Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This present invention relates to a foldable centre stand for a two-wheeled vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to the design of the foldable centre stand that is capable of covering a power transmission unit of the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] All two-wheeled vehicles when not being driven by a rider/a user are parked using a stand. Conventionally, the two-wheeled vehicles are equipped with dual parking stands. First is a side stand, which necessitates that the rider leans the weighed-down motorbike to the left until the side stand makes contact with the parking surface and helps to hold the motorcycle. Further, a main stand or a centre stand is the name given to the second category of parking stand. In order to allow the rider to get off the motorcycle, the use of the side stand as previously mentioned must come first. The dismounted rider then balances the motorcycle in the air by standing it up off of the side stand. Further, when the motorbike is raised on the main or center stand, the rear wheel of the vehicle rises and stays suspended above the parking surface.
[0003] Currently, there are several different stands available to secure the two-wheeled vehicle. These supports are frequently made to do certain tasks, such as making it simple and quick to park the two-wheel vehicle or secure it for maintenance, repair, and transfer. As a result, two-wheel vehicle operators frequently need different stands to carry out various tasks such as parking, maintenance etc.
[0004] Further, two-wheeled vehicles have a power transmission unit to generate the power to provide the propulsion to the wheels of the two-wheeled vehicle. Hence, it is generating high temperatures. On the other hand, it is provided in between the wheels of the two-wheeler. Therefore, it is open from the ground perspective of the vehicle and eventually exposed to dust, mud, water etc.
[0005] For example, US5623855A, shows a motorcycle centre parking stand that balances the bike without actually supporting much of its weight. The stand has a mounting component that attaches to the motorcycle and enables rotation between the stowed and use positions. A pair of support legs that are designed to engage a parking surface protrude away from the mounting part. While the motorcycle's wheels continue to support the weight of the motorcycle, the legs work together to balance the motorcycle in a substantially vertical, lean-free position.
[0006] Another example, WO2009060468A2 discloses a centre stand for a two-wheeled vehicle includes leg pieces that are configured to place the vehicle on a surface in an operational vertical position, a hydraulic power pack unit configured to unfold the leg pieces from the horizontal position to the vertical position and then to an operational and extended position, guided locking means configured to lock the legs in the operational position, and switch means remote from the legs configured to operate the hydraulic power pack unit. The two-wheeled vehicle can be raised by the centre stand and parked on the ground automatically.
[0007] Therefore, existing stands do not disclose the stand which is providing any other function except parking/positioning the vehicle. Hence, there is a need in the art for an improved center stand for the two-wheeled vehicles.
[0008] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a need to provide a foldable centre stand for a two-wheeled vehicle that is an improvement to the conventionally known parking stands. Further, this foldable center stand is capable of covering a power transmission unit mounted on a bottom side of the two-wheeled vehicle for securing the same.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable centre stand for a two-wheeled vehicle.
[0010] Another objective is to provide the foldable center stand that can cover a power transmission unit mounted on a bottom side of the two-wheeled vehicle when the pair of side support tubes are in the folded configuration.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the foldable centre stand for the two- wheeler that is robust and easy to use.
[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the foldable centre stand for the two- wheeler that can be retrofitted to any two-wheeler.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0013] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0014] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a foldable centre stand for a two-wheeled vehicle. In one general aspect, the foldable stand includes a mounting shaft, a pair of side support tubes, a displacement means, and at least one guard sheet. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and each configured to perform the various functions of the apparatus.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting shaft pivotally secured to a vehicle body frame.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side support tubes are installed on a distal end of the mounting shaft to move from an extended configuration to a folded configuration and vice-versa. Further, the pair of side support tubes attain the extended configuration when the two-wheeled vehicle is in a stationary position and the pair of side support tubes attain the folded configuration when the two-wheeled vehicle is in a moving position.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side support tubes are rotatable and movable into various angles. Further, the pair of side support tubes are either parallel or partially parallel to each other.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side support tubes are made of a material selected from a group of materials consisting of iron, carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and synthetic polymers.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the displacement means is configured to move the pair of side support tubes. Further, at least two rest brackets are attached with an end portion of the pair of side support tubes.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guard sheet is welded to the pair of side support tubes and the mounting shaft. Further, the at least one guard sheet is configured to cover a power transmission unit mounted on a bottom side of the two-wheeled vehicle when the pair of side support tubes are in the folded configuration.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the extended configuration of the pair of side support tubes helps in dissipating heat from the power transmission unit.
[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guard sheet is made of a material selected from a group of materials consisting of iron, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and synthetic polymers.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a stand stopper is welded with the mounting shaft to hold the pair of side support tubes stably on a ground surface when the pair of side support tubes are in extended configuration. Further, the stand stopper also prevents the pair of side support tubes from accidentally attaining the extended configuration when the pair of side support tubes are in the foldable configuration.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the foldable stand is opened either manually or automatically.
[0025] These and other objects, embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the disclosure not being limited to any particular embodiments disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a foldable centre stand 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG.2 illustrates an attachment configuration of the foldable centre stand 100 with a vehicle body frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a two-wheeled vehicle with the foldable centre stand 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of a few examples of the present disclosure. The figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
[0032] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0033] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0034] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0035] The term "including" is used to mean "including but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably. The accompanying drawing is used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawing. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawing. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0036] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain alternatives include, while other alternatives do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular alternative. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0037] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0038] Terms centre stand or foldable centre stand can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0039] Terms vehicle or two-wheeled vehicle/two-wheeler can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0040] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a foldable centre stand 100, according to an embodiment of a present invention. In an embodiment, the foldable centre stand 100 includes a mounting shaft 102, a pair of side support tubes 104, a displacement means 108, at least two rest brackets 110, a stand stopper 112, and at least one guard sheet 106. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and each configured to perform the various functions of the apparatus.
[0041] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting shaft 102 pivotally secured to a vehicle body frame 202 (refer to Fig. 2).
[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side support tubes 104 are installed on a distal end of the mounting shaft 102 for movement of the pair of side support tubes 104 about an axis. The pair of side support tubes 104 may be hollow or solid. Further, the pair of side support tubes 104 are moving from an extended configuration to a folded configuration and vice-versa using the mounting shaft 102. Further, the pair of side support tubes 104 attain the extended configuration when a two-wheeled vehicle is in a stationary position and the pair of side support tubes 104 attain the folded configuration when the two-wheeled vehicle is in a moving position.
[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side support tubes 104 are rotatable and movable at various angles. Further, the pair of side support tubes 104 are either parallel or partially parallel to each other, which further defines the shape of the foldable centre stand 100.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side support tubes 104 and the mounting shaft 102 are made of a material selected from a group of materials consisting of iron, carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and synthetic polymers.
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the displacement means 108 is configured to move the pair of side support tubes 104. The displacement means 108 are of any shape such as square, rectangle, circular, oval, etc. to provide enough space for the leg of a user to push the displacement means 108 for the movement of the pair of side support tubes 104.
[0046] Further, the at least two rest brackets 110 are attached with an end portion of the pair of side support tubes 104. Further, the at least two rest brackets 110 are prevailing the accidental sinking of the pair of side support tubes 104 into the ground. The at least two rest brackets 110 are of any shape such as square, rectangle, circular, oval, etc.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the displacement means 108 and the at least two rest brackets 110 are made of a material selected from a group of materials consisting of iron, carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and synthetic polymers.
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guard sheet 106 is welded to the pair of side support tubes 104 and the mounting shaft 102.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guard sheet 106 is made of a material selected from a group of materials consisting of iron, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and synthetic polymers.
[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the stand stopper 112 is welded with the mounting shaft 102 to hold the pair of side support tubes 104 stably on a ground surface when the pair of side support tubes 104 are in the extended configuration. Further, the stand stopper 112 also prevents the pair of side support tubes 104 from accidentally attaining the extended configuration when the pair of side support tubes 104 are in the foldable configuration.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates an attachment configuration of the foldable centre stand 100 with the vehicle body frame 202 via the mounting shaft 102. Further, each of the distal sides defines a through hole to allow a connecting fixture to pass through.
[0052] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting fixture removably connects the mounting shaft 102 of the foldable centre stand 100 to the vehicle body frame 202 of the two-wheeled vehicle. The connecting fixture is a hinge pivot fixture to the vehicle body frame 202 of the vehicle, not a fixed structure. The detachable foldable centre stand 100 is assembled manually and easily detached when it has to be repaired.
[0053] In an embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle including a power transmission unit 204 mounted on the bottom side of the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the power transmission unit 204 is not provided in any case or structure to save the same from dust, mud, water etc. The power transmission unit 204 generates a higher amount of heat when the vehicle is moving forward.
[0054] In an embodiment, the at least one guard sheet 106 is configured to cover the power transmission unit 204 when the pair of side support tubes 104 are in the folded configuration.
[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the extended configuration of the pair of side support tubes 104 helps in dissipating heat from the power transmission unit 204.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the foldable centre stand 100 is opened either manually or automatically.
[0057] in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the foldable centre stand 100 may be spring biased to operate the same manually, so that centre stand 100 will retract, when the displacement means 108 are pushed by the user. Further, the foldable centre stand 100 remains in its folded configuration, and is ready for its next use, as the two-wheeled vehicle moves forward.
[0058] In an another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the foldable centre stand 100 may attain folded and extended configuration automatically using a separate motor. The said motor will provide the power to move the foldable centre stand 100 to attain both configurations i.e. folded and extended. Further, the user can provide instructions for the usage of automatic movement of the foldable centre stand 100 by using any push button.
[0059] Fig. 3 illustrates the placing of the foldable centre stand 100 on the vehicle 300, that is the two-wheeled vehicle. The foldable centre stand 100 is attached to the vehicle 300 using the mounting shaft 102 that is pivotally secured to the vehicle body frame 202. The pair of side support tubes 104 is installed on a distal end of the mounting shaft 102 to move from the extended configuration to the folded configuration and vice-versa.
[0060] In an embodiment, the foldable centre stand 100 is used in the extended configuration to vertically balance the vehicle without the user/a rider during the parking state of the vehicle 300.
[0061] While there has been shown, and described herein what are presently considered the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0062] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel devices novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
[0063] Moreover, although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, means, described in the specification. As one will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, means, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture and, means.
, Claims:We claim;
1. A foldable centre stand 100 for a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising:
a mounting shaft 102 pivotally secured to a vehicle body frame 202;
a pair of side support tubes 104 installed on a distal end of the mounting shaft 102 to move from an extended configuration to a folded configuration and vice-versa, wherein
the pair of side support tubes 104 attain the extended configuration when the two-wheeled vehicle is in a stationary position; and
the pair of side support tubes 104 attain the folded configuration when the two-wheeled vehicle is in a moving position;
a displacement means 108 configured to move the pair of side support tubes 104; and
at least one guard sheet 106 welded to the side support tubes 104 and the mounting shaft 102, wherein the at least one guard sheet 106 is configured to cover a power transmission unit 204 mounted on a bottom side of the two-wheeled vehicle when the pair of side support tubes 104 are in the folded configuration.

2. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of side support tubes 104 are rotatable and movable into various angles.

3. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of side support tubes 104 are either parallel or partially parallel to each other.

4. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extended configuration of the pair of side support tubes 104 help in dissipating heat from the power transmission unit 204.

5. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a stand stopper 112 welded with the mounting shaft 102 to hold the pair of side support tubes 104 in a stable manner on a ground surface when the pair of side support tubes 104 are in the extended configuration.

6. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the stand stopper 112 also prevents the pair of side support tubes 104 from accidentally attaining the extended configuration when the pair of side support tubes 104 are in the foldable configuration.

7. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of side support tubes 104 are made of a material selected from a group of materials consisting of iron, carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and synthetic polymers.

8. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one guard sheet 106 is made of a material selected from a group of materials consisting of iron, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and synthetic polymers.

9. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two rest brackets 110 attached with an end portion of the pair of side support tubes 104.

10. The foldable centre stand 100 for the two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foldable stand 100 is opened either manually or automatically.