Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, (an Indian Company)

at: “Chaitanya”, No. 12, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034, Tamil Nadu, India.

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

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a parking brake assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a parking brake assembly of a vehicle which can be operated by a foot of a user of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Parking brake systems are an essential component of a vehicle, which allows a user of the vehicle to securely park the vehicle in a stationary position. The parking brake systems are also used as emergency braking mechanisms in cases of brake failures or other emergencies. Some users also use the parking brake assembly to stabilise the vehicle while operating the same on the road with inclination and declination.
[0003] Conventional vehicles have the parking brake to be operated using a hand lever which is usually located near the driver’s seat. In a conventional 3-wheeled vehicle, for example, the hand-operated lever for the parking brake is located near the entry/exit gate or portion of the vehicle and/or on the floorboard of the vehicle, which causes issues in the ingress and egress of the user of the vehicle. For example in certain conventional vehicle layouts, when the parking brake lever is pulled to engage the parking brake, the parking brake lever may cause dig or poke into the legs of the user during operation or during ingress or egress. Further, as already mentioned, since the parking brake is also used during operation of the vehicle other than parking, the parking brake must be operated carefully while the vehicle is being operated. The hand operated parking brake lever near the floor makes this operation difficult and risky because it can be cumbersome to engage and disengage and may require the user of the vehicle to release the grip on the steering assembly of the vehicle. Further, the usage of such a parking brake by the user results in distraction to the user, and the user has to take their eyes off the road to enable and disable the parking brake, which results in a dangerous situation for the user as well as the public. Furthermore, the positioning of the hand lever may not be ergonomically optimal, and the user has to bend and engage the brake which causes discomfort to the user due to lack of space available in a vehicle to move freely. Additionally, the existence of such levers also creates design restrictions for the vehicle. The hand operated parking brake lever in conventional vehicle layouts are usually in a protruding configuration. This often cause obstructions in the access to some portions of the frame assembly of the vehicle such as design plates of the vehicle.
[0004] Thus, the conventional parking brake assemblies which are known in the art are not ergonomically optimal, create discomfort, cause issues in ingress/egress, are cumbersome to operate, create design restrictions, and hence are undesirable to the user of the vehicle.
[0005] Hence, there exists a need to provide an improved parking brake assembly, which can overcome all of the abovementioned problems and other problems of known art.
[0006] There is also a need to mount the parking brake assembly in an effective manner without compromising on the number of parts, and complexity of the parking brake, as well as increase ease of serviceability and assembly. Further, there is a need to identify a location for the parking brake which advantageously enables the driver to easily engage and disengage the brake without any distractions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a parking brake assembly of a vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. Further, without prejudice, the invention is implementable in a three-wheeled vehicle or a multi axle vehicle and is not limited to a three-wheeled vehicle as shown in the figures.
[0008] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the parking brake assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a brake actuation member, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of one or more detection members being attached to a ratchet member, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a lock assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the parking brake assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 6a illustrates an engaged position of the brake actuation member as per one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6b illustrates an engaged position of a lock assembly in the engaged position of the brake actuation member as per one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6c illustrates a disengaged position of the parking brake assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting member being attached to a second mounting member and the ratchet member as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of a brake actuation member being configured to be attached to a stopper member and a lock assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 9 illustrates a top perspective view of the positioning of a parking brake assembly in a vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates generally to a parking brake assembly being configured to be operated by a foot of a user of a vehicle. The parking brake assembly comprises one or more mounting members, a brake actuation member, and a brake force transmission member. The parking brake assembly is configured to be attached to the one or more mounting members. The brake actuation member is configured to generate braking force upon being engaged by the foot of the user of the vehicle. The brake force transmission member being configured to transmit braking force to one or more brakes to apply the braking force to the one or more rotating members of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0020] Various features and embodiments of the present invention will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[0021] In order to overcome the one or more of the above-mentioned problems in the background, the present invention provides a foot-operated parking brake assembly for a vehicle and one or more mounting members for mounting a parking brake assembly. The parking brake assembly makes it convenient for the user to effectively and securely park the vehicle without causing any hindrance in ingress and egress of the user in the vehicle. Further, the parking brake assembly as per the invention can be conveniently operated by the foot of the user. This means that the user need not leave the steering control for operation of the hand brake even while the vehicle is in running condition, for example on an inclined road or in an emergency. Additionally, present invention eliminates the need for the user to bend and operate the parking brake and allows free movement of the user, thereby increasing comfort of the user of the vehicle. The present invention also eliminates the restrictions in design, and layout of the vehicle which were caused by use of a protruding conventional parking brake systems. The present invention makes the parking brake assembly easy to assemble and service as it has minimal number of parts and does not substantially alter the weight of the vehicle. Lastly, the parking brake assembly is easy to install without altering the vehicular design and configuration because it can be installed at existing convenient locations such as steering column of a steering assembly. This makes the invention cost effective because not only the manufacturer can avoid costs incurred for design alteration of the vehicle, the present invention can also be retrofitted into existing vehicles.
[0022] Accordingly, as per the first embodiment of the present invention, a parking brake assembly of a vehicle is disclosed which comprises a brake actuation member, one or more mounting members, and a brake force transmission member. The brake actuation member is configured to generate a braking force upon being engaged by a foot of a user of the vehicle. The one or more mounting members are configured to mount the brake actuation member to at least one portion of the vehicle, and the brake force transmission member is configured to transmit the braking force to one or more brakes. The one or more brakes are configured to apply the braking force to one or more rotating members of the vehicle. This configuration allows the user to operate the parking brake with his foot and the user can access the parking brake easily.
[0023] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the parking brake assembly comprises a lock assembly configured to be operated by the user of the vehicle. The lock assembly is configured to hold the brake actuation member in an engaged position. This configuration allows the user to hold the one or more brakes in an engaged position to park the vehicle.
[0024] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more mounting members comprises a first mounting member and a second mounting member. The first mounting member is configured to attach the brake actuation member, the second mounting member is attached to the at least one portion of the vehicle, the at least one portion is the steering assembly of the vehicle, and the first mounting member is attached to the second mounting member. This configuration allows the user to mount the parking brake assembly to the steering assembly, however, the parking assembly may also be mounted on some other place on the vehicle, this configuration allows the user of the vehicle to ingress/egress without any hindrance. In one embodiment, the parking brake assembly may also be mounted on the steering column.
[0025] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the brake actuation member is a brake pedal, and the one or more rotating members include one or more of front wheels and rear wheels of the vehicle. Upon actuation of brake actuation member, the one or more brakes are configured to arrest the rotation of the one or more of the front wheels and the rear wheels. The brake force transmission member includes one or more cables which are configured to be attached to the brake actuation member through one or more pulleys and one or more second attachment member. This configuration shows the functioning of one or more brakes of the vehicle, and in this embodiment, one or more brakes are being actuated via a foot pedal, which actuates the one or more cables, via the one or more pulleys. The skilled person will appreciate that the one or more brake cables in the present embodiment is only an embodiment and there may be an embodiment where the one or more brakes may be disc brakes and shall use one or more hose/tube instead of one or more brake cables. Furthermore, the vehicle comprises a steering assembly. The steering assembly comprises a steering column. In one embodiment, the parking brake assembly is installed on a left side of the steering column of the vehicle when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle. This configuration allows the user to engage or disengage the parking brake assembly easily. Since many types of conventional vehicles have their regular brake and/or accelerator pedals on the right side of the steering column, the user can easily use their left hand and left foot to disengage and engage the parking brake assembly without letting go of the accelerator and/or brakes. The regular brake and/or accelerator pedals may also be located centrally in another embodiment. Therefore, such a configuration is advantageous for the user to easily access the parking brake without any distractions from the road and creating a hazardous situation.
[0026] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more mounting members are configured to mount a ratchet member. The ratchet member comprises a plurality of protrusions being configured to engage with a stopper member. The stopper member is attached to the brake actuation member whereby a movement of the brake actuation member creates a relative motion between the stopper member and the ratchet member through the plurality of protrusions. This configuration allows the stopper member to engage with the plurality of protrusions of the ratchet member. The configuration enables the interaction of the stopper member of the brake actuation member with a ratchet member and which then further results in stopping the movement of the brake actuation member. This configuration further enables the functioning of the parking brake assembly.
[0027] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the ratchet member is configured to be attached to the one or more mounting members by a fastening member, and the stopper member is configured to be rotatably attached to the brake actuation member via a first attachment member. This configuration of rotatable attachment of the stopper member allows the engagement of the stopper member with each of the plurality of protrusions. The ratchet member may be attached/mounted in different ways, in one embodiment the ratchet member is attached via a fastening member, in one embodiment the ratchet member may be fixedly attached or otherwise.
[0028] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the lock assembly comprises a lock actuator, a lock member, a bracket member, and a lock lever, wherein the lock actuator is coupled to the lock member which is coupled to the lock lever. The lock lever is coupled to the stopper member. The lock assembly is configured to lock and unlock the stopper member to stop the relative motion between the stopper member and the ratchet member through the plurality of protrusions thereby holding the brake actuation member in the engaged position. This configuration allows the holding of the brake actuation member in an engaged position with the use of a lock assembly which can be used to lock and unlock the movement of the stopper member thereby causing the ratchet member to hold its position on the prevailing protrusion and does not allow movement of the brake actuation member, thereby holding the parking brakes.
[0029] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the lock assembly is attached to the brake actuation member using the bracket member. The skilled person may appreciate that the lock assembly may be attached to the brake actuation member by a wide range of means, in said embodiment, the bracket member is used to attach the lock assembly to the brake actuation member.
[0030] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the lock assembly is configured to lock the stopper member into the engaged position upon an actuation of the lock actuator by the user. The lock actuator is configured to exert a biasing force on the stopper member through the lock lever, and the lock member is configured to be latched on the bracket member. The lock actuator can be a switch, button etc. This configuration allows the locking of the parking brakes in an engaged position in an easy manner by simply actuating the lock assembly and the brake actuation member.
[0031] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the lock assembly is configured to unlock the stopper member into a disengaged position upon a de-actuation of the lock actuator by the user to release the stopper member through the lock lever. The lock member is configured to be unlatched from the bracket member. This configuration allows unlocking of the parking brake assembly easily by simply de-actuating the lock assembly and the brake actuation member.
[0032] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper member comprises a first opening via which the stopper member is attached to the lock assembly. The lock assembly is configured to arrest the movement of the stopper member at every point of engagement with the plurality of protrusions on the ratchet member. This configuration enables stopping the movement of the stopper member by the lock assembly. The lock assembly stops the movement of the stopper member to hold its position.
[0033] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the parking brake assembly includes one or more detection members which is attached to the ratchet member to detect the state of the brake actuation member. The one or more detection members are electrically connected to a display member to display an indicator corresponding to an engaged and disengaged position of the brake actuation member to the user of the vehicle. This configuration allows the user to check the status of the one or more brakes, this detection allows the user to check the status of whether the parking brake assembly is engaged or not on the display or an infotainment system to alert the user.
[0034] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the brake pedal comprises a pedal pad configured to form a predetermined angle ranging from 45 degrees to 55 degrees from the ground. This configuration allows the brake pedal to be operated comfortably by the foot of the user. The angle is configured such that the heel of the user can comfortably be placed on the floorboard while actuating the brake pedal, thereby bringing comfort and eliminating additional stress and fatigue on the foot of the user.
[0035] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises one or more rotating members, a steering assembly, one or more brakes, and a parking brake assembly. The one or more rotating members enable movement of the vehicle, and the steering assembly is configured to steer a direction of the vehicle. The one or more brakes decelerate the one or more rotating members while the parking brake assembly is installed on one or more portions of the steering assembly. The parking brake assembly comprises a brake actuation member, one or more mounting members, and a brake transmission member. The brake actuation member generates a braking force upon being engaged by a foot of a user of the vehicle. The brake force transmission member transmits the braking force to one or more brakes which are configured to apply braking force to the one or more rotating members of the vehicle. This configuration is related to a vehicle having a parking brake assembly. A skilled person will appreciate that the parking brake assembly may be applied to any vehicle and become a part of the vehicle.
[0036] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the parking brake assembly comprises a lock assembly being configured to be operated by the user of the vehicle. The lock assembly is configured to hold the brake actuation member in an engaged position. This configuration allows the locking of the parking brake and holds the parking brake in an engaged state.
[0037] In yet another embodiment, a mounting member for mounting a parking brake assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The mounting member is the same as first mounting member in another embodiment. comprises a first side, a second side, and a protruded member. The first side comprising one or more second openings being configured to mount a ratchet member via a fastening member. The second side faces away from the first side. The protruded member is disposed on the first side and the protruded member is configured to hingably support a brake actuation member of the parking brake assembly. This configuration allows the mounting of the parking brake to the vehicle and the parking brake assembly is mounted to the vehicle using the mounting member which has a unique configuration of being able to mount the ratchet member and the brake actuation member.
[0038] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the second side is configured to attach the mounting member to a second mounting member via a fastening member, the second mounting member is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. This configuration allows the mounting member to be attached to the mounting bracket via a single fastening member.
[0039] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the protruded member is configured to securely support the brake actuation member using a split pin and a washer. This configuration secures the placement of the brake actuation member while movement.
[0040] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member has a C-shaped cross-section. This configuration allows better mounting of the parking brake assembly.
[0041] Thus, the disclosed invention provides a foot-operated parking brake assembly that is ergonomically optimal, easy to operate, enables clear passage of the user of the vehicle during ingress/egress, is comfortable to use, and solves the problems of conventional vehicles.
[0042] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0043] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms of particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[0044] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein that can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is to teach those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed, or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “is”, used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components, or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[0045] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation, or use of the system and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[0046] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation, and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[0047] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/ figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.
[0048] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the parking brake assembly (200) in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject invention. The parking brake assembly (200) is equipped with a brake actuation member (201) which is a foot-operated pedal to actuate the braking mechanism. The parking brake mechanism being used by the foot eliminates the need of the user to bend and actuate the parking brake in the case of vehicles such as 3-wheeled or 4-wheeled vehicles due to which the user was distracted which results in distraction causing dangerous situations on the road. The parking brake assembly (200) is mounted on one or more mounting members (202, 209) which can include a first mounting member (202) and a second mounting member (209) in one embodiment. The first mounting member (202) and the second mounting (209) can be configured as mounting brackets in another embodiment. The first mounting member (202) is configured to attach a ratchet member (204) and a brake actuation member (201). The ratchet member (204) is configured to have a plurality of protrusions (205) and one or more detection members (207) for detecting the position of the brake actuation member (201). The brake actuation member includes a stopper member (206) and a lock assembly (203). The stopper member (206) engages with the plurality of protrusions (205) and interacts with each and every protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (205) of the ratchet member (204), and latches on each protrusion. The one or more detection members (207) may also be configured to detect the position of the stopper member (206) in one embodiment. The lock assembly (203) is configured to be hand-operated by the user of the vehicle (100). As per another embodiment of the present invention, the lock assembly may also be configured to be electrically operated by providing a switch on the dashboard of the vehicle for ease of accessibility. The lock assembly (203) locks the movement of the stopper member (206). The locking of movement of the stopper member (206) enables the stopper member (206) to remain locked in the same position and hold the position of the brake actuation member (201). The brake actuation member (201) has a pedal pad (201p) which is actuated by the user of the vehicle (100) to actuate the parking brake assembly (200).
[0050] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the brake actuation member (201) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The brake actuation member (201) is configured such that the stopper member (206) is coupled with the lock assembly (203). The pedal pad (201p) is attached to the brake actuation member (201) at a predetermined angle for the comfort of the user of the vehicle (100). The predetermined angle may range from 45 degrees to 55 degrees from the ground in one embodiment to increase comfort while using the parking brake assembly (200). The angle is configured such that the heel of the user can comfortably be placed on the floorboard while actuating the brake pedal, thereby bringing comfort and eliminating additional stress and fatigue on the foot of the user.
[0051] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the ratchet member (204) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The ratchet member (204) includes the one or more detection members (207), which are detachably attached to the ratchet member via a fastener (204a) along the X- axis of the ratchet member (204). The one or more detection members (207) may be a switch, sensor, etc. in another embodiment, and not limited to any single type of detection member which is attached to the ratchet member (204). The one or more detection members (207) may also in another embodiment be attached to any other part other than the ratchet member (204), and a skilled person will appreciate that the one or more detection member (207) enables detection of the engaged/disengaged position of the parking brake assembly (200) and might be detected by different means.
[0052] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the lock assembly (203) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The lock assembly (203) includes a lock actuator (203a), a lock member (203b), a lock lever (203c), and a bracket member (203e, as shown in Fig. 8). In one embodiment a spring (203d) is also attached to the lock lever (203c) for engagement with the stopper member (206). As per another embodiment, the lock actuator (203a) may be a switch, button, etc. The lock actuator (203a) may be configured as a pull switch in one embodiment which may be coupled to the lock member (203b), and the lock member (203b) is further coupled with the lock lever (203c). The lock lever (203c) is coupled to the stopper member (206) (shown in Fig.1). The lock lever (203c) may also be detachably attached in another embodiment. The lock lever (203c) is attached to the stopper member (206) which then locks/unlocks the movement of the stopper member (206) and the brake actuation member (201) holds its position in an engaged state when the movement of the stopper member (206) is locked. To unlock the movement of the stopper member (206) the lock actuator (203a) has to be actuated to change the lock/unlock state of the lock assembly (203) which then locks/unlocks the movement of the stopper member (206).
[0053] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of a parking brake assembly (200) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The parking brake assembly (200) is mounted on the one or more mounting members (202, 209). The first mounting member (202) is configured to have a first side (202L) and a second side (202R). The second side (202R) is configured to be attached to at least one portion of the vehicle (100) in one embodiment. The first side (202L) being configured to interface with the ratchet member (204). The first side (202L) includes one or more second openings (202a). The one or more second openings (202a) are configured to mount the ratchet member (204) via the fastening member (202b) on the X-axis of the first mounting member (202). In one embodiment, the ratchet member (204) may be detachably attached / fixedly attached to the first mounting member (202). The first side (202L) is also configured to have a protruded member (202c) for hingably or pivotably support the brake actuation member (201). The protruded member (202c) may be a hinge in one embodiment on which the brake actuation member (201) is fitted and a split pin (202d) and a washer (202e) is used to securely attach the brake actuation member (201) on the hinge (202c). A skilled person will appreciate that the hinge (202c) may be replaced by some other means of fastening the brake actuation member (201) and the brake actuation member (201) being rotatably attached to the first mounting member (202). One or more pulleys (201a) are attached to the brake actuation member (201) via one or more second attachment members (202f) to actuate the brake force transmission member which may be one or more brake cables for actuating one or more brakes. In another embodiment, the brake force transmission member may use a disc brake, for which a skilled person will appreciate that the brake force transmission member will change in that case. Similarly, a skilled person will also appreciate that the braking mechanism may be of different types which may be pneumatic brakes, or hydraulic brakes, and should not be limited to any particular type of brake. Pneumatic brakes are brakes that are known to be actuated using high pressure air as the medium to transmit the force from the brake actuation member (201) to the one or more brakes (not shown). Similarly, hydraulic brakes can include brake assemblies which utilise oil as a medium to transmit the force from brake actuation member (201) to the one or more brakes.
[0054] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate the functioning of the parking brake assembly (200). Fig 6a illustrates an engaged position of the brake actuation member (201) as per one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6b illustrates an engaged position of a lock assembly (203) in the engaged position of the brake actuation member (201) as per one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6c illustrates a disengaged position of the parking brake assembly (200) as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] Fig. 6a shows the actuation of the brake actuation member (201), the brake actuation member (201) is in an engaged position as shown in the figure. In order to operate the parking brake assembly (200) the user of the vehicle (100) has to operate the brake actuation member (201) by pressing by foot which will change the position of the brake actuation member (201) to an engaged position. The user will have to engage the lock assembly (203) as shown in Fig. 6b, the user has to engage the lock assembly (203) using the lock actuator (203a; shown in Figure 4) with hand to lock the position of the brake actuation member (201). The present state of the parking brake assembly (200) as shown in Figure 6b is an engaged state of the parking brake assembly (200) which will indicate that the one or more brakes have been engaged on the one or more rotating members of the vehicle (100) which will further restrict the movement of the vehicle (100). In order to disengage the one or more brakes, the user has to operate the brake actuation member (201) and release the lock actuator (203a; shown in Figure 4) of the lock assembly (203) which will disengage the lock assembly (203) and enable the movement of the brake actuation member (201). After the parking brake has been disengaged, the parking brake assembly (200) will come to rest as shown in Fig. 6c. Fig. 6c shows the parking brake assembly (200) in a completely disengaged state.
[0056] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the first mounting member (202) being attached to a second mounting member (209) and the ratchet member (204) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The first mounting member (202) can also be referred to as the mounting member (202) in one embodiment. The first mounting member (202) is configured to be attached to the second mounting member (209) from the second side (202R) (shown in Fig. 5). As already explained the first mounting member (202) and the second mounting member (209) can be mounting brackets. The second mounting member (209) may be detachably attached to the first mounting member (202) via a fastening member (202b), or via screws, bolts, nuts, washers, pins, etc. and in another embodiment may be fixedly attached via rivets, welding, affixation, etc. The second mounting member (209) is configured to be attached to at least one portion of the vehicle (100). The second mounting member (209) is configured to attach the parking brake assembly (200) to at least one portion of the vehicle (100). The second mounting member (209) is also configured to mount the brake force transmission member which may be one or more brake cables in one embodiment.
[0057] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of a brake actuation member (201) being configured to be attached to a stopper member (206) and a lock assembly (203) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The brake actuation member (201) is configured to attach a stopper member (206) and a lock assembly (203). The stopper member (206) is rotatably attached to the brake actuation member (201) via a first attachment member (208). The stopper member (206) is configured to have a first opening (206a) via which the lock lever (203c) of the lock assembly (203) is attached to the stopper member (206). The brake actuation member (201) is also configured to have a bracket member (203e). The bracket member (203e) is configured to mount the lock assembly (203). A skilled person will appreciate that the lock assembly (203) may also be detachably mounted or fixedly mounted in another embodiment.
[0058] Figure 9 illustrates a top perspective view of the positioning of a parking brake assembly (200) in a vehicle (100) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (100) includes a steering assembly (101), one or more rotating members (not shown), one or more brakes (not shown), and a parking brake assembly (200). The parking brake assembly (200) is positioned on the left side of the vehicle (100) when viewed from the rear towards the front. The parking brake assembly (200) is positioned on the left side of the steering assembly (101) in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the parking brake assembly (200) may also be appointed on the steering column of the vehicle (100). The placement of the parking brake assembly (200) on the left side of the steering column or the steering assembly (101) of the vehicle (100) enables the user convenient ingress/ egress. This configuration allows the user to engage or disengage the parking brake assembly (200) easily. Since many types of conventional vehicles have their regular brake and/or accelerator pedals on the right side of the steering column, the user can easily use their left hand and left foot to disengage and engage the parking brake assembly without letting go of the accelerator and/or brakes. Therefore, such a configuration is advantageous for the user to easily access the parking brake without any distractions from the road and creating a hazardous situation. However, in another embodiment, the regular brake and/or accelerator pedals may also be centrally located in another type of vehicle, and the parking brake assembly (200) may also be located on the left in that case. The configuration also allows further design modifications, since this kind of parking brake assembly (200) takes little space in the vehicle (100) and is placed conveniently. This configuration also enables the user to engage and disengage the brake without any distractions.
[0059] Thus, as per the present subject matter, a foot-operated parking brake assembly is provided which may be attached to the left side of the steering assembly of the vehicle.
[0060] According to the above architecture, the present invention provides various advantages in terms of performance, ergonomics, comfort, operating feel, ease of engagement/disengagement, etc.
[0061] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0062] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0063] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure.

List of References
Reference Numeral Meaning
100 Vehicle
101 Steering Assembly
200 Parking Brake Assembly
201 Brake Actuation Member
201p Pedal Pad
202 First Mounting Member/Mounting member
202a One or more second Openings
202 b Fastening Member
202c Protruded Member
202d Split Pin
202e Washer
202f One or more Second Attachment Member
202L First Side
202R Second Side
203 Lock Assembly
203a Lock Actuator
203b Lock Member
203c Lock Lever
203d Spring
203e Bracket Member
204 Ratchet Member
204a Fastener
205 A Plurality of Protrusions
206 Stopper Member
206a First Opening
207 Detection Member
208 First Attachment Member
209 Second mounting member
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A parking brake assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), the parking brake assembly (200) comprising:
a brake actuation member (201), the brake actuation member (201) being configured to generate a braking force upon being engaged by a foot of a user of the vehicle (100);
one or more mounting members (202, 209), the one or more mounting members (202, 209) being configured to mount the brake actuation member (201) to at least one portion of the vehicle (100);
a brake force transmission member, the brake force transmission member being configured to transmit the braking force to one or more brakes, the one or more brakes being configured to apply the braking force to one or more rotating members of the vehicle (100).

2. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parking brake assembly (200) comprises a lock assembly (203), the lock assembly (203) being configured to be operated by the user of the vehicle (100), the lock assembly (203) being configured to hold the brake actuation member (201) in an engaged position.

3. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more mounting members (202, 209) comprising:
a first mounting member (202), the first mounting member (202) being configured to attach the brake actuation member (201);
a second mounting member (209), the second mounting member (209) being attached to the at least one portion of the vehicle (100), the at least one portion of the vehicle (100) being a steering assembly (102) of the vehicle (100), and;
the first mounting member (202) being attached to the second mounting member (209).

4. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake actuation member (201) being a brake pedal (201), the one or more rotating members comprising one or more of front wheels and rear wheels of the vehicle (100) whereby upon an actuation of the brake actuation member (201), the one or more brakes being configured to arrest the rotation of the one or more of the front wheels and rear wheels, the vehicle (100) comprises a steering assembly (102), the steering assembly (102) comprises a steering column and the parking brake assembly (200) being installed on a left side of the steering column of the vehicle (100) when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle (100), the brake force transmission member comprises one or more cables, the one or more cables being configured to be attached to a brake actuation member (201) through one or more pulleys (201) and one or more second attachment members.

5. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more mounting members (202, 209) being configured to mount a ratchet member (204), the ratchet member (204) comprising a plurality of protrusions (205), the plurality of protrusions (205) being configured to engage with a stopper member (206), the stopper member (206) being attached to the brake actuation member (201) whereby a movement of the brake actuation member (201) creating a relative motion between the stopper member (206) and the ratchet member (204) through the plurality of protrusions (205).

6. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ratchet member (204) being configured to be attached to the one or more mounting members (202, 209) by a fastening member (202b); and the stopper member (206) being configured to be rotatably attached to the brake actuation member (201) via a first attachment member (208).

7. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lock assembly (203) comprising a lock actuator (203a), a lock member (203b), a bracket member (203e) and a lock lever (203c); wherein
the lock actuator (203a) being coupled to the lock member (203b);
the lock member (203b) being coupled to the lock lever (203c);
the lock lever (203c) being coupled to the stopper member (206); and
the lock assembly (203) being configured to lock and unlock the stopper member (206) to stop the relative motion between the stopper member (206) and the ratchet member (204) through the plurality of protrusions (205) thereby holding the brake actuation member (201) in the engaged position.

8. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lock assembly (203) being attached to the brake actuation member (201) using the bracket member (203e).

9. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lock assembly (203) being configured to lock the stopper member (206) into the engaged position upon an actuation of the lock actuator (203a) by the user, the lock actuator (203a) being configured to exert a biasing force on the stopper member (206) through the lock lever (203c), and the lock member (203b) being configured to be latched on the bracket member (203e).

10. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lock assembly (203) being configured to unlock the stopper member (206) into a disengaged position upon a de-actuation of the lock actuator (203a) by the user, the lock actuator (203a) being configured to release the stopper member (206) through the lock lever (203c), and the lock member (203b) being configured to be unlatched from the bracket member (203e).

11. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stopper member (206) comprises a first opening (206a), the lock assembly (203) being configured to be attached to the stopper member (206) via the first opening (206a),and the lock assembly (203) being configured to arrest a movement of the stopper member (206) at every point of engagement with the plurality of protrusions (205) of the ratchet member (204).

12. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the parking brake assembly (200) comprises one or more detection members (207), the one or more detection members (207) being attached to the ratchet member (204) and the one or more detection members (207) being configured to detect a state of the brake actuation member (201) and the one or more detection members (207) being electrically connected to a display member, the display member being configured to display an indication corresponding to an engaged or disengaged position of the brake actuation member (201) to the user of the vehicle (100).

13. The parking brake assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the brake pedal (201) comprises a pedal pad (201p), the pedal pad (201p) being configured to form a predetermined angle from the ground, the predetermined angle ranging from 45 degrees to 55 degrees.

14. A vehicle (100) comprising:
one or more rotating members, the one or more rotating members enabling a movement of the vehicle (100);
a steering assembly (102), the steering assembly (102) being configured to steer a direction of the vehicle (100);
one or more brakes, the one or more brakes being configured to decelerate the one or more rotating members;
a parking brake assembly (200), the parking brake assembly (200) being installed on one or more portions of the steering assembly (102), the parking brake assembly (200), comprising:
a brake actuation member (201), the brake actuation member (201) being configured to generate a braking force upon being engaged by a foot of a user of the vehicle (100);
one or more mounting members (202, 209),
a brake force transmission member, the brake force transmission member being configured to transmit the braking force to one or more brakes, the one or more brakes being configured to apply the braking force to the one or more rotating members of the vehicle (100);

15. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the parking brake assembly (200) comprises a lock assembly (203), the lock assembly (203) being configured to be operated by the user of the vehicle (100), the lock assembly (203) being configured to hold the brake actuation member (201) in an engaged position.

16. A mounting member (202) for mounting a parking brake assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), the mounting member (202) comprising:
a first side (202L), the first side (202L) comprising one or more second openings (202a), the one or more second openings (202a) being configured to mount a ratchet member (203) via a fastening member (202b), the first side (202L) being configured to interface with the ratchet member (203);
a second side (202R);
a protruded member (202c), the protruded member (202c) being configured to hingably support a brake actuation member (201).

17. The mounting member (202) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second side (202R) being configured to mount the mounting member (202) to a second mounting member (209) via the fastening member (202b), the second mounting member (209) being attached to at least a portion of the vehicle (100).

18. The mounting member (202) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the protruded member (202c) being configured to securely support the brake actuation member (201) using a split pin (202d) and a washer (202e).

19. The mounting member (202) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the mounting member having a C-shaped cross-section.

Dated this 11th day of July, 2023
[Digitally Signed]
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA – 1611
Agent for the Applicant