TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an attachment assembly for selectively converting a two- wheeled vehicle to a three- wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles such as, but not limited to, motorized scooters, motorcycles, etc., have a plurality of components and assemblies, such as a body frame, a power unit, a passenger seating area, a storage space, and a set of ground engaging members. The power unit is adapted to provide the necessary power to the ground engaging members, to drive the vehicle. The power unit, seating area, storage space, etc., are all carried by the body frame. The ground engaging members are connected to the body frame. Therefore, the body frame is designed to carry the load of the vehicle, including the weight of the power unit, other components, and sub-assemblies of the vehicle. Such weight carried by the body frame is transferred, through the ground engaging members, to the ground.

[0003] In addition to the weight of the power unit, other components, and sub- assemblies of the vehicle, the body frame is also required to hold and sustain loads of occupants of the vehicle, attachments to the vehicle, and articles carried by the vehicle. Therefore, the capacity of the vehicle in terms of storage space and number of passenger seating is often fixed, is dependent upon the shape and design of the body frame.

[0004] Modular vehicles are known in the art, which can be driven as a two wheeled vehicle or as a three wheeled vehicle. However, there are situations or needs to have vehicles that can be configured to accommodate more passengers or to make more storage space.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art. SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides a vehicle along with an attachment assembly which can be easily converted between a two wheeled configuration and a three wheeled configuration according to the requirements. The vehicle facilitates in ease of change in the components to improve the design aesthetics as desired by the customer. Further, during servicing or maintenance, the attachment structure may be readily detachable allowing access for components such as second battery unit, a power generating motor and a control unit. Further, there is a possibility to detach the attachment structure from the vehicle and only one of the attachment structure or the vehicle may be moved to a service center. [0007] In an aspect, the vehicle has a first body frame and an attachment structure. The attachment structure comprising a second body frame and at least two ground engaging members rotatably supported by the second body frame. The attachment structure being removably attachable with the first body frame to convert the vehicle between a two-wheeled configuration and a three-wheeled configuration. [0008] In an aspect, the at least two ground engaging members are rear wheels in the three-wheeled configuration of the vehicle.

[0009] In an aspect, the attachment structure comprises one or more of a seat unit, at least one tail lamp, a rear side cover, a left side cover, a right cover, at least one power generating motor, a battery unit, and at least one suspension device. [00010] In an aspect, the second body frame comprises a first horizontal member, a second horizontal member, and at least one cross bar connecting the first horizontal member and the second horizontal member.

[00011] In an aspect, the first body frame comprises a main down tube, a first down tube, and a second down tube.

[00012] In an aspect, in the secured condition of the second body frame with the first body frame, the first horizontal member is adapted to be connected to the first down tube, and the second horizontal member is adapted to be connected to the second down tube. [00013] In an aspect, the second body frame comprises a first rear bottom frame and a second rear bottom frame configured with an axle of at least two ground engaging members, whereby the first rear bottom frame is hinged with the first horizontal member and the second rear bottom frame is hinged with the second horizontal member. [00014] In an aspect, the second body frame comprises a first rear top frame and a second rear top frame being positioned below a support frame of the seat unit.

[00015] In an aspect, at least two ground engaging members may be configured with a powering means of the vehicle.

[00016] In an aspect, the powering means is an electric motor. [00017] In an aspect, a third battery unit is disposed below the seat unit whereby the third battery unit stores the energy required to power the powering means of the vehicle.

[00018] In an aspect, the attachment structure comprises a first suspension device and a second suspension device, the first suspension device is operatively coupled between the axle of a first rear ground engaging member and the second body frame, and the second suspension device is operatively coupled between the axle of a second rear ground engaging member and the second body frame.

[00019] In an aspect, the first horizontal member and the second horizontal member are selectively attached or detached to the first down tube and the second down tube to convert the vehicle between a two-wheeled configuration and a three wheeled configuration.

[00020] Owing to the positioning of the seat unit as disclosed, above the first rear top frame, and above the support frame of the seat unit, allows the seat unit, and therefore occupants thereon, to remain at a sufficient distance from the ground surface. Likewise, owing to the positioning of the seat unit, above the second rear top frame, and above the support frame of the seat unit, allows the seat unit, and therefore occupants thereon, to remain at a sufficient distance from the ground surface. Therefore, any jerks or effects of undulations on road are unlikely to reach the seat unit, and the occupants thereon. Moreover, such a high position of the seat unit allows the occupants thereon, to have better, clear visibility of the road ahead.

[00021] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00022] 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 disclosure are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: [00023] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00024] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a body frame of the vehicle of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [00025] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the body frame of the vehicle of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00026] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the body frame of the vehicle of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00027] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the body frame of the vehicle of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00028] Figure 6 illustrates another perspective view of the portion of the body frame of the vehicle of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00029] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the body frame of the vehicle of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[00030] Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the body frame of the vehicle of figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00031] 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

[00032] 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 alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00033] 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.

[00034] For a better understanding of this disclosure, the 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.

[00035] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, vehicle and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle”, “electric vehicle”, “EV” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, and the like.

[00036] 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. [00037] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The vehicle (10) referred to herein, embodies a step-through type vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (10) may embody any other ridden vehicle such as an electric motorcycle, etc. without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[00038] Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle comprises a front end structure (102), a floorboard (134), and a rear end structure (104). The front end structure (102) comprises a steering mechanism (113), a leg shield (108), a front ground engaging member (110), a dash assembly (116), a headlamp unit (118), and a plurality of winkers (120). The steering mechanism (113) comprises a handlebar (114). The handlebar (114) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The steering mechanism (113) comprises a plurality of front forks (136) disposed at the front portion of the vehicle (10). The steering mechanism ( 113) is operatively coupled to the front ground engaging member (110) via the plurality of front forks (136). [00039] In the illustrated example, the dash assembly (116) is provided on the steering mechanism (113). The dash assembly (116) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information relating to the vehicle (10) to the rider. In an embodiment, the display unit displays information such as state of charge in the battery, distance travelled by the vehicle (10), and other operating parameters of the vehicle (10). The dash assembly (116) may comprise additional components such as

LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI), etc. without limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the illustrated example, the headlamp unit (114) is provided on the steering mechanism (113). Alternatively, the headlamp unit (114) may be provided on the leg shield (108), without limiting the scope of the disclosure. [00040] The leg shield (108) is disposed on the front portion of the vehicle (10).

The leg shield (108) encloses the steering mechanism (113). The leg shield (108) comprises an inner leg shield (109) and an outer leg shield (111). The leg shield (108) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the plurality of the winkers (120) are disposed on the leg shield (108). Alternatively, the plurality of the winkers (120) may be provided on the steering mechanism (113) of the vehicle (10), without any limitations. The floorboard (134) is disposed behind the front end structure (102) and the rear end structure (104). The floorboard (134) provides a footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[00041] Referring now to Figure 2, and Figure 3, illustrating various views of a first body frame (106) of the vehicle (10). The first body frame (106) comprises a head tube (122), a down frame (500), a first cross member (126), a left seat rail (128), and a right seat rail (130). [00042] The steering mechanism (113) is pivotally supported on the first body frame (106). More particularly, the head tube (122) supports the steering mechanism (113). Further, at least a portion of the head tube (122) and the down frame (500) is enclosed by at least a portion of the leg shield (108). As illustrated in Figure 1, the vehicle (10) comprises a passenger’s seat (170). The rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170) are disposed on the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail

(130). The rider’s seat (112) and the passenger seat (170) may be formed as a single unit or may be individual members, without any limitations. The vehicle (10) comprises a control unit (not shown). The control unit controls various operations of the vehicle (10). [00043] Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle (10) comprises a front side cover

(141), a left side cover (142), and a right side cover (not shown). The front side cover (141) is disposed adjacent to the floorboard (134) and covers the front area below the rider’s seat (112). The left side cover (142) and the right side cover (not shown) are disposed on both sides of the vehicle body and cover the lower sides of the rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170).

[00044] Further, the vehicle (10) may also comprise a first battery unit (not shown). In an embodiment, the first battery unit may be disposed below the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130). In one example, the first battery unit may be disposed within the leg shield (108). In another example, the first battery unit is disposed underneath the floorboard (134), without limiting the scope of the disclosure. [00045] Referring to Figures 1, the vehicle (10) comprises the rear end structure

(104). The rear end structure (104) is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (106) comprises a swing arm (160), a tail lamp (182), and a rear side cover (188). The rear side cover (188) is disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle (10) and covers a hind area below the passenger’s seat (170). In the illustrated example, the tail lamp (182) is disposed on the rear side cover (188). A plurality of turn signal indicators (183) are disposed on either side of the tail lamp (182).

[00046] The rear end structure (104) comprises a rear ground engaging member (184), and at least one suspension device (502). In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (184) is disposed below the rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170).

[00047] The rear end structure (104) comprises at least one suspension device (502). In the illustrated example, the rear end structure (104) comprises one suspension device (502) which is operatively coupled between the first body frame (106) and the swing arm (160). The suspension device (502) embodies a shock absorber. The rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as rear grip, rear fender, license plate, etc. without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[00048] In the illustrated example, the swing arm (160) is pivotally coupled to the first body frame ( 106). More particularly, the first member ( 162) of the swing arm (160) is pivotally coupled to the first body frame (106). [00049] Referring again to Figure 2, and Figure 3, showing the first body frame

(106) of the vehicle (10). The down frame (500) extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (122). The down frame (500) extends between the head tube (122) and the first cross member (126). The down frame (500) further comprises a first plate member (508), a second plate member (510), a right plate member (512), and a left plate member (not illustrated). In addition, the down frame (500) of the first body frame (106) includes a main down tube (516). [00050] Further, in an embodiment, the bottom portion of the main down tube

(516) stems into two pipes namely, the first down tube (518), and the second down tube (520).

[00051] Referring now to Figure 5, the vehicle (10) further includes an attachment member (600). The attachment member (600) is also referred to as “the attachment structure (600)”. The attachment structure (600) is adapted to be detachably coupled to the first body frame (106) of the vehicle (100) to convert the vehicle (10) from a two- wheeled configuration to a three-wheeled configuration. The attachment structure (600) comprises a seat unit (602), at least one tail lamp (not shown), a rear side cover (not shown), a left side cover (not shown), a right cover (not shown), and a second body frame (608). The rear side cover is disposed on the rear portion of the attachment structure (600) and covers the hind area below the seat unit (602). In the illustrated example, the tail lamp is disposed on the rear side cover. A plurality of turn signal indicators (not shown) may be disposed on either side of the tail lamp. The left side cover and the right side cover are disposed on both sides of the attachment structure (600) and cover the lower sides of the seat unit (602).

[00052] Further, the attachment structure (600) comprises at least one rear ground engaging member (606), at least one power generating motor (607), shown in Figure 4, a third battery unit (not shown), and at least one suspension device (607a). In the illustrated example, the attachment structure (600) comprises two rear ground engaging members (606). The rear ground engaging members (606) are disposed below the seat unit (602) and the second body frame (608). In the illustrated example, the attachment structure (600) comprises two power generating motors. The power generating motors are disposed on a hub of the rear ground engaging member (606). Alternatively, the attachment structure (600) may comprise a single power generating motor which may be disposed on the second body frame (608) without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[00053] In the illustrated example, the third battery unit is disposed below the seat unit (602). The third battery unit stores the energy required to power the power generating motors. The third battery unit is electrically coupled to the power generating motors via the control unit of the vehicle (100), when the attachment structure (600) is coupled to the two wheeled vehicle (100). The attachment structure (600) may have an additional control unit to control various operations. When the attachment structure (600) is coupled to the two- wheeled vehicle (100), the additional control unit is in electronic communication with the control unit of the vehicle (100).

[00054] The control unit controls the supply of the electric power from the third battery unit and the first battery unit to the power generating motors. Each of the power generating motors drives each of the rear ground engaging members. [00055] The attachment structure (600) comprises at least one suspension device

(607a). In the illustrated example, the attachment structure (600) comprises two suspension devices, one of which is operatively coupled between an axle of one of the rear ground engaging member (606) and the second body frame (608), and another between an axle (A) of another rear ground engaging member (606) and the second body frame (608).

[00056] Referring now to Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 8, the second body frame (608) of the attachment structure (600) is detachably coupled to the first body frame (106). Specifically, the second body frame (608) of the attachment structure (600) is detachably coupled to the first down tube (518), and the second down tube (520) of the first body frame (106).

[00057] As illustrated in Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, and Figure 8, the second body frame (608) includes a first horizontal member (650), a second horizontal member (652), and at least one cross bar (654) connecting the first horizontal member (650), and the second horizontal member (652). In an embodiment, the cross bar (654) is embodied as a cross bar (654a), a cross bar (654b), and a cross bar (654c). As such, each of the cross bar (654a), the cross bar (654b), and the cross bar (654c), extend between the first horizontal member (650), and the second horizontal member

(652).

[00058] The first horizontal member (650) is adapted to be connected to the first down tube (518), whereas the second horizontal member (652) is adapted to be connected to the second down tube (520) of the first body frame (106). In an example, the second body frame (608) connected to the first body frame (106), forms and defines the modular frame of the vehicle (10).

[00059] The second body frame (608) further includes a first rear bottom frame (656), and a first rear top frame (658). The first rear bottom frame (656) is connected to an axle or a hub of one of the rear ground engaging members, such as a rear ground engaging member (606a). The first rear top frame (658) is positioned above the first rear bottom frame (656), and below the seat unit (602) or below a support (602a) of the seat unit (602). In an embodiment, the first rear top frame (658) is positioned below a support frame (660) of the seat unit (602).

[00060] In an embodiment, the first rear bottom frame (656) is hingedly connected with the first horizontal member (650). The hinged connection of the first rear bottom frame (656) with respect to the first horizontal member (650), allows the first rear bottom frame (656) to swingably move with respect to the first horizontal member (650), and function as a swing arm of the second body frame (608).

[00061] The second body frame (608) further includes a second rear bottom frame (666), and a second rear top frame (668). The first rear bottom frame (666) is connected to an axle or a hub of one of the rear ground engaging members, such as a rear ground engaging member (606b). The second rear top frame (668) is positioned above the second rear bottom frame (666), and below the seat unit (602) or below a support (602b) of the seat unit (602). In an embodiment, the second rear top frame (668) is positioned below the support frame (660) of the seat unit (602).

[00062] In an embodiment, the second rear bottom frame (666) is hingedly connected with the second horizontal member (652). The hinged connection of the second rear bottom frame (666) with respect to the second horizontal member (652), allows the second rear bottom frame (666) to swingably move with respect to the second horizontal member (652), and function as a swing arm of the second body frame (608). [00063] Owing to such positioning of the seat unit (602), above the first rear top frame (658), and above the support frame (660) of the seat unit (602), allows the seat unit (602), and therefore occupants thereon, to remain at a sufficient distance from the ground surface. Likewise, owing to the positioning of the seat unit (602), above the second rear top frame (668), and above the support frame (660) of the seat unit (602), allows the seat unit (602), and therefore occupants thereon, to remain at a sufficient distance from the ground surface. Therefore, any jerks or effects of undulations on road are unlikely to reach the seat unit (602), and the occupants thereon. Moreover, such a high position of the seat unit (602) allows the occupants thereon, to have a better, clear visibility of the road ahead. [00064] During utilization of the vehicle (10), when it is required that only have only two-wheeled configuration, the first horizontal member (650) may be removed from the first down tube (518), whereas the second horizontal member (652) may be removed from the second down tube (520), thereby removing the attachment structure (600) from the body frame (16). On the other hand, when it is required to have the three wheeled configuration, the first horizontal member (650) may be attached to the first down tube (518), whereas the second horizontal member (652) may be attached to the second down tube (520), thereby connecting the attachment structure (600) to the body frame (16). [00065] The present disclosure provides the vehicle (10) along with the attachment structure (600) which can be easily converted between a two wheeled configuration and a three wheeled configuration according to the requirements.

[00066] While few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[00067] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, 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 disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure 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 disclosure and not as a limitation.