WO2017060862A2

WO2017060862A2 - Vehicle seat add-on having back support and air pockets

Info

Publication number: WO2017060862A2
Application number: PCT/IB2016/056012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kolli Madhav Sai Ram REDDY; Viswanadh MALLADI; Samala Santosh KUMAR; Sanandan Sudhir; Nithish Kumar SINHA
Original assignee: Reddy Kolli Madhav Sai Ram; Malladi Viswanadh; Kumar Samala Santosh
Priority date: 2015-10-08
Filing date: 2016-10-07
Publication date: 2017-04-13
Also published as: WO2017060862A3

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an add-on seat for a two-wheeler vehicle having a top part having a rear portion that can bend along a lateral bend axis; and a back rest support configured for adjustment in a forward and rearward direction, wherein adjustment of the back rest support in the forward direction causes the rear portion of the top part to bend along the bend axis to get lifted up, and wherein adjustment of the back rest support in rearward direction results in the rear portion of the top part to bend along with the bend axis to get lowered. The proposed seat can further include a flotation device having one or more air pockets configured to pass through and project outwards from a plurality of apertures of the top part with intervening air gaps between the air pockets.

Description

VEHICLE SEAT ADD-ON HAVING BACK SUPPORT AND AIR POCKETS

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle seats. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat add-on such as a two-wheeler vehicle/bike seat add on having back/lumbar support and air pockets for cushioning.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Earlier low cost bikes were used mainly for travelling short distances or travelling for short periods of time. Nowadays, the bikes are also used for travelling long distances and/or for long time, which however, due to additional features, end up being more expensive. Furthermore, with an exponential growth in e-commerce market in India, need for door-to-door delivery is increasing, resulting in a proportional growth in the number of two-wheelers/bikes that are required to fulfill the purpose. As delivery boys and other users (such as office professionals) need to travel every day for a long duration, fatigue in the lower portion of the body due to riding a bike for longer duration results in back pain, numbness of body parts, uneasiness and irritation due to consistent vibrations, jerks and lack of lumbar support.

[0004] Some prior arts have tried to address such problems but have failed to resolve most of them. For instance, US 20120292958 Al provides for a Motorcycle seat cushion but does not solve the above-mentioned problem as the solution is not integrated with the main bike seat, and therefore the seat cushion needs to be carried every time the user goes away from his/her bike because of the fear of theft.

[0005] Furthermore, most existing products that have attempted to solve the comfort problem for bike users are not fixed to the bike seat, and therefore users' movement with respect to the product would affect the original position of the cushion and/or may dislocate, mandating the rider to regularly keep placing the product back it its right position. Similarly, US 5887951A provides an Orthopedic seating for correcting posture by supporting the bottom/ lower back but such a product cannot be used on a bike as it does not provide adjustability based on the weight, size, shape & ergonomic requirements of the rider, cannot follow the profile of the bike seat, and also does not include any provision for fixing it with bike main body (seat).

[0006] There is therefore a need for a product that facilitates bike ride from the perspective of enhanced comfort for a longer duration of time, back support to correct the posture while riding and better air circulation between the seat and the body parts in contact.

[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[00012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an add-on seat for a vehicle that facilitates bike ride from the perspective of enhanced comfort for a longer duration of time.

[00013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an add-on seat for a vehicle that has an adjustable back support to correct the posture while riding.

[00014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an add-on seat for a vehicle that enables better air circulation between the seat and the body parts in contact.

SUMMARY

[00015] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle seats. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat add-on such as a two-wheeler vehicle/bike seat add on having back/lumbar support and air pockets for cushioning.

[00016] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an add-on seat for a two-wheeler vehicle comprising: a top part having a rear portion that can bend along a lateral bend axis; and a back rest support configured for adjustment in a forward and rearward direction, wherein adjustment of the back rest support in the forward direction causes the rear portion of the top part to bend along the bend axis to get lifted up and provide more support for lumber area for user, and wherein adjustment of the back rest support in rearward direction results in the rear portion of the top part to bend along with the bend axis to get lowered and make the seat suitable for a longer rider.

[00017] In an aspect, the seat can further include a plurality of back supports configured for fitment on the rear portion, and wherein the number of back supports is adjustable.

[00018] In an aspect, the top part can be made of a flexible material selected from any or a combination of a thermoplastic material, polypropylene, HDPP, a polymer, or a rubber material.

[00019] In another aspect, the seat can further include a lower part having a plurality of lateral positioned slots, and wherein the back rest support is adjusted in forward or backward direction by fitment in one of the plurality of laterally positioned slots.

[00020] The top part can further include a rib/member to allow a soft back support to be configured on the top part across one or more positions.

[00021] The back rest support can further be configured to move up and down that enable height of the top part to be varied and satisfy ergonomic requirements of rider.

[00022] In an aspect, the back rest support moves in the forward or backward direction by means of a guide support.

[00023] The proposed seat can further include a back rest locking lever that can be fixed with the top part through a pivot joint and is rotated for locking and unlocking the back rest support and the top part such that when a rider of the vehicle wishes to adjust height of the seat, the rider opens the locking lever by pulling it in a first direction to enable a locking pin to come out from corresponding slot in the back rest support to disengage the top part and the back rest support for adjustment of height. In an aspect, after adjusting the height, the rider can close the locking lever by pressing it in a second opposite direction to engage the locking pin in the slot.

[00024] In an aspect, the seat can further include a first set of snaps to enable the top part to bend upwards and allow the back rest support to move inwards.

[00025] In an aspect, the present disclosure further relates to an add-on seat for a two- wheeler vehicle comprising: a top part comprising a plurality of apertures; and a flotation device having one or more air pockets configured to pass through and project outwards from the plurality of apertures of the top part with intervening air gaps between the air pockets, wherein the one or more air pockets are filled with a fluid such that change in pressure of the fluid results in variation in size of the intervening air gaps for varying air circulation. [00026] In an aspect, the seat can further include a lower part to hold the flotation device in relation with the top part. The flotation device can further include one or more valves configured to change the pressure of the fluid across the one or more air pockets. Furthermore, the top part can further include a rear portion that can bend along a lateral bend axis, and wherein the seat further comprises a back rest support configured for adjustment in a forward and rearward direction, wherein adjustment of the back rest support in the forward direction causes the rear portion of the top part to bend along the bend axis to get lifted up and provide more support for lumber area for user, and wherein adjustment of the back rest support in rearward direction results in the rear portion of the top part to bend along with the bend axis to get lowered and make the seat suitable for a longer rider. In an aspect, the seat can further include a plurality of back supports configured for fitment on the rear portion, and wherein the number of back supports is adjustable.

[00027] In an aspect, the top part and the flotation device can include a cut portion in front and/or rear to create space for air to flow through. The flotation device can be made from any or a combination of TPU, Neoprene, or rubber material. The top part and the flotation device can also be glued together. The flotation device can include protruded thin vertical walls made along periphery of the air pockets in the top part to maintain air passage gap uniformly for airflow during travelling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00028] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[00029] FIG. 1 illustrates the proposed vehicle seat add-on device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[00030] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the assembled vehicle seat add-on in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00031] FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom view of the assembled vehicle seat add-on in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00032] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary representation showing various parts/components of the proposed seat add-on in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [00033] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary representation showing various parts/components of the proposed seat add-on in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00034] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary air flow pathways between pockets of flotation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00035] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation showing adjustability factor present in the proposed seat add-on device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00036] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary representation showing integration of the back rest support and adjustability thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00037] FIG. 9 illustrates the front view of the proposed seat add-on device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00038] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary representation showing back-to-back integration of add-on devices for two riders of a bike.

[00039] FIGs. 11A and 11B illustrate exemplary photographic representations of the proposed bike seat add-on device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00040] FIGs. 12A-12C illustrate exemplary embodiments of the proposed vehicle seat addon device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00041] FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary embodiment of the proposed seat add-on devices in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00042] FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary exploded view of the vehicle add-on seat in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00043] FIG. 15 illustrates exemplary back rest locking lever in open condition in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00044] FIG. 16 illustrates exemplary back side view of the vehicle add-on seat in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00045] FIG. 17 illustrates exemplary back rest locking lever in close condition in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00046] FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary side View of the vehicle add-on seat in accordance with the present disclosure. [00047] FIG. 19 illustrates exemplary top View of the vehicle add-on seat with air flow passage in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00048] FIG. 20 illustrates exemplary Back rest support & top part in UP Position in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00049] FIG. 21 illustrates exemplary Back rest support & top part in Down Position in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00050] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[00051] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[00052] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat add-on that provides a back support for riders with longer commuter distances and traffic congestion problems. The proposed add-on device/structure/construction has an air bag with a plurality of raised pockets to keep the rider floating on them in order to keep the pressure points changing all the time when rider is sitting on it. In another aspect, air pressure in these pockets can be varied depending on the weight of the rider.

[00053] In an aspect, dynamic seating surfaces of the present add-on advice can be configured to reduce fatigue caused by stationary point of contacts between muscles and seat. In an aspect, this is achieved by floating the occupant/rider body on the air pockets that separate him from the vehicle/bike/two-wheeler frame. Further, these pockets allow air flow through the seat and the bottom part of the human body. Furthermore, the proposed add-on device enables suspended pelvic area that can prevent touch points with pelvic bone (air pockets and empty space in that area). The proposed device also provides an adjustable back support to meet preferences of individual users, wherein the back support can be adjusted both in respect of angle as well as size. [00054] It is to be appreciated that although the proposed disclosure is mainly being described with reference to a bike seat add on, the same is completely exemplary and any other vehicle seat such as a car seat can also incorporate the proposed add-on device/structure to enable the sitting being more convenient, efficient, and comfortable. Therefore, the proposed invention encompasses all such seats (including non-vehicle implementation) on which the proposed add-on device can be configured.

[00055] According to one embodiment, the proposed vehicle add-on device provides dynamic surfaces to reduce fatigue caused due to stationary point of contacts between muscles and seat, which in turn causes butt numbness, and also provides back support to optimize spine posture. The proposed device also concentrates on providing comfort in standing as well as in riding posture to reduce fatigue in inner thigh and pelvic area. Furthermore, the proposed device provides proper air circulation that helps in reducing sweating and provides cooling if the bottom rubber part is water filled or other gas filled. The proposed add-on device further provides comfort in the back area due to the presence of a massager.

[00056] According to another embodiment, the proposed device further deals with providing a solution to the fatigue and/or muscle irritation that is caused either due to long riding hours or irregular riding patterns in cities with heavy traffic and congestion. The surface quality and the condition of the roads also causes the problems of back pain due to jerks while driving. It is also noted that lower back pain is caused also due to a wrong driving posture as there is no back support on bikes. Long riding hours give way to issues like butt numbness, which is a result of riding with the same touchpoint between muscles and seat surface. To avoid having same touchpoints, the invention/proposed vehicle add-on device provides a dynamic seating surface with the help of multiple interconnected pockets on the seating surface filled with fluids such as air, water based gels, oils etc. The content between these pockets can flow from one pocket to another when pressure is applied and thus, forming a dynamic seating surface. These pockets also provide a level of shock absorption that helps in riding in bad road conditions.

[00057] In an aspect, the structure and pattern of these pockets can be designed in a way that the more sensitive areas such as pelvic and inner thighs have the freedom to be suspended in air to avoid irritation to these areas. The arrangement of these pockets also helps in making the air circulation better in the touch points to avoid further issues of long hour sweating. In an aspect, functional parts of the proposed device/structure can be explained with reference to FIG. 1. [00058] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the proposed vehicle add-on device provides back support, shock absorption, a dynamic seating surface, and better air circulation, back massage, all in a single device. The add-on device can be fixed on the bike seat, can be custom made for different bike seats, and can be used for sitting with an option for both the riders. The add-on device can be configured such that it is detachable for either or both the riders of a bike.

[00059] In an aspect, the proposed vehicle add-on device can be fixed to the seat permanently or can be removable, wherein air pressure and back-rest can be varied for different consumers based on their weight, comfort, among other ergonomic parameters. Furthermore, the bottom part can change with respect to the bike being used.

[00060] With reference to FIG. 1, the proposed vehicle add-on device 100 of the present disclosure can include a top part 102, a flotation device/part 130, a lower part 160, and a back rest support 180. As shown, the top port 102 can also act as the top portion/lumber support 102 on which the rider actually sits, wherein the top part 102 can include a back support portion 106 to support the back of the rider/user by means of a plurality of back supports such as 104-1, 104- 2, and 104-3, as shown in FIG. 1, collectively and interchangeably referred to as back supports 104 hereinafter. These back supports 104 can be configured in grooves that are formed in the back support portion 106 (also referred to as rear portion 106 hereinafter) of the top part 102, and can be customizable/detachable, wherein for instance, if required, a user can always only keep 104-1 and 104-2 and remove 104-3 to be able to reduce the cushioning and move further backwards. In an aspect, rear portion of the top part 102 can be made of a thermoplastic/polymer material, which due to its inherent property, can bend along a bend line/axis X-X' based on the extent of support that the user/rider requires. As can be seen, portion on the left of the X-X' bend line/axis can be considered as the front part of the top part 102 and portion on the right of bend line/axis can be considered as the back/rear part of the top part 102, wherein the rear part moves towards or away from the axis X-X'. The top part 102 can also have a top surface and a bottom surface (not shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, in an aspect of the present disclosure, based on the body structure of the user/rider, number/type/size/characteristics of the back supports 104 as well as the extent of movement of the rear portion of the top part 102 can be configured/defined/shaped to enable efficient back support to the user.

[00061] According to one embodiment, back rest support 180 can be configured on/coupled with the lower part 160 of the add-on device 100, and can be adjusted across one or more slots such as 162-1, 162-2, and 162-3 that are provided on the lower part 160 so as to move the rear portion 106 of the top part 102. For instance, in case the back rest support 180 is put in slot 162- 3, the rear portion 106 of the top part 102 can be pushed further up and towards the axis X-X', thereby giving stronger back support to the user, whereas in case, on the other hand, the back rest support 180 is put in slot 162-1, the rear portion of the top part 102 can move downwards and away from the axis X-X', and giving relatively lesser back support to the user.

[00062] According to one embodiment, the flotation device 130 can be configured between the top part 102 and the bottom/lower part 160, wherein the top part 102 can include a plurality of same/different sized apertures 108 in which one or more pockets such as 132-1, 132-2, 132-N can be configured/fitted. In an aspect, the pockets 132 can be filled with air, fluid, or any other appropriate gas/medium so as to give the desired cooling effect. In an aspect, as would be appreciated, the number, size, and shape of the pockets 132 can vary (increase or decrease) depending on the design, weight of the user/rider, size of the bike, among other like parameters. In another aspect, exemplary pockets 132-1 and 132-2 can define the path of air connected pockets using valves/parts 134 wherein different levels of air can be filled in pockets 132-1 and 132-2 to ensure that the rider comfort is taken care of.

[00063] According to another embodiment, the bottom/lower part 160 can include an inner profile that can be configured to adjust to the outer profile of the vehicle/bike. In an aspect, the lower part 160 can further include a plurality of snaps so as to hold the top part 102 together.

[00064] In an aspect, X-X' axis can be the section about which due to the inherent properties of the material such as PP (polypropylene), rear portion 106 of the top part 102 can be bent upwards when the back rest support 180 is moved inwards so as to engage in one of the slots 162. In an instance, when the back rest support 180 engages with the lower part 160 at the line/slot 162-3, the rear portion of the top part 102 is in its first position, wherein when the back rest support 180 engages with the lower part 160 at the line/slot 162-1, the rear portion of the top part 102 bends downwards.

[00065] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the assembled vehicle add-on 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the vehicle add-on 100 illustrates top part 102, lower part 160, back rest support 180, and pockets 132 of the flotation device 130. In an aspect, pockets 132 are configured in the apertures of the top part 102, wherein the top part 102 further illustrates three back supports to provide cushion to the rider, wherein the back rest support 180 can be adjusted on the lower part 160 such that the rear portion of the top part 102 can be bent accordingly.

[00066] In an aspect, assembled vehicle add-on representation 100 further illustrates the lower part 160, which can have a profile that matches with the profile of the bike seat. The profile of the lower part 160 can be changed/modified depending on the bike in context and profile thereof can be adjusted. In an aspect, the lower part 160 can be made of a flexible material in order to accommodate same category of bikes. For instance, structure/material/construction of the lower part 160 for a Bike make A can be different from the structure/material/construction of the lower part 160 for a Bike make B. Furthermore, in an implementation, the lower part 160 sticks to the surface of the seat and should not have any play with respect to the bike seat. In another aspect, lower part 160 can be made of a material that is flexible enough to change shape w.r.t the seat shape depending on, for instance, the weight of the bike rider. The lower part 160 can further provide structural strength and support to the flotation device 130 and the top part 102.

[00067] According to one embodiment, a plurality of screws 202 such as 202-1, 202-2, and 202-3, or more can be configured along the edge of the seat to hold the top part 102 and the lower part 160 together strongly. In an aspect, rib structure can be configured on both the top part 102 as well as on the lower part 160 to stop any relative movement between the two. As would also be appreciated, pockets 132 protruding out of the apertures 108 would also prevent relative movement between the top part 102 and flotation device 130.

[00068] FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom view 300 of the assembled vehicle seat add-on 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the proposed vehicle add-on 100 can be coupled with the bike seat by means of a plurality of belts 302 such as 302-1 and 302-2. In an aspect, the belt 302-1 can pass through elements 308-1 and 308-2 to hold the new/proposed vehicle add-on device onto the existing seat of the bike. Similarly, the belt can 302-2 can pass through 308-3 and 308-4 to hold the new seating device in the middle portion onto the existing seat of the bike. In an aspect, elements 308 can include multiple cuts along the length of the new add-on seat 100 to accommodate and hold the seat strongly to the bike seat. The belt 302 can pass through both the top part 102 and the lower part 106 to hold all of them together. It should be appreciated that any other means to couple the proposed add-on device 100 with the bike is well within the scope of the present disclosure, and that the use of belts 302 and elements 308 are merely exemplary illustrations.

[00069] As can be seen, add-on device 100 can include a first set of snaps 304 about the X- X' axis to enable the top part 102 to bend upwards and allow the back rest support 180 to move inwards. In another aspect, a second set of plurality of snaps 306 can be configured to hold the back rest support 180 in its location i.e. at the slots 162. In an aspect, multiple protrusions can also be configured in the bottom surface to assist in location and firm gripping of the back rest support 180 onto the lower part 160.

[00070] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary representation 400 showing various parts/components of the proposed seat add-on in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the back seat support 180 can be configured to support the back supports 104 of the top portion 102, wherein the back supports 104 can be adjusted at multiple heights by removing or changing the size/dimension of one or more supports 104. In an aspect, the back seat support 180 can further configured to house a motor and a pump, for instance, to push air into the flotation device/part 130, which can be made of rubber material, wherein such pushing action of the air can either be done manually and/or can be done through one or more parts/valves 134 (also shown in FIGs. 1 and 2). Valves 134 can therefore be used to vary air pressure across one or more air pockets, which can impact the size of the respective air pockets, thereby impacting the gap between them. In another aspect, the back seat support 180 can have a smooth ergonomic profile for the pillion rider to sit comfortably without getting obstructed in the groins regions due to the back seat support 180/rear portion 106 of the top part 102 of the front rider. In case of a sudden brake, the pillion rider can slide/float smoothly on the back profile of the back seat support 180 without getting hurt. Another function of the back seat support 180 can be to integrate another seating device (similar to the proposed add-on device 100) to the front seating device for the pillion rider. Therefore, two of the proposed add-on devices 100 can be configured back-to-back for two riders such that the add-on device 100 for the pillion rider is fitted into and/or coupled with the back seat support 180 of the front add-on device 100.

[00071] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary representation 500 showing various parts/components of the proposed seat add-on in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In specific, the representation 500 shows the integration/deployment of the floating device 130, wherein the device 130 during installation/configuration on the lower part 160 can be held tightly between the top part 102 and the lower part 160, and sits in the spaces/apertures created in the top part 102 and also sits on the portion 502 of the lower part 160. In an aspect, the function of the flotation device 130 is to hold the air in pockets 132, which allows the rider to not be in direct contact with the seat, as a result of which the rider floats on the air pockets 132 resulting in constant change of pressure points on the bottom hop portion of the rider.

[00072] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary air flow pathways 602 between pockets of flotation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the flotation device 130 can include a plurality of pockets 132 having non-overlapping space between themselves. The device 130 can further include an empty space 604 for the groin region of the rider. In an aspect, the lines 602 show the air flow pathways, wherein there is a defined gap between all the air pockets so the air from the front side flows through the gap between the air pockets 132, giving the rider extra comfort. In an aspect, central zone 606 can be empty to create space 604 so that there is less pressure on the genitals and that area is floating for the rider. In an aspect, the constant gap between the pockets can be maintained by the top part 102 as all the air pockets 132 can pass through the cavities/apertures 106 formed in the top part 102. In an aspect, using elements/parts/valves 134 (Dl, D2, and D3), air pressure in Dl l and D22 lines of pockets can be varied to suit the size and weight of a particular rider.

[00073] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation showing adjustability factor present in the proposed seat add-on device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, using the back rest support 180, rear end 106 of the top part 102 can be bent upwards or downwards, wherein, as shown, 700 shows the exemplary position for a short rider. The desired bent location of the top part 102 can be achieved by bending the flexible material of the top part 102 about the X-X' axis. As mentioned above, due to inherent properties of certain plastics that bend in a certain way, when the back rest support 180 is moved rearward to its new location and securely fixed to the base bottom part, a shorter bike seat as shown in 702 can be achieved so as to fit a shorter rider. FIG. 7 further illustrates movement of the rear portion of the top part 102 around axis X-X', wherein along with the movement of the rear portion, back air pockets, as shown, can also move up with the top part. However, depending on the weight of the rider, the back air pockets can take support from the bottom part.

[00074] FIG. 7 further illustrates a slope in the front portion of the floating device 130, wherein the slope area enables the rider to rest his legs properly. As also mentioned and described above, straps can also be configured in the proposed seat add-on device 100 for enabling tying up of the product to the bike seat.

[00075] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary representation 800 showing integration of the backrest support 130 and adjustability thereof. The representation 800 shows the top part 102 coupled/integrated with the floatation device 130 and with the lower part 160, wherein the backrest support 180 is used to adjust the bending movement of the rear portion of the top part 102. The top part 102 further shows a plurality of back supports 104 configured to provide adjustable cushioning comfort to the user/rider. In an aspect, the floatation device 130, which can be made of a rubber part, can be tightly held between top part 102 and the bottom/lower part 160, and a constant gap of say 2 mm can be maintained for air flows across air pockets. As mentioned above, forward movement of the back rest support 180 can raise the element 802 upwards and move/bend inwards about X-X' axis. The representation 800 further shows line Y-Y' through the middle of the product along the axis of the seat of the bike. Line Y-Y' shows that the back rest support 180 at the back side is engaged with the bottom/lower part 160 along A2, A3, A4. In the example of representation 800, A2 is engaged between Bl and B2, A3 is engaged between B2 and B3, and A4 is engaged between B3 and B4. In implementation, when the back rest support 180 is moved inwards by one step towards the rider, Bl & B2 would engage with A3, and B3 & B4 would engage with A4, and the element 802 of the top part 102 would move inwards, which can move the back supports 104 inwards towards the rider.

[00076] FIG. 9 illustrates front view 900 of the proposed seat add-on device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the proposed seat add-on device 100 illustrates adjustable back rest/supports 104 for the rider, wherein the back supports 104 can be made of a soft material with thermal control and vibrations for back comfort. In an aspect, the back supports 104 can provide adjustability in multiple steps and can be sized/shaped/configured as desired. For instance, the supports 104 can be bigger, smaller, broader, summer, or can have any other configuration. In an aspect, the back supports 104 can include pads that can be connected to the backrest support 180, which can include electronics and battery for thermal pads and vibration motors.

[00077] In an aspect, FIG. 9 further illustrates, at 902, splitting of the proposed add-on device from the middle for becoming broad/compact depending on the bike size and seat size. Section 904 further shows details to locate and lock the top part 102 with the lower part 160. In an aspect, the proposed device can also include ability to connect to the battery of the bike for additional functionality that needs power.

[00078] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary representation 1000 showing back-to-back integration of add-on devices for two riders of a bike. As can be seen, two add-one devices 100-1 (for front rider) and 100-2 (for back passenger) can be integrated with each other, wherein back rest support 180 of 100-1 can be used to integrate device 100-2 with 100-1. The back rest support 180 therefore acts as an intermediary part to join the two add-on devices together. In an aspect, as can be seen, back supports 104 can be varied based on the size of the rider, thereby providing a variable lumbar support for the back. In an aspect, in case of 2 modules, different designs can also be configured based on the size/preference/shape of the rider. Furthermore, such designs can also be different as front and back seat profiles are different and need to be integrated with each other. In an aspect, both the modules can be strapped to the bike seat separately or together.

[00079] FIGs. 11A and 11B illustrate exemplary photographic representations of the proposed bike seat add-on device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00080] According to one embodiment, the proposed bike seat add-on device of the present disclosure can include a gap for the pelvic area as shown in an exemplary representations of FIG. 12A and 12B. FIG. 12C illustrates a detachable backrest 1202 and a bellow 1204 for the backrest along with a surface 1206 for comfort of the pillion rider.

[00081] FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary embodiment of the proposed seat add-on devices in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00082] FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary embodiment of the proposed vehicle add-on seat without a lower part/base in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of the ADD-ON bike seat in which top part 1440 contains a rib/member 1450 to allow soft back support 1410 to be located/configured on the top part 1440 across multiple positions. Rib/member 1450 can be configured as an integral part of the top part 1440. Back rest 1430 can be configured with the top part 1440 in such a way that up and down movement of the back rest 1430 helps in varying the height of the top part 1440, which satisfies the ergonomic requirements of the user. In an aspect, back rest 1430 can move forward i.e. inside of the top part 1440 by guide support 1460. Soft back support 1410 can be adjusted in multiple positions by fitting with the Rib/Member 1450. An air cushion 1420 (corresponding to flotation device 130 of FIG. 1) can further be configured in the proposed seat and can be made from TPU or Neoprene or rubber and can incorporate a plurality of rectangular and/or spherical air pockets for providing comfort during travelling. Air Cushion 1420 can be fitted in the top part 1440 from the bottom side and the two can be glued together.

[00083] FIG. 15 illustrates exemplary back rest locking lever in open condition in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates back rest locking lever 1510 in open condition wherein the locking lever 1510 can be fixed with the top part 1440 through a pivot joint, and can be rotated along X-Y axis for locking and unlocking back rest support 1430 and the top part 1440. In an implementation, when a user wishes to adjust the height of the proposed Add-on seat, he/she can open the locking lever 1510 by pulling it in Direction Ά', thereby enabling locking pin 'p' 1520 to come out from corresponding slot in the back rest support 1430 to disengage the top part 1440 and the back rest support 1430 for adjustment of height. Similarly, after adjusting the height, the user can close the locking lever 1510 by pressing it in Direction 'B', thereby engaging the locking pin 1520 in the slot. Back rest support 1430 and back side of the top part 1440 can be locked with respect to each other using the locking lever 1510.

[00084] FIG. 16 illustrates exemplary back side view 1600 of the vehicle add-on seat in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 17 illustrates exemplary representation 1700 showing backrest locking lever 1510 in close condition in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary side view 1800 of the vehicle add-on seat in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00085] FIG. 19 illustrates exemplary top view of the vehicle add-on seat with air flow passage in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 19 illustrates the top view of the vehicle add-on seat with air flow passage having a cut out in the top part at front side for constant air entry 1550 and back side for air exit 1560 during travelling. Protruded thin vertical walls made along the periphery of the pockets in the top part maintain air passage gap uniformly for air flow during travelling.

[00086] FIGs. 20 and 21 illustrate Back rest support and top part in UP & DOWN position respectively for height adjustment, wherein the back rest support 1430 and top part 1440 are fixed together by a locking lever 1510. Locking lever 1510 can be pivotally fixed at back side of the top part 1440. In an aspect, an integral locking pin or snap or protrusion(s) 1520 can be configured as multiple in number and can be fixed with the locking lever 1510. Slots 1 2010 (of FIG. 20) and slots 2 2110 (of FIG. 21) can be made in a back rest support 1430 for height adjustment by locking lever 1510. In normal condition, locking pin 1520 can be engaged in slots 2 2110 such that when a user wishes to increase the height, he/she can pull the locking lever 1510 in direction 'A' to enable the locking pin or snap or male protrusion 1520 to disengage from the slot 2 2110 so that the back rest support 1430 and the top part 1440 are free from each other. The user can now adjust the height accordingly and lock the lever by again pushing it inside of the slot 1 2010. In an aspect, position of the soft back support 1410 can be adjusted accordingly based on user requirements, wherein the soft back support 1410 have two slots A & B and can be fitted within the Rib or Male protrusion 1450 to enable the soft back support 1410 to move linearly for adjusting the back side support 1430 as per user requirements.

[00087] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00088] The present disclosure provides an add-on seat for a vehicle that facilitates bike ride from the perspective of enhanced comfort for a longer duration of time.

[00089] The present disclosure provides an add-on seat for a vehicle that has an adjustable back support to correct the posture while riding.

[00090] The present disclosure provides an add-on seat for a vehicle that enables better air circulation between the seat and the body parts in contact.

Claims

Claims We Claim:

1. An add-on seat for a two-wheeler vehicle comprising:

a top part having a rear portion that can bend along a lateral bend axis;

a back rest support configured for adjustment, wherein adjustment of the back rest support in a first direction causes the rear portion of the top part to bend along the bend axis to get lifted up and provide more support for lumber area for user, and wherein adjustment of the back rest support in a second direction results in the rear portion of the top part to bend along with the bend axis to get lowered and make the seat suitable for a longer rider.

2. The add-on seat of claim 1, wherein the seat further comprises a plurality of back supports configured for fitment on the rear portion, and wherein the number of back supports is adjustable.

3. The add-on seat of claim 1, wherein the top part is made of a flexible material selected from any or a combination of a thermoplastic material, polypropylene, HDPP, a polymer, or a rubber material.

4. The add-on seat of claim 1, wherein the seat further comprises a lower part having a plurality of lateral positioned slots, and wherein the back rest support is adjusted in forward or backward direction by fitment in one of the plurality of laterally positioned slots.

5. The add-on seat of claim 1, wherein the top part comprises a rib/member to allow a soft back support to be configured on the top part across one or more positions.

6. The add-on seat of claim 1, wherein the back rest support moves in the forward direction as part of the first direction or backward direction as part of the second direction, wherein the means of movement is a guide support.

7. The add-on seat of claim 1, wherein the back rest support is configured to move up as part of the first direction, and move down as part of the second direction to enable height of the top part to be varied and satisfy ergonomic requirements of rider.

8. The add-on seat of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a back rest locking lever that is fixed with the top part through a pivot joint and is rotated for locking and unlocking the back rest support and the top part.

9. The add-on seat of claim 8, wherein when a rider of the vehicle wishes to adjust height of the seat, the rider opens the locking lever by pulling it in a third direction to enable a locking pin to come out from corresponding slot in the back rest support to disengage the top part and the back rest support for adjustment of height.

10. The add-on seat of claim 8, wherein after adjusting the height, the rider closes the locking lever by pressing it in a fourth direction to engage the locking pin in the slot.

11. The add-on seat of claim 8, wherein the seat further comprises a first set of snaps to enable the top part to bend upwards and allow the back rest support to move inwards.

12. An add-on seat for a two-wheeler vehicle comprising:

a top part comprising a plurality of apertures; and

a flotation device having one or more air pockets configured to pass through and project outwards from the plurality of apertures of the top part with intervening air gaps between the air pockets, wherein the one or more air pockets are filled with a fluid such that change in pressure of the fluid results in variation in size of the intervening air gaps for varying air circulation.

13. The add-on seat of claim 12, wherein the seat further comprises a lower part to hold the flotation device in relation with the top part.

14. The add-on seat of claim 12, wherein the flotation device further comprises one or more valves configured to change the pressure of the fluid across the one or more air pockets.

15. The add-on seat of claim 12, wherein the top part comprises a rear portion that can bend along a lateral bend axis, and wherein the seat further comprises a back rest support configured for adjustment in a forward and rearward direction, wherein adjustment of the back rest support in the forward direction causes the rear portion of the top part to bend along the bend axis to get lifted up and provide more support for lumber area for user, and wherein adjustment of the back rest support in rearward direction results in the rear portion of the top part to bend along with the bend axis to get lowered and make the seat suitable for a longer rider.

16. The add-on seat of claim 15, wherein the seat further comprises a plurality of back supports configured for fitment on the rear portion, and wherein the number of back supports is adjustable.

17. The add-on seat of claim 12, wherein the top part and the flotation device comprise a cut portion in front and/or rear to create space for air to flow through.

18. The add-on seat of claim 12, wherein the flotation device is made from any or a combination of TPU, Neoprene, or rubber material.

19. The add-on seat of claim 12, wherein the top part and the flotation device are glued together.

20. The add-on seat of claim 12, wherein the flotation device comprises protruded thin vertical walls made along periphery of the air pockets in the top part to maintain air passage gap uniformly for airflow during travelling.