Saddle-type vehicle with a strut foot subassembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a saddle-type vehicle (200) including a frame structure (300), the frame structure including a head tube (301), a main frame (302) extending rearward from the head tube (301), a first cross member (401) connecting the top portions of the down tubes (307, 309), and a second cross member (402) connecting the bottom portions of the down tubes (307, 309). The vehicle further includes a strut footrest subassembly (304), the strut footrest subassembly (304) including a strut footrest tube (405), at least one strut footrest mounting bracket (404), and at least one strut footrest integrated unit (406) connected to the second cross member (402). The strut footrest integrated unit (406) helps isolate and reduce deflection, thereby absorbing direct loads from the strut footrest tube (405) and effectively transferring the forces from the loads acting on the strut footrest subassembly (304) to the frame structure (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein generally relates to a saddle-type vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively to a strut footrest subassembly in such a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, two types of vehicle parking devices are used to place a two-wheeled vehicle in a standing state, namely, a strut footrest and a center footrest. When the vehicle is placed vertically, both of these vehicle parking devices bear static loads and contribute to stabilizing the vehicle. When observed from the perspective of the rider, the strut footrest allows the two-wheeled vehicle to lean against its left side, while the center footrest allows the two-wheeled vehicle to remain upright without tilting against another object. The strut footrest is provided to balance the vehicle in the parked state, and compared with the center footrest, the strut footrest is more preferred due to its quick retraction and ease of application. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] A detailed description is made with reference to a two-wheeled vehicle and the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to similar features and components.

[0004] Figures 1A - 1C Exemplarily shown are different known configurations of the strut footrest mounting structure in a two-wheeled vehicle;

[0005] Figure 2 Exemplarily shown is a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle when observed from the left hand side of the rider according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0006] Figure 3 Exemplarily shown is a left side view of the frame structure of the vehicle;

[0007] Figures 4A - 4B Exemplarily shown is the strut footrest subassembly attached to the main frame of the vehicle frame structure;

[0008] Figures 5A - 5B and Figure 5C Exemplarily shown are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the strut footrest subassembly with the strut footrest tube in different positions respectively;

[0009] Figure 6A Exemplarily shown are a perspective view and an exploded view of the strut footrest integration unit 406 of the strut footrest subassembly of the vehicle;

[0010] Figure 6B Exemplarily shown is a plan view of the strut footrest subassembly engaged with the frame structure;

[0011] Figures 7A - 7C Exemplarily shown are different perspective views of the strut footrest mounting bracket of the strut footrest subassembly;

[0012] Figure 8 A front perspective view of a strut foot mounting bracket attached to a strut foot integrated unit is exemplarily shown;

[0013] Figures 9A - 9B A schematic diagram depicting the position of the strut foot sub - assembly relative to the frame structure of a vehicle is exemplarily shown; and

[0014] Figure 10 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a strut foot sub - assembly mounted on the frame structure of a vehicle is exemplarily shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Most modern two - wheeled vehicles are equipped with both a strut foot and a center stand. In daily use, compared to the center stand, riders typically choose to apply the strut foot because it is easily accessible and easy to deploy. The strut foot is typically mounted to the vehicle frame using a strut foot mounting bracket. The pivot extends laterally with respect to the main frame, and the strut foot can pivot about the axis of the pivot. A strut foot in an inclined position must effectively balance the weight of the vehicle in the parked state, and any failure to bear the weight may cause the vehicle to become unbalanced and tip over, resulting in damage to vehicle components and discomfort to the vehicle user.

[0016] Figures 1A - 1C Exemplarily shown are different known configurations of the strut foot mounting construction in a two - wheeled vehicle. The strut foot 104 is mounted to the vehicle frame using the strut foot mounting bracket 103. The engine mounting bracket 102 forms a part to which the strut foot mounting bracket 103 of the vehicle frame can be attached. Depending on the different frame structures of the vehicle, the mounting of the strut foot to the frame is different. As Figure 1A exemplarily shown, the strut foot mounting bracket 103 is welded to the rider's footrest 101. In Figure 1B it, the strut foot mounting bracket 103 is welded to the down tube 105 of the vehicle frame. In Figure 1C it, the strut foot mounting bracket 103 is attached to the engine mounting bracket 102 of the vehicle. In Figures 1A - 1B it, the strut foot mounting brackets 103 all undergo a large amount of welding deformation and experience high vibrations at the tactile points. In Figure 1C it, the overhang due to the construction of attaching the strut foot 104 to the strut foot mounting bracket 103 causes instability of the vehicle.

[0017] In addition, in all of these configurations, the thickness of the strut stand mounting bracket 103 is greater than the thickness of the welded frame portions (such as the down tube 105 or the engine mounting bracket 102). The frame portions 102, 105 to which the strut stand mounting bracket 103 is attached are either tubular structures or sheet metal structures with a lower thickness. When the vehicle is parked using the strut stand 104, the load borne by the strut stand bracket 103 is transferred to these frame portions 102, 105 with a lower thickness, resulting in deflection or deformation of the frame portions 102, 105 and failure of the welded joints between the strut stand mounting bracket 103 and the frame portions 102, 105. Due to the change in thickness, a large amount of welding deformation occurs at the welded joints due to poor surface contact between the two components 103 and 102, 105.

[0018] In addition, the mounting configuration provided on the strut stand mounting bracket for mounting the strut stand bracket to the frame and mounting the strut stand to the strut stand mounting bracket causes the load to be unevenly distributed on the strut stand bracket, and there may be overhang on the surface side where the strut stand mounting configuration is provided. Due to the overhang of the strut stand mounting bracket caused by the rear axle load of the vehicle, the parking of the vehicle may be unstable and may ultimately cause the vehicle to tip over.

[0019] In other variants of mounting the strut stand, a cross member with a large cross-section is used, which extends in the width direction of the vehicle and further extends outward. This configuration tends to increase the weight due to the extension and also requires modification of the existing frame structure. In addition, since the extension of the cross member makes it inconvenient to install the footrest assembly, many separate mounting parts for installing the footrest are required. In yet another variant of mounting the strut stand, a light alloy frame and adjacent reinforcing elements are attached to the strut stand mounting bracket for reinforcement. However, the reinforcement is directly fastened to a sheet metal support in the form of an engine mounting bracket that tends to deform under bending loads.

[0020] Also in some embodiments, when a reinforcing member is used to reinforce the engine mounting bracket, the associated manufacturing and assembly time and cost increase, and the ground clearance for installing the vehicle engine is also reduced. In some other embodiments, the strut stand is attached to the footrest tube of the vehicle, which also requires additional components such as the footrest tube. In addition, the position of the strut stand in the vehicle needs to be accessible to the rider of the vehicle without significantly affecting the center of gravity of the vehicle, and the position of the footrest relative to the strut stand needs to be ergonomically friendly to the rider in order to safely and easily deploy and release the strut stand in the vehicle.

[0021] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved vehicle design with a strut foot component that ensures long-term balanced parking of the vehicle, has proper load distribution and reduced welding deformation of the vehicle frame, while also maintaining easy and safe deployment of the strut foot through multiple cycles throughout its travel.

[0022] In view of the above and to address other problems of the known art, the present subject matter has been designed. The design of the strut foot sub-component disclosed herein addresses the problems of unbalanced vehicle parking due to unstable parking, sliding and tipping effects, improper load distribution from the strut foot component to the frame, welding deformation on the frame related to the strut foot bracket, bending of the frame members during load application to the strut foot, and poor durability / life of the strut foot component.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, a saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle having a strut foot sub-component is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle includes a frame structure and a strut foot sub-component. The frame structure includes a head tube and a main frame extending rearwardly from the head tube. The strut foot sub-component includes a strut foot tube, at least one strut foot mounting bracket, and at least one strut foot integration unit that are operatively connected to each other. At least one strut foot integration unit is connected to one of a plurality of cross-members of the frame structure.

[0024] The plurality of cross-members includes a first cross-member connecting the top portion of at least one down tube and a second cross-member connecting the bottom portion of at least one down tube. The frame structure is supported by the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. At least one down tube is a left rear down tube and a right rear down tube extending downwardly from the rear curved portion of the main frame.

[0025] In one embodiment, the left rear down tube and the right rear down tube are laterally separated by a predetermined distance, forming an accommodation space therebetween. The frame structure further includes at least one top power unit mounting bracket positioned adjacent the top portion of the left rear down tube and the right rear down tube, and at least one bottom power unit mounting bracket positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the left rear down tube and the right rear down tube. In another embodiment, the first cross-member mounts the rider foot pedal assembly of the saddle-type vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the second cross-member mounts the central foot rest sub-component of the saddle-type vehicle. At least one strut foot integration unit includes a central receiving portion for receiving the laterally extending end of the second cross-member. At least one strut foot integration unit further includes an extending body portion that includes at least one mounting configuration on both sides of the central receiving portion. The extending body portion of at least one strut foot integration unit includes a front bracket and a rear bracket that form a box-like structure. When the strut foot sub-component is mounted on the frame structure, the central receiving portion of at least one strut foot integration unit connects the extending body portion and the laterally extending end of the second cross-member and extends laterally inwardly towards the frame structure from the rear bracket.

[0026] The strut foot mounting bracket includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has at least two top mounting configurations corresponding to at least one mounting configuration of the strut foot integrated unit for mounting the strut foot mounting bracket to the strut foot integrated unit. The bottom portion has at least one bottom mounting configuration for coupling the strut foot tube to the strut foot integrated unit. When the strut foot subassembly is mounted on the frame structure, the central receiving portion of at least one strut foot integrated unit and at least one mounting configuration of the bottom portion of the strut foot mounting bracket are collinear. In one embodiment, at least two top mounting configurations of the strut foot mounting bracket and the central receiving portion of at least one strut foot integrated unit form a top triangle. In one embodiment, at least two top mounting configurations and at least one mounting configuration of the bottom portion of the strut foot mounting bracket form a bottom triangle. The bottom portion of the strut foot mounting bracket is inclined at an angle of substantially equal to 45° relative to the top portion. The strut foot tube is coupled to the strut foot mounting bracket by a U-shaped bracket.

[0027] In one embodiment, when observed in a side view of the vehicle, the first cross member and the second cross member are located in a common vertical plane. In another embodiment, the common vertical plane passing through the second cross member is substantially disposed at the longitudinal center of the saddle-type vehicle. The ratio of the longitudinal length of the vehicle and the distance between the common vertical plane passing through the first cross member and the second cross member and the front wheel axle is approximately 2:1.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ratio of the distance between the ground abutment point of the strut foot tube and the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center of the saddle-type vehicle and the distance between the mounting point of the strut foot tube and the vertical plane of the saddle-type vehicle is approximately 2:1. In one embodiment, the angle formed by the mounting point of the strut foot tube relative to the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center of the saddle-type vehicle is substantially the same as the angle formed by the extrapolated ground abutment point of the strut foot relative to the vertical plane of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the angle formed by the mounting point of the strut foot tube relative to the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center of the saddle-type vehicle and the angle formed by the extrapolated ground abutment point of the strut foot relative to the vertical plane of the saddle-type vehicle are approximately 45°. In one embodiment, the vertical plane extends from the longitudinal center of the saddle-type vehicle to the ground plane, and the ratio of the distance between the longitudinal center of the saddle-type vehicle and the ground plane and the distance between the longitudinal center of the saddle-type vehicle and the axle center of the rear wheel is approximately 2:1.

[0030] Another embodiment of a saddle-type vehicle having a frame structure is disclosed, wherein the strut foot subassembly includes a strut foot tube and at least one strut foot mounting bracket operably connected to each other. In this embodiment, at least one strut foot mounting bracket is attached to the bottom engine mounting bracket of the frame structure by a reinforcing member.

[0031] Positioning the strut foot sub - assembly according to the governing ratio contributes to the stability of the strut foot and the vehicle in the parked and retracted states. The proposed design includes connecting the strut foot mounting bracket to the strut foot integrated unit of the frame and pivoting it to either side of the cross - member that provides higher structural strength to the frame. In fact, this design creates a triangular effect that can resist bending moments in addition to axial forces. Moreover, the bending stress from the strut foot is received equally on both sides by the collar (bushing) and threaded member of the strut foot integrated unit, so any bending in the strut foot mounting bracket as described in the prior art is completely suppressed when the strut foot rotates. The box - shaped portion of the strut foot integrated unit that forms a closed loop helps to isolate and reduce deflection, thereby absorbing the direct load from the strut foot and providing an effective transfer of the force from the load acting on the strut foot sub - assembly to the frame.

[0032] The position of the strut footrest when tilted matches the center of gravity of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, which helps to effectively balance the vehicle weight between the front and rear axles. The height of the strut footrest is determined relative to the vertical center of gravity and the tire size, with the ratio of the mounting height to the ground being 1:2, which helps to achieve higher stability in the parked state. The strut footrest tilt angle generated by a forward angle of approximately 15° and a retracted angle of approximately 90° helps to improve its operation and ensure operational convenience during retraction. Therefore, the strut footrest can rotate smoothly and the durability of the side footrest is improved. The strut footrest subassembly can be used as a subassembly to reduce the frame weight and packaging requirements. In addition, the strut footrest switching assembly and the engine stopper can be integrated with the strut footrest mounting bracket to provide an alarm and ensure safety during the operation of the strut footrest. The design of the strut footrest subassembly can be deployed in any two-wheeled vehicle that requires the strut footrest function to balance the vehicle when parked. Exemplary embodiments of the features of the foregoing and other advantages of the subject matter will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the description set forth below. Also, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the description and the drawings only illustrate the principles of the subject matter. Although not explicitly described or shown herein, various arrangements incorporating the principles of the subject matter can be designed. In addition, all statements of the principles, aspects and examples of the subject matter and its specific examples herein are intended to include their equivalents. Further, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", "forward", "backward", "downward", "upward", "top", "bottom", "outer", "inner" and similar terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or standing state of the two-wheeled vehicle on which the rider rides. In addition, the arrows provided anywhere in the upper right corner of the figure in the accompanying drawings depict the directions relative to the vehicle, where the arrow F represents the forward direction, the arrow R represents the rearward direction, the arrow Up represents the upward direction, the arrow Dw represents the downward direction, the arrow RH represents the right side, and the arrow LH represents the left side. Further, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered restrictive.

[0033] Figure 2 A side view of a saddle-type vehicle 200 as viewed from the left hand side of the rider when the rider is in the riding position, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is exemplarily shown. The shown saddle-type vehicle 200 includes Figure 3The shown frame structure 300 is for a two-wheeled vehicle that supports different parts of the two-wheeled vehicle 200. The handlebar 209 is integrally and rotatably connected to a steering shaft (not shown). The head tube rotatably supports the steering shaft within a certain range. The handlebar 209 is used to maneuver the two-wheeled vehicle 200 and is connected to the front wheel 204 through the steering shaft (not shown) and the front fork assembly 206. The upper part of the front wheel 204 is covered by a front fender 216 that prevents mud and water from deflecting towards the steering shaft. In addition, the front fork assembly 206 is supported on the front fender 216 by a support fender.

[0034] In the front part of the main frame, the fuel tank 217 is arranged immediately behind the handlebar 209 and is disposed above the first power source (such as the engine 219). The seat assembly 210 is arranged behind the fuel tank 217. The seat assembly 210 includes a front rider seat part 211a and a rear rider seat part 211b. The rear rider seat part 211b is arranged on the rear part of the frame structure 300, where the rear part of the frame structure 300 is covered by the tail cover assembly 203.

[0035] For the safety of the rider and to comply with traffic rules, a headlight unit 212 and a turn signal unit (not shown) are provided on the front part of the two-wheeled vehicle 200. On the rear part of the two-wheeled vehicle 200, a taillight 213 and a retroreflector 218 are provided on the rear part of the tail cover assembly 203.

[0036] A suspension system is provided for the comfortable steering of the two-wheeled vehicle 200 on the road. The front fork assembly 206 forming the front suspension system serves as a rigid member, just like the frame structure. The front fork assembly 206 clamped to the head tube (not shown) by an upper bracket (not shown) and a lower bracket (not shown) can move left and right. In addition, the rear suspension system 215 is a hydraulic damping device that is connected to the frame structure 300. The rear suspension system 215 includes at least one rear suspension (not shown) preferably provided at the center of the longitudinal middle plane of the two-wheeled vehicle 200. However, in the two-wheeled vehicle 200 having two rear suspensions, the two rear suspensions can be respectively provided on the left and right sides of the two-wheeled vehicle 200.

[0037] The first power source (such as the engine 219) is mounted to the front lower part of the frame structure 300 through at least one engine mounting bracket (not shown). The engine 219 is equipped with an exhaust system including an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine 219 and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler extends rearward along the right side of the rear wheel 205. In addition, the swing arm 207 extending rearward is swingably connected to the lower rear part of the frame structure 300. The rear wheel 205 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 207. The power from the engine 219 is transmitted to the rear wheel 205 through a power drive mechanism (such as a drive chain), thereby driving and rotating the rear wheel 205.

[0038] The rider's footrest (not shown) is mounted through an additional mounting structure installed on the frame structure 300. The rear fender 214 for covering the upper side of the rear wheel 205 is mounted to the rear portion of the frame structure 300 to prevent mud and water splashed due to the rotation of the rear wheel 205 from entering the muffler, the engine 219, and other components disposed nearby. In the present embodiment, since the distance between the rear wheel 205 and the rear fender 214 is large, a second rear fender 202 is provided immediately above the rear wheel 205. To improve the overall aesthetics of the two-wheeled vehicle 200 and prevent unwanted foreign particles from entering the components of the two-wheeled vehicle 200, a plurality of rear covers (not shown) are attached to the rear portion of the frame structure 300. The areas on both sides below the seat assembly 210 and the fuel tank 217 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 are covered by the cover frame assembly 201. The cover frame assembly 201 is also connected to the frame structure 300 and the tail cover assembly 203.

[0039] Figure 3 A left side view of the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200 is exemplarily shown. The front portion of the frame structure 300 includes a head tube 301. The head tube 301 supports the front suspension assembly, and the front suspension assembly also supports the handlebar 209 in a steerable manner. The central portion of the frame structure 300 includes a main frame 302 extending rearward from the head tube 301. The frame structure 300 is supported by the front wheel 204 and the rear wheel 205. The main frame 302 also extends rearward and upward as a rear tube 303 to form the rear portion of the main frame 300 that supports other components of the vehicle 200 at the rear portion. The frame structure 300 also includes a left rear lower tube 307 and a right rear lower tube (not shown) extending downward from the rear curved portion 308 of the main frame 302.

[0040] At the lower portion of each of the lower tubes 307, a strut footrest sub-assembly 304 and a central footrest sub-assembly 305 are attached. In addition, in one embodiment, the footrest assembly 306 is also attached at the lower portion of the lower tubes 307. As shown in FIG. 4, a first cross tube (not shown) is connected at the top portions of the right rear lower tube and the left rear lower tube 307. As shown in FIG. 4, a second cross tube (not shown) is connected at the bottom portions of the right rear lower tube and the left rear lower tube 307. The central footrest sub-assembly 305 and the footrest sub-assembly 306 are attached to the second cross tube by fasteners clamped between a pair of brackets.

[0041] Figures 4A - 4B A strut footrest sub-assembly 304 attached to the main frame 302 of the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200 is exemplarily shown. Figure 4A A side view perspective of the strut footrest sub-assembly 304 is exemplarily shown, Figure 4BAn exemplary front cross-section near the strut foot sub-assembly 304 is shown. As exemplary shown, in addition to the lower tubes 307, 309, the frame structure 300 further includes a top power unit mounting bracket 310 and a bottom power unit mounting bracket 311. The top power unit mounting bracket 310 and the bottom power unit mounting bracket 311 are separate brackets for mounting a power unit (such as the engine 219) to the frame structure 300. In one embodiment, the top power unit mounting bracket 310 and the bottom power unit mounting bracket 311 are formed as a single plate structure that extends substantially along the length of the lower tubes 307, 309 having mounting configurations at their ends. The power unit mounting brackets 310, 311 are formed of metal plates and have configurations therein that engage with the engine mounting configuration, such as holes. The top power unit mounting bracket 310 is welded to the lower tubes 307, 309 adjacent to the first cross member 401. The bottom power unit mounting bracket 311 is welded to the lower tubes 307, 309 adjacent to the second cross member 402. The exemplary first cross member 401 and second cross member 402 are hollow or solid cylindrical structures that extend between the two lower tubes 307, 309 in the lateral direction of the vehicle 200. The length of the first cross member 401 is shorter than that of the second cross member 402. The ends of the second cross member 402 extend beyond the lower tubes 307, 309. The cross members 401, 402 are welded to the lower tubes 307, 309 of the frame structure 300 along their lengths. In one embodiment, the cross members 401, 402 can be fastened to the lower tubes 307, 309 by fasteners. The materials of the cross members 401, 402 can be the same as or different from the material of the frame structure 300. The left rear lower tube 307 and the right rear lower tube 309 are laterally separated by a predetermined distance to form an accommodation space therebetween.

[0042] As can be seen, the strut foot sub-assembly 304 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 200, while the footrest sub-assembly 306 and the swing arm assembly (not shown) are disposed on both sides of the vehicle 200. The footrest sub-assembly 306 includes a rider footrest 403. The cross members 401, 402 have mounting configurations to engage with the mounting configurations (such as holes) of the footrest sub-assembly 306, the swing arm sub-assembly (not shown), the strut foot sub-assembly 304, and the center foot sub-assembly 305 by fasteners or welding. The strut foot sub-assembly 304 is attached to one end 402a of the second cross member 311. The center foot sub-assembly 305 of the vehicle 200 is connected to the second cross member 402 at the rear of the bottom power unit mounting bracket 311. The strut foot sub-assembly 304 includes a strut foot tube 405, at least one strut foot mounting bracket 404, and at least one strut foot integrated unit 406. Here, one strut foot integrated unit 406 and one strut foot mounting bracket 404 are exemplary shown. The strut foot integrated unit 406 is connected to the end 402a of the second cross member 402. Further explain the structure of the strut foot sub-assembly 304.

[0043] Figures 5A - 5B and Figure 5C Exemplarily show a perspective view of the support leg sub - assembly 304 when the support leg tube 405 is in different positions and a cross - sectional view of the support leg sub - assembly 304, respectively. The support leg sub - assembly 304 includes a support leg tube 405, a support leg mounting bracket 404, and a support leg integration unit 406. The support leg integration unit 406 is welded to the end 402a of the second cross - member 402 on its rear surface. On the front surface of the support leg integration unit, the support leg integration unit 406 includes a mounting configuration for connecting the support leg integration unit 406 to the support leg mounting bracket 404.

[0044] The support leg mounting bracket 404 includes a top mounting configuration 501 to engage with the mounting configuration of the support leg integration unit 406 using fasteners 502 (such as screws, nuts and bolts, snap fasteners, etc.). Through the top mounting configuration 501 in the support leg integration unit 406, the support leg mounting bracket 404 is fastened to the frame structure 300. The support leg mounting bracket 404 further includes a bottom mounting configuration (not shown) for mounting the U - shaped bracket 408 using fasteners 503. The support leg tube 405 is pivotally swingable through the U - shaped bracket 408. As Figure 5C shown, the support leg mounting bracket 404 has an angular bend of approximately 45 degrees in its structure. The bottom mounting configuration is provided in the support leg mounting bracket 404 after the bend for fastening the U - shaped bracket 408.

[0045] The strut foot tube 405 is a bent tube having a foot base 412 at the distal end and a foot assist portion 411 disposed adjacent to the foot base 412. The foot base 412 is a flat portion of the strut foot tube 405, and when the strut foot sub-assembly 304 is deployed, the vehicle 200 leans on the foot base 412. The foot assist portion 411 is provided to allow the strut foot tube 405 to pivot about the pivot axis of the bolt 503 of the U-shaped bracket 408 between a standing position and a retracted position by the action of the rider's or user's foot. The standing position or the retracted position of the strut foot tube 405 is held by a tension spring 407 connected between an extension member 409 on the rear surface of the strut foot tube 405 facing the lower tubes 307, 309 and a hook 410. The extension member 409 extends substantially horizontally laterally from the strut foot mounting bracket 404 and is disposed adjacent to the U-shaped bracket 408. The hook 410 is positioned at a location approximately midway along the length of the strut foot tube 405. To park the vehicle 200, the strut foot tube 405 is rotated from the retracted position shown by the dashed line to the vertical position. The strut foot tube 405 is coupled to the frame structure 300 at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical axis through the strut foot mounting bracket 404 for deploying the strut foot tube 405 in a balanced manner and parking the vehicle 200.

[0046] Figure 6A A perspective view and an exploded view of a strut foot integration unit 406 of a strut foot sub-assembly 304 of a vehicle 200 are exemplarily shown. The strut foot integration unit 406 includes an extended body portion 602 and a central receiving portion 601 extending substantially orthogonally from the extended body portion 602. The central receiving portion 601 is an open tubular structure having a substantially semi-circular cross-section that engages an end 402a of the second cross-member 402. The extended body portion 602 has a flat outer surface and includes a mounting configuration 603 for engaging a top mounting configuration of the strut foot mounting bracket 404. The central receiving portion 601 is welded to the second cross-member 402 in a portion adjacent to the end 402a of the second cross-member 402. The central receiving portion 601 serves as a stiffener and a support reinforcement member to help the strut foot sub-assembly 304 withstand bending loads.

[0047] The extension body portion 602 has a box-type structure. The top surface of the extension body portion 602 includes recesses 605a, 605b for receiving the second cross member 402. The extension body portion 602 includes a front bracket 602a and a rear bracket 602b and a mounting bushing 604, the front bracket 602a and the rear bracket 602b having mounting configurations 603a, 603b in a straight line, and the mounting bushing 604 is positioned in the mounting configurations 603a, 603b. The front bracket 602a supports the installation of the support foot mounting bracket 404 and the support foot tube 405 to the extension body portion 602. The rear bracket 602b forms a closed loop with the front bracket 602a. The central receiving portion 601 connects the extension body portion 602 and the lateral extension end 402a of the second cross member 402.

[0048] The central receiving portion 601 extends laterally inward from the rear bracket 602b toward the frame structure 300. The depth of the recesses 605a, 605b is the same as the depth of the central receiving portion 601. The recesses 605a, 605b and the central receiving portion 601 receive the second cross member 402, and the central receiving portion 601 is welded to the second cross member 402. In an embodiment, the reinforcement member 601 is welded to the recesses 605a, 605b in the front bracket 602a and the rear bracket 602b, respectively, and extends orthogonally to form the central receiving portion.

[0049] The front bracket 602a and the rear bracket 602b are welded together as a subassembly at the perimeter to form a rigid box structure extending the main body portion 602. The dimensions of the rectangular front bracket 602a are greater than the dimensions of the rectangular rear bracket 602b, such that the front bracket 602a surrounds the rear bracket 602b. The mounting arrangement (i.e., the holes 603a, 603b in the front and rear brackets) are in line and receive threaded mounting bushings 604 therein. The mounting holes 603a, 603b and the mounting bushings 604 engage Figure 5C The fasteners 502 shown in FIG. 4 are used to fasten the post foot mounting bracket 404 to the post foot integrated unit 406 .

[0050] Figure 6B A plan view of a post stand foot subassembly 304 engaged with a frame structure 300 is exemplarily shown. As exemplarily shown, a central receiving portion 601 is welded to the second cross member 402 in a portion adjacent to an end portion 402a of the second cross member 402. The central receiving portion 601 has a profile that conforms to the tubular second cross member 402 and receives a substantial length of the second cross member 402. It can also be seen that the central receiving portion 601 extends from an extended body portion 602 of a post stand foot integrated unit 406. The extended body portion 602 of the post stand foot integrated unit 406 is fastened to a post stand foot mounting bracket 404, and a post stand foot tube 405 extends from a U-shaped bracket 408 on the post stand foot mounting bracket 404.

[0051] Figures 7A - 7C Exemplarily shown are different perspective views of the stanchion mounting bracket 404 of the stanchion foot subassembly 304. As exemplarily shown, on the front surface 704, the stanchion mounting bracket 404 includes a plurality of top mounting configurations 501, i.e., holes for mounting the stanchion mounting bracket 404 to the stanchion integrated unit 406. Each of these top mounting configurations 501 is positioned in line with a mounting configuration 603 in the extended body portion 602 of the stanchion integrated unit 406. In Figures 7A - 7C only two top mounting configurations 501 adjacent to the edge of the stanchion mounting bracket 404 in the top portion 702 of the stanchion mounting bracket 404 are shown. However, the number of mounting configurations is not limited to just two; there can be a plurality of evenly distributed mounting configurations on the top portion 702 of the stanchion mounting bracket 404. The stanchion mounting bracket 702 has an irregular shape, similar to the shape of an amoeba. The stanchion mounting bracket 404 has a top portion 702 with top mounting configurations 501 opened by an angular bending portion around the axis X-X' and a bottom portion 703 with bottom mounting configurations 701. The bottom portion 703 is inclined at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the top portion 702 around the axis X-X'.

[0052] The bottom mounting configuration 701 (i.e., hole) accommodates the main stanchion foot tube 405 by means of a U-shaped bracket 408. Further, in the bottom portion 703, mounting configurations 706, 708 for mounting a return spring and a switching unit (not shown) by means of hooks 707 are provided on the front surface 704 and the rear surface 705, respectively. The top portion 702 of the stanchion mounting bracket 404 is wider and tapers towards the bottom portion 703. In the bottom portion 703 of the stanchion mounting bracket 404, the bottom mounting configuration 701 is centrally located between the top mounting configurations 501. The bottom mounting configuration 701 is used to couple the stanchion foot tube 405 to the stanchion integrated unit 406 using a U-shaped bracket 408.

[0053] Figure 8A front perspective view of a post stand foot mounting bracket 404 attached to a post stand foot integrated unit 406 is exemplarily shown. As shown, the post stand foot mounting bracket 404 is fastened to the post stand foot integrated unit 406 using fasteners 502 in a top mounting configuration 501. The surface 704 of the top portion 702 of the post stand foot mounting bracket 404 covers only the mounting configuration 603 of the extended body portion 602 and follows the outer contour of the recesses 605a, 605b in the extended body portion 602 of the post stand foot integrated unit 406. The position of the bottom mounting configuration 701 is collinear with the central receiving portion 601 of the post stand foot integrated unit 406. That is, the shape of the post stand foot mounting bracket 404 is arranged so that the frame mounting of the post stand foot subassembly 304 and the mounting of the post stand foot tube 405 are arranged in a collinear manner. In addition, the top mounting configuration 501 is located on both sides of the central receiving portion 601. Thus, a top triangle shown in dashed lines is formed between the top mounting configuration 501 and the central receiving portion 601, and a bottom triangle shown in dashed lines is formed between the top mounting configuration 501 and the bottom mounting configuration 701. When the pillar stand foot tube 405 is deployed to park the vehicle 200, the pillar stand foot tube 405 hits the edge 709 of the pillar stand foot mounting bracket 404, and the load borne by the pillar stand foot tube 405 is transferred from the U-shaped bracket 408 in the bottom mounting configuration 701 to the central receiving portion 601 connected to the second cross member 402. The mounting spacing between the top mounting configurations 501 allows the load to be evenly distributed to the top mounting configurations 501 and the extended body portion 602 of the pillar stand foot integrated unit 406. The evenly distributed load is transferred to the central receiving portion 601, and thus to the second cross member 402 in the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200. Due to the triangulation of the top mounting configuration 501, the bottom mounting configuration 701 and the central receiving portion 601, the mounting spacing between the top mounting configuration 501 helps to effectively transfer the load between the post foot mounting bracket 404 and the post foot integrated unit 406, and thus to the frame structure 300. Therefore, the positioning of the post foot integrated unit 406 on the frame structure 300 and the post foot tube 405 forms a rigid support triangle effect and balances the post foot tube load during its application.

[0054] Once the accessibility of the strut stand foot assembly 304 is fixed by its construction, it is important to locate the strut stand foot assembly 304 at a location on the frame structure 300 by determining factors such as the weight of the vehicle 200, the center of gravity of the vehicle 200, the vehicle plane on the strut stand foot tube 405, the contact point of the strut stand foot tube 405 on the ground, the tire size, the vertical load applied to the strut stand foot assembly 405, etc. Figures 9A - 9B as described in the description.

[0055] Figures 9A - 9BAn exemplary schematic diagram is shown depicting the positioning of the strut foot sub - assembly 304 relative to the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200 when in the deployed state. As Figure 9A exemplarily shown therein, the position of the strut foot tube 405 relative to the wheelbase of the vehicle 200 when deployed is shown. "a" represents the wheelbase, that is, the distance between the front axle 204 and the rear axle 205. "b" represents the distance from the mounting location of the strut foot sub - assembly 304 to the front axle 204. "c" represents the distance from the strut foot base 412 to the front axle 204. The position where the strut foot sub - assembly 304 is mounted on the frame structure 300 is selected to be at a position where the ratio of a∶b is approximately 2∶1. That is, when observed in a side view of the vehicle, the first cross - member 401 and the second cross - member 402 are located in the common vertical plane YY', and the common vertical plane YY' passing through the second cross - member 402 is substantially disposed at the longitudinal center of the vehicle 200.

[0056] When deployed, the position of the strut foot tube 405 is arranged to balance the vehicle's center of gravity in the vertical, lateral, and longitudinal directions of the force. The position of the strut foot sub - assembly 304 effectively transfers the weight during the application of the strut foot tube 405, and the inclination angle of the strut foot tube 405 relative to the vertical axis helps to counteract the weight.

[0057] As Figure 9B exemplarily shown therein, a working ratio is determined to position the strut foot sub - assembly 304 on the frame structure 300 relative to the height of the vehicle 200. The working ratio is important for determining the position of the strut foot tube 405 and improving the stability of the strut foot tube 405. The ratio of the tire size of the vehicle 200 to the height of the strut foot tube 405 in the vertical direction helps to overcome the tipping of the vehicle 200 when the strut foot tube 405 is deployed. In addition, the lateral offset from the mounting location of the strut foot tube 405 to the point where the strut foot tube 405 contacts the ground helps to calculate the ground reach of the strut foot tube 405 and overcome the sliding effect when the strut foot tube 405 is deployed.

[0058] As Figure 9BAs shown, line OB represents a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center O of vehicle 200; point C represents the center of the rear wheel axle 205; point G represents the mounting point of the strut foot sub - assembly 304 on the frame structure 300 (identified by the axis of the central receiving portion 601); point D represents the extension of the strut foot mounting point to the center plane of vehicle 200; point F represents the ground - contacting point of the strut foot tube in the vertical position of the vehicle; point E represents the extension of the ground - contacting point F of the strut foot tube to the center plane of the vehicle; point H represents the vertical drop from the strut foot tube mounting point G to the ground - contacting plane EF of the strut foot tube; point B represents the point indicating the ground plane; and point A represents the extrapolation of the ground - contacting point F of the strut foot in the upright state of the vehicle. To ensure the stability of vehicle 200 and the strut foot tube 405 in the tilted position, the position of the strut foot sub - assembly 405 is determined to be configured such that the ratio of length OB: length OC is approximately 2:1, the ratio of length FE: length GD is approximately 2:1, and the angles (GCD) and (CAB) are approximately 45°.

[0059] Therefore, the positioning of the strut foot sub - assembly 304 on the frame structure 300 at a position that matches the center of gravity of vehicle 200 both vertically and longitudinally, the ratio of the tire size to the mounting height of the strut foot sub - assembly 304, and the distance of the strut foot tube 405 from the center plane of the vehicle at its mounting point to the point of contact with the ground contribute to reducing the overhang distance and improving the stability of the strut foot sub - assembly 304.

[0060] Figure 10 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the strut foot sub - assembly 405 mounted on the frame structure 300 of vehicle 200 is exemplarily shown. In this embodiment, the strut foot mounting bracket 405 is directly mounted on the bottom engine mounting bracket 311 of the frame structure 300. The strut foot mounting bracket 405 is welded to the bottom engine mounting bracket 311 by a reinforcing member 1001, which strengthens the joint of the connecting members of the strut foot mounting bracket 405 and the bottom engine mounting bracket 311. In this embodiment, the strut foot integrated unit 406 is removed, and the reinforcing member 1001 is added.

[0061] The design of the strut footrest sub - assembly in a vehicle as described in the present invention provides the following technological advancements in the fields of manufacturing, assembly, repair, maintenance, and replacement of the strut footrest sub - assembly: The strut footrest sub - assembly is a modular structure that is easy to manufacture, assemble, repair, maintain, and replace, and reduces the associated costs. The position where the strut footrest sub - assembly is mounted on the frame structure of the vehicle does not interfere with the vehicle's center of gravity, thus facilitating stable parking of the vehicle, vehicle maneuverability, and stable driving. Due to the spacing of the mounting configurations on its surface and the angular bends on its surface, the strut footrest mounting bracket does not exhibit any overhang under load. The structure of the strut footrest sub - assembly pivoted to the second cross - member and the strut footrest bracket that houses the strut footrest tube form a triangular effect. This helps to minimize the direct load on the frame and reduce the deflection of the strut footrest mounting bracket, overcoming the problems in the prior art. The position of the strut footrest relative to the rider's ergonomics is an important parameter defined by the length of the strut footrest and its offset relative to the vehicle's center plane. The forward angle and the retracted angle facilitate the articulation of the strut footrest and provide convenience.

[0062] The position of the strut footrest sub - assembly ensures the main purpose of the footrest operation, the ability to reach the footrest from the rider's footrest, and the articulation of the footrest during opening and closing. The strut footrest sub - assembly can be easily installed on the frame structure of the workstation and is also convenient for packaging to meet the specific requirements of different markets and customers. The strut footrest reinforcement welded to the strut footrest integrated unit at the rear portion serves as a support reinforcement that helps to withstand bending loads.

[0063] The strut footrest sub - assembly utilizes the frame cross - member and the strut footrest integrated unit as a central pivot, thus reducing the direct load and vibration on the frame during strut footrest application. The mounting configurations positioned on the strut footrest integrated unit on either side of the frame cross - member form a triangular effect, providing higher structural stiffness. The strut footrest integrated unit eliminates the need to use separate reinforcements or ribs to further strengthen the strut footrest mounting bracket. Through such a construction of the strut footrest sub - assembly, effective weight distribution is achieved while enhancing the durability of the strut footrest during its operation and use. The welding deformation caused by welding the strut footrest bracket to the frame is eliminated, thus improving the welding quality of the frame and reducing the direct load on the frame members.

[0064] Based on the above disclosure, many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described.

[0065] List of Reference Numerals

[0066] 101 - Rider footrest in the prior art 303 - Rear tube

[0067] 102 - Engine mounting bracket in the prior art 304 - Strut foot sub - assembly

[0068] 103 - Strut foot mounting bracket in the prior art 305 - Central foot sub - assembly

[0069] 306 - Footrest assembly

[0070] 104 - Strut foot in the prior art 307, 309 - Lower tube

[0071] 105 - Lower tube in the prior art 308 - Rear bending part of the main frame 302

[0072] 200 - Vehicle 310 - Top power unit mounting bracket

[0073] 201 - Cover frame assembly 311 - Bottom power unit mounting bracket

[0074] 202 - Second rear fender 401 - First cross member

[0075] 203 - Tailgate assembly 402 - Second cross member

[0076] 204 - Front wheel 402a - End of the second cross member

[0077] 205 - Rear wheel 403 - Rider footrest

[0078] 206 - Front fork assembly 404 - Strut foot mounting bracket

[0079] 207 - Swing arm 405 - Strut foot tube

[0080] 209 - Handlebar 406 - Strut foot integrated unit

[0081] 210 - Seat 407 - Tension spring

[0082] 211a - Rider seat 408 - U - shaped bracket

[0083] 211b - Rear seat 409 - Extension member

[0084] 212 - Headlight unit 410 - Hook

[0085] 213 - Taillight 411 - Foot assist part

[0086] 214 - Rear fender 412 - Foot base

[0087] 215 - Rear suspension system 501 - Top mounting configuration in the strut foot integrated unit 406

[0088] 216 - Front fender

[0089] 217 - Fuel tank 502, 503 - Fastener

[0090] 218 - Retroreflector 601 - Central receiving part

[0091] 300 - Frame structure 602 - Extended main body part

[0092] 301 - Head tube 602a, 602b - Front brackets of the extended main body part

[0093] 302 - Main frame and rear brackets

[0094] 603 - Mounting configuration in the extended main body part

[0095] 603a, 603b - Mounting configurations in the front and rear brackets

[0096] 604 - Mounting bushing

[0097] 605a, 605b - Depressions in the front and rear brackets

[0098] 701 - Bottom mounting configuration

[0099] 702 - Top part of the strut foot mounting bracket 404

[0100] 703 - Bottom part of the strut foot mounting bracket 404

[0101] 704 - Front surface of the strut foot mounting bracket 404

[0102] 705 - Rear surface of the strut foot mounting bracket 404

[0103] 706 - Mounting configuration for the switching unit on the strut foot mounting bracket 404

[0104] 707 - Return spring and hook

[0105] 708 - Mounting configuration for the return spring and hook on the strut foot mounting bracket 404

[0106] 1001 - Reinforcing member

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle (200), comprising: A frame structure (300), the frame structure (300) including a head tube (301) and a main frame (302) extending rearward from the head tube (301), and A strut foot subassembly (304), the strut foot subassembly (304) including a strut foot tube (405), at least one strut foot mounting bracket (404), and at least one strut foot integrated unit (406) that are operably connected to each other, the strut foot subassembly (304) being mounted to one of a plurality of cross members (402) of the frame structure (300) by the strut foot integrated unit (406); Wherein the at least one strut foot integrated unit (406) includes a central receiving portion (601) and an extending body portion (602); Wherein the central receiving portion (601) is configured to connect the extending body portion (602) to one of the plurality of cross members of the frame structure (300); Wherein the extending body portion (602) includes a front bracket (602a) and a rear bracket (602b) that form a box structure, and Wherein the strut foot mounting bracket (404) is coupled to the frame structure (300) by the strut foot integrated unit (406), and wherein the strut foot tube (405) is coupled to the strut foot mounting bracket (404) by a U-shaped bracket (408), and Wherein the strut foot mounting bracket (404) includes a top portion (702) and a bottom portion (703), the bottom portion (703) of the strut foot mounting bracket (404) having at least one mounting configuration (701) for coupling the strut foot tube (405) to the strut foot integrated unit (406), and wherein when the strut foot subassembly (304) is mounted on the frame structure (300), the central receiving portion (601) of the at least one strut foot integrated unit (406) and at least one mounting configuration (701) of the bottom portion (703) of the strut foot mounting bracket (404) are collinear.

2. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cross members of the frame structure (300) include a first cross member (401) connecting the top portions of at least one lower tube (307, 309) and a second cross member (402) connecting the bottom portions of the at least one lower tube (307, 309).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein the central receiving portion (601) is configured to receive a laterally extending end (402a) of the second cross member (402).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the extending body portion (602) includes at least one mounting configuration (603) on both sides of the central receiving portion (601).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 3, wherein when the strut foot sub-assembly (304) is mounted on the frame structure (300), the central receiving portion (601) connects the extended main body portion (602) and the lateral extension end (402a) of the second cross member (402), and wherein the central receiving portion (601) extends laterally inward from the rear bracket (602b) towards the frame structure (300).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the top portion (702) has at least two top mounting configurations (501) corresponding to at least one mounting configuration (603) of the strut foot integrated unit (406) for mounting the strut foot mounting bracket (404) to the strut foot integrated unit (406).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 6, wherein the at least two top mounting configurations (501) of the strut foot mounting bracket (404) and the central receiving portion (601) of the at least one strut foot integrated unit (406) form a top triangle.

8. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 6, wherein the at least two top mounting configurations (501) and at least one mounting configuration (701) of the bottom portion (703) of the strut foot mounting bracket (404) form a bottom triangle.

9. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion (703) of the strut foot mounting bracket (404) is inclined at an angle of substantially equal to 45° with respect to the top portion (702).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein the first cross member (401) mounts the rider foot pedal assembly (306) of the saddle-type vehicle (200).

11. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein the second cross member (402) mounts the central foot sub-assembly (305) of the saddle-type vehicle (200).

12. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein when viewed in a side view of the vehicle, the first cross member (401) and the second cross member (402) are located in a common vertical plane (YY').

13. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of the longitudinal length (a) of the vehicle (200) and the distance (b) between the common vertical plane (YY') passing through the first cross member (401) and the second cross member (402) and the axle of the front wheel (204) is approximately 2:

1.

14. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one down tube is a left rear down tube (307) and a right rear down tube (309) extending downward from the rear curved portion (308) of the main frame (302).

15. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 14, wherein the left rear lower tube (307) and the right rear lower tube (309) are laterally separated by a predetermined distance, and an accommodation space is formed between the left rear lower tube (307) and the right rear lower tube (309).

16. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 14, wherein the frame structure (300) further includes at least one top power unit mounting bracket (310) and at least one bottom power unit mounting bracket (311), the at least one top power unit mounting bracket (310) is positioned adjacent to the top portions of the left rear lower tube (307) and the right rear lower tube (309), and the at least one bottom power unit mounting bracket (311) is positioned adjacent to the bottom portions of the left rear lower tube (307) and the right rear lower tube (309).

17. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the distance (FE) between the ground contact point (F) of the strut foot tube and the vertical plane (OB) passing through the longitudinal center (O) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) to the distance (GD) between the mounting point (G) of the strut foot tube and the vertical plane (OB) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) is 2:

1.

18. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the angle (angle (GCD)) formed by the mounting point (G) of the strut foot tube with respect to the vertical plane (OB) passing through the longitudinal center (O) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) is the same as the angle (angle (CAB)) formed by the extrapolated ground contact point (A) of the strut foot with respect to the vertical plane (OB) of the saddle-type vehicle (200).

19. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 18, wherein the angle (angle (GCD)) formed by the mounting point (G) of the strut foot tube with respect to the vertical plane (OB) passing through the longitudinal center (O) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) and the angle (angle (CAB)) formed by the extrapolated ground contact point (A) of the strut foot with respect to the vertical plane (OB) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) are approximately 45°.

20. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the vertical plane extends from the longitudinal center (O) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) to the ground plane (B), and the ratio of the distance between the longitudinal center (O) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) and the ground plane (B) to the distance between the longitudinal center (O) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) and the axle center (C) of the rear wheel (205) is 2:

1.

21. A saddle-type vehicle (200) comprising: a frame structure (300) including a head tube (301) and a main frame (302) extending rearward from the head tube (301); and The strut standing leg sub-assembly (304), the strut standing leg sub-assembly (304) includes a strut standing leg tube (405), at least one strut standing leg integrated unit (406) and at least one strut standing leg mounting bracket (404) that are operatively connected to each other, wherein the at least one strut standing leg integrated unit (406) includes a central receiving portion (601) and an extending body portion (602), wherein the strut standing leg sub-assembly (304) is mounted to one of a plurality of cross-members (402) of the frame structure (300) through the at least one strut standing leg integrated unit (406), and wherein the strut standing leg mounting bracket (404) includes a top portion (702) and a bottom portion (703), the bottom portion (703) of the strut standing leg mounting bracket (404) has at least one mounting configuration (701) for coupling the strut standing leg tube (405) to the strut standing leg integrated unit (406), and wherein when the strut standing leg sub-assembly (304) is mounted on the frame structure (300), the central receiving portion (601) of the at least one strut standing leg integrated unit (406) and at least one mounting configuration (701) of the bottom portion (703) of the strut standing leg mounting bracket (404) are collinear.

Images