TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] The present invention relates to a convertible device and a method of manufacturing the convertible device that is used an accessory for vehicles like motorcycles, optionally provide a pillion rider’s seat without compromising the aesthetics and operational flexibility of the design of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Generally, a two-wheel vehicle such as a motorcycle predominantly provides a rider seat and /or a pillion rider seat which are permanently fixed on the vehicle frame.

[3] Nowadays, custom seats for motorcycles have grown popularity, specifically for sport motorcycles where the operator desires to custom seat frame limited to a single rider. Occasionally, if the operator desires to transport a second passenger, such permanent seats do not satisfy the requirements of the operator and thus, the operator may be required to carry a tool kit and a bag or even get some professional assistance from a mechanic or go to a garage to mount an additional seat for the second passenger. Such operations are time consuming and not user friendly. Further, such arrangements have neither been cost effective nor provide great aesthetic appeal to the motorcycle.

[4] Leading motorcycle manufactures also fail to address this general necessity of the user and do not provide a suitable arrangement for having the additional seat for the second passenger without compromising the aesthetics and operational flexibility of the design of the motorcycles. [5] Therefore, there is a need to provide a vehicle accessory device that obviates and overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[6] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention discloses a convertible device for a vehicle, said convertible device comprising: a base frame assembly coupled to a bracket, said bracket attachable to the vehicle; a seat frame assembly with a seating surface having a pivotable middle frame assembly coupled with a foldable upper frame assembly; a handle frame assembly with a locking assembly coupled to said base frame assembly; a linkage assembly having a plurality of pivotable linking arms disposed at left-right positions in a left-right direction of the vehicle for coupling said seat frame assembly, and said handle frame assembly to said base frame assembly, and a compression spring assembly coupled to said handle frame assembly at one end and said base frame assembly at other end via said plurality of pivotable linking arms, said convertible device, when unlocked by a user is configured to switch from a retracted cowl position to a use position by unfolding the foldable upper frame assembly and extending said handle frame assembly, said compression spring assembly, said linking assembly, said pivotable middle frame assembly and said foldable upper frame assembly to an extended seat position, rearward of said base frame assembly with said seating surface at least partially disposed behind a first supporting structure with a rotation center of the pivotable middle frame assembly and at least partially disposed forward of a second supporting structure with a rotation center of the foldable upper frame assembly, are in a same plane, in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[7] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[8] Figure 1 through Figures 1A and IB illustrates an isometric view and exploded view of a convertible device in a retracted cowl position and an extended seat position, according to an aspect of the present invention;

[9] Figure 2 through Figures 2A and 2B illustrates exploded views of the convertible device in the extended seat position and the retracted cowl position, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[10] Figure 3 through Figures 3 A and 3B illustrates top view and bottom view of base frame assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[11] Figure 4 through Figures 4A and 4B illustrates front view of handle frame assembly coupled with base frame assembly via a plurality of pivotable linking arms in the retracted cowl position and extended seat position, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[12] Figure 5 through Figures 5A and 5B illustrates front view of pivotable middle frame assembly of the seat frame assembly coupled with base frame assembly via a plurality of pivotable linking arms in the retracted cowl position and extended seat position, according to the embodiment of the present invention; [13] Figure 6 illustrates front view, top view and detailed view of coupling of a first supporting structure with a rotation center of the pivotable middle frame assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[14] Figure 7 through Figures 7A and 7B illustrates front view of coupling of compression assembly with pivotable middle frame assembly via a plurality of pivotable linking arms and coupling of second supporting structure with a rotation center of the foldable upper frame assembly via a plurality of pivotable linking arms in the retracted cowl position and extended seat position, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[15] Figure 8 illustrates front view and isometric top view handle frame assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

[16] Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of a method of manufacturing the convertible device, according to another aspect of the present invention.

[17] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[18] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[19] In general, the present invention claims a convertible device for a vehicle, comprising a base frame assembly coupled to a bracket, said bracket attachable to the vehicle; a seat frame assembly with a seating surface having a pivotable middle frame assembly coupled with a foldable upper frame assembly; a handle frame assembly with a locking assembly coupled to said base frame assembly; a linkage assembly having a plurality of pivotable linking arms disposed at left- right positions in a left-right direction of the vehicle, a compression spring assembly coupled to said handle frame assembly at one end and said base frame assembly at other end.

[20] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[21] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. All the terms and expressions in the description are only for the purpose of the understanding and nowhere limit the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. [22] Referring Figures 1-9 shows a convertible device (100, 200), bracket (105), bolts (108), base frame assembly (110), a plurality of first parallel horizontal plates (112), front end (112F), rear end (112B), a plurality of second parallel horizontal plates (114), front end (114F), rear end (114B), C-shaped hooking section (112HS, 114HS), third parallel horizontal plates (116), a plurality of parallel vertical plates (118), first bottomed C-shaped hooking plate (118L), second bottomed C-shaped hooking plate (118R), vertical plate (118VB), seat frame assembly (120), seating surface (122), foam (124), a plurality of pivotable linking arms (125), holes (126), pivot points (128), retracted cowl position (RC), extended seat position (ES), pivotable middle frame assembly (130), a first base plate (132), first supporting structure (134), plurality of perpendicularly coupled supporting plates, (134L, 134R), a second base plate (135), a plurality of perpendicularly coupled bottom plates (136, 136L, 136R), a bottomed perpendicular surface (138), parallel sockets (SP1, SP2), rotation center (RC1, RC2), shaft (S), foldable upper frame assembly (140), second supporting structure

(144), plurality of perpendicularly coupled supporting plates, (144L, 144R), left- right positions (LP, RP), left-right direction (L, R), front-rear direction (F, B), handle frame assembly (150), an angular plate (152), a semi-circular plate (154), locking assembly (155), a latch (155LT), a locking pin (155LP), a rod (156), a cover plate (158), compression spring assembly (160), cylinder body (162) piston

(164), and method (300, 400).

[23] Referring Figure 1 through Figures 1A and IB illustrates an isometric view and exploded view of a convertible device (100) in a retracted position (RC) and an extended seat position (ES), according to an aspect of the present invention.

[24] Referring Figure 2 through Figures 2A and 2B illustrates exploded views of the convertible device (100) in the extended seat position (ES) and the retracted cowl position (RC), according to the embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment, convertible device (100) comprises a base frame assembly (110) coupled to a bracket (105). The bracket (105) attachable to the vehicle. A seat frame assembly (120) with a seating surface (122) having a pivotable middle frame assembly (130) coupled with a foldable upper frame assembly (140); a handle frame assembly (150) with a locking assembly (155) coupled to said base frame assembly (110), a linkage assembly having a plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) disposed at left-right positions (LP, RP) in a left- right direction (LR) of the vehicle for coupling said seat frame assembly, and said handle frame assembly (150) to said base frame assembly (110), and a compression spring assembly (160) coupled to said handle frame assembly (150) at one end and said base frame assembly (110) at other end via said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125).

[25] According to the embodiment, base frame assembly (110) is removably coupled to said bracket (105) via bolts (108). The seating surface (122) is topped with at least a foam (124). The bracket (105) is attached rearward to a main seating surface or is attached as the main seating surface of the vehicle.

[26] Referring Figure 3 through Figures 3A and 3B illustrates top view and bottom view of base frame assembly (110), according to the embodiment of the present invention. The base frame assembly (110) includes a plurality of first parallel horizontal plates (112) having a front end (112F) and a rear end (112B) disposed on left (L) in the left-right (LR) direction of the vehicle, parallel to a plurality of second parallel horizontal plates (114) having a front end (114F) and a rear end (114B) disposed on right (R) in the left-right direction (LR) of the vehicle.

[27] According to the embodiment, each said plurality of first (112) and second (114) parallel horizontal plates are perpendicularly interconnected with a plurality of parallel vertical plates (118), at an intermediate position of said base frame assembly (110).

[28] Referring Figure 2B, according to the embodiment, each said plurality of parallel first (112) and second (114) horizontal plates are inclined about a first degree and have a C-shaped hooking section (112HS, 114HS) configured for coupling said base frame assembly (110) with said bracket (105) at said front end (112F, 114F).

[29] According to the embodiment, each said plurality of vertical plates (118) are inclined about a second degree and are interconnected with a first bottomed C- shaped hooking plate (118L) disposed on left (L) in the left-right direction (LR) of the vehicle, parallel to a second bottomed C-shaped hooking plate (118R) disposed on right (R) in the left-right (LR) direction of the vehicle, configured for coupling said base frame assembly (110) with said bracket (105) at said intermediate position of said base frame assembly (110).

[30] According to the embodiment, the base frame assembly (110) includes a plurality of third parallel horizontal plates (116) with slots, perpendicularly interconnected to a vertical plate (118VB) at said rear end (112B, 114B), said vertical plate (118VB) inclined about a third degree interconnects each said plurality of first (112) and second (114) parallel horizontal plates.

[31] According to the embodiment, base frame assembly (110), said seat frame assembly (120), said handle frame assembly (150), and said linkage assembly include coaxial holes (126) disposed at a predetermined position for removably coupling and forming a plurality of pivot points (128).

[32] According to the present invention, the base frame assembly (110) comprises plurality of mild steel plates arranged in a manner to provide a reinforced structure. The plates are coincident, mounted to each other and are separated by predetermined distances and arranged accordingly. The plates are inclined about a predetermined angle about predetermined degrees. The plates include holes of predetermined diameter and coaxial with predetermined distances.

[33] Referring figures 4-7 illustrate linking arrangement, according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 through Figures 4A illustrates front view of handle frame assembly (150) coupled with base frame assembly (110) via a plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) and Figures 4B illustrates views of coupling of handle frame assembly (150) with base frame assembly (110) in the retracted position (RC) and extended seat position (ES), according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[34] Referring Figure 5 through Figures 5A illustrates front view of pivotable middle frame assembly (130) of the seat frame assembly (120) coupled with base frame assembly (110) via a plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) and Figures 6B illustrates views of coupling of pivotable middle frame assembly (130) with base frame assembly (110) in the retracted cowl position (RC) and extended seat position (ES), according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[35] According to the embodiment, pivotable middle frame assembly (130) includes a first base plate (132) having a plurality of perpendicularly coupled bottom plates (136, 136L, 136R) disposed at left-right positions (LP, RP) towards bottomed front end of said first base plate (132) for coupling to said plurality of first (112) and second (114) parallel horizontal plates of the base frame assembly (110) via said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125).

[36] Referring Figure 5, 7A and 7B, the pivotable middle frame assembly (130) includes a second base plate (135) mounted on said first base plate (132) towards rear end of said first base plate, having a bottomed perpendicular surface (138) for coupling to said third parallel slotted horizontal plates (116) of the base frame assembly (110) via said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125).

[37] According to the embodiment, top side of said second base plate (135) of said pivotable middle frame assembly (130) and bottom side of said foldable upper frame assembly (140) include perpendicularly mounted plurality of parallel sockets (SP1, SP2) that aid in locking the convertible device (100) in said extended seat position (ES) / retracted cowl position (RC).

[38] According to the embodiment, plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) connecting said base frame assembly (110) with said first base plate (132) of said pivotable middle frame assembly (130) form a parallelogram in said extended seat position (ES). The pivotable linking arms (125) form planner crossed bar linkages having with four pivot points. All the pivotable linking arms (125) or rigid bodies are at rest but unlocked in switching to the extended seat position (ES). The pivotable linking arms (125) pivot or slide through the pivot points. The pivotable linking arms (125) in motion have predetermined angular displacement and pivot or slide in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The pivotable linking arms (125) may be parallel to each other.

[39] According to the embodiment, plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) connecting said base frame assembly (110) with said pivotable handle frame assembly (150) in said extended seat position (ES), extend about a length four times greater than the length in said retracted cowl position (RC).

[40] According to the embodiment, the base frame assembly (110) and said first base plate (132) of said pivotable middle frame assembly (130) are parallel to each other either in said extended seat position (ES) or said retracted cowl position (RC) with a zero degree angle between them.

[41] Referring Figure 6 illustrates front view, top view and detailed view of coupling of a first supporting structure with a rotation center of the pivotable middle frame assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention and

[42] According to the embodiment, the pivotable middle frame assembly (130), and the foldable upper frame assembly includes a first supporting structure (134) with a rotation center (RC1) and a second supporting structure (144) with a rotation center (RC2). The first (134) and second supporting structure (144) include a plurality of perpendicularly coupled supporting plates (134L, 134R,

144L, 144R), each mounted at a left-right position (LP, RP) on a rotational shaft (S) of said rotation centers (RC1, RC2). The shaft (S) acts as a fulcrum and provides rotation of foldable upper frame assembly (140) and pivotable linking arms (125). [43] According to the embodiment, compression spring assembly (160) includes a compression spring housed in a cylinder body (162) having a piston (164), said spring is uncompressed in said extended seat position (ES) and compressed in said retracted cowl position (RC).

[44] Figure 7 through Figures 7A and 7B illustrates front view of coupling of compression assembly (150) with pivotable middle frame assembly (130) via a plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) and coupling of second supporting structure with a rotation center (RC2) of the foldable upper frame assembly (140) via a plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) in the retracted cowl position (RC) and extended seat position (ES), according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[45] According to the embodiment, said convertible device (100), when unlocked by a user is configured to switch from a retracted cowl position (RC) to a use position by unfolding the foldable upper frame assembly (140) and extending said handle frame assembly, said compression spring assembly, said linking assembly, said pivotable middle frame assembly (130) and said foldable upper frame assembly (140) to an extended seat position (ES), rearward of said base frame assembly (110) with said seating surface (122) at least partially disposed behind a first supporting structure (134) with a rotation center (RC1) of the pivotable middle frame assembly (130) and at least partially disposed forward of a second supporting structure (144) with a rotation center (RC2) of the foldable upper frame assembly, are in a same plane, in a front-rear direction (F, B) of the vehicle. In the retracted cowl position (RC) said pivotable middle frame assembly (130) and said foldable upper frame assembly (140) are parallel to each other in separate planes and are perpendicularly coupled via said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) mounted at a center position on said rotational shafts (S).

[46] Figure 8 illustrates front view and isometric top view handle frame assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment, handle frame assembly (150) includes said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) for coupling to said plurality of third parallel horizontal plates (116) of the base frame assembly (110) at a bottom end and to said locking assembly (155) disposed intermediate said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) at a top end, an angular plate (152) interconnecting said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125), a rod (156) fixed to a semi-circular plate (154) interconnected with said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125), said rod (156) configured to act as a back rest in said extended seat position (ES), and a cover plate (158) mounted on to said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) for covering said convertible device (100) in said retracted position. The locking assembly (155) includes a latch (155LT) and a locking pin (155LP) that connects said parallel sockets (SP1, SP2) for locking said convertible device (100) in said retracted cowl position (RC) / extended seat position (ES). The handle frame assembly (150) acts as a lever and pivots through plurality of pivot points (128). The locking assembly (155) provide locking of the convertible device (100, 200) in both retracted cowl position (RC) and extended seat position (ES).

[47] According to an aspect, the present invention discloses, an operational method of the convertible device (100). According to the sequence of operating the convertible device (100) includes the Steps of A: unlocking the convertible device (100) from a retracted cowl position (RC) by removing the latch (115LT); Step B: Vertically lifting the rod (156) to rearwards direction of the vehicle and simultaneously, unfolding the foldable upper frame assembly (140) towards forward direction of the vehicle; Step C: Applying force partially extending the convertible device (100) uncompressing the compression spring assembly (160) and rotating the foldable upper frame assembly (140) connected via plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) so as to rotate both first rotation center (RC1) and second rotation center (RC2); and Step D: completely extending the convertible device (100) to an extended seat position (ES).

[48] Referring Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of a method (400) of manufacturing the convertible device, according to another aspect of the present invention. The method (400) comprises the steps of Step (410): assembling a base frame assembly (110) with a plurality of first (112) and second (114) parallel horizontal plates inclined about a first degree disposed on left-right position (LP, RP) in the left-right direction (LR) of the vehicle, perpendicularly interconnected with a plurality of parallel vertical plates (118) inclined about a second degree, at an intermediate position of said base frame assembly (110); Step (420) assembling said base frame assembly (110) with a plurality of third parallel horizontal plates (116) with slots, perpendicularly interconnected to a vertical plate (118VB) at said rear end (112B, 114B), said vertical plate (118VB) inclined about a third degree interconnects each said plurality of first (112) and second parallel horizontal plates (114); Step (430) coupling said assembled base frame assembly (110) with a bracket (105) attachable to a vehicle; Step (440): coupling a pivotable middle frame assembly (130) of a seat frame assembly (120) with said plurality of first (112) and second (114) parallel horizontal plates of the base frame assembly (110) via a plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) at a font end and with said third parallel slotted horizontal plates (116) at a rear end (112B, 114B); Step (450): coupling a foldable upper frame assembly, parallel to said pivotable middle frame assembly (130) in a separate plane, via said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) mounted at a centre position on a rotational shaft (S) of a rotation center of said pivotable middle frame assembly (130) and said foldable upper frame assembly (140) in a retracted cowl position (RC); Step (460): coupling a handle frame assembly (150) having a rod (156) and a cover plate (158), to said plurality of third parallel horizontal plates (116) of the base frame assembly (110) at a bottom end and to a locking assembly (155) disposed intermediate said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125) at a top end; and Step (470): coupling a compression spring assembly (160) with a piston (162) and cylinder (164) to said handle frame assembly (150) at one end and said base frame assembly (110) at other end via said plurality of pivotable linking arms (125).

[49] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a convertible device adapted to the vehicle frame that can convert a cowl of the motorcycle to a seat and back to cowl when not in use without compromising the aesthetics and operational flexibility of the design of the motorcycle.

[50] According to an exemplary embodiment, the convertible device may not include the foldable upper frame assembly and include coupling said seat frame assembly, and said handle frame assembly to said base frame assembly, and a compression spring assembly coupled to said handle frame assembly at one end and said base frame assembly at other end via said plurality of pivotable linking arms, said convertible device, when unlocked by a user is configured to switch from a retracted cowl position to a use position.

[51] According to the present invention, the convertible device may be operated manually or automatically by the user. The convertible device may include but not limited to sensors, actuators, transceiver, and control unit having processors configured to execute the instructions send by the user through the communication elements that include but not limited to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth of the user device that include but not limited to like an app or mobile or a display device. The components of the convertible device can be automatically operated with individual selection so as to obtain the desired angle and extended length of the device.

[52] There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a convertible device. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. The type of materials for components and the components, are not limited to those described herein above. Further, the shape and configuration of the assembly, components are provided only for reference and understating purpose of the invention. For example, the pivotable linking arms may be of different shapes, sizes, and lengths. The components can be made of stainless steel or mild steel or any other material. The angles of the linking arrangement are not limited are provided only for reference and understating purpose of the invention. The diameters, lengths of the various members nowhere limit the invention. The first and second supporting structure with plates act as fulcrum to connect to the linkage assembly. It will be appreciated that the embodiments may be manufactured with other types of materials and further, the structure and design of the assembly may vary accordingly as well.

[53] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms“including” is used as the plain-English equivalent of the respective term“comprising” respectively.