EP3941813A1

EP3941813A1 - Footrest assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3941813A1
Application number: EP20773690.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dhuri Amey Govind; Kiran PAYANGAPPADAN
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-16
Filing date: 2020-03-05
Publication date: 2022-01-26
Also published as: WO2020188589A1; CN113474244A; CN113474244B; EP3941813A4; JP2022515568A; JP7212799B2

Abstract

Footrest assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle a footrest assembly comprises of a support element partially attached to a side panel (LH & RH) and a step through portion of the vehicle. The footrest assembly is attached to the support element, and the support element comprises of a recess in which the footrest assembly is perfectly accommodated in a closed condition. The footrest assembly makes an angle of not more than 45 degrees with respect to the ground in a closed condition. The footrest assembly comprises of a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein in a closed condition of footrest assembly the bottom surface lies in a same plane as that of the side panel (LH & RH). The support element extends along a plane AA', and in an open condition of footrest assembly the top surface also lies in the same plane AA' as that of support element.

Description

FOOTREST ASSEMBLY FOR A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle and more particularly to a foot rest assembly for the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Generally, in a saddle type two or three-wheeled vehicle a body frame extends rearward from a head tube. The body frame acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the body frame connects a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). Further, the body frame extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon. [0003] Typically, the saddle type vehicle is provided with a footrest assembly used by the pillion to rest his/her feet. Mostly, the footrest assembly is attached to the vehicle body/panels and is some cases it is also attached to the frame assembly. In addition to it, the footrest assembly also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Hence, it can be said that the footrest assembly is provided for two critical purposes, i.e. comfort for the pillion and for the aesthetic of the vehicle. Moreover, the footrest assembly is an element which provides support and comfort to the vehicle, and also enhances its aesthetic appeal. However, challenges exist to improve these critical features of the footrest assembly.

[0004] Typically, the pillion opens up the footrest assembly with his/her leg to use, and this process should be as smooth as possible. But, in most of the known arts it is not so as it takes a lot of time for the pillion to open it and in some of the cases he/she has to bend and use his/her hand for doing it. This is a big hassle for the pillion. In addition to it, aesthetic is another critical feature which needs to be take care of. Due to the continuous use, the footrest assembly gets dirty since the pillion rests his/her feet on it at all the times during taking a ride on the vehicle. It is not possible for the rider or pillion to clean it each and every single time after use, and when not cleaned the aesthetic of the vehicle gets affected. Moreover, it is also critical as to how the footrest assembly is disposed or arranged on the vehicle, because even the layout of footrest assembly plays a major role in the appeal of the vehicle. In furtherance, if any footrest assembly tries to solve the above-mentioned problems at once, there is a must requirement of some additional elements which makes the whole system heavy, bulky, complex and hard to service/maintain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the rear portion of the exemplary two- wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the footrest assembly in an attached condition to the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [0009] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the footrest assembly in a closed condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [00010] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the footrest assembly in an open condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00011] Typically, a saddle type two or three-wheeled vehicle comprises of a frame structure comprising of a head tube present in a front portion of the vehicle. The frame structure also comprises of a down tube extending in a downward and rearward direction form the head tube, and a main tube extending in a straight and forward direction from the head tube. Generally, a vehicle body /panel surrounds the frame structure to provide an aesthetic appeal and cover the structure. In addition to it, the vehicle comprises of an engine assembly/electric system to provide power the vehicle.

Mostly such an arrangement of engine assembly /electric system is also mounted on the frame structure of the vehicle.

[00012] Generally, the vehicle comprises of a footrest assembly used by the pillion to support his/her feet. It is attached either to the frame structure or to the vehicle body. In addition to the load bearing purposes, the footrest assembly is also provided with an aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. However, there are problems of discomfort faced by the pillion even after implementation of the footrest assembly.

[00013] One of the major problems faced by the pillion with respect to the footrest assembly is its opening & ease of access. It has been observed that the pillion is not able to comfortably operate the footrest assembly at once, and in some cases has to bend and use his/her hand to operate. Typically, the footrest assembly is provided with a configuration being parallel to the ground, in a close proximity to the side panel of the vehicle body. This makes it harder for the pillion to operate the footrest assembly provided in the vehicle.

[00014] One of the other problems which the footrest assembly faces is the comfort provided to the pillion. Mostly, the footrest assembly typically comprises of a lean profile to suit the aesthetic appeal. However, it is not able to properly provide support and comfort to the pillion’s feet, as a major part of it is in a hanging condition. Moreover, if the profile of the footrest assembly is broadened to provide comfort, the aesthetic and look would be compromised. [00015] Moreover, the pillion continuously puts his/her feet on the top surface of the pillion footrest, thus making it dirty and prone to mud and dust. It is not possible for the rider and pillion to regularly clean the footrest assembly. Thus, the dirty pillion footrest assembly degrades the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.

[00016] Hence, an objective of the present subject matter is to provide a footrest assembly which is easy, simple to use as well as open up while solving all the mentioned problems & other problems in known art. In addition to it, the present subject matter provides a footrest assembly with a better support and comfort factor. According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the footrest assembly also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. [00017] In an embodiment, a footrest assembly is provided for a two- wheeled vehicle. As per an embodiment of the subject matter, the vehicle comprises of a support element attached to either of the left hand (LH) side panel and right hand (RH) side panel. The support element is partially attached to the side panel (LH & RH) and partially to the step through portion of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the footrest assembly is attached to the support element. Furthermore, the support element comprises of a recess formed therein. In a closed condition footrest assembly fits perfectly in the recess formed. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the footrest assembly is disposed at an angle of not more than 45 degrees with respect to the ground in a closed condition. Such an configuration helps the pillion to easily open the footrest assembly.

[00018] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the top portion of the footrest assembly is hidden and accommodated in the recess in a closed condition, and only the bottom portion of the footrest assembly is visible. Thus, through such an configuration the dirtiest portion of the footrest assembly, i.e. the top surface on which the foot is rested is hidden in a closed condition. In an embodiment, the support element extends in a partial rearward direction from that of the footrest assembly. Thus, the support element extending partially rearward from footrest assembly provides an additional support for the pillion’s feet so that it is not hanging. Hence, an additional support is created without increasing the profile of the footrest assembly.

[00019] Thus, the footrest assembly pointing upwards in a closed condition, makes an inclined angle to the ground. For example, the footrest assembly in closed condition, makes an inclined angle of approximately 45 degrees with the ground, which makes it easier for the pillion to operate it. For example, such an inclination of the footrest assembly enables the user, particularly, the pillion rider to open and make the footrest assembly to project outwardly in a vehicle width direction whenever the pillion rider desires to rest her foot on the footrest. While doing so, the inclined disposition of the footrest assembly of the present invention enables the pillion rider to comfortably release the footrest from its closed condition using her feet without being forced to locate the footrest in vehicle running condition. In a similar fashion, the closure of the footrest assembly is achieved with ease. Further, the recess in which the footrest assembly is accommodated is configured with a gap for the pillion to open the footrest. Furthermore, the footrest assembly completely fits in the recess provided which enhances the aesthetic appeal as it does not protrude outwards like in case of other known vehicles. Moreover, the top portion of the footrest assembly is hidden in the recess in a closed condition, thus any kind of dirt or mud accumulated due to the pillion’s feet also gets hidden or brushed off during closing operation. Thus, the footrest assembly provided also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. In addition, the footrest assembly is attached to the support element, thus the side panel or any other part of the vehicle body is not subjected to any kind of load. According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the support element also provides an additional surface for the pillion to rest his/her feet. [00020] Hence, the present subject matter provides a footrest assembly with an improved ease of operation and improved support and comfort feel. In addition, the footrest assembly provided by the present subject matter improves the load bearing and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. [00021] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures & embodiment of a two wheeled saddle type vehicle in the following description.

[00022] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.

[00023] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary scooter type vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle comprises of a main frame assembly (1) made of carbon fiber and resin material and is conventionally an underbone chassis frame which provides a generally open central area to permit“step-through” mounting by a rider. Typically, the frame assembly (1) comprises of a head tube (2), a main tube (3), and a pair of side tube including a side tube LH (4) and a side tube RH (only one shown). The head tube (2) is disposed towards the front portion, wherein the main tube (3) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (2) forming a flat horizontal step-through portion (3S). The other end of the main tube (3) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (LH & RH) through a bracket (not shown).

[00024] The head tube (2) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (6) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (9). The upper portion of a front wheel (7) is covered by a front fender (8). The pair of side-tubes (LH & RH) extend from the other end of the main tube (3) being disposed parallel on either side of the vehicle (10) in width direction. Each of the said side tube (LH & RH) extends from the main tube (3) in an upward inclined fashion and gradually after a certain length extends rearward in a substantially horizontal and parallel fashion being placed in the vehicle widthwise direction. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) is secured in between the pair of side-tubes (LH & RH) at selected intervals to support vehicular attachments including a utility box (12), a seat assembly (11) and a fuel tank assembly (not shown). The vehicle furthermore, comprises of a side panel LH (21) and side panel RH (not shown) which covers the side tubes (LH & RH) and covers the vehicle (10) structure from the sides.

[00025] Generally, the utility box (12) is supported between the side tube LH (4) and side tube RH (not shown) so as to be disposed below the seat (11). A fuel tank assembly (not shown) may be disposed on between the rear portions of the pair of the side-tubes (LH & RH). In addition to it, the vehicle (10) comprises of a footrest assembly (5) attached to either and both the sides of the vehicle (10) to provide a support/rest to the pillion’s feet. The vehicle (10) further comprises of a rear wheel (13) covered by a rear fender (14) with a tail light (15) disposed above it and a support bar (16) place above the tail light (15) at the end of the seat assembly (11). The rear wheel (13) is supported towards the rear side of the main frame (1) by an internal combustion (IC) engine which is horizontally coupled swingably to the rear of the frame assembly (1) of the two- wheeled vehicle (10) through a rear suspension system (17). The powertrain e.g. an IC engine transfers the drive directly to the rear wheel (13) as it is coupled directly to it through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system (18). The vehicle further comprises of an air cleaner assembly to provide filtered air to the IC engine for combustion.

[00026] Lig. 2 illustrates a side view of the rear portion of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle (10) as shown in Lig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The two- wheeled vehicle comprises of a side panel LH (21) and side panel RH (not shown) to cover the frame assembly (1) and side tube LH (4) and side tube RH (not shown) to be particular. As per the present subject matter, a support element (22) is provided in a partially attached condition to the side panel LH (21) and step through portion (3S). In an embodiment, the footrest assembly (5) is attached to the support element (22). According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the footrest assembly (5) extends upwards in a closed condition oriented with a pre-determined steep angle a with respect to the ground. As per an aspect of the present subject matter the floor board plane of the step through portion is substantially parallel to the ground as well as substantially coplanar with the base portion of the footrest mounting portion. As per the present subject matter, the value of a is substantially steep angle of approximately 45 degrees. Thus, the footrest assembly (5) makes a steep angle of 45 degrees with respect to the ground in a closed condition & the angle can vary in the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees. Such an orientation and assembly improves the ease for pillion to open the footrest assembly (5) for use. In addition to it, the footrest assembly (5) is attached to the support element (22), thus the load is first transferred to the support element (22) and not directly to the side panel LH (21). As per the present subject matter, the footrest assembly (5) and support element (22) are attached on one of the side panels (LH & RH) or both the side panels (LH & RH). However, for the purposes of this invention the footrest assembly (5) and support element (22) are supposedly attached to side panel LH (21).

[00027] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the footrest assembly (5) in an attached condition to the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (10) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As explained above, the footrest assembly (5) is attached to the support element (22), wherein the support element (22) is partially attached to the side panel LH (21) and step-through portion (3S) of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment, the support element (22) extends in a partial rearward direction from that of the footrest assembly (5). The footrest assembly (5) comprises of a top portion (T) and bottom portion (B). The top portion (T) is the surface on which the pillion rests his/her feet. In an embodiment, the top surface (T) of the footrest assembly (5) is formed over a horizontal plane AA’ extending along the length of the vehicle which is substantially parallel to the floor board plane. As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the support element (22) is so configured to be composed of three substantially angular portions. A 1^st portion 22 (a) which is substantially parallel to the floor board plane. A consecutive continuum 2^nd portion 22(b), which is configured to be oriented at a steep angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the vehicle & at a predetermined angle substantially equal to ‘a’. A consecutive continuum 3^rd portion 22(c), which is substantially parallel to the 1^st portion 22(a) albeit at a differential height from the 1 ^st portion 22(a), such that the height is substantially equal to the height of the footrest assembly when deployed in usage. These three portions (22(a), 22(b), 22(c)) collectively constitute a stable mounting for mounting the footrest assembly at a steep angle‘a’, thereby configuring the axis of rotation of the footrest assembly (P-P’) (shown in Fig 4) to be substantially at a steep angle equal to‘a’ w.r.t the horizontal plane (H-H’) (shown in Fig 4). As per an aspect of the present subject matter, this configuration enables the foot rest to be deployed in a configuration such that its top surface (T) is substantially in the same plane as the 3^rd portion of the support element (22). During the footrest closed condition, the steep 22(c) angle enables excess mud & dust to get brushed off the footrest top surface (T)owing to gravity thereby enabling self-cleaning of the footrest assembly with every use. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, a 1^st portion 22(a) and the 3^rd portion 22(c) of the support element (22) also extends along the same horizontal plane AA’ . Thus, a 3^rd portion 22(c) of the support element (22) and the footrest assembly (5) extend along the same plane. Hence, the support element (22) also helps in providing additional support to the pillion’s feet through the partial surface extending in the same plane as that of the footrest assembly (5). Through such a configuration, the present subject matter solves the problem because of which a part of the pillion’s feet is kept hanging.

[00028] In an embodiment, a recess (R) is provided in the support element (22). The footrest assembly (5) perfectly fits in the recess (R) in a closed condition, such that the bottom portion (B) of the footrest assembly (5) which is visible lies in a same plane as that of the side panel LH (21). Through such a configuration the footrest assembly (5) lies in the same plane as that of the side panel LH (21) and no part of the footrest assembly (5) protrudes out like other known vehicles. Thus, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10). In addition to it, the recess (R) also helps in easy operation and opening of the footrest assembly (5).

[00029] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the footrest assembly (5) in a closed condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the footrest assembly (5) comprises of top portion (T) and bottom portion (B). As per the present subject matter, the footrest assembly (5) perfectly fits in the recess (R) in a closed condition. In the closed condition the top portion (T) of the footrest assembly (5) is hidden and faces the surface of the recess (R), wherein the bottom portion (B) is visible to the naked eye. Thus, through such a configuration the top portion (T) on which mud and dirt gets accumulated due to the pillion’s feet is hidden resulting in enhancement of the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10). In addition to it, the bottom surface (B) of the footrest assembly (5) lies along the same plane as that of the side panel LH (21). Thus, in a closed condition of the footrest assembly (5) its bottom surface (B) lies in the same line as that of the side panel LH (21) such the footrest assembly (5) does not seems to protrude out like as that of other known arts. Thus, the present subject matter enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10).

[00030] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the footrest assembly (5) in an open condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present figure depicts the footrest assembly (5) in an open condition, such that it can be used the pillion to rest his/her feet. Thus, in an open condition the top portion (T) of the footrest assembly (5) is anyhow being used, thus the dirt and mud is not visible. Hence, the aesthetic appeal is not hindered in such a condition.

[00031] Thus, the present subject matter provides a footrest assembly (5) for a two-wheeled vehicle (10) attached to a support element (22). The support element (22) is partially attached to side panel (LH & RH) and partially attached to the step-through portion (3S). The footrest assembly (5) is aligned at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the ground in a closed condition. In addition to it, the footrest assembly (5) perfectly fits in recess (R) provided in the support element (22). Hence, such a configuration helps in enhancement of the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10). In addition to it, the support element (22) also helps in preventing direct transfer of load from the footrest assembly (5) to the vehicle body, and also provides an extra support for the pillion’s feet thereby enabling design of a light weight footrest which is also economical. Moreover, the footrest assembly (5) as per the present subject matter is also much easier to operate, i.e. open and close.

[00032] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

We claim:

1. A saddle type two or three-wheeled vehicle (10) comprising: a main frame assembly (1) comprising a head tube (2) formed at a front portion of said vehicle (10) and a main tube (3) extending in a downward and rearward direction from said head tube (2) to form a step through structure (3S); a side tube LH (4) and side tube RH (5) being covered by a side panel LH (21) and a side panel RH, said side tube LH (4) and side tube RH being placed substantially parallel and along a widthwise direction of said vehicle (10), wherein said side tube LH (4) and side tube RH extend in an upward and rearward direction from said step through structure (3S); a support element (22) partially attached to said step through structure (3S) and to at least one of said side panel LH (21) and said side panel RH wherein said support element (22) comprises a recess (R) formed therein; and a footrest assembly (5) attached to said support element (22), wherein said footrest assembly (5) in a closed condition is accommodated in said recess (R) at a pre-determined steep angle with respect to ground.

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (5) makes a steep angle of 40 degrees to 50 degrees with respect to ground in a closed condition.

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support element (22) extends in a rearward direction along a plane AA’ in a lengthwise direction of said vehicle (10).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein width of said footrest assembly (5) increases along said plane AA’ .

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (5) comprises a top surface (T) and a bottom surface (B), said top portion (T) in an open condition of said footrest assembly (5) lies along said plane AA’ as that of said support element (22).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein said bottom portion (B) is visible and said top portion (T) is hidden in said recess (R) in a closed condition of said footrest assembly (5).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein said bottom portion (B) in a closed condition of said footrest assembly (5) lies in a same plane as that of said side panel (LH & RH).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (5) is disposed on at least one of said side panel LH (21) and said side panel RH.

9. A footrest assembly (5) for a saddle type two or three-wheeled vehicle (10), said footrest assembly (5) is detachably attached to a support element (22) partially attached to a step through structure (3S) of said vehicle (10) and to at least one of a side panel LH (21) and a side panel RH, said support element (22) comprising at least three substantially angular portions including a 1st portion (22 (a)) substantially parallel to a floor board plane of said vehicle (10), a consecutive continuum 2nd portion (22(b)) configured to be oriented at a steep predetermined angle‘a’ with respect to said floor board plane of said vehicle (10) and a horizontal plane of said vehicle (10), and a consecutive continuum 3rd portion (22(c)) substantially parallel to said 1st portion (22(a)).

10. The footrest assembly (5) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said three portions (22(a), 22(b), 22(c)) collectively constitute a mounting for said footrest assembly (5) at said steep predetermined angle‘a’, said three portions (22(a), 22(b), 22(c)) is configured to dispose an axis of rotation (P-P’) of said footrest assembly (5) at a substantially steep predetermined angle‘a’ with respect to w.r.t horizontal plane (H-H’).