A stabilizing device for a two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

A stabilizing device for a two-wheeled vehicle is described. The stabilizing device comprises at least one leg configured to be pivotally articulated to the vehicle. The stabilizing device further comprises at least one auxiliary wheel configured to be coupled to the at least one leg. The at least one leg is configured to pivot, together with the at least one auxiliary wheel, between a retracted state, a partially deployed state, and a fully deployed state, thereby causing the stabilizing device to pivot between the retracted state, the partially deployed state, and the fully deployed state. In the fully deployed state, the at least one auxiliary wheel is in contact with ground.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to supports for two-wheeled vehicles, and more particularly to a stabilizing device for use with a two-wheeled vehicle that can be efficiently deployed as and when required.Background of the Invention

[0002] Generally, riders of two-wheelers make use of their feet in order to support the twowheeler when not in motion. The two-wheelers may be bicycles, motorbikes, or the like. Such two-wheelers do not stay upright on their own when the two-wheelers are not in motion. The risers have to support the two-wheeler in an upright position by means of their feet touching the ground. Such a requirement of the rider always having to keep their feet on the ground for supporting the two-wheeler is not only inconvenient for the rider but also causes the shoes of the rider to get dirty. This is especially relevant in wet and muddy roads.

[0003] Moreover, riders who do not have experience of riding two-wheelers may not be able to put their feet on the ground in time. This leads to the two-wheeler falling over. Further, in cases of loss of control of the two-wheeler while in motion, the riders have no means to stabilize the two-wheeler. This leads to the rider losing total control of the two-wheeler which causes accidents and injuries.

[0004] Accordingly, there is an established need for a solution to the problems mentioned above. For instance, there is an established need for a stabilizing device that supports a vehicle in an upright position when the vehicle is not in motion. Further, there is an established need for a stabilizing device that can be deployed in an efficient and effective manner to prevent total loss Applicant: Bernard Brako Atty. Docket No.: 9043-0100 Page 2 of 16 of control of the vehicle. Further, there is an established need for a stabilizing device that prevents riders from using their feet to support the vehicle when not in motion.Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a stabilizing device for a two-wheeled vehicle. The stabilizing device comprises at least one leg configured to be pivotally articulated to the vehicle and at least one auxiliary wheel coupled to the at least one leg. The at least one leg is configured to pivot, together with the at least one auxiliary wheel, between a retracted state, a partially deployed state, and a fully deployed state, thereby causing the stabilizing device to pivot between the retracted state, the partially deployed state, and the fully deployed state. In the fully deployed state, the at least one auxiliary wheel is in contact with ground.

[0006] In an aspect, in the fully deployed state, the at least one auxiliary wheel supplements a main wheel of the vehicle and effectively turns the two-wheeled vehicle into a stable fourwheeled vehicle.

[0007] In an aspect, in the partially deployed state, the at least one auxiliary wheel is distanced from the ground so as to come in contact with the ground when the vehicle tilts by a predetermined degree.

[0008] In an aspect, in the retracted state, the at least one auxiliary wheel is maximally distanced from the ground so as to not interfere in normal driving of the vehicle.

[0009] In an aspect, the at least one leg is pivotally articulated to a chassis of the vehicle by means of a fastener. In an aspect, the at least one wheel is smaller in diameter than main wheels of the vehicle.

[0010] In an aspect, the at least one leg is configured to pivot with respect to the vehicle about a pivot axis.

[0011] In an aspect, the pivot axis is inclined with respect to a longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

[0012] In an aspect, the at least one wheel is maximally distanced from the longitudinal planewhen the at least one leg is in the deployed state.

[0013] In an aspect, the at least one leg is configured to pivot between the retracted state and the deployed state under control of a control unit, the control unit being mechanically connected to the at least one leg.

[0014] In an aspect, the at least one leg comprises a footrest portion configured to allow a rider of the vehicle to rest feet thereon.

[0015] In an aspect, the at least one leg is configured to pivot from the retracted state to the deployed state by means of feet of a rider of the vehicle.

[0016] In an aspect, the at least one leg comprises a first leg and a second leg, and the at least one auxiliary wheel comprises a first auxiliary wheel and a second auxiliary wheel.

[0017] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the embodiments and examples, which follow.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle having a stabilizing device, the stabilizing device being in a retracted state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing device being in a partially deployed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing device being in a fully deployed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing device being in a retracted state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing device being in the partially deployed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification;

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the stabilizing device being in the fully deployed state, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a vehicle having a stabilizing device, the stabilizing device being in a retracted state, in accordance with another embodiment of the present specification;

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 7 with the stabilizing device being in a fully deployed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification; and

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle of FIG. 7 with the stabilizing device being shifted from the retracted state to a partially deployed state andthen to the deployed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification.

[0028] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.Detailed Description

[0029] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described below are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in the drawings. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0030] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and the like. In other instances, wellknown elements associated with vehicle stabilizing device have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

[0031] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to."

[0032] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise, and the vice versa. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is, as meaning "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0034] It should be noted that throughout the specification and claims which follow, the term "vehicle" refers to a two-wheeled vehicle that is driven by a user. For instance, the vehicle may be a scooter, motorbike, bicycle, electric bike, etc.

[0035] Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1-3 that illustrate a stabilizing device 100 equipped to a vehicle 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates the stabilizing device 100 in a retracted state. FIG. 2 illustrates the stabilizing device 100 in a partially deployed state. FIG. 3 illustrates the stabilizing device 100 in the fully deployed state.

[0036] The vehicle 150 is a two-wheeled vehicle that is to be driven by a user. In some embodiments, the vehicle 150 may be a motorbike, a quality small bike, and the like. The vehicle 150 has a chassis 152, main wheels 154, a seat 155, and a handle bar 156. The vehicle 150 is configured to be driven on a surface 160. The vehicle 150 has a longitudinal plane Al along which the vehicle 150 may be driven in a straight line.

[0037] The stabilizing device 100 is configured to be pivotally articulated to the vehicle 150, for instance, at a portion of the chassis 152. The stabilizing device 100 is configured to shift between a retracted state, a partially deployed state, and a fully deployed state. The stabilizing device 100 comprises a first leg 110A and a second leg HOB, though in the side views of FIGS. 1-3, only the first leg 110A is visible. The first leg 110A may be disposed to the right side of the seat 155, when viewed from the back of the vehicle 150, while the second leg HOB may be disposed to the left side of the seat 155, when viewed from the back of the vehicle 150.

[0038] Each of the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB is pivotally articulated to the vehicle 150 at a portion of the chassis 152, thereby articulating thestabilizing device 100 to the vehicle 150. In some embodiments, each of the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB is articulated to the vehicle 150 at respective proximal ends thereof. In some embodiments, each of the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB is articulated to the chassis 152 by means of a corresponding fastener 112. The fastener 112 is configured to allow pivoting of the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB about a pivot axis, as will be described in detail further below.

[0039] The stabilizing device 100 comprises a first auxiliary wheel 120A and a second auxiliary wheel 120B, although only the first auxiliary wheel 120A is visible in the side view of the vehicle 150 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the first auxiliary wheel 120A and the second auxiliary wheel 120B are coupled to the distal ends of the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB respectively. In some embodiments, each of the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB may comprise an axle for securely coupling the first auxiliary wheel 120A and the second auxiliary wheel 120B respectively.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connection of the first auxiliary wheel 120A and the second auxiliary wheel 120B to the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB is such that the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are free to rotate. In some embodiments, the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B may not be configured to rotate, rather, may be configured to provide support to the vehicle 150. In an embodiment, the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are smaller in diameter than the main wheels 154 of the vehicle 150.

[0041] The stabilizing device 100 comprising the first and second legs 110A, HOB, and the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B, is configured to pivot between the retracted state, the partially deployed state, and the fully deployed state. As seen in FIG. 1, the stabilizing device 100 is in the retracted state in which the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are farthest away from the surface 160. As seen in FIG. 2, the stabilizing device 100 is being pivoted from the retracted state to the partially deployed state, as shown by arrow Bl. The partially deployed state is a state in which the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are not yet in contact with the surface 160 and the vehicle can be ridden on the main wheels 154. The first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are distanced from the surface 160 such that the first and second auxiliary wheels120A, 120B come in contact with the ground 160 when the vehicle tilts by a predetermined degree. The first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B remain in a position to support the vehicle 150 in case the vehicle begins to tilt, for instance, as a result of a user losing control of the vehicle 150 or as result of a learner rider not fully in control of balancing the vehicle 150 on the main wheels 154.

[0042] In some embodiments, the stabilizing device undergoes pivoting in a counterclockwise direction to shift from the retracted state to the partially deployed state. As seen in FIG. 3, the stabilizing device 100 is in the fully deployed state after pivoting from the partially deployed state, as shown by arrow Bl, the fully deployed state being a state in which the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are in contact with the surface 160. The first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B supplement the main wheels 154 and effectively turn the vehicle 150 into a 4-wheeled vehicle having an increased stability.

[0043] In order to further explain the pivoting motion of the stabilizing device 100, reference is made to FIGS. 4-6 in which FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle 150 with the stabilizing device 100 in the retracted state, FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle 150 with the stabilizing device 100 in the partially deployed state, and FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle 150 with the stabilizing device 100 in the fully deployed state.

[0044] The stabilizing device 100 is pivotally articulated to the vehicle 150, in that, the first and second legs 110A, HOB are pivotally articulated to the chassis 152 of the vehicle 150. Each of the first and second legs 110A, HOB has a pivot axis XI about which the first and second legs 110A, HOB pivot with respect to the vehicle 150. By virtue of the pivot axis XI, both the first leg 110A and the second leg HOB pivot with respect to the vehicle 150 thereby causing the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B to shift between a position away from the surface 160 and a position in contact with the surface 160.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pivot axis XI is angled with respect to the longitudinal plane Al. As a result, the first and second legs 110A, HOB as well as the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B may not shift absolutely vertically from the retracted state to the deployed state. As seen in FIG. 4, thestabilizing device 100 is in the retracted state and the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are in a position closest to the longitudinal plane Al.

[0046] As seen in FIG. 5, the stabilizing device 100 is in the partially deployed state, and by virtue of the pivot axis XI, the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B are distanced from the longitudinal plane Al. As seen in FIG. 6, the stabilizing device 100 is in the fully deployed state with the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B resting on the surface 160 and being maximally distanced from the longitudinal plane Al. Accordingly, when the stabilizing device 100 pivots about the pivot axis XI from the retracted state to the partially deployed state and Applicant: Bernard Brako Atty. Docket No.: 9043-0100 Page 10 of 16 then to the fully deployed state, the first and second auxiliary wheels 120A, 120B move from a position closest to the longitudinal plane Al to a position farthest from the longitudinal plane Al.

[0047] In some embodiments, the stabilizing device 100 may form a part of a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system further comprising a control unit (not shown) to control the pivoting of the stabilizing device 100. In some embodiments, the control unit may mechanically operate the stabilizing device 100 in order to shift the stabilizing device 100 between the retracted, partially deployed, and fully deployed states.

[0048] As an example, the control unit may be positioned at the handle bar 156 of the vehicle and a user driving the vehicle 150 may control the pivoting of the stabilizing device 100 by operating the control unit. For instance, when the vehicle 150 comes to a stop, the user may operate the control unit to pivot the stabilizing device 100 from the retracted state to the fully deployed state. When the vehicle 150 resumes motion, the vehicle 150 being initially in a slow motion and at lower stability, the user may operate the control unit to pivot the stabilizing device 100 from the fully deployed state to the partially deployed state. Subsequently, as the vehicle speed increases and the vehicle 150 has a greater stability, the user may operate the control unit to pivot the stabilizing device 100 from the partially deployed state to the retracted state. In some embodiments, the control unit may comprise one or more sensors to detect movement and instability of the vehicle and cause the stabilizing device 100 to be automatically deployed.

[0049] Reference is made to FIGS. 7-9 that illustrate a stabilizing device 200 equipped to a vehicle 250, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates the stabilizing device 200 in a retracted state. FIG. 8 illustrates the stabilizing device 200 in the fully deployed state. FIG. 9 illustrates the stabilizing device 200 being shifted from the retracted state to a partially deployed state and then to the fully deployed state.

[0050] The vehicle 250 is a two-wheeled vehicle that is to be driven by a user. In some embodiments, the vehicle 250 may be a bicycle. The vehicle 250 has a chassis 252, main wheels 254, a seat 255, and a chain arrangement 256. The vehicle 250 is configured to be driven on a surface 260. The vehicle 250 has a longitudinal plane A2 along which the vehicle 250 may be driven in a straight line.

[0051] The stabilizing device 200 is configured to be pivotally articulated to the vehicle 250. In some embodiments, the stabilizing device 200 is configured to be pivotally articulated at a portion of the chassis 252. In some embodiments, the stabilizing device 200 is configured to be pivotally articulated at a portion of the chain arrangement 256. The stabilizing device 200 is configured to shift between a retracted state, a partially deployed state, and a fully deployed state. The stabilizing device 200 comprises a first leg 210A and a second leg 210B, as best seen in FIG. 9. The first leg 210A may be disposed to the right side of the seat 255 while the second leg 210B may be disposed to the left side of the seat 255, when viewed from the back of the vehicle 250.

[0052] Each of the first leg 210A and the second leg 210B is pivotally articulated to the vehicle 250 at respective proximal ends thereof. The stabilizing device 200 comprises a first auxiliary wheel 220A and a second auxiliary wheel 220B, best seen in FIG. 9, coupled to the distal ends of the first leg 210A and the second leg 210B respectively, for instance, by means of an axle. In an embodiment, the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B are smaller in diameter than the main wheels 254 of the vehicle 250.

[0053] Each of the first leg 210A and the second leg 210B comprises a footrest portion 230 between the proximal and distal ends thereof, the footrest portion 230 allowing a user of the vehicle 250 to place a foot thereon as well as apply a pushing force on the footrest portion 230 to pivotally displace the stabilizingdevice 200. In some embodiments, each of the first leg 210A and the second leg 210B has a bent portion that defines the footrest portion 230.

[0054] The stabilizing device 200 comprising the first and second legs 210A, 210B, and the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B, is configured to pivot between the retracted state, the partially deployed state, and the fully deployed state. In FIG. 7, the stabilizing device 200 is in the retracted state in which the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B are farthest away from the surface 260. In FIG. 8, the stabilizing device 200 has shifted to the fully deployed state, as seen from arrow B2, in which the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B are in contact with the surface 260.

[0055] In some embodiments, the stabilizing device 200, specifically the first and second legs 210A, 210B are spring loaded. When a user riding the vehicle 250 desires to shift the stabilizing device 200 from the retracted state to the partially deployed state or to the fully deployed state, the user may apply a downward force on the footrest portion 230, thereby causing the stabilizing device 200 to displace to the partially deployed state or to the fully deployed state. Accordingly, the user can manually shift the stabilizing device 200 to the fully deployed state, for instance, when the vehicle 250 comes to a halt.

[0056] As seen in FIG. 9, the stabilizing device 200 is being shifted from the retracted state to the partially deployed state and then to the fully deployed state. Each of the first and second legs 210A, 210B has a pivot axis X2 about which the first and second legs 210A, 210B pivot with respect to the vehicle 250. In some embodiments, the pivot axis X2 is angled with respect to the longitudinal plane A2, thereby causing the stabilizing device 200 in the retracted state to have the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B closest to the longitudinal plane A2, in the retracted state to have the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B farther to the longitudinal plane A2, and in the deployed state to have the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B farthest from the longitudinal plane A2. Accordingly, when the stabilizing device 200 pivots about the pivot axis X2 from the retracted state to the fully deployed state, the first and second auxiliary wheels 220A, 220B move from a position closest to the longitudinal plane A2 to a position maximally distanced from the longitudinal plane A2.

[0057] The stabilizing devices 100, 200 thus allows a vehicle to stay upright even when the vehicle is not in motion and prevents the vehicle from falling over. The user riding the vehicle may also not be required to keep the vehicle upright using their feet. That is, the stabilizing devices 100, 200 allows the user riding the vehicle to stop the vehicle and support the vehicle in an upright position without requiring to keep their feet on the ground. This is particularly beneficial on wet, dusty, and muddy roads as the user can wear nice shoes without the risk of placing the shoes on the dirty ground.

[0058] Further, the stabilizing devices 100, 200 may facilitate new users to learn and practice riding a vehicle. The stabilizing device 100, 200 can prevent the vehicle to fall down and prevents such users from sustaining injuries. The stabilizing devices 100, 200 may further be used as a parking device to support the vehicle when parked.

[0059] In addition, the stabilizing devices 100, 200 may function as a safety implement for a vehicle in instances when the user riding the vehicle loses control during motion. Loss of control at high speeds may lead to serious accidents. The stabilizing devices 100, 200 may function as a safety feature in that the stabilizing devices 100, 200 can be deployed to prevent accidents and injuries. For instance, the stabilizing device 200 can be deployed by a user on the vehicle by pressing the stabilizing device 200 with their feet if and when the vehicle becomes unstable. Further, the stabilizing device 100 may be activated by a user (e.g., through a switch on a handle bar) on the vehicle if and when the vehicle becomes unstable.

[0060] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed:A stabilizing device for use with a two-wheeled vehicle, the stabilizing device comprising: at least one leg configured to be pivotally articulated to the vehicle; and at least one auxiliary wheel coupled to the at least one leg, wherein the at least one leg is configured to pivot, along with the at least one auxiliary wheel, between a retracted state, a partially deployed state, and a fully deployed state, thereby causing the stabilizing device to pivot between the retracted state, the partially deployed state, and the fully deployed state, and wherein in the fully deployed state, the at least one auxiliary wheel is in contact with ground.I am claiming a prior art notification of a USPTO Provosional Patent with an OFR dated 08 / 26 / 2022, with the Application Serial Number of 63 / 401.240.

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