A stand member of a vehicle

Abstract

A stand member (100) of a vehicle (200) is disclosed The stand member (100) comprises a first bar (110), a second bar (120), a cross-bar (130), and a tread bar (140). The cross-bar (130) connects the first bar (110) and the second bar (120). The cross-bar (130) extends along a widthwise direction (W) of a body frame (300) of the vehicle (200). The tread bar (140) is disposed on a portion of the cross-bar (130) and extends away from at least one of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120). The stand member (100) evenly or uniformly distributes the force received from external source on both of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120) and avoids tilting, lifting of one of the bars (110, 120), and pivotal movement of the vehicle (200) when the stand member (100) is operated by a user of the vehicle (200).

Description

[0001] A STAND MEMBER OF A VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of vehicles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a stand member of a vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005]

[0002] A two-wheeled vehicle requires to be supported during its rest, or its stoppage at a place. For this purpose, the vehicle is provisioned with at least one stand member. Generally, twowheeled vehicles have a side stand and a center stand. The center stand is responsible for supporting complete weight of the vehicle, while the side stand along with wheels of the vehicle carry the vehicle’s weight. The center stand lifts the rear wheel off the ground and allows the rear wheel to rotate freely, making it easier to conduct bike maintenance, servicing, and repair.

[0006]

[0003] The center stand is provisioned with two legs that are configured to support or bear weight of the vehicle when the center stand is used. A bar extends sideways from the center vehicle to receive a manual force or external force / load that allows the center stand to be operated into its operational state or extended state from its retracted state. The bar is generally attached proximal to nearest leg of the center stand that is closer to a user who applies manual force on the bar. This distributes the input force from the user non-uniformly on two different legs of the center stand, making the nearest one with which the bar is connected, receiving majority of force. This non-uniform distribution of the force where one leg receives more force from the user as compared to the other leg, makes the center stand to pivot about the leg receiving majority of force and the leg receiving lesser force tends to be lifted from surface / ground. Such condition may pose threat to structure of the center stand and lead to failure in a portion where more stress is localized in the center stand and also may further pose threat to the user operating the center stand.

[0007]

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations. The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0005] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by system or apparatus as disclosed henceforth and additional advantages are provided through the device as described in the present disclosure.

[0009]

[0006] Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0010]

[0007] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a stand member of a vehicle is disclosed. The stand member comprises a first bar, a second bar, a cross-bar, and a tread bar. The cross-bar connects the first bar and the second bar. The cross-bar extends along a widthwise direction of the vehicle. The tread bar is disposed on a portion of the cross-bar and extends away from at least one of the first bar and the second bar.

[0011]

[0008] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross bar is defined with a first portion, a mid-portion, and a second portion. The tread bar is disposed between the mid-portion and one of the first portion and the second portion of the cross-bar.

[0012]

[0009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tread bar is defined with a first end and a second end, the first end coupled proximal to the mid-portion of the cross-bar, the second end being a free end and extending away from the cross-bar to receive a manual load from an external source.

[0013]

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface of the second end of the tread bar comprises a plurality of projections engageable with a surface of the external source.

[0014] [OH] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stand member comprises a pivot tube. The first bar and the second bar are attached to the pivot tube from one of their ends.

[0015]

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first bar and the second bar is defined with a groove to allow extending of a portion of the tread bar through it.

[0016]

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a body frame, and a stand member. The stand member is operably coupled with the body frame of the vehicle. The stand member comprises a first bar, a second bar, a cross-bar, and a tread bar. The cross-bar connects the first bar and the second bar. The cross-bar extends along a widthwise direction of the vehicle. The tread bar is disposed on a portion of the cross-bar and extends away from at least one of the first bar and the second bar.

[0017]

[0014] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019]

[0015] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0020]

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with a stand member in extended state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021]

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with a stand member in retracted state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022]

[0018] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a body frame of the vehicle of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023]

[0019] FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the body frame of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024]

[0020] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the stand member of FIG. 3B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025]

[0021] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the stand member of FIG. 4 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026]

[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates a rear view of the stand member of FIG. 3B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the stand member of FIG. 5 A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027]

[0024] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029]

[0025] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0030]

[0026] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in construction and configuration of a stand member of a body frame of a vehicle. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0031]

[0027] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, structure, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such device or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a device proceeded by “comprises. . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.

[0032]

[0028] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5B. In the figure, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference to the drawings, a configuration of a twowheeled vehicle in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The drawings illustrate a body frame of a two-wheeled vehicle (200) and may be generally identified with reference numeral (300). Henceforth, the body frame (300) may also be referred to as the frame (300) and the stated terms may be used interchangeably. The body frame (300) of the vehicle (200) embodies a stand member which is identified by reference numeral 100 in the corresponding figures. Other features and elements of the body frame (300) supporting components of the vehicle (200) are depicted by respective reference numerals in the corresponding figures and the same will be used corresponding to respective features henceforth. It will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular vehicle. In the corresponding figures only necessary features important to understand the novel configuration according to the present disclosure are labelled.

[0033]

[0029] Although other features are explained in detail, the same is not labelled in order not to obscure the embodiments being described. Although in the present disclosure, specific configuration of the body frame (300) is described, the same should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. The novel and inventive aspects of the present disclosure is in the stand member (100) of the body frame (300) and the vehicle (200). The body frame (300) of the present disclosure may embody a backbone frame, a single cradle frame, a double cradle frame, a perimeter frame, a trellis frame, a monocoque frame and the like. The body frame (300) of the present disclosure may also embody the frames employed in the manufacturing of the scooters / mopeds including under bone or step-through frame.

[0034]

[0030] The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle”, “electric vehicle” “Moped” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter-type vehicle, and the like. In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a two wheeled vehicle, the features illustrated thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “front side / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward / rear side”, “up / upper / top”, “elevated / closed”, and “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0035]

[0031] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be descried referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms of “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” and other terms containing these specific terms and directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0036]

[0032] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “secured” “accommodated,” “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein and that the terminology used herein is to describe embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Hereinafter in the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations, and details are outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

[0037]

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 - FIG. 2, the vehicle (200) or a two-wheeled vehicle comprises one or more body parts, such as a body frame (300), a steering mechanism (240), at least one front ground engaging member / a driven wheel (210), at least one rear ground engaging member (220) / a drive wheel, a fuel tank (not shown explicitly), a headlight (230), and a cover assembly adapted to cover the body frame (300) and provide aesthetics to the vehicle (200). The fuel tank may be configured to be mounted to the body frame (300) of the vehicle (200) through a mechanical fastening technique. The body frame (300) supports the power unit including, but not limited to, a drive motor / an engine (not shown explicitly) and a transmission unit coupled to the drive motor or the internal combustion engine. In the illustrative embodiment, the power unit may be positioned in mid-portion of the vehicle (200). The body frame (300) may support the power unit in the mid-portion of the vehicle (200). The drive motor of the power unit provides the necessary power required to drive the rear wheel of the vehicle (200). In the illustrated example, the engine may provide the necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (220) of the vehicle (200).

[0038]

[0034] Alternatively, the engine may provide necessary power to drive the front ground engaging member (210), or both the front and the rear ground engaging members simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear ground engaging member (220) may be linked to the engine through a transmission mechanism. The fuel tank may provide necessary fuel to the engine to generate power within the vehicle (200). Alternatively, the drive motor [in case of electric vehicle] may provide necessary power to drive the front ground engaging member (210), or both the front ground engaging member (210) and the rear ground engaging member (220) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear wheel (220) is linked to the drive motor through the transmission mechanism. The drive motor may be electrically coupled to a battery module, to receive electric power for selective operation and driving at least one of both the front wheel (210) and the rear wheel (220).

[0039]

[0035] The body frame (300) of the vehicle (200) may resiliently or operatively couple the stand member (100) with the body frame (300) of the vehicle (200). The resilient connection between the stand member (100) and the body frame (300) of the vehicle may be facilitated by a coiled spring (170). The coiled spring (170) may be configured to be attached between a portion of the body frame (300) of the vehicle (200) and a pin (160) protruding from the stand member (100). The stand member (100) described in the present disclosure may also be referred to as a center stand (100) interchangeably throughout the present disclosure. The stand member (100) may be configured to be actuated between a retracted state (lOOr) and an extended state (lOOe). In an embodiment, the center stand (100) may be positioned in the retracted state (lOOr) until an external source such as a user of the vehicle (200) may input or apply an external force onto the center stand (100) to extend it in the extended state (lOOe) to allow lifting of at least one of the wheels (210, 220) of the vehicle (200) during the halt or rest motion of the vehicle (200).

[0040]

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3A - FIG. 3B, the body frame (300) of the vehicle (200) may comprise a head tube (310). An upper tube (320) may extend rearwardly (Rr) and downwardly (Dn) from upper portion of the head tube (310) to allow mounting of the fuel tank thereon. Further, a lower frame (330) may extend rearwardly (Rr) and downwardly (Dn) from lower portion of the head tube (310). The stand member (100) may be operatively coupled to a portion of the lower frame (330). This connection may be accomplished in a pivotal manner of connection between a pivot tube (150) (shown in FIG. 4B) and the lower frame (330) through a mechanical fastening technique. In an embodiment, the pivot tube (150) may be defined as a hollow member, preferably a cylinder with a hollow portion (150a) but not limited to the same rather any shape or structure that facilitates functioning of the pivot tube (150) may be used interchangeably. The pivot tube (150) of the stand member (100) and the lower frame (330) of the body frame (300) may be connected through a strut (105). The strut (105) may be configured to be received in a hollow portion (150a) of the pivot tube (150) and at least one bracket (340) extending from the lower frame (330) of the body frame (300). In an embodiment, the pivot tube (150) may be provisioned with a bush structure between the hollow portion (150a) and the strut (105) for smooth pivotal movement of the pivot tube (150) with respect to the body frame (300) of the vehicle (200).

[0041]

[0037] With reference to FIG. 4 A - FIG. 4D, different views of the stand member (100) are illustrated. The stand member (100) may comprise a first bar (110) and a second bar (120) extending from the aforementioned pivot tube (150) of the stand member (100) from one of their ends. In an alternate understanding, the first bar (110) and the second bar (120) may be understood as leg(s) of the center stand (100), configured to support and bear the complete weight of the vehicle (200) in the extended state (lOOe) of the stand member (100). To restrict lateral movement of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120) in a widthwise direction (W) (shown in FIG. 3B) of the body frame (300) of the vehicle (200), a cross-bar (130) may be positioned opposite to the pivot tube (150) that may connect the first bar (110) and the second bar (120). The cross-bar (130) may be defined with different portions such as a first portion (131), a mid-portion (132), and a second portion (133).

[0042]

[0038] To operate the stand member (100) between the retracted state (lOOr) and the extended state (lOOe), a tread bar (140) may be disposed on a portion of the cross-bar (130). In an alternative understanding, the tread bar (140) may be connected between the mid-portion (132) and one of the first portion (131) and the second portion (133) of the cross-bar (130) from one of its ends. The tread bar (140) may be configured to receive a manual load from the external source such as the user of the vehicle (200). The tread bar (140) may extend away from at least one of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120). The tread bar (140) may be defined with a first end (140a) and a second end (140b). In an embodiment, the first end (140a) may be connected proximal to the mid-portion (132) of the cross-bar (130) while the second end (140b) being a free end may extend away from the cross-bar (130) to receive a manual load from an external source. In a preferred embodiment, the first end (140a) of the tread bar (140) may be connected to the mid-portion (132) of the cross-bar (130). In most preferred embodiment, the first end (140a) of the tread bar (140) may be connected between the mid-portion (132) and one of the first portion (131) and the second portion (133) of the cross-bar (130). To understand this, there may be different aspects of the stated configuration. In first configuration, the free end, i.e., the second end (140b) of the tread bar (140) may extend away from the cross-bar (130) towards the first bar (110) while in another configuration, the second end (140b) of the tread bar (140) may extend away from the cross-bar (130) towards the second bar (120). The described connection between the tread bar (140) and the cross-bar (130) may be achieved through a thermal joining technique without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043]

[0039] The free end of the tread bar (140), i.e., the second end (140b) may be extending in the widthwise direction (W) to be available for a user to engage with it through a manual movement of a foot of the user. The user may press or apply force on the second end (140b) of the tread bar (140), to operate the center stand (100) between the retracted state (lOOr) and the extended state (lOOe). To engage foot of the user, the second end (140b) of the tread bar (140) may comprise a plurality of projections (not shown explicitly) engageable with surface of the foot of the user coming in contact with the plurality of projections. The plurality of projections may be configured to offer a sufficient amount of friction required to move the second end (140b) of the tread bar (140) along with the foot of the user, in a direction or in a desired manner by the user.

[0044]

[0040] With particular reference to FIG. 4B, one of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120) may be defined with a groove (115). The groove (115) herein may be understood as a cut-out portion of the bar (110, 120). The groove (115) may have been required to accommodate and allow extending of a portion of the tread bar (140) longitudinally through it. In an alternative understanding, the groove (115) as a cut-out portion may act as an essential feature, provisioned in one of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120), to avoid interfering of the tread bar (140) when it extends longitudinally in the widthwise direction (W) of the body frame (300) of the vehicle (200). The groove (115) may also address layout and packaging constraints in the vehicle (200) through effective and ergonomic positioning of the tread bar (115).

[0041] The center stand (100) of the present disclosure with its tread bar (140) being attached proximal to the mid-portion of the cross-bar (130) allows uniform distribution of the force input by the user of the vehicle (200) and avoid tilting or pivotal movement of the vehicle (200) about one of the leg(s) of the center stand (100). The lifting of one of the leg(s)(110, 120) is avoided therefore and the vehicle (200) is lifted off the ground in a convenient and safe manner without posing any harm to user as well as to the center stand (100). The center stand (100) of the present disclosure may pose a longer life and may withstand loads without undergoing failure. The robust and ergonomic configuration of the center stand (100) allows both the legs (110, 120) of the center stand (100) to not lose contact with the surface with which they engage when the center stand (100) is operated from the retracted state (lOOr) to the extended state (lOOe).

[0045]

[0042] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0046] Equivalents:

[0047]

[0043] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0048]

[0044] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:1 A stand member (100) of a vehicle (200) comprising: a first bar (110) and a second bar (120); a cross-bar (130) connecting the first bar (110) and the second bar (120), the cross-bar (130) extending along a widthwise direction (W) of the vehicle (200); and a tread bar (140) disposed on a portion of the cross-bar (130) and extending away from at least one of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120).2 The stand member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-bar (130) is defined with a first portion (131), a mid-portion (132), and a second portion (133), the tread bar (140) disposed at one of the mid-portion (132), and between the mid-portion (132) and one of the first portion (131) and the second portion (133) of the cross-bar (130).3 The stand member (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tread bar (140) being defined with a first end (140a) and a second end (140b), the first end (140a) coupled proximal to the mid-portion (132) of the cross-bar (130), the second end (140b) being a free end and extending away from the cross-bar (130) to receive a manual load from an external source.4 The stand member (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein surface of the second end (140b) of the tread bar (140) comprises a plurality of projections engageable with a surface of the external source.5 The stand member (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a pivot tube (150), wherein the first bar (110) and the second bar (120) being attached to the pivot tube (150) from one of their ends.6 The stand member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120) defined with a groove (115) to allow extending of at least a portion of the tread bar (140) through it in the widthwise direction (W).7 A vehicle (200) comprising: a body frame (250); and a stand member (100) operably coupled with the body frame (250), the stand member (100) comprising:a first bar (110) and a second bar (120); a cross-bar (130) connecting the first bar (110) and the second bar (120), the cross-bar (130) extending along a widthwise direction (W) of the vehicle (200); and a tread bar (140) disposed on a portion of the cross-bar (130) and extending away from at least one of the first bar (110) and the second bar (120). The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cross bar (130) is defined with a first portion (131), a mid-portion (132), and a second portion (133), the tread bar (140) disposed between the mid-portion (132) and one of the first portion (131) and the second portion (133) of the cross-bar. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the tread bar (140) being defined with a first end (140a) and a second end (140b), the first end (140a) coupled proximal to the mid-portion (132) of the cross-bar (130), the second end (140b) being a free end and extending away from the cross-bar (130) to receive a manual load from an external source. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein surface of the second end (140b) of the tread bar (140) comprises a plurality of projections engageable with a surface of the external source.

Images