JP7212799B2 - Footrest assembly for two-wheeled vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to saddle-riding vehicles and, more particularly, to footrest assemblies for saddle-riding vehicles.

Generally, in a saddle type two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle, the body frame extends rearward from the head tube. The body frame acts as a skeleton for the vehicle to support vehicle loads. The front portion of the body frame connects to the front wheels through one or more front suspensions. Furthermore, the body frame extends toward the rear of the vehicle. The rear wheels are connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspensions. An engine assembly is mounted to the vehicle frame assembly. An engine assembly is operably connected to the rear wheels to provide forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, a plurality of panels are attached to the vehicle frame assembly that cover the various vehicle components on which it is mounted.

Typically, a saddle-type vehicle includes a footrest assembly that a passenger uses to rest his or her feet. In most cases, the footrest assembly is attached to the vehicle body/panel and sometimes also to the frame assembly. Additionally, the footrest assembly also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Thus, it can be said that the footrest assembly serves two important purposes: passenger comfort and vehicle aesthetics. Additionally, the footrest assembly is an element that provides support and comfort to the vehicle and also enhances its aesthetic appeal. However, there are challenges to improving these key features of footrest assemblies.

Typically, the passenger will open the footrest assembly with his leg for use, so this process should be as smooth as possible. However, in most prior art, this is not the case. This is because it takes time for the passenger to open it, and in some cases the passenger has to bend over and use his hands to do it. This is a big hassle for the passenger. In addition, aesthetics is another important feature that needs to be addressed. With continued use, the footrest assembly becomes soiled by the passenger resting his/her feet there throughout the duration of the vehicle. It is not possible for the rider or passenger to clean after each use and the aesthetics of the vehicle is affected when it is not cleaned. Additionally, how the footrest assembly is placed or arranged on the vehicle is also important. Because even the layout of the footrest assembly plays a big role in the vehicle's appeal. To drive forward, if any footrest assembly were to attempt to solve the above problems at once, there would be a mandatory requirement of several additional elements, which would make the overall system heavy, bulky, complex, and difficult to maintain. / Make it difficult to maintain.

A detailed description of the present subject matter is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to like features and components.

1 is a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter; FIG. 2 is a side view of the rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a footrest assembly mounted on the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footrest assembly in a closed state according to one embodiment of the present subject matter; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footrest assembly in an open state according to one embodiment of the present subject matter; FIG.

Typically, a saddle-type two or three wheel vehicle includes a frame structure including a head tube at the front of the vehicle. The frame structure also includes a downtube extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube and a main tube extending straight forwardly from the head tube. Generally, the bodywork/panels surround the frame structure to provide aesthetic appeal and cover the structure. Additionally, the vehicle includes an engine assembly/electrical system to drive the vehicle. In most cases, such configurations of engine assemblies/electrical systems are also mounted on the vehicle frame structure.

Generally, a vehicle includes a footrest assembly that a passenger uses to support his/her feet. The footrest assembly is attached to the frame structure or vehicle body. In addition to its load-bearing purpose, the footrest assembly also serves the purpose of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. However, even after implementing a footrest assembly, there are discomfort issues faced by passengers.

One of the major problems facing passengers with the footrest assembly is its ease of opening and access. It has been observed that the passenger cannot comfortably operate the footrest assembly once and in some cases must bend over and use their hands to operate it. Typically, the footrest assembly comprises a configuration that is parallel to the ground, in close proximity to the side panels of the vehicle body. This makes it more difficult for a passenger to operate a footrest assembly provided on the vehicle.

One of the other issues faced by footrest assemblies is the comfort provided to the passenger. In most cases, the footrest assembly typically includes thin contours to suit its aesthetic appeal. However, it fails to adequately provide support and comfort to the passenger's feet, as most of the passenger's feet are left hanging. Further, widening the profile of the footrest assembly to provide comfort would detract from aesthetics and appearance.

In addition, the passenger continually places his/her feet on the upper surface of the passenger footrest, thus making the footrest dirty and prone to dirt and dust. It is not possible for the rider or passenger to regularly clean the footrest assembly. A dirty passenger footrest assembly therefore detracts from the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present subject matter to provide a footrest assembly that is easy and simple to use and to open, while solving all the above-mentioned and other problems in the prior art. Additionally, the present subject matter provides a footrest assembly with better support and comfort factors. According to one aspect of the present subject matter, the footrest assembly also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, a footrest assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle is provided. According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, a vehicle includes support elements attached to a left (LH) side panel and a right (RH) side panel. The support elements are partially attached to the side panels (LH and RH) and partially attached to the step-through portion of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the footrest assembly is attached to the support element. Furthermore, the support element is formed with a recess. In the closed state, the footrest assembly fits perfectly within the formed recess. According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the footrest assembly is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to the ground in the closed state. Such a configuration helps the passenger to easily open the footrest assembly.

According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the top of the footrest assembly is hidden and housed within the recess in the closed state, and only the bottom of the footrest assembly is visible. Thus, through such a configuration, the dirtiest part of the footrest assembly, ie the upper surface on which the foot rests, is hidden in the closed state. In one embodiment, the support element extends partially rearward from that of the footrest assembly. Accordingly, the support element extending partially rearwardly from the footrest assembly provides additional support for the passenger's feet so that the passenger's feet do not hang. Additional support is thus created without increasing the profile of the footrest assembly.

Thus, the upward pointing footrest assembly in the closed state is at an oblique angle to the ground. For example, the footrest assembly in the closed state is at an oblique angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the ground, which facilitates manipulation of the footrest assembly by a passenger. For example, such an inclination of the footrest assembly allows a user, particularly a fellow rider, to open the footrest assembly and project outward in the vehicle width direction whenever the passenger rider desires to rest his or her feet on the footrest. make it possible. While doing so, the angled placement of the footrest assembly of the present invention allows the passenger rider to use his/her feet to move the footrest to its closed position without being forced to locate the footrest in vehicle driving conditions. can be comfortably released from Similarly, closing the footrest assembly is easily accomplished. Further, the recess in which the footrest assembly is received is configured with clearance for the passenger to open the footrest. Furthermore, the footrest assembly fits completely within the provided recess, which does not protrude outwardly as is the case with other known vehicles, thus enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the top of the footrest assembly is hidden within the recess in the closed state, thus any kind of dirt or mud accumulated by the passenger's feet is hidden or brushed off during the closing operation. The footrest assembly thus provided also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Furthermore, the footrest assembly is attached to the support element so that the side panels or any other part of the bodywork is not subjected to any kind of load. According to one aspect of the present subject matter, the support element also provides an additional surface for a passenger to rest his/her feet on.

Accordingly, the present subject matter provides a footrest assembly with improved maneuverability and improved support and comfort. Additionally, the footrest assembly provided by the present subject matter improves load bearing capacity and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.

The foregoing and other advantages of the present subject matter are discussed in greater detail in the following description, along with illustrations and embodiments of two-wheel saddle-riding vehicles.

The arrows given in the upper right corner of each figure indicate the direction relative to the vehicle, where applicable, with arrow F indicating the forward direction, arrow R indicating the rearward direction, and arrow Up indicating the upward direction. , the arrow Dw indicates the downward direction, the arrow Rh indicates the right side, and the arrow Lh indicates the left side.

FIG. 1 shows a left side view of an exemplary scooter-type vehicle (10) according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle includes a main frame assembly (1) made of carbon fiber and resin materials, traditionally an underbone chassis frame that provides a generally open central area that allows a "step-through" ride by the rider. Typically, the frame assembly (1) comprises a head tube (2), a main tube (3) and a pair of side tubes including a side tube LH (4) and a side tube RH (only one shown). include. The head tube (2) is positioned towards the front and the main tube (3) extends downward and rearward from the head tube (2) to form a flat horizontal step-through section (3S). The other end of the main tube (3) is connected with a pair of side tubes (LH and RH) through brackets (not shown).

The head tube (2) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and is further connected at its lower end to a front suspension system (6). A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to the upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports the handlebar assembly (9). The upper part of the front wheel (7) is covered by a front fender (8). A pair of side tubes (LH and RH) extend from the other end of the main tube (3) and are arranged parallel to both sides of the vehicle (10) in the width direction. Each of said side tubes (LH and RH) extends obliquely upward from the main tube (3), gradually extends rearward after a certain length, substantially horizontally and parallel, and is arranged in the width direction of the vehicle. be. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) are secured at selected intervals between the pair of side tubes (LH and RH) to provide a utility box (12), seat assembly (11) and fuel tank assembly (not shown). ). In addition, the vehicle includes side panels LH (21) and side panels RH (not shown) that cover the side tubes (LH and RH) and laterally cover the vehicle (10) structure.

Generally, the utility box (12) is supported between the side tube LH (4) and the side tube RH (not shown) so as to be positioned below the seat (11). A fuel tank assembly (not shown) may be positioned between the rear of the pair of side tubes (LH and RH). Additionally, the vehicle (10) includes footrest assemblies (5) mounted on either side of the vehicle (10) for supporting/resting the feet of a passenger. The vehicle (10) further includes rear wheels (13) covered by fenders (14), tail lights (15) positioned above the fenders, and support bars (16) at the ends of the seat assembly (11). It is located above the tail light (15). The rear wheels (13) are supported towards the rear of the mainframe (1) by an internal combustion (IC) engine, which is coupled to the frame assembly (1) of the two-wheeled vehicle (10) through a rear suspension system (17). It is horizontally and pivotably connected to the rear part. The powertrain, for example an IC engine, is directly coupled to the rear wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system (18), thus transmitting drive directly to the rear wheels (13). The vehicle further includes an air cleaner assembly to provide filtered air to the IC engine for combustion.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (10) shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The two-wheeled vehicle specifically includes side panels LH (21) and side panels RH (not shown) to cover the frame assembly (1) and side tubes LH (4) and side tubes RH (not shown). )including. According to the present subject matter, a support element (22) is provided partially attached to the side panel LH (21) and the step-through portion (3S). In one embodiment, the footrest assembly (5) is attached to the support element (22). According to one aspect of the present subject matter, the footrest assembly (5) extends upward in the closed state and is oriented at a predetermined steep angle α with respect to the ground. According to one aspect of the present subject matter, the floorboard plane of the step-through portion is substantially parallel to the ground and substantially coplanar with the base portion of the footrest mounting portion. According to the present subject matter, the value of α is a substantially steep angle of approximately 45 degrees. The footrest assembly (5) therefore makes a steep 45 degree angle to the ground in the closed state, and this angle can vary between 40 and 50 degrees. Such orientation and assembly improves the ease of opening the footrest assembly (5) for use by a passenger. In addition, the footrest assembly (5) is attached to the support elements (22), so loads are transferred first to the support elements (22) and not directly to the side panels LH (21). According to the present subject matter, the footrest assembly (5) and support element (22) are attached to one of the side panels (LH and RH) or to both side panels (LH and RH). However, for the purposes of the present invention, it is assumed that the footrest assembly (5) and support elements (22) are attached to the side panel LH (21).

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the footrest assembly (5) as mounted on the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (10) shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As mentioned above, the footrest assembly (5) is attached to the support element (22), which is partially attached to the side panel LH (21) and the step-through portion (3S) of the vehicle (10). be done. In one embodiment, the support element (22) extends partially rearwardly from that of the footrest assembly (5). The footrest assembly (5) includes a top (T) and a bottom (B). The top (T) is the surface on which the passenger rests his/her feet. In one embodiment, the top surface (T) of the footrest assembly (5) is formed on a horizontal plane AA' extending along the length of the vehicle, substantially parallel to the floorboard plane. According to one aspect of the present subject matter, the support element (22) is configured to include three substantially angled portions. A first portion 22(a) that is substantially parallel to the floorboard plane. A second portion 22(b) of the continuous continuum configured to be oriented at a predetermined angle substantially equal to "α", at an acute angle to the horizontal plane of the vehicle. It is of a different height than the first portion 22(a) but substantially parallel to the first portion 22(a), so that this height, when deployed in use, is the same as the footrest assembly. A third portion 22(c) of the continuous continuum substantially equal to the height of the . These three portions (22(a), 22(b), 22(c)) collectively constitute a stable mounting for mounting the footrest assembly at a steep angle "α", thereby , the axis of rotation (PP') of the footrest assembly (shown in FIG. 4) at a substantially acute angle equal to "α" with respect to the horizontal plane (HH') (shown in FIG. 4). configure. According to one aspect of the present subject matter, this configuration allows the footrest to be deployed in a configuration such that its upper surface (T) is substantially coplanar with the third portion of the support element (22). do. During the footrest closed condition, the steep 22(c) angle allows excess dirt and dust to be brushed off the footrest top surface (T) by gravity, thereby allowing the footrest assembly to self-adjust after each use. Allow cleaning. According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the first portion 22(a) and the third portion 22(c) of the support element (22) also extend along the same horizontal plane AA'. Accordingly, the third portion 22(c) of the support element (22) and the footrest assembly (5) extend along the same plane. The support elements (22) thus also help provide additional support to the passenger's feet through partial surfaces extending in the same plane as that of the footrest assembly (5). Through such a configuration, the present subject matter solves the problem of leaving part of the passenger's leg hanging.

In one embodiment, a recess (R) is provided in the support element (22). The footrest assembly (5), in the closed state, fits perfectly within the recess (R) so that the bottom (B) of the footrest assembly (5) which is visible is the side panel LH (21). is in the same plane as that of 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 like other known vehicles. This therefore enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10). Additionally, the recess (R) also aids in easy manipulation and opening of the footrest assembly (5).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the footrest assembly (5) in the closed state, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the footrest assembly (5) includes a top (T) and a bottom (B). According to the present subject matter, the footrest assembly (5) fits perfectly within the recess (R) in the closed state. In the closed state, the top (T) of the footrest assembly (5) is hidden and faces the surface of the recess (R) and the bottom (B) is visible to the naked eye. Thus, through such a configuration, the upper portion (T), where mud and dirt accumulates due to passenger feet, is hidden, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10). Additionally, the bottom surface (B) of the footrest assembly (5) is along the same plane as that of the side panel LH (21). Therefore, in the closed state of the footrest assembly (5), its bottom surface (B) is in the same line as that of the side panel LH (21), so that the footrest assembly (5) is similar to other prior art I don't think it stands out as much. The present subject matter thus enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10).

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the footrest assembly (5) in the open state, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. This figure shows the footrest assembly (5) in an open position so that it can be used by a fellow passenger to rest his feet. Therefore, in the open state, the top (T) of the footrest assembly (5) is in use anyway and therefore dirt and mud are not visible. Therefore, in such conditions the aesthetic appeal is not compromised.

Accordingly, the present subject matter provides a footrest assembly (5) for a two-wheeled vehicle (10) attached to a support element (22). The support elements (22) are partially attached to the side panels (LH and RH) and partially attached to the step-through portion (3S). The footrest assembly (5) is aligned at a 45 degree angle to the ground in the closed state. In addition, the footrest assembly (5) fits perfectly within the recess (R) provided in the support element (22). Such a configuration thus helps enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10). In addition, the support elements (22) also help prevent direct transfer of load from the footrest assembly (5) to the vehicle body and also provide additional support for the passenger's feet, thereby It enables the design of lightweight footrests that are also economical. Furthermore, the footrest assembly (5) according to the present subject matter is also much easier to operate, i.e. to open and close.

It should be understood that 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 light of the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of the present subject matter, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims (9)

A saddle-riding two- or three-wheeled vehicle (10),
A head tube (2) formed at the front of the vehicle (10) and a main tube (3) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (2) to form a step-through structure (3S). a mainframe assembly (1);
A side tube LH (4) and a side tube LH (4) covered by the side panel LH (21) and the side panel RH, parallel to the side panel LH (21) and RH and arranged side by side in the width direction of the vehicle (10) a side tube LH (4) and a side tube RH (5), which are tubes RH (5), extending upward and rearward from the step-through structure (3S);
a support element (22) partially attached to said step-through structure (3S) and at least one of said side panel LH (21) and said side panel RH, wherein a recess (R) is formed ; A first portion (22(a)) parallel to the floorboard plane of the vehicle (10), and in side view relative to the floorboard plane of the vehicle (10) and a horizontal plane of the vehicle (10) a second portion (22(b)) of the continuous continuum configured to be oriented at an angle "α" and a continuous continuum parallel to said first portion (22(a)); a support element (22) comprising three angled portions (22(a), 22(b), 22(c)) including a third body portion (22(c)) ;
A footrest assembly (5) attached to said support element (22), which footrest assembly (5) is housed in said recess (R) at a predetermined angle 'α' in side view with respect to the ground in the closed state. ) and a vehicle (10). A vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined angle is an angle of 40 to 50 degrees in side view with respect to the ground in the closed state of the footrest assembly (5). A vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein said support element (22) extends rearwardly along a plane AA' horizontal to the longitudinal direction of said vehicle (10). Said footrest assembly (5) comprises a top (T) and a bottom (B), said top (T) in the open state of said footrest assembly (5) being said horizontal as well as said top of said support element (22). 4. A vehicle (10) according to claim 3, along a plane AA'. 5. A vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein in the closed state of the footrest assembly (5), the bottom (B) is visible and the top (T) is hidden within the recess (R). ). 5. A vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein the bottom (B) of the footrest assembly (5) in the closed state is in the same plane as the bottoms of the side panels (LH and RH). A vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (5) is located on at least one of said side panel LH (21) and said side panel RH. A footrest assembly (5) for a saddle type two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle (10), comprising a step-through structure (3S) of said vehicle (10) and one of a side panel LH (21) and a side panel RH. It is removably attached to a support element (22) partially attached to at least one of said support elements (22), said support element (22) extending in a first portion (22 ( a)) and a second continuous continuum configured to be oriented at a predetermined angle 'α' in side view with respect to the plane of the floor plate of the vehicle (10) and the horizontal plane of the vehicle (10) of at least three angles including two portions (22(b)) and a third portion (22(c)) of continuous continuum parallel to said first portion (22(a)). A footrest assembly (5) comprising an attached portion. Said three portions (22(a), 22(b), 22(c)) collectively constitute a mounting for said footrest assembly (5) at said predetermined angle "α"; The four parts (22(a), 22(b), 22(c)) align the axis of rotation (PP') of said footrest assembly (5) laterally with respect to a horizontal plane (HH'). 9. A footrest assembly (5) according to claim 8 , configured to be visually arranged at a predetermined angle "[alpha]".

Images