Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

A FREE PLAY ADJUSTING SYSTEM

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

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 free play adjusting system of a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a free play adjusting system for adjusting a free play of at least one of a braking device and a clutch device of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] A braking system typically comprises a brake lever receiving a braking force, a braking mechanism that performs the braking action, and a first force transferring member that interconnects the brake lever and the braking mechanism and transfers the braking force received by the brake lever to the braking mechanism. The brake lever may either be hand operated or foot-operated. The brake lever is generally pivoted and exhibits pivotal movement with respect to a pivot axis. The braking mechanism comprises by way of non-limiting examples drum type braking mechanism, disc type braking mechanism, etc. The first force transferring mechanism comprises by way of non-limiting examples, rods, cables, or hydraulic lines. The first force transmitting mechanism lever may inherently amplify the braking force received by the brake lever and transfer an amplified braking force to the braking mechanism. The braking system may have additional components, for example, boosters that amplify the braking force received by the brake lever prior to transferring the same to the braking mechanism.

[003] Typically, a braking system is provided certain amount of free play that allows for a certain amount of initial movement of at least one of the brake lever and the brake mechanism, before the braking mechanism engages. Providing certain amount of free play in the braking system is essential for safety, compensating for wear, facilitating heat dissipation, minimizing drag, improving the lever feel, providing optimal brake performance, longevity of the braking system, reliability of the braking system, etc. The braking system is further provided with an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the free play of the braking system.

[004] One of the common methods of adjusting free play of the braking system comprises adjusting the first force transferring mechanism. By way of some non-limiting examples, adjusting free play of the braking system comprises adjusting a length of the first force transferring mechanism, tightening or loosening the first force transferring mechanism, or repositioning at least one point of attachment of the first force transferring mechanism. To increase the free play of the braking system, the first force transferring mechanism is typically loosened while to decrease the free play of the braking system, the first force transferring mechanism is typically tightened. Based on experience, a technician repeatedly tightens or loosens the first force transferring mechanism until the desired free play of the braking system is achieved. After tightening or loosening the first force transferring mechanism, the technician performs at least one of visual inspection, depresses the brake lever and observe the response (including observe smoothness, observe firmness, observe consistency, observe for any abnormal sensations, observe for excessive play, observe for sponginess, etc.), applies gradual pressure to the brake lever and observe the brake's engagement (including observe whether the brake engages smoothly and progressively without any sudden jerks or delays, verify that the brakes provide sufficient stopping power and that the brakes hold the vehicle or equipment securely when applied, etc.), release the brake lever or the first force transferring mechanism and verify that the brakes disengage completely (including absence of residual drag, absence of partial engagement, release of the brakes smoothly and promptly, movement of the vehicle or equipment is freely allowed). Thus, the process of adjusting the free play of the braking system is riddled with inaccuracies. Additionally, the process of adjusting the free play of the braking system is a complicated and a time consuming process even for a skilled technician. In most cases, the brake lever has to be held in the engaged state while the first force transferring mechanism is being adjusted. Simultaneously holding the brake lever and adjusting the first force transferring mechanism is a complicated and cumbersome. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

[005] Similarly, a clutch system typically comprises a clutch lever receiving a clutch actuation force, a clutch device that performs the assigned functionality, and a second force transferring member that interconnects the clutch lever and the clutch device and transfers the clutch actuation force received by the clutch lever to the clutch device. The clutch lever may either be hand operated or foot-operated. The clutch lever is generally pivoted and exhibits pivotal movement with respect to a pivot axis. The second force transferring mechanism comprises by way of non-limiting examples, rods, cables, or hydraulic lines.

[006] Even the clutch system is provided certain amount of free play that allows for a certain amount of initial movement of at least one of the clutch lever and the clutch device, before the assigned functionality is performed. Providing a certain amount of free play in the clutch system is essential for various reasons known to a person skilled in the art.

[007] Adjusting free play of the clutch system may also comprise adjusting a length of the second force transferring mechanism, tightening or loosening the second force transferring mechanism, or repositioning at least one point of attachment of the second force transferring mechanism. Even adjusting free play of clutch system involves repeatedly tightening or loosening the second force transferring mechanism until the desired free play of the clutch system is achieved. Thus, the process of adjusting the free play of the clutch system is riddled with inaccuracies. Additionally, the process of adjusting the free play of the clutch system is a complicated and a time consuming process even for a skilled technician. In most cases, the clutch lever has to be held in the engaged state while the second force transferring mechanism is being adjusted. Simultaneously holding the clutch lever and adjusting the second force transferring mechanism is complicated and cumbersome. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features.

[009] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a free play adjusting system for adjusting a free play of an actuating device, comprising a perch element and a lever connected to the perch element, wherein the lever receives an actuating force and in response thereto reaches an actuated state. The free play adjusting system comprises a force transferring member connecting the lever to the actuating device and transferring the actuating force received by the lever to the actuating device. The free play adjusting system further comprises an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the extent of the free play of the actuating device. The free play adjusting system further comprises a free play indicator formed on the lever, the free play indicator intended to indicate at least one level of adjustment of the free play of the actuating device by the adjusting mechanism. The free play adjusting system furthermore comprises a holding mechanism disposed on one of the perch element and the lever for holding the lever in the actuated state.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the free play indicator comprises at least one marking formed on the lever, the at least one marking being visible in an actuated state of the lever and being hidden by the perch element in a non-actuated state of the lever.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the free play indicator comprises a plurality of markings each of the plurality of markings indicating a corresponding plurality of levels of adjustment of the free play of the force transferring member.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the holding mechanism is movable between a non-engaged state and an engaged state, such that in the engaged state, the holding mechanism holds the lever in the actuated state.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the holding mechanism comprises a first arm portion adapted to be placed between the lever and the perch element in the engaged state, a second arm portion extending from a first end of the first arm portion, a third arm portion extending from a second end of the first arm portion, the third arm portion being parallel to the second arm portion, and at least one axis defining member disposed between the second arm portion and the third arm portion, the holding mechanism being pivotable with respect to the at least one axis defining member.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating device being a braking device, the lever being a brake lever, and the force transferring mechanism being a brake actuating cord member.

[0015] In a furthermore another embodiment of the invention, the actuating device being a clutch device, the lever being a clutch lever, and the force transferring mechanism being a clutch actuating cord member.

[0016] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a handle bar. The handlebar comprises a first perch element; a first lever connected to the first perch element, the first lever receiving an actuating force and in response thereto reaching an actuated state. The vehicle further comprises a first force transferring mechanism connecting the first lever to a first actuating device and transferring the actuating force received by the first lever to the first actuating device. The vehicle further comprises a first adjusting mechanism for adjusting the extent of the free play of the first actuating device. The vehicle further comprises a first free play indicator formed on the first lever, the first free play indicator intended to indicate at least one level of adjustment of the free play of the first actuating device by the first adjusting mechanism. The vehicle furthermore comprises a first holding mechanism disposed on one of the first perch element and the first lever for holding the first lever in the actuated state.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the first actuating device being a braking device; the first lever being a brake lever; and the first force transferring member being a brake actuating cord member, the first free play indicator comprises plurality of markings formed on the brake lever, the at least one marking being visible in an actuated state of the brake lever and being hidden by the first perch element in a non-actuated state of the brake lever; each of the plurality of markings indicating a corresponding plurality of levels of adjustment of the free play of the braking device.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the handle bar comprising a second perch element; and a second lever connected to the second perch element, the second lever receiving an actuating force and in response thereto reaching an actuated state. The vehicle further comprises a second force transferring member connecting the second lever to a second actuating device and transferring the actuating force received by the second lever to the second actuating device. The vehicle further comprises a second adjusting mechanism for adjusting an extent of the free play of the second actuating device. The vehicle further comprises a second free play indicator formed on the second lever, the second free play indicator intended to indicate at least one level of adjustment of the free play of the second actuating device by the second adjusting mechanism. The vehicle furthermore comprises a second holding mechanism disposed on one of the second perch element and the second lever for holding the second lever in the actuated state.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the second actuating device being a clutch device; the second lever being a clutch lever; the second force transferring member being a clutch actuating cord member; the second free play indicator comprises plurality of markings formed on the clutch lever, the at least one marking being visible in an actuated state of the clutch lever and being hidden by the second perch element in a non-actuated state of the clutch lever; each of the plurality of markings indicating a corresponding plurality of levels of adjustment of the free play of the clutch device.

[0020] One of the advantages of the invention is the ease in adjusting the free play of the actuating device, which may be either the braking device or the clutch device. Another advantage of the invention is an accuracy in adjusting the free play of the actuating device. Yet another advantage of the invention is a reduction in time for adjusting the free play of the actuating device. Still another advantage is that a human intervention is not required to simultaneously hold the lever and adjusting the adjusting mechanism. Thus, the process of adjusting the free play is substantially easy and user friendly. Even if a human being is involved in holding the lever, there arises the aspect of the human being not holding the lever at the same location, which is completely avoided by the holding mechanism.

[0021] One further advantage of the invention is that the free play indicator is formed as part of the lever itself and hence, no additional elements are needed, which reduces aspects such as cost, weight, etc.

[0022] The construction of the holding mechanism is substantially simple and hence aspects such as cost, weight, etc. are reduced. The holding mechanism can be either disposed on the perch element or the lever element, thereby providing flexibility during manufacturing.

[0023] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0024] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a free play adjusting system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a free play adjusting system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a free play adjusting system (100) in a non-engaged state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a free play adjusting system (100) in an engaged state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 11 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 12 illustrates a holding mechanism (114) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] Figure 13 illustrates functioning of handle bar having the first and second actuating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been 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 aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0039] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0040] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0041] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0043] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0044] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0046] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0047] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0050] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the two wheeled vehicle (10)) inter-alia, comprises a head pipe (12) rotatably supporting a front fork (14). A bottom end of the front fork (14) rotatably supports a front ground engaging member (16) and a top end of the front fork (14) is operably connected to a handle bar (18). A user can steer the vehicle using the handle bar (18). The vehicle (10) comprises a front fender (20) disposed above the front ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight unit (22) disposed above the front fender (20). The vehicle (10) further comprises a dashboard (24) disposed above the headlight unit (22).

[0052] The vehicle further comprises a main frame (not shown) extending in a downward and rearward direction from the head pipe (12). The main frame supports a seat (28) and a tail light unit (30). The vehicle (10) further comprises rear ground engaging member (32) coupled to the main frame via a swing arm. The vehicle further comprises a rear cushion member (34) connected between the swing arm and the main frame.

[0053] Now referring specifically to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the vehicle further comprises a free play adjusting system (100). The free play adjusting system (100) adjusts the free play of an actuating device (102). The free play adjusting system comprising a perch element (104), a lever (106), a force transferring member (108), an adjusting mechanism (110) connected to the actuating device (102). The perch element (104) is disposed on the handle bar (18). The lever (106) is connected to the perch element (104) and exhibits pivotal movement in response to receiving an actuating force. When subjected to this force, the lever (106) reaches an actuated state. The force transferring member (108) is responsible for connecting the lever (106) to the actuating device (102). This force transferring member (108) transfers the actuating force received by the lever (106) to the actuating device (102). The free play adjusting system (100) features an adjusting mechanism (110) designed for adjusting the extent of free play in the actuating device (102). This allows for customization of the free play adjusting system to suit specific requirements.

[0054] No referring to Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5 together, the free play adjusting system (100) comprises a free play indicator (112) is formed on the lever (106). The free play indicator (112) is intended to visually represent at least one level of adjustment of the free play in the actuating device (102) by the adjusting mechanism (110). To ensure the securely hold the lever in the actuated state, a holding mechanism (114) is incorporated. The holding mechanism (114) is located on either the perch element (104) or the lever (106).

[0055] Now referring to Figure 4 illustrates the lever (106) in an actuated state which is attained when an actuating force as represented by first arrow (A1) is applied on the lever (106) while the holding mechanism (114) is in a non-engaged state. When the lever (106) is in the actuated state, the force transferring member (108) transfers the actuating force received by the lever (106) to the actuating device (102).

[0056] Figure 5 on the other hand, depicts an engaged state of the holding mechanism (114) which is attained by applying a second force on the holding mechanism as represented by the second arrow (A2). The holding mechanism (114) exhibits mobility, allowing it to transition between a non-engaged and an engaged state.

[0057] Thus, it can be seen that the free play indicator (112) provided on the lever is visible only in an actuated state of the lever (106) and gets concealed by the perch element (104) in a non-actuated state.

[0058] Referring to Figure 6, there is illustrated a close-up view of the portion indicated in Figure 3 wherein the lever (106) is in a non-actuated state. As depicted in Figure 7, which is a close-up view of the portion indicated in Figure 4, the lever (106) transitions from a non-actuated state to an actuated state in response to the application of the actuating force in the direction shown by the first arrow (A1). It may be noted that if at this movement, the actuating force ceases to exist, the lever (106) reverts back to the non-actuated state. This is because of the reason that the holding mechanism (114) does not yet secure the lever (106). However, upon the application of force as shown by the second arrow A2, illustrated in Figure 8, the holding mechanism (114) attains the engaged state in which state, the holding mechanism (114) firmly secures the lever (106). It may be noted that only when the lever (106) is in the actuated state, the holding mechanism (114) can be moved from the non-engaged state to the engaged state. Also, it may be noted that once the holding mechanism (114) has attained the engaged state, the lever (106) does not revert back to the non-actuated state even if the actuating force ceases to exist. Once the lever (106) has attained the actuated state, the free play indicator (112) becomes visible. The free play indicator (112) serves the crucial purpose of visually representing at least one level of adjustment of the free play within the actuating device (102), achieved through the adjusting mechanism (110).

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the free play indicator (112) may incorporate multiple markings (1161, 1162), each corresponding to distinct levels of adjustment for the free play of the force transferring member (108). The design enhances the precision of the adjustment process. The holding mechanism (114) exhibits the capability to seamlessly move between the non-engaged and engaged states, ensuring dynamic functionality where, in the engaged state, the lever (106) is securely held in the actuated position. On the other hand, in the non-engaged state, the holding mechanism (114) does not secure the lever (106) in the actuated position. This aspect is depicted in Figure 9, Figure 10, and Figure 11.

[0060] Referring to Figure 9, there is illustrated a close-up view of the portion indicated in Figure 3 wherein the lever (106) is in a non-actuated state. As depicted in Figure 10, which is a close-up view of the portion indicated in Figure 4, the lever (106) transitions from a non-actuated state to an actuated state in response to application of the actuating force in the direction shown by the first arrow (A1). It can be seen from Figure 10 and Figure 11 that the lever (106) comprises plurality of markings (1161, 1162). It may be noted that depending upon application of a first level of actuating force, the first marking (1161) becomes visible and upon application of a second level of actuating force which is greater than the first level of actuating force, the second marking (1162) becomes visible. It may be noted that if the free play of the actuating device (102) has to be adjusted to a first level which corresponds to the first marking (1161), the lever (106) is activated till the first marking (1161) is visible and then the holding mechanism (114) is brought into the engaging state with the lever (106). On the other hand, if the free play of the actuating device (102) has to be adjusted to a second level which corresponds to the second marking (1162), the lever (106) is activated till the second marking (1162) is visible and then the holding mechanism (114) is brought into the engaging state with the lever (106).

[0061] Now referring to Figure 12, the holding mechanism (114) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The holding mechanism comprises a first arm portion (118) adapted to be placed between the lever (106) and the perch element (104) in the engaged state, a second arm portion (120) extending from a first end (122) of the first arm portion (118), a third arm portion (124) extending from a second end (126) of the first arm portion (118), the third arm portion (124) being parallel to the second arm portion (122), and at least one axis defining member (128) disposed between the second arm portion (122) and the third arm portion (124), the holding mechanism (114) being pivotable with respect to the at least one axis defining member (128).

[0062] Referring to Figure 13, the vehicle (10) may comprise a first actuating device (1021) and a second actuating device (1022) in accordance. In such a case, the handlebar (18) features a first perch element, a first lever (1061), a first force transferring mechanism (1081), a first adjusting mechanism (110), a first free play indicator (1121), and a first holding mechanism (1141). The first lever (1061) and the first force transferring mechanism (1081), the first actuating device (1021) are designed for use with a braking device (130), specifically denoted as a brake lever (132) and a brake actuating cord member (134). The first lever (1061), connected to the first perch element (1041), receives an actuating force, reaching an actuated state in response. The first force transferring mechanism (1081) establishes a connection between the first lever (1061) and the first actuating device (1021), facilitating the transfer of the received actuating force. The first adjusting mechanism (1101) finely tunes the free play of the first actuating device (1021). A first free play indicator (1121) is integrated onto the brake lever (132), featuring a plurality of markings (1161) visible in the brake lever's actuated state and concealed by the first perch element (1041) in a non-actuated state. Each marking (1161) corresponds to distinct levels of adjustment for the free play of the braking device (130). The first holding mechanism (1141) is strategically positioned on either the first perch element (1041) or the first lever (1061) to secure the first lever (1061) in the actuated state. The first actuating device (1021) is identified as a braking device (130), with the first lever (1061) designated as a brake lever (132) and the first force transferring member (1081) as a brake actuating cord member (134). The first free play indicator (1121) encompasses multiple markings (1161) situated on the brake lever (132), becoming visible in the actuated state and concealed by the first perch element (1041) when the brake lever is non-actuated. Each marking (1161) corresponds to specific levels of adjustment for the free play of the braking device (130).

[0063] On the left side of the handlebar (18), there is a distinct assembly featuring a second perch element, a second lever (1062), a second force transferring mechanism (1082), a second adjusting mechanism (1102), a second free play indicator (1122), and a second holding mechanism (1142). The handlebar (18) is equipped with a second perch element (1042), to which a second lever (1062) is intricately connected. The second lever (1062) is designed to receive an actuating force, reaching an actuated state in response. The vehicle incorporates a second force transferring member (1082), establishing a connection between the second lever (1062) and a second actuating device (1022), and facilitating the transfer of the received actuating force. Additionally, a second adjusting mechanism (1102) finely tunes the free play of the second actuating device (1022). A second free play indicator (1122) is integrated onto the second lever (1061), serving to indicate at least one level of adjustment for the free play of the second actuating device (1022) by the second adjusting mechanism (1102). Furthermore, a second holding mechanism (1142) is strategically positioned on either the second perch element (1042) or the second lever (1062) to secure the second lever (1062) in the actuated state. The lever (106) and the force transferring mechanism (108) are tailored for use with a clutch device (136), specifically referred to as a clutch lever (138) and a clutch actuating cord member (140).

[0064] The second actuating device (1022) is identified as a clutch device (136), with the second lever (1062) designated as a clutch lever (138) and the second force transferring member (1082) as a clutch actuating cord member (140). The second free play indicator (1122) incorporates multiple markings (1162) situated on the clutch lever (138), becoming visible in the actuated state and concealed by the second perch element (1042) when the clutch lever is non-actuated. Each marking (1162) corresponds to specific levels of adjustment for the free play of the clutch device (136).

[0065] One of the advantages of the invention is the ease of adjusting the free play of the actuating device, which may be either the braking device or the clutch device. Another advantage of the invention is the accuracy in adjusting the free play of the actuating device. Yet another advantage of the invention is a reduction in time for adjusting the free play of the actuating device. Still another advantage is that a human intervention is not required to hold the lever and adjust the adjusting mechanism simultaneously. Thus, the process of adjusting the free play is substantially easy and user friendly. Even if a human being is involved in holding the lever, there arises the aspect of the human being not holding the lever at the same location, which is completely avoided by the holding mechanism.

[0066] One further advantage of the invention is that the free play indicator is formed as part of the lever itself, and hence, no additional elements are needed, which reduces aspects such as cost, weight, etc.

[0067] The construction of the holding mechanism is substantially simple, and hence, aspects such as cost, weight, etc. are reduced. The holding mechanism can be either disposed on the perch element or the lever element, thereby providing flexibility during manufacturing.

[0068] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0069] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A free play adjusting system (100) for adjusting a free play of an actuating device (102), comprising:
a perch element (104);
a lever (106) connected to the perch element (104), the lever (106) receiving an actuating force and in response thereto reaching an actuated state;
a force transferring member (108) connecting the lever (106) to the actuating device (102) and transferring the actuating force received by the lever (106) to the actuating device (102);
an adjusting mechanism (110) for adjusting an extent of the free play of the actuating device (102);
a free play indicator (112) formed on the lever (106), the free play indicator (112) intended to indicate at least one level of adjustment of the free play of the actuating device (102) by the adjusting mechanism (110); and
a holding mechanism (114) disposed on one of the perch element (104) and the lever (106) for holding the lever (106) in the actuated state.

2. The free play adjusting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the free play indicator (112) comprises at least one marking (116) formed on the lever (106), the at least one marking (116) being visible in an actuated state of the lever (106) and being hidden by the perch element (104) in a non-actuated state of the lever (106).

3. The free play adjusting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the free play indicator (112) comprises plurality of markings (116) each of the plurality of markings indicating a corresponding plurality of levels of adjustment of the free play of the force transferring member (108).

4. The free play adjusting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding mechanism (114) being movable between a non-engaged state and an engaged state, such that in the engaged state, the holding mechanism (114) holds the lever (106) in the actuated state.

5. The free play adjusting system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holding mechanism (114) comprises a first arm portion (118) adapted to be placed between the lever (106) and the perch element (104) in the engaged state, a second arm portion (120) extending from a first end (122) of the first arm portion (118), a third arm portion (124) extending from a second end (126) of the first arm portion (118), the third arm portion (124) being parallel to the second arm portion (122), and at least one axis defining member (128) disposed between the second arm portion (122) and the third arm portion (124), the holding mechanism(114) being pivotable with respect to the at least one axis defining member (128).

6. The free play adjusting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating device (102), the lever (106), and the force transferring mechanism (108) being one of:
a braking device (130), a brake lever (132), and a brake actuating cord member (134); and
a clutch device (136), a clutch lever (138), and a clutch actuating cord member (140).

7. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a handle bar (18) comprising a first perch element (1041);
a first lever (1061) connected to the first perch element (1041), the first lever (1061) receiving an actuating force and in response thereto reaching an actuated state;
a first force transferring mechanism (1081) connecting the first lever (1061) to a first actuating device (1021) and transferring the actuating force received by the first lever (1061) to the first actuating device (1021);
a first adjusting mechanism (1101) for adjusting an extent of the free play of the first actuating device (1021);
a first free play indicator (1121) formed on the first lever (1061), the first free play indicator (1121) intended to indicate at least one level of adjustment of the free play of the first actuating device (1021) by the first adjusting mechanism (1101); and
a first holding mechanism (1141) disposed on one of the first perch element (1041) and the first lever (1061) for holding the first lever (1061) in the actuated state.

8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first actuating device (1021) being a braking device (130); the first lever (1061) being a brake lever (132); and the first force transferring member (1081) being a brake actuating cord member (134), the first free play indicator (1121) comprises plurality of markings (1161) formed on the brake lever (132), the at least one marking (1161) being visible in an actuated state of the brake lever (132) and being hidden by the first perch element (1041) in a non-actuated state of the brake lever (132); each of the plurality of markings (1161) indicating a corresponding plurality of levels of adjustment of the free play of the braking device (130).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the handle bar (18) comprising a second perch element (1042); and a second lever (1062) connected to the second perch element (1042), the second lever (1062) receiving an actuating force and in response thereto reaching an actuated state; the vehicle comprises a second force transferring member (1082) connecting the second lever (1062) to a second actuating device (1022) and transferring the actuating force received by the second lever (1062) to the second actuating device (1022); a second adjusting mechanism (1102) for adjusting an extent of the free play of the second actuating device (1022); a second free play indicator (1122) formed on the second lever (1061), the second free play indicator (1122) intended to indicate at least one level of adjustment of the free play of the second actuating device (1022) by the second adjusting mechanism (1102); and a second holding mechanism (1142) disposed on one of the second perch element (1042) and the second lever (1062) for holding the second lever (1062) in the actuated state.

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second actuating device (1022) being a clutch device (136);the second lever (1062) being a clutch lever (138);the second force transferring member (1082) being a clutch actuating cord member (140); the second free play indicator (1122) comprises plurality of markings (1162) formed on the clutch lever (138), the at least one marking (1162) being visible in an actuated state of the clutch lever (138) and being hidden by the second perch element (1042) in a non-actuated state of the clutch lever (138); each of the plurality of markings (1162) indicating a corresponding plurality of levels of adjustment of the free play of the clutch device (136).