat according to claim I, wherein the vehicle seat is in a first position when the
seat is removably coupled at the first location, and wherein the vehicle seat is in a second
position when the vehicle seat is removably coupled at the second location.
5. The vehicle seat according to claim I, wherein the vehicle seat comprises at least one
bracket member having a first end and a second end, the bracket member coupled to the
second portion of the vehicle seat at the first end and wherein the bracket member comprises
a locking hole at the second end, the locking hole adapted for engaging the vehicle seat at
the second location ofthe vehicle.
6. A straddle-type vehicle, comprising:
-a rear frame body;
- at least one vehicle seat comprising a first portion and a second portion, the second portion
having at least one engagement member adapted for removably coupling the seat to the rear
frame body at a first location of the vehicle, and
23
-a protective covering disposed on a side of the vehicle adapted to receive the at least one
engagement member of the vehicle seat at a second location of the vehicle.
7. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the rear frame body comprises at
least one complementary engagement member adapted to engage with the at least one
engagement member of the vehicle seat.
8. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the protective covering comprises at
least one additional complementary engagement member adapted to engage with the at least
one engagement member of the vehicle seat.
9. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the at least one engagement
member is one of a latching member, a locking member, a locking loop, a catch member, or
combinations thereof.
I 0. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle seat is arranged in a first
position when coupled to the rear frame body and wherein the vehicle seat is arranged in a
second position when coupled to the protective covering of the vehicle.
11. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the at least one complementary
engagement member is one of at least one hook member and a locking hole.
12. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the at least one additional
complementary engagement member is one of an interconnecting loop, a lock device, a
locking plate and one or more reinforcing loops.
13. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the lock device is provided on the
rear frame body of the vehicle.
24
14. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the catch member extends
downwardly and frontwardly from the second portion of the vehicle seat, when the vehicle
seat is in the first position.
15. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the locking loop comprises an
opening extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, when the vehicle seat is in the
first position.
16. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the opening in the locking loop is
adapted to receive the locking plate coupled to the protective covering, when the vehicle
seat is in the second position.
17. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the interconnecting loop of the
protective covering is adapted to receive the catch member of the vehicle seat, when the
vehicle seat is in the second position.
18. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the interconnecting loop comprises
an opening, such that the catch member is in a same orientation as that of the opening ofthe
interconnecting loop.
19. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle seat comprises at least
one bracket member having a first end and a second end, the bracket member coupled to the
second portion of the vehicle seat at the first end and wherein the bracket member comprises
a locking hole at the second end, the locking hole adapted for engaging the vehicle seat at
the second location of the vehicle.
20. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the protective covering comprises a
noise damping material.
25
l
l 4
l
I
l l
J
i ~ I l
!
' i l
l
l
21. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the protective covering comprises a
pipe member having an opening towards a front direction of the vehicle, the pipe member
comprising an upper longitudinal bar, a rear inclined bar and a lower longitudinal bar.
22. The straddle- type vehicle according to claim 21, wherein the lower longitudinal bar is
connected to a pillion side step member.
23. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the protective covering comprises a
support member.
24. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the protective covering comprises a
wire rod.
25. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 24, wherein the wire rod is parallel to the rear
inclined bar.
26. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the protective covering comprises a
plate holding bar.
27. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the plate holding bar is fixedly
connected to the wire rod and the rear inclined bar.
28. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the plate holding bar extends
perpendicular to the direction of movement of a locking plunger of the lock device.
29. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the locking plate is rotatably
and/or slidably mounted to the plate holding bar.
30. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 28, wherein the locking plate comprises a
locking hole adapted to receive the locking plunger of the lock device, such that the locking
hole and the locking plunger are coaxial.
26
31. A straddle type vehicle as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
32. A vehicle seat for a straddle type vehicle as described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
33. A method for mounting a vehicle seat to a protective covering of a straddle-type vehicle, the
method comprising:
- receivably inserting at least one engagement member of the vehicle seat into at least one
additional complementary engagement member of the protective covering, wherein the at
least one engagement member is one of a latching member, a locking member, a locking
loop, a catch member and combinations thereof, and wherein the at least one additional
complementary engagement member is one of an interconnecting loop, a lock device, a
locking plate and one or more reinforcing loops;
-rotating the locking plate about a plate holding bar of the protective covering; and
-passing the locking plate through the locking loop of the vehicle seat.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the method further comprises:
-actuating the lock device for engaging a locking plunger of the lock device with the
locking hole for locking the vehicle seat with the protective covering.