A Stand Assembly for a Saddle-type Vehicle

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a stand assembly for a saddle-type motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In conventional saddle-type vehicles, parking of the saddle type vehicle can either be done by means of a side stand, which parks the vehicle in a tilted state or by means of a centre stand, which parks the vehicle in an upright state, with at least one of the wheels being off the ground. The side stand and centre stand are separately provided on different positions in the vehicle as separate independent assemblies. However, in existing designs and configurations of the centre stand, the effort required to park the vehicle in the centre stand position is very high as the rider is required to push down the centre stand while lifting the vehicle. [003] To reduce this effort, centre stand assemblies which are split have been provided in some existing saddle type vehicles, wherein left leg and the right leg of the centre stand are split. However, provision of a split centre stand along with a separate side stand leads to an increase in vehicle weight and complexity, thus leading to an increase in manufacturing and operational costs of the vehicle. [004] In other existing vehicles that have sought to reduce the effort required in the utilisation of the centre stand, mechanical or electronic assistance has been provided for application of the centre stand, which leads to increase in the number of parts and complexity of the vehicle. Further any electronic assistance is also associated with higher costs and reliability issues.

[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a stand assembly for a saddle type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a stand assembly for a saddle type vehicle. The stand assembly has a first member pivotally mounted on a vehicle frame, a first primary pivot assembly connected to the first member and configured for pivotally mounting the first member on the vehicle frame, a second member pivotally mounted on the vehicle frame, a second primary pivot assembly connected to the second member and configured for mounting the second member on the vehicle frame, and a secondary pivot assembly provided between the first primary pivot assembly and the second primary pivot assembly. The secondary pivot assembly is configured for selectively engaging or disengaging the first primary pivot assembly with the second primary pivot assembly, thereby selectively engaging or disengaging the first member with the second member.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the first member has a leg (112), a leg pivot member configured to be connected atop of the leg, a leg boot provided at the bottom of the leg, a leg gusset provided between the leg and the leg pivot member, a lock guide extending rearwardly from the leg, a leg stopper member extending in the vehicle width direction from the leg, and a guide extension connected to the leg pivot member wherein the guide extension extends in the vehicle width direction.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the first primary pivot assembly has a front pivot bracket, a rear pivot bracket, and a centre pivot bracket provided between the front pivot bracket and the rear pivot bracket and the centre pivot bracket is configured to receive the leg pivot member.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rear pivot bracket has a centre slot and a side slot, such that the lock guide of the first member is configured to engage with the centre slot or the side slot.

[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the second primary pivot assembly has a prop pivot member, and second member has a prop such that the prop pivot member is configured to be connected atop of the prop. A prop gusset is provided between the prop and the prop pivot member, and a prop boot is provided at the bottom of the prop. Further, a prop stopper member extends in the vehicle width direction from the prop.

[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the secondary pivot assembly has a secondary pivot member connected to the prop pivot member via a torsion spring, and a guide bracket configured to engage or disengage with the guide extension of the first member.

[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, when the lock guide of the first member is engaged with the centre slot on the rear pivot bracket, the guide extension of the first member is engaged with the guide bracket of the secondary pivot assembly, thereby engaging the first member with the second member. In this embodiment, when the first member is engaged with the second member, the stand assembly acts as a centre stand for the saddle type vehicle. [013] In a further embodiment of the invention, when the lock guide of the first member is engaged with the side slot on the rear pivot bracket, the guide extension of the first member is disengaged with the guide bracket of the secondary pivot assembly, thereby disengaging the first member with the second member. In this embodiment, when the first member is disengaged with the second member, the stand assembly acts as a side stand for the saddle type vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows the saddle type vehicle with a stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the stand assembly for the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a first member of the stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first primary pivot assembly of the stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second member of the stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a secondary pivot assembly of the stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the stand assembly for the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[015] The present invention relates to a stand assembly for a saddle type vehicle.

[016] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle type vehicle 10 comprises an IC engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the IC engine 12 is a single-cylinder type IC engine. The saddle type vehicle 10 further comprises a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a vehicle frame 20, a seat 18 and a fuel tank 46. The vehicle frame 20 includes a head pipe 22, a main frame, rear down tubes, and seat rails. The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 26 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 40 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The vehicle frame 20 comprises a down tube 44 that may be located in front of the IC engine 12 and extends slantingly downward from the head pipe 22. The main frame of the vehicle frame 20 is located above the IC engine 12 and extends rearward from head pipe 22. The front of the IC engine 12 is to the down tubes 44 and a rear of the IC engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main frame. In an embodiment, the IC engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block (not shown) extending vertically above a crankcase (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the IC engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the downtube.

[017] The fuel tank 46 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main frame. The seat rails are joined to main frame and extends rearward to support a seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the vehicle frame 20 to swing vertically, and a rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension or through two suspensions 36 on either side of the saddle type vehicle 10 (as illustrated in the present embodiment). A taillight unit 33 is disposed at the end of the saddle type vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail 37 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the IC engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the IC engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.

[018] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the IC engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the IC engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler (not shown) is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.

[019] Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate a stand assembly 100 for the saddle type vehicle 10. As illustrated, the stand assembly 100 comprises a first member 110 that is pivotally mounted on the vehicle frame 20. Further, a first primary pivot assembly 130 is connected to the first member 110. In that, the first primary pivot assembly 130 is configured for pivotally mounting the first member 110 on the vehicle frame 20. The stand assembly 100 further has a second member 150 that is pivotally mounted on the vehicle frame 20. A second primary pivot assembly 170 is provided that is connected to the second member 150 and the second primary pivot assembly 170 is configured for mounting the second member 150 on the vehicle frame 20. Further, the stand assembly 100 has a secondary pivot assembly 190 that is provided between the first primary pivot assembly 130 and the second primary pivot assembly 170. Herein, the secondary pivot assembly 190 is configured for selectively engaging or disengaging the first primary pivot assembly 130 with the second primary pivot assembly 170. As a result of the selective engagement or disengagement of the first primary pivot assembly 130 with the second primary pivot assembly 170, the first member 110 with the second member 150 are selectively engaged or disengaged with each other.

[020] Reference is made to Figure 4, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the first member 110 comprises a leg 112 that acts as a main body of the first member 110. The first member further has a leg pivot member 114 that configured to be connected atop of the leg 112. The leg 112 of the first member 110 is mounted on the vehicle frame 20 by means of the leg pivot member 114, and the leg pivot member 114 facilitates pivotal movement of the leg 112 of the first member 110 about the vehicle frame 20. The first member further has a leg boot 116 that is provided at the bottom of the leg 112. The leg boot 116 provides a greater surface area of the support when the first member 110 is in contact with the ground. Further, a leg gusset 118 is provided between the leg 112 and the leg pivot member 114, for improved structural strength of the first member 110.

[021] Furthermore, a lock guide 120 is provided that extends rearwardly from the leg 112. The lock guide has a ball and spring mechanism that enables the lock guide 120 to engage or disengage with various slots as per requirement. Further, the first member 110 has a leg stopper member 124 that extends in the vehicle width direction from the leg 112. The first member further has a guide extension 122 that connected to the leg pivot member 114 and the guide extension 122 extends the in the vehicle width direction. Th guide extension 122 has a protrusion that is capable of engaging or disengaging with other mechanical components or recesses as required.

[022] Reference is made to Figure 5, wherein as illustrated, the first primary pivot assembly 130 comprises a front pivot bracket 132, a rear pivot bracket 134, and a centre pivot bracket 136 that is provided between the front pivot bracket 132 and the rear pivot bracket 134. Herein, the centre pivot bracket 136 is configured to receive the leg pivot member 114 of the first member 110. Herein, the central axis of the centre pivot bracket 136 aligns with the central axis of the leg pivot member 114. Further, as illustrated, the rear pivot bracket 134 comprises a centre slot 134A and a side slot 134B, such that the lock guide 120 of the first member 110, through the exemplary ball and spring mechanism, is configured to engage with the centre slot 134A or the side slot 134B.

[023] As illustrated in Figure 6, the second primary pivot assembly 170 comprises a prop pivot member 154. Further, the second member 150 comprises of a prop 152 such that the prop pivot member 154 is configured to be connected atop of the prop 152. The prop pivot member 154 facilitates pivotal movement of the second member 150 about the vehicle frame. Further, in the second member 150, a prop gusset 156 provided between the prop 152 and the prop pivot member 154 for improved structural strength of the second member 150. A prop boot 158 is provided at the bottom of the prop 152 which provides a greater surface area of the support when the second member 150 is in contact with the ground. Further, a prop stopper member 160 extending in the vehicle width direction from the prop 152. [024] As illustrated in Figure 7, the secondary pivot assembly 190 comprises a secondary pivot member 192 connected to the prop pivot member 154 via a torsion spring 196 (shown in Figure 8). The secondary pivot assembly 190 further has a guide bracket 194 configured to engage or disengage with the guide extension 122 of the first member 110. In an embodiment, the guide bracket 194 has a recess like provision which can engage or disengage with the protrusion on the guide extension.

[025] In an embodiment, when the user intends the use the stand assembly 100 as a centre stand for the saddle type vehicle, the user shall engage the lock guide 120 of the first member 110 with the centre slot 134A on the rear pivot bracket 134. The user can do so manually or use other mechanisms. As a result of this engagement of the lock guide 120 with the centre slot 134A, as illustrated in Figure 3, the guide extension 122 of the first member 110 is engaged with the guide bracket 194 of the secondary pivot assembly 190, thereby engaging the first member 110 with the second member 150. In other terms, movement of the first member 1 10 will cause movement of the guide extension 122. Since the guide extension 122 is engaged with the guide bracket 194, movement of the first guide member 110 causes the secondary pivot member 192 to rotate, movement of which is then transmitted to the second member 150 via the torsion spring 196.

[026] As mentioned earlier, when the first member 110 is engaged with the second member 150, the stand assembly 100 acts as a centre stand for the saddle type vehicle 10. In an embodiment, to utilise the stand assembly as a centre stand, the user shall engage the lock guide 120 with the centre slot 134A, and then push the first member 110 down till the first member 110 touches the ground and the vehicle 10 is slightly tilted, resting on the first member 110. Thereafter the user shall further pivot the vehicle along the first member 110 in the direction of the tilt, after which the second member 150 shall automatically be pulled down. The user shall then move the vehicle 10 opposite the tilt to rest on both the first member 110 and the second member 150. To lock the second member 150 in such position, as referenced in Figure 8 the prop stopper member 160 comes in contact with the leg stopper member 124, thereby restricting the movement of the second member 150 with respect to the first member 110.

[027] Alternatively, when the user intends the use the stand assembly 100 as a side stand for the saddle type vehicle, the user shall engage the lock guide 120 of the first member 110 with the side slot 134B on the rear pivot bracket 134. The user can do so manually or use other mechanisms. As a result of this engagement of the lock guide 120 with the side slot 134B, the guide extension 122 of the first member 110 is disengaged with the guide bracket 194 of the secondary pivot assembly 190, thereby disengaging the first member 110 with the second member 150. The movement of the first member 110 thus does not have an effect on the second member 150, and the user shall simply push down the first member 110 till the first member 110 touches the ground and the vehicle 10 is tilted, resting on the first member 110 as a side stand.

[028] Advantageously, the present invention provides an integrated stand assembly for a saddle type vehicle which combines the centre stand and the side stand into a singular assembly, and can be employed as a centre stand or a side stand as per user requirement.

[029] Provision of such an assembly means that centre stand and side stand do not need to be separately provided on the vehicle, thus saving on vehicle weight, vehicle cost and allowing greater space in the vehicle for packaging any other vehicle components. [030] Further provision of the stand assembly in which first member and the second member are provided in a split manner from each other, while being selectively engaged or disengaged, also reduces the effort in applying the centre stand as the requirement to lift the vehicle to park the vehicle in a centre stand condition is eliminated.

[031] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.