Pune-based Bajaj Auto said on Thusday it has received patent for its invention -- multi-spring vehicle shock absorber -- used in its motorcycles, with which it hopes to counter cheap Chinese copycats.
The Indian Patent Office has granted the company its 'SNS' invention with patent no. 234044 on May 1, 2009, the company said.
"Essentially, this invention comprises use of at least two spring elements disposed in parallel arrangement over a damper body in a vehicle shock absorber to share vehicle/ rider load and provide superior riding comfort compared to conventional single spring shock absorbers," Bajaj Auto vice-president Business Development S Ravikumar said.
Bajaj Auto has applied for patent in several countries for this unique technology and is taking necessary steps to counter the menace of Chinese manufacturers unscrupulously marketing cheap copies of the technology in Nigeria (as 'NeXus' brand motorcycle) and in Kenya and Uganda (as 'Nebula' brand motorcycle), the statement added.
This technology was first introduced on Bajaj CT 100 in July 2005 and subsequently in other models such as Discover, XCD, Platina, and Boxer-S. Until March 31, 2009, Bajaj has manufactured and sold over five million motorcycles with this technology in India and foreign markets, it said.
The patent application was filed on June 10, 2005 and it expires on June 9, 2025.