HK1164811B - Atv having arrangement for a passenger - Google Patents

Description

All-terrain vehicle having an arrangement for a passenger

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and more particularly, to seating arrangements for passengers on ATVs.

Background

Commonly all terrain vehicles ("ATVs") and utility vehicles ("UV") are used to carry one or two passengers and a small amount of cargo over a variety of terrain. Due to the increasing recreational interest in atvs, atvs for multiple riders have become more popular in the marketplace. Most all terrain vehicles include engines having from one cylinder to three cylinders. Most all terrain vehicles include a straddle or saddle type seat positioned above the engine. Seating systems for supporting a person in a seated position on such vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, are well known. Most systems typically involve a straddle seat secured to a frame structure.

Conventional straddle seats on recreational and utility vehicles typically support multiple persons, and most commonly the seat is used to support one or two persons. In one example, a two person seating system is designed with an elongated bench portion of a straddle seat to support a person in tandem. In another example, separate seat bottoms are provided for supporting a person in tandem and for raising the passenger relative to the driver.

Disclosure of Invention

It is desirable to provide the most comfortable and ergonomically pleasing ride on an atv for one or both of the atv occupants. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to overcome the above disadvantages and other disadvantages in general.

The present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising a vehicle frame having a longitudinally extending first frame tube and a longitudinally extending second frame tube parallel to the first frame tube, a straddle seat mounted to the frame for a driver, and the first and second frame tubes extending below the straddle seat; and a passenger support assembly configured to support a passenger and positioned behind the straddle seat, the vehicle characterized in that the passenger support assembly includes a seat assembly and a seat frame assembly pivotably coupled to the vehicle between the first and second frame members, at least a portion of the seat frame assembly positioned below top surfaces of the first and second frame members and along inner surfaces of the first and second frame members, and the seat frame assembly positioned intermediate the passenger seat assembly and an LFE such that the LFE is spaced apart from the passenger seat assembly, and the seat frame assembly is movable in dampened movement by at least one Linear Force Element (LFE) having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end is pivotally coupled to the seat frame assembly and the lower end is coupled to the frame, the upper end being mounted higher than the first and second frame members.

Wherein the linear force element extends substantially vertically.

Wherein the linear force element is a shock absorber.

Wherein the seat frame assembly comprises at least one pivotal support connection extending below the passenger support assembly and the upright of the seat frame member is suspended above the frame by the at least one linear force element.

Wherein the seat frame member comprises a frame member disposed between longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle.

Wherein the support member is angled upwardly and rearwardly behind the passenger seat assembly to define the upright.

Wherein the linear force element is attached at one end to the upright.

Wherein the seat assembly is removably mounted to the seat frame assembly.

Wherein the seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back attached by a seat back support device, wherein a portion of the seat back support device extends adjacent and forward of the upright, and wherein the seat back is adjustably movable to provide a plurality of angular positions of the seat back for ergonomic comfort of the occupant.

The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, a straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, the vehicle comprising a passenger support assembly positioned behind the driver, characterized in that the passenger support assembly comprises a seat frame assembly and a passenger seat assembly removably and lockably mounted to the passenger seat frame assembly, the passenger seat assembly comprising a seat bottom; a seat bottom support member coupled to the seat bottom; a seat back; a seat back support member coupled to the seat back; and a lock assembly operatively coupled to the seat bottom support member, the lock assembly configured to releasably couple the seat bottom support member to the passenger seat frame assembly, and the passenger seat frame assembly being pivotally movable relative to the vehicle frame.

Wherein complementary locking means are included, said complementary locking means comprising a locking assembly on the seat assembly and a locking device on the seat frame assembly.

Wherein the seat frame assembly includes at least one seat frame member extending below the passenger seat assembly, the at least one seat frame member being pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame, the locking device being mounted on the seat frame member, and the at least one seat frame member including an upright and the at least one Linear Force Element (LFE) being coupled to the upright.

Wherein the linear force element is a shock absorber.

Wherein the seat frame assembly is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame.

Wherein the seat frame assembly is pivotally mounted proximate a pivot location of the straddle seat.

Wherein the seat frame assembly comprises at least one support member extending below the passenger seat assembly, and the upright portions of the support member are suspended above the frame by at least one Linear Force Element (LFE).

Wherein the at least one support member is angled upwardly and rearwardly behind the passenger seat assembly.

Wherein the seat assembly is removably mounted to the seat frame assembly.

The invention also provides a vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, a straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, the vehicle including a passenger support assembly positioned behind the driver, wherein the passenger support assembly includes a seat bottom having a seat bottom frame and a seat bottom cushion, and a seat back having a seat back support, and the seat back is pivotally mounted to the seat back support at one location, and is adjustably movable toward and away from the back of the passenger at a second location to provide a plurality of angular positions of the seat back for ergonomic comfort of the passenger, characterized in that the seat back support comprises an upper seat back frame and a lower seat back frame, the upper seat back frame is coupled to the seat back and the lower seat back frame, and the lower seat back frame is coupled to the seat bottom at a location between the seat bottom frame and the seat bottom cushion, and the upper seat back frame includes a bracket having at least one ear and at least one tab configured to couple with the at least one ear to retain the seat back in one of a plurality of ergonomic positions when the seat back is in a substantially upright position.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an all-terrain vehicle includes a frame, a straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, a passenger seat positioned behind the straddle type seat and movable in dampened motion in at least a partial vertical travel component.

In another embodiment, a vehicle includes a frame, a straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, and a passenger support assembly positioned rearward of the straddle type seat, wherein the passenger support assembly includes a seat frame assembly and a seat assembly, wherein the seat frame assembly is pivotally movable relative to the vehicle frame, the seat assembly being removably mounted to the seat frame assembly.

In yet another embodiment, a vehicle includes a frame, a straddle type seat mounted to the frame for a driver, and a passenger support assembly positioned behind the straddle type seat, wherein the passenger support assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back adjustably movable to a plurality of positions for ergonomic comfort of a passenger.

Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described by way of reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the depicted vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view, partially in section, showing a passenger seat attached to a vehicle frame;

FIG. 4 shows a view similar to FIG. 3 with the passenger seat assembly removed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pivotal support connection shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows an underside perspective view of the passenger seat assembly;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the seat frame;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the seat frame of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear side perspective view of the seat back and seat attachment assembly;

FIG. 10 illustrates a partially exploded view of the seat back and seat attachment assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show front and rear perspective views of the seat back lower frame;

figures 14 and 15 show inside and outside perspective views of the seat back upper frame;

FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the underside of a portion of the passenger seat assembly, specifically the locking assembly;

FIG. 17 shows the pivotal connection and passenger seat in a position for receipt onto a frame behind the driver seat;

FIG. 18 shows an underside perspective view of the passenger seat assembly in position for receipt onto a mating pin on the pivotal support connection;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken through the shock absorber in perspective;

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken through the shock absorber;

FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the passenger seat assembly showing the extreme positions of the damped passenger seat;

fig. 22 shows the extreme position of the seat back plate for the passenger seat.

Detailed Description

The embodiments disclosed hereinafter are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. For example, although the following description refers primarily to ATVs, it should be understood that the present invention may be applied to other types of vehicles, such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, utility vehicles, scooters, golf carts, and mopeds.

Referring initially to fig. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)10 is shown. ATV 10 includes a frame 12, a chassis 14 mounted to frame 12, wherein frame 12 is supported by front tires 16 and rear tires 18, respectively. ATV 10 also includes a front end 20 and a rear end 22. The front end 20 and the rear end 22 are separated by a handlebar assembly 24, a straddle seat 26, a drive chain 28, and a footwell 30. Footwells 30 are located on the lateral sides of ATV 10 and on the sides of straddle seat 26, providing an area for driver and passenger footrests.

The front end 20 also includes a front accessory plate 32, and the front accessory plate 32 may include a tool storage compartment. Handlebar assembly 24 is operatively coupled to front wheel 16 to allow an occupant to maneuver atv 10 while supported by straddle seat 26. The rear end 22 also includes a rear accessory plate 34, and the rear accessory plate 34 may also include a tool storage compartment. The front and rear accessory plates 32, 34 may also include an accessory coupling system such as that disclosed in U.S. patent No.7,055,454, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Positioned behind the straddle seat 26 is a passenger support assembly 36, the passenger support assembly 36 including a passenger seat assembly 38 and a seat frame assembly 40 (fig. 3). As described herein, passenger seat assembly 38 may be selectively removed from ATV 10 by release mechanism 42. With the vehicle generally described above, the occupant support assembly will be described more fully hereinafter.

With respect to fig. 3-4, the seat frame assembly 40 includes a pivot support connection 44 and a suspension linkage 46, both the pivot support connection 44 and the suspension linkage 46 being attached to a rear portion 48 of the vehicle frame 12. As best seen in fig. 4, the frame back 48 includes main frame tubes 50 with mounting brackets 52 positioned on the opposing main frame tubes 50. As described herein, the rear portion 48 also includes a rear support blade 54, the rear support blade 54 providing support for a mounting bracket 56 (fig. 3) that supports the suspension coupling 46.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the pivotal support connection 44 is shown in greater detail. The pivotal support connection 44 includes a frame member 60, the frame member 60 having a substantially horizontal portion 62 and an upright portion 64. A mounting shaft 66 is connected to one end of the frame member 60 and includes a through hole 68 for mounting purposes. At the same time, the axle portion 70 is mounted to the free end of the frame upright 64, and the axle portion 70 is spaced apart for accommodating the suspension coupling 46, as described herein. Additionally, as further described herein, each shaft portion 70 includes a bore 72. The pivotal support connection 44 also includes a bracket 74, the bracket 74 interconnecting the frame members 60 and having attached thereto a pin locking arrangement 76, wherein the pin includes a lead-in area 78 and an undercut locking area 80. Finally, as described herein, the pivotal support connection 44 includes a bracket 82 extending between the frame members 60 adjacent the shaft portion 70 to form a stop surface.

Referring now to fig. 6, the passenger seat assembly 38 includes a seat bottom 90 and a seat back 92, wherein the seat back 92 is attached to the seat bottom 90 by a seat back support 94. The seat bottom 90 includes a seat bottom frame 96 and suitable seat cushion, shown generally at 100. The seat back support 94 includes a seat back lower frame 102 and a seat back upper frame 104. As described herein, the release mechanism 42 includes a lock assembly 106, the lock assembly 106 being attached to the seat bottom frame 96 by being connected to the seat back lower frame 102.

Referring now to fig. 7 and 8, the seat bottom frame 96 is shown in greater detail. The seat-bottom frame portion 96 includes a lower wall 110 having a central wall portion 112 separated by alignment ribs 114. Alignment fins 114 are used to align the pivot support connection 44 as will be described herein. The central wall portion 112 also includes an opening 116 and a through hole 118. As best shown in fig. 7, the locking hook 120 is integrally molded to the central wall 112, while the slot 122 is molded through the wall 124 to access the interior of the central wall 112. The seat bottom frame 96 also includes a transition wall 128, the transition wall 128 leading to a surface 130 having an aperture 132 and a mounting aperture 134.

Referring now to fig. 9-13, the seat back support 94 is shown with the seat back lower frame 102 and the seat back upper frame 104 attached to the seat back carrier 140 by brackets 142. As shown in fig. 12 and 13, the seat back lower frame 102 includes a base 150 having an inner aperture 152 and an outer aperture 154. The mounting plate portion 156 is positioned in a different plane than the base portion 150 via the transition region 158. The mounting plate portion 156 includes a mounting hole 160. A transition wall 162 extends upwardly from the base 150 and includes an opening 164. Finally, an upright portion 166 having an opening 168 is provided.

Shown in fig. 14 and 15 is the seat back upper frame 104, the seat back upper frame 104 including an angled wall 170 for covering the wall 162 and having an edge wall 172 for overlapping the wall 162. The seat back upper frame 104 also includes a vertical wall portion 176 for covering the wall portion 166 and includes an edge wall portion 176 for overlapping the wall portion 166. A lower cutout region 180 is provided and an upper cutout region 182 is provided, the lower cutout region 180 and the upper cutout region 182 being generally aligned with the openings 164 and 168 (fig. 12 and 13), as further described herein. An upper wall portion 190 is provided, the upper wall portion 190 having a rim wall portion 192, the rim wall portion 192 having a mounting projection 194 positioned near the top of the rim wall portion 192. As described herein, intersecting circular apertures 196 are provided in the projection 194, the intersecting circular apertures 196 providing closely spaced apertures. Finally, as described herein, the angled wall 170 includes an aperture 198, as shown in fig. 15.

Referring again to fig. 10 and 11, mounting bracket 142 includes mounting ears 200 shaped for receipt in edge wall portions 176 and attachment by fasteners 202, 204. Meanwhile, the bracket 142 includes an upper ear 208, which upper ear 208 may be positioned inside the protrusion 194 such that a hole in the upper ear 208 may be aligned with one of the circular openings 196 and may be locked in one of a plurality of positions by the fasteners 210, 212. Meanwhile, the seat back plate 140 may be attached to the bracket 142 by fasteners 220, 222.

Referring now to FIG. 16, locking assembly 106 includes a lanyard assembly 248, a receiver plate 290, a latch spring 292, a spring stop 294, and a backing plate 296. The receiver plate 290 includes a pin receiving bore 300 and the spring 292 includes a spring portion 302 that overlaps the bore 300. The spring stop 294 and the shim plate 296 also include through holes 312, 314, respectively, the through holes 312, 314 being aligned with the hole 300 as described herein. Still referring to fig. 16, the lanyard assembly 248 includes a strap 320 having a pull loop 322 (fig. 6) at one end and a connection tab 324 at an opposite end. As will be described herein, the fitting 324 is connected to a release member 326 having an engagement member 328. The joint 324 and the release member 326 are attached together by rivets.

Still referring to fig. 16, the stop 294 includes a projection 388, the projection 388 being shaped to receive the fastener 310 therethrough. The stop 294 further includes a U-shaped slot 390, a post 392, and a central post 394 forming the opening 312, and wherein the post 394 is formed with a cutout 395. In addition, as shown in fig. 16, release member 326 includes trunnions 396 on each side thereof and shaped for receipt in U-shaped slots 390. The engagement member 328 includes a clamping slot 397. Finally, the spring 292 includes a clamping end 398. Thus, as shown, the lanyard assembly 248, receiver plate 290, spring 292, stop 294, and shim plate 296 are stacked together and may be secured to the base 150 by a fastener 310 threadably engaged with the threaded aperture 152 (fig. 12).

The spring lock assembly 106 is assembled as follows: first, strap 320 and tab 324 are attached to release member 326 by rivet 330. Trunnion 396 is then positioned in U-shaped slot 390. The spring 292 is positioned as follows: the spring portion 302 is positioned in the cutout 395 and in the clamp slot 397, and the clamp end 398 is positioned in the post 392. The receiving plate 290 and the backing plate 296 are then positioned over the protrusion 388, and the fastener 310 may be received through the receiving plate 290 and the backing plate 296 and threadably engaged into the threaded opening 152 (fig. 12), thereby holding the assembly in place relative to the base 150. As described herein, the seat back support device 94 is completed by positioning the seat back upper frame 104 onto the seat back lower frame 102 and attaching the seat back tray 140 to the seat back upper frame 104 via the bracket 142.

Still referring to fig. 16, a fastener 310 is positioned through the receiving plate 290 and with the spring 292 positioned on the plate 290, the fastener can extend through the stop 294 and the backing plate 296 and attach to the base 150. It should be appreciated that the release member 326 is movably captured between the plate 290 and the stop 294. It should also be appreciated that the loop 322 is positioned on the back side of the seat 138 by threading the strap 320 through the aperture 164 and out through the aperture 168 as shown in fig. 6.

The passenger seat assembly is completed by positioning mounting plate 156 (fig. 12) of seat back lower frame 102 through slot 122 (fig. 7-9) such that apertures 160 and 118 are aligned. Because the holes 160 are threaded, bolts 440 (FIG. 6) may be positioned through the holes 118 and into threaded engagement with the mounting plate 156. As shown in fig. 6, this places the transition wall 162 (fig. 12) adjacent the transition wall 128 (fig. 8), and the upright portion 166 and the upper wall portion 190 extend upwardly from the seat bottom 90 as shown in fig. 6. Still referring to fig. 6, rubber bushing 450 is positioned in bore 198 (fig. 15) and rubber bushing 452 is positioned in bore 116 (fig. 7).

Referring now to fig. 17, the pivotal support connection 44 and the suspension linkage 46 may now be attached to the rear portion 48 of the frame 12. The mounting shaft 66 is positioned between the mounting brackets 52 and an elongated fastener, such as a bolt or stud 460, is positioned between the brackets 52 and into and through the mounting shaft 66, whereby the elongated fastener may be coupled with a fastener, such as a nut 462. The suspension coupling 46 has an upper connection fitting 464 that may be disposed intermediate the shaft portion 70 and that receives a fastener such as a bolt or stud 466 therethrough and retained by a nut 468. Meanwhile, the suspension coupling device 46 includes a lower coupler 470, which lower coupler 470 is now positioned in the bracket 56 and attached to the bracket 56 by fasteners 472, 474. Thus, the pivotal support link 44 is able to move relative to the rear portion 48 of the frame 12 by dampened movement by the dampening of the suspension linkage 46.

Thus, as described and with reference to fig. 18-20, the seat assembly 38 is attached to the vehicle 10 by: the seat frame 96 is positioned against the pivot support connection 44 such that the mounting hooks 120 are coupled about the axis 66 and such that the alignment lugs 114 flank the frame member 60. Fig. 19 and 20 show the attached state. The seat back is attached by a seat back support 94 that extends adjacent to the upright 64 and forward of the upright 64. As shown in fig. 20, this aligns the pin 76 with the opening 300 (fig. 18) in the receiving plate 290. It should be appreciated that when the pin 76 is aligned with the opening 300, the spring portion 302 springs into the pin recess 386 (fig. 16) to hold the passenger seat assembly 38 in place. When it is desired to remove the seat, loop 322 of strap 320 is pulled, which causes release plate 326 to rotate about trunnion 396 (FIG. 16). The clip groove 397 grips the spring portion 302 and disengages the spring 292 from the pin 382, which allows the seat to immediately pull down the pin 76 and then rotate outward.

It should be noted that the movable portions of the locking assembly 42, i.e., the release member 326 and the spring 292, are movably attached to the seat. It should also be noted that lashing strap 320 is pulled generally vertically to release locking assembly 42 from pin 76. Thus, the directional component of the force on the lanyard 320 assists in removing the passenger seat assembly 38. As described above, the isolator mounts 450, 452 are positioned against the bracket 82 and the frame portion 62, respectively, which provides vibration damping between the frame of the vehicle and the frame of the passenger seat.

At the same time, the entire pivotal support connection 44 is attached to the frame in a damped manner by means of a suspension linkage 46. The suspension linkage 46 includes at least one element that acts along a linear path, such as a shock absorber, a damper, an air shock absorber, a combination shock absorber and spring, or other Linear Force Element (LFE). Any vibration or jolt encountered by the vehicle 10 will therefore be dampened by the suspension linkage 46, rather than being transmitted to the passenger seat assembly 38. Fig. 21 shows the available extreme positions giving the travel of the suspension linkage 46. As also shown in fig. 21, the upward projection of frame portion 64 provides more vertical clearance for suspension coupling 46, thus allowing maximum vertical travel. As best shown in fig. 19, the seat frame assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame (by an axle 66, see fig. 17) at a location proximate the straddle seat, and the seat frame assembly is movable by at least one Linear Force Element (LFE)46 in dampened movement in at least a partially vertical travel component. At least one end 464 of the linear force element is mounted higher than the vehicle frame member 50.

As also shown in fig. 22, the seat back tray 140 can be moved between the positions shown by the fasteners 202, 210. The entire seat back 92 can be moved between these positions to provide the best ergonomic fit for the occupant. Although not shown, some access means, such as zippers or other openings, for the exposure and adjustment of the seat back tray 140 may be provided in the cushion or covering of the seat back 92, proximate the fasteners 202, 210. As shown, the seat back 140 is pivotally mounted to the seat back frame at one location 202, and the seat back 140 is adjustably movable toward and away from the back of the occupant at location 210, providing multiple angular positions of the seat back for ergonomic comfort to the occupant.

Claims (19)

1. A vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle frame (12) having a longitudinally extending first frame tube (50) and a longitudinally extending second frame tube parallel to the first frame tube, a straddle seat (26) mounted to the frame for a driver, and the first and second frame tubes extending below the straddle seat; and a passenger support assembly (36) configured to support a passenger and positioned behind the straddle seat, the vehicle characterized in that the passenger support assembly includes a seat assembly (38) and a seat frame assembly (40), the seat frame assembly pivotably coupled to the vehicle between the first and second frame members, at least a portion of the seat frame assembly positioned below top surfaces of the first and second frame members and along inner surfaces of the first and second frame members, and the seat frame assembly positioned intermediate the passenger seat assembly and a linear force element such that the linear force element is spaced apart from the passenger seat assembly, and the seat frame assembly is movable in dampened movement by at least one Linear Force Element (LFE) (46), wherein the linear force element has an upper end pivotally coupled to the seat frame assembly and a lower end coupled to the frame, the upper end being mounted higher than the first and second frame members (50).

2. The vehicle of claim 1, characterized in that the linear force element extends substantially vertically.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, characterized in that the linear force element is a shock absorber.

4. The vehicle of any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the seat frame assembly includes at least one pivotal support connection (44) extending below the passenger support assembly, and an upright (64) of the seat frame member is suspended above the frame by the at least one linear force element.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the seat frame member comprises a frame member (60) arranged between longitudinally extending frame members (50) of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, characterized in that the support member is angled upwardly and rearwardly behind the passenger seat assembly to define the upright.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, characterized in that the linear force element is attached at one end to the upright (64).

8. The vehicle of any of claims 1-7, characterized in that the seat assembly is removably mounted to the seat frame assembly.

9. The vehicle of any of claims 6-8, characterized in that the seat assembly includes a seat bottom (90) and a seat back (92) attached by a seat back support (94), wherein a portion of the seat back support extends adjacent and forward of the upright, and wherein the seat back is adjustably movable to provide a plurality of angular positions of the seat back for ergonomic comfort to the occupant.

10. A vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle frame (12), a straddle type seat (26) mounted to the frame for a driver, the vehicle including a passenger support assembly (36) positioned behind the driver, characterized in that the passenger support assembly comprises a passenger seat frame assembly (40) and a passenger seat assembly (38) removably and lockably mounted to the passenger seat frame assembly, the passenger seat assembly comprising a seat bottom; a seat bottom support member coupled to the seat bottom; a seat back; a seat back support member coupled to the seat back; and a lock assembly operatively coupled to the seat bottom support member, the lock assembly configured to releasably couple the seat bottom support member to the passenger seat frame assembly, and the passenger seat frame assembly being pivotally movable relative to the vehicle frame.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, characterized by comprising complementary locking components including a locking assembly (106) on the seat assembly (28) and a locking device (76) on the seat frame assembly (40).

12. The vehicle of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the seat frame assembly includes at least one seat frame member (44) extending below the passenger seat assembly, the at least one seat frame member (44) being pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame, the locking device (76) being mounted on the seat frame member (44), and the at least one seat frame member including an upright (64) and the at least one Linear Force Element (LFE) being coupled to the upright.

13. The vehicle of any of claims 10-12, characterized in that the linear force element is a shock absorber.

14. The vehicle of any of claims 10-13, characterized in that the seat frame assembly is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, characterized in that the seat frame assembly is pivotally mounted proximate a pivot location of the straddle type seat.

16. The vehicle of any of claims 10-15, characterized in that the seat frame assembly includes at least one support member (44) extending below the passenger seat assembly, and an upright portion (64) of the support member is suspended above the frame by at least one Linear Force Element (LFE) (46).

17. The vehicle of claim 16, characterized in that the at least one support member is angled upwardly and rearwardly behind the passenger seat assembly.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, characterized in that the seat assembly is removably mounted to the seat frame assembly.

19. A vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle frame (12), a straddle type seat (26) mounted to the frame for a driver, the vehicle including a passenger support assembly (36) positioned behind the driver, wherein the passenger support assembly includes a seat bottom (90) having a seat bottom frame (96) and a seat bottom cushion (100) and a seat back (92) having a seat back support (94) and being pivotally mounted to the seat back support at one location and adjustably movable at a second location toward and away from the back of the passenger to provide a plurality of angular positions of the seat back for ergonomic comfort of the passenger, characterized in that the seat back support comprises an upper seat back frame (104) and a lower seat back frame (102), the upper seat back frame is coupled to the seat back and the lower seat back frame, and the lower seat back frame is coupled to the seat bottom at a location between the seat bottom frame and the seat bottom cushion, and the upper seat back frame includes a bracket (142), the bracket (142) having at least one ear (208) and at least one tab (194), the at least one tab (194) configured to couple with the at least one ear to retain the seat back in one of a plurality of ergonomic positions when the seat back is in the substantially upright position.