Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a foot rest assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Saddle type vehicles are generally provided with one or more foot rest assemblies. Footrest of each footrest assembly provides support to the foot of the rider/pillion rider. However, in the prior art, effort is required by the rider/pillion rider to open and close the footrest owing to which the rider/pillion rider generally uses his or her hand to open the same which is unhygienic as well as uncomfortable, which is undesirable.
[003] Also, in the prior art, the foot rest assembly has multiple components. In one example of the prior art, the foot rest assembly has multiple components such as profiled runner slot, a runner pin, compression springs, slotted housings for the compression springs and torsion springs which can pose various problems such as (a) water/dust/mud entry into the runner slot and the slotted housing for the compression springs, (b) variations in critical dimensions of the runner slot, the runner pin, the compression springs and the slotted housings for the compression springs, (c) breakage of runner pin during extreme operating conditions, (d) visibility of the runner slot and dirt accumulation in the runner slot, (e) bulky nature of foot rest due to housings for the compression springs, (f) bigger footrest hinge due to the runner slot, (g) complications in manufacturing process owing to use of profiled runner slot with ground surface finish to interface with the runner pin for sliding, (h) precision manufacturing of different components of the foot rest assembly, (i) increase in maintenance and serviceability owing to lubrication of runner slot and runner pin, (j) high replacement cost of the foot rest assembly, (h) greater number of parts of the foot rest assembly, and (i) use of wear resistant material for the runner slot and the runner pin. In other words, foot rest assemblies of the prior art have complicated construction and operation which result in high manufacturing time and costs, assembling time and costs, packaging time and costs as well as serviceability/maintainability time costs, which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the invention, a foot rest assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The foot rest assembly comprises a bracket, a sliding member, a first member, a second member, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, a follower member and a torsion spring. The bracket is connected to a frame of the vehicle. The first member is disposed in the bracket and fastened with one or more fasteners. The sliding member is slidably mounted on the first member. The sliding member extends between a first end and a second end. The first end of the sliding member is connected to the bracket by means of the first elastic member. The second end of the sliding member is connected to the bracket by means of the second elastic member. The sliding member has a pre-defined profile.
[006] The second member is connected to the bracket by means of the torsion spring. The torsion spring is disposed on the first member. The second member is pivotable between an open position and a retracted position. The follower member is operably connected to the second member and in contact with the pre-defined profile of the sliding member. The movement of the second member from the open position to the retracted position causes the torsion spring to compress from a free state and the follower member to traverse the pre-defined profile from an initial position to a final position. The initial position is a position of the follower member wherein no forces act on the sliding member. In other words, the forces exerted by the first elastic member and the second elastic member on the sliding member are balanced. The final position is a position where the follower member is engaged in a slot of the sliding member to prevent movement of the second member from the retracted position to the open position. During a pre-determined condition, the follower member disengages from the slot and the compressed torsion spring returns to its free state resulting in the movement of the second member from the retracted position to the open position and the movement of the follower member along the pre-defined profile from the final position to the initial position. In one non-limiting example, the pre-determined condition being application of a first external force which is greater than the force exerted by the first spring member.
[007] In an embodiment, the first member is a hinge pin, the second member is a foot rest, the follower member is a cam member, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are compression springs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] 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 illustrates rear perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates rear perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates front perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrate front perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a left view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a right view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of a foot rest assembly cut across line A-A in Figure 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a top view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view of a foot rest assembly cut across line B-B in Figure 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[009] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[010] Figure 1 illustrates rear perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates rear perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates front perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrate front perspective view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a foot rest assembly connected to a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[011] For the purpose of the present invention, the term “vehicle” relates to a saddle type vehicle provided with at least one or more foot rest assembly. The term “vehicle” includes bicycles, scooters, trikes and motorcycles. The term “vehicle” also includes electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction; while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow Lt denotes left direction, an arrow Rt indicates right direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, as and where applicable.
[012] As shown, the foot rest assembly 100 comprises a bracket 102, a sliding member 104, a first member 105 (shown in Figure 7), a second member 112, a first elastic member 106, a second elastic member 108, a follower member 116 and a torsion spring 114. The foot rest assembly 100 is connected to a frame 10 of the vehicle. It is to be understood that the foot rest assembly 100 is connected to the frame 10 at a location which is in vicinity of the foot of the rider/pillion rider during riding condition of the vehicle and which provides support and comfort to the rider/pillion rider during riding conditions. The first member 105 is disposed in the bracket 102. In one non-limiting example, the first member 105 is a hinge pin. The sliding member 104 is mounted on the first member 105 and disposed inside the bracket 102. The sliding member 104 is adapted to slide in the bracket 102 in upward-downward direction of the vehicle. It is to be understood that sliding member 104 has only one degree of movement. In other words, the sliding member 104 can only slide in one direction i.e., the upward-downward direction of the vehicle (shown in Figure 3). The sliding member 104 has a pre-defined profile. In a non-limiting example, the sliding member 104 is a cam member. In a non-limiting example, the bracket 102 is provided with at least a first guide portion 120a and a second guide portion120b which are adapted to receive the sliding member 104 and allow sliding movement of the sliding member 104 in upward-downward direction of the vehicle. The sliding member 104 is also connected to the bracket 102 by means of the first elastic spring 106 and the second elastic spring 108. The sliding member 104 extends between a first end 104a (shown in Figure 7) and a second end 104b (shown in Figure 7) in upward-downward direction of the vehicle. The first end 104a of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the first elastic spring 106. The second end 104b of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the second elastic spring 108. In a non-limiting example, the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108 are compression springs. The length of the first compression spring 106 is greater than the length of the second compression spring 108 and the first compression spring 106 and the second compression spring 108 are wound around the first member 105.
[013] The second member 112 of the foot rest assembly 100 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the torsion spring 114. The torsion spring 114 is wound around the first member 105 and is connected to the bracket 102 as well as the second member 112. The second member 112 is pivotable between an open position and a retracted position. The second member 112, in the open position, receives the foot of the rider/pillion rider of the vehicle. Figures 1-6 illustrate an open position of the second member 112. In the open position, the second member 112 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In the retracted position, the second member 112 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In one non-limiting example, the second member 112 is a foot rest.
[014] The follower member 116 is operably connected to the second member 112. The follower member 116 is also in contact with the pre-defined profile of the sliding member 104. In one non-limiting example, wherein the sliding member 104 is a cam, the follower member 116 is a cam follower pin. Upon movement of the second member 112 from the open position to the retracted position, the torsion spring 114 moves from a free state to a compressed state and the follower member 116 traverses a first path from an initial position to a final position on the pre-defined profile of the sliding member 104. The initial position is a default position as no forces act on the sliding member 104. In other words, the force exerted by the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108 on the sliding member 104 are balanced. The final position is a position wherein the follower member 116 is engaged in a slot 118 to prevent the movement of the second member 112 from the retracted position to the open position. Owing to the pre-defined profile of the sliding member 104, the traversal of the follower member 116 from the initial position to the final position causes the sliding member 104 to slide in the upward direction of the vehicle and compress the first elastic member 106. In the final position, the compressed spring exerts a compression force on the sliding member 104 and does not allow the follower member 116 to disengage from the slot 118 unless a first external force greater than the force exerted by the first elastic member 106 is applied on the second member 112. Upon application of the first external force on the second member 112 which overcomes the force exerted by the first elastic member 106, the follower member 116 is disengaged from the slot 118. On release of the first external force, the torsion spring 114 moves from the compressed state to the free state resulting in movement of the second member 112 from the retracted position to the open position. The torsion spring 114 compresses the second elastic member 108 which results in movement of the follower member 116 (which has been disengaged from the slot 118) from the final position to the initial position. It is to be understood that direction of traversal of the follower member 116 from the initial position to the final position is same as the direction of traversal of the follower member 116 from the final position to the initial position. In other words, the path traversed by the follower member 116 from the initial position to the final position is different from the path traversed by the follower member 116 from the final position to the initial position.
[015] In the open position of the second member 112, the torsion spring 114 applies a torsional force on the foot rest and maintains the open position of the foot rest till application of a second external force which is greater than the torsional force exerted by the torsion spring 114. Upon application of the second external force, the foot rest moves from the open position to the retracted position.
[016] The second member 112 extends between a first end 112a (shown in Figure 7) and a second end 112b (shown in Figure 7). In the open position, the second end 112b of the second member 112 abuts against a stopper surface 122 provided in the bracket 102 to prevent further movement of the second member 112. The stopper surface 122 of the bracket 102 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[017] The first external force and the second external force applied on the second member 112 may be manual or automated. The manual force is applied on the second member 112 by rider/pillion rider of the vehicle The automated force can be applied by operating a switch such as toggle switch or a button provided on the vehicle. The automated forces can also be applied on sensing the presence of the rider/pillion rider of the vehicle. Upon operation of the switch/button/sensors, one or more actuating members provided additionally in the foot rest assembly 100 exerts the first external force and the second external force on the second member 112 to the movement of the second member 112 from the open position to the retracted position and vice versa. The extent of movement and direction of movement of the second member 112 can also be automatically controlled such that desired location of the second member 112 can be set by the rider/pillion rider for additional comfort.
[018] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of a foot rest assembly 100 connected to a frame 10 of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[019] As shown, the foot rest assembly 100 comprises the bracket 102, the sliding member 104, the first member 105, the second member 112, the first elastic member 106, the second elastic member 108, the follower member 116 and the torsion spring 114. The bracket 102 is connected to the frame 10 of the vehicle. The bracket 102 is removably connected to the frame 10 of the vehicle with one or more fasteners. The first member 105 is disposed in the bracket 102 by means of a fastener (F1). The sliding member 104 is mounted on the first member 105 and is disposed in the bracket 102. The bracket 102 comprises at least the first guide portion (120a) and the second guide portion (120b) adapted to receive the sliding member 104 and adapted to allow the movement of the sliding member 104 in the upward downward direction of the vehicle. The sliding member 104 extends between the first end 104a and the second end 104b. The first end 104a of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of first elastic member 106 and the second end 104b of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the second elastic member 108. The second member 112 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the torsion spring 114. The torsion spring 114 is wound around the first member 105. The second member 112 is also operably connected to the follower member 116 which traverses the first path on the pre-defined profile of the sliding member 104 when the second member 112 moves from an open position to the retracted position and traverses the second path on the profile of the sliding member 104 when the second member 112 moves from the retracted position to the open position. A stopper surface 122 is also provided in the bracket 102. In the open position of the second member 112, the second end 112b of the second member 112 abuts against the stopper surface 122 of the bracket 102 and prevents further movement of the stopper surface 122 beyond the open position.
[020] In one non-limiting example, the sliding member 104 is a cam member, the first member 105 is a hinge pin, the second member 112 is a foot rest, the first elastic member 106 is a compression spring, the second elastic member 108 is a compression spring and the follower member 116 is a cam follower pin. In this non-limiting example, the first compression spring is longer than the second compression spring.
[021] Figure 8 illustrates a left view of a foot rest assembly 100 connected to a frame 10 of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 8, the follower member 116 can be clearly seen. The follower member 116 is operably connected to the sliding member 104. In Figure 8, the follower member 116 is in its initial position. The initial position is a default position as no forces act on the sliding member 104. In other words, the force exerted by the first elastic spring and the second elastic spring on the sliding member 104 are balanced.
[022] Figure 9 illustrates a right view of a foot rest assembly 100 connected to a frame 10 of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 9, the surface of the frame 10 which is connected to the vehicle can be clearly seen. The bracket 102 of the foot rest assembly 100 can also be seen in Figure 9.
[023] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a foot rest assembly 100 connected to a frame 10 of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of a foot rest assembly 100 cut across line A-A in Figure 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[024] As shown, the foot rest assembly 100 comprises the bracket 102, the sliding member 104, the first member 105, the second member 112, the first elastic member 106, the second elastic member 108, the follower member 116 and the torsion spring 114. The bracket 102 is connected to the frame 10 of the vehicle. The first member 105 is disposed in the bracket 102 by means of the fastener (F1). The sliding member 104 is mounted on the first member 105 and is disposed in the bracket 102. The bracket 102 comprises at least the first guide portion 120a and the second guide portion 120b adapted to receive the sliding member 104 and adapted to allow the movement of the sliding member 104 in the upward downward direction of the vehicle. The sliding member 104 extends between the first end 104a and the second end 104b. The first end 104a of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of first elastic member 106 and the second end 104b of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the second elastic member 108. The second member 112 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the torsion spring 114. The torsion spring 114 is wound around the first member 105. The second member 112 is also operably connected to the follower member 116 which traverses the first path on the profile of the sliding member 104 when the second member 112 moves from an open position to the retracted position and traverses the second path on the profile of the sliding member 104 when the second member 112 moves from the retracted position to the open position. A stopper surface 122 is also provided in the bracket 102 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In the open position of the second member 112, the second end 112b of the second member 112 abuts against the stopper surface 122 of the bracket 102 and prevents further movement of the stopper surface 122 beyond the open position.
[025] Figure 12 illustrates a top view of a foot rest assembly 100 connected to a frame 10 of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view of a foot rest assembly 100 cut across line B-B in Figure 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[026] As shown, the bracket 102 is connected to the frame 10 of the vehicle. The first member 105 is disposed in the bracket 102 by means of the fastener (F1). The sliding member 104 is mounted on the first member 105 and is disposed in the bracket 102. The bracket 102 comprises at least the first guide portion 120a and the second guide portion120b adapted to receive the sliding member 104 and adapted to allow the movement of the sliding member 104 in the upward downward direction of the vehicle. The sliding member 104 extends between the first end 104a and the second end 104b. The first end 104a of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the first elastic member 106 and the second end 104b of the sliding member 104 is connected to the bracket 102 by means of the second elastic member 108. The torsion spring 114 is wound around the first member 105 and is connected to the bracket 102 and the second member 112.
[027] Advantageously, the present invention provides a foot rest assembly which can be automatically moved from the retracted position to the open position upon application of the first external force. The first external force can be applied by the foot of the rider of the vehicle or can be provided by means of an actuator provided in the foot rest assembly. The actuator can be operated by a button or switch provided on the vehicle which can be easily operated by the rider/pillion rider of the vehicle. The actuator can also be operated by sensing the presence of the rider/pillion rider of the vehicle. In the present invention, the rider/pillion rider is not required to operate the foot rest assembly by hand. The foot rest assembly, therefore, is ergonomic in design and increases the market attractiveness of the vehicle.
[028] In the present invention, the construction of the foot rest assembly is simple. The present invention does not have complicated construction including profiled runner slot, runner pin, slotted housings for the compression springs etc. and disadvantages associated with such construction as discussed in the background of the present invention.
[029] In the present invention, the sliding member, the first member, the second member, the first elastic member, the second elastic member, the follower member and the torsion spring are assembled in the bracket which can be easily connected to the frame of the vehicle. Also, the construction of each component of the foot rest assembly of the present invention is simple and easy to manufacture which facilitates the mass production of such components as well as the foot rest assembly. Owing to the simple construction of the foot rest assembly as well as individual components of the foot rest assembly, challenges associated with manufacturing, assembling, packaging and serviceability/maintainability of the foot rest assembly and individual components are substantially reduced.
[030] In the present invention, the second member/foot rest can be adjusted at different positions for increased comfort to the rider.
[031] In the present invention, the bracket of the foot rest assembly is removably connected to the frame of the vehicle which increases ease in assembly of the foot rest assembly onto the vehicle as well as serviceability/replacement of the foot rest assembly as it can be easily disassembled from frame of the vehicle for repair/maintenance/replacement activities.
[032] 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.

List of Reference Numerals

10- frame of the vehicle
100- foot rest assembly
102- bracket
104- sliding member
104a- first end of the sliding member
104b- second end of the sliding member
105-first member (hinge pin)
106- first elastic member
108-second elastic member
112- second member
112a- first end
112b- second end
114- torsion spring
116- follower member
118- slot
120a- first guide portion
120b- second guide portion
122- stopper surface
F1- fastener
, Claims:1. A foot rest assembly (100) for a vehicle, the foot rest assembly (100) comprising:
a bracket (102) being connected to a frame (10) of the vehicle;
a sliding member (104) being slidably mounted on a first member (105) disposed in the bracket (102), one end (104a) of the sliding member (104) being connected to the bracket (102) by means of a first elastic member (106) and a second end (104b) of the sliding member (104) being connected to the bracket (102) by means of a second elastic member (108), the sliding member (104) having a pre-defined profile;
a second member (112) being connected to the bracket (102) by means of a torsion spring (114), the second member (112) being adapted to be pivotable between an open position and a retracted position;
a follower member (116) operably connected to the second member (112) and in contact with the pre-defined profile of the sliding member(104) such that movement of the second member (112) from the open position to the retracted position causes the torsion spring (114) to compress from a free state and the follower member (116) to traverse the pre-defined profile from an initial position to a final position, the final position being a position wherein the follower member (116) is engaged in a slot (118) to prevent movement of the second member (112) from the retracted position to the open position; and on disengagement of the follower member (116) from the slot (118) upon application of a first external force, causes the compressed torsion spring (114) to return to the free state resulting in movement of the second member (112) from the retracted position to the open position and movement of the follower member (116) along the pre-defined profile from the final position to the initial position.

2. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (105) being a hinge pin and the second member (112) being a foot rest.

3. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second elastic member (108) being compressed by the torsion spring (114) upon return of the torsion spring (114) from a compressed state to the free state during a predetermined condition.

4. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the direction of traversal of the follower member (116) from the initial position to the final position being same as the direction of traversal of follower member (116) from the final position to the initial position.

5. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length of the first elastic member (106) being greater than a length of the second elastic member (108).

6. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding member (104) being adapted to be received in at least a first guide portion (120a) and a second guide portion (120b) provided in the bracket (102), the first guide portion (120a) and the second guide portion(120b) being adapted to allow movement of the sliding member (104) in an upward-downward direction of the vehicle.

7. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein first elastic member (106) being compressed upon movement of the follower member (116) from the initial position to the final position and the second spring member (108) being compressed upon movement of the follower member (116) from the final position to the initial position.

8. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torsion spring (114) being adapted to apply a torsional force on the foot rest (112) and maintain the open position of the foot rest (112) till application of a second external force, the second external force being greater than the torsional force to allow movement of the foot rest (112) from the open position to the retracted position.

9. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (112), in a retracted position, being substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and, in an open position, being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

10. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (112) extends between a first end (112a) and a second end (112b), the second end (112b) being adapted to abut against a stopper surface (122) of the bracket (102) in the open position.

11. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first elastic spring (106), the second elastic spring (108) and the torsion spring (114) being wound around the first member (105).

12. The foot rest assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 8, wherein the first external force and the second external force being one of: a manual force and automated force.