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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In saddle type vehicles, speed is controlled by a rotatable throttle grip provided on right hand side of the handlebar. In a saddle type vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the rotatable throttle grip is coupled either directly (via throttle cable) or indirectly (via a control unit) to the throttle valve of the internal combustion engine. The degree of rotation of the throttle grip determines the opening/closing of the throttle control valve of the internal combustion engine, which in turn, determines the speed of the saddle type vehicle. In an electric saddle type vehicle, the rotatable throttle grip is coupled to a control unit. The degree of rotation of the throttle grip determines the power supplied to one or more electric motors of the saddle type vehicle, which in turn, determines the speed of the saddle type vehicle.
[003] In order to maintain a constant speed of the saddle type vehicle, a rider must hold the rotatable throttle grip firmly at a desired rotational position. On long motorcycle trips, this can cause extreme fatigue in the right hand of the rider of the saddle type vehicle, thereby, causing pain and numbness, which is undesirable. Avid motorcyclists may also experience medical problems, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which may be caused by the repeated and prolonged stress, lack of circulation, numbness, and fatigue to the right hand which results from extended periods with the right hand tightly grasped around the throttle grip for maintaining a desired speed. In order to avoid above-mentioned disadvantages, a cruise control is provided in saddle type vehicles. The cruise control establishes a desired cruising speed without requiring a constant forceful turning of the throttle grip. However, such cruise control is provided on right hand side of the handlebar. As the right hand of the rider of the saddle type vehicle is always engaged in operating the rotatable throttle grip, it becomes inconvenient for the rider of the saddle type vehicle to set the cruise control while operating the throttle grip, which is undesirable.
[004] In view thereof, there is a need felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] The present invention discloses a saddle type vehicle having a cruise control assembly for controlling speed of the saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle comprises a head pipe, a steering shaft, a handlebar and a left switch assembly. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by the head pipe. The handlebar is operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle in a rotatable range. The handlebar extends in a lateral direction of the saddle type vehicle to define a left portion extending in left direction of the saddle type vehicle and a right portion extending in right direction of the saddle type vehicle. The right portion of the handlebar is adapted to receive a rotatable throttle grip for controlling speed of the vehicle. The left switch assembly is mounted on the left portion of the handlebar. The left switch assembly comprises a left switch case for housing at least a cruise control assembly. The cruise control assembly comprises a cruise control switch extending outwardly from an opening in the left switch case. The cruise control switch is adapted to be operated by a rider of the saddle type vehicle to perform one or more cruise control operations.
[006] In an embodiment, the cruise control switch is a knob type switch.
[007] In an embodiment, the left switch case extends in a vertical direction of the saddle type vehicle between a top portion and a bottom portion. The left switch case also extends in a lateral direction of the saddle type vehicle between a left portion and a right portion. The opening through which the cruise control switch extends outwardly is provided in top left portion of the left switch case.
[008] In an embodiment, one or more cruise control operations comprises at least one of the following: (a) switch ON the cruise control of the saddle type vehicle, (b) switch OFF the cruise control of the saddle type vehicle, (c) increase cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle, (d) decrease cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle, (e) resume cruise control with a last stored cruise control speed; and (f) resume cruise control with a current vehicle speed as target cruise control speed using set/reset button.
[009] In an embodiment, the cruise control assembly is coupled to a control unit. The control unit is configured for locking a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine at multiple positions to maintain multiple cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the cruise control assembly is coupled to a control unit. The control unit is configured for controlling a power supply from one or more batteries to one or more electric motors to maintain multiple cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the left switch case comprises at least an upper case and a lower case. The upper case is adapted to receive the cruise control assembly.
[012] In an embodiment, the upper case and the lower case are fastened together with one or more first fasteners.
[013] In an embodiment, the cruise control assembly is assembled in the upper case of left switch case with one or more second fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a front portion of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a left portion of a handlebar of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a left switch assembly of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the left switch assembly of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[016] For the purpose of the present invention, the term “saddle type vehicle” comprises any vehicle provided with a handlebar. The term “saddle type vehicle” also comprises, not being limited to, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. The construction and working of such vehicles are already known in the art and have not been discussed in detail. The construction and working of saddle type vehicles have been discussed only to the extent relevant for understanding of the present invention.
[017] Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rearward direction, an arrow Rt denotes rightward direction, an arrow Lt denotes leftward direction, as and where applicable.
[018] Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to an axis extending in front-rear direction of the saddle type vehicle, lateral axis refers to an axis extending in left-right direction of the saddle type vehicle and the vertical axis refers to an axis extending in upward-downward direction of the saddle type vehicle. 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.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a front portion of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[020] As shown, the saddle type vehicle comprises a handlebar 10. The handlebar 10 is operably connected to a steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle in a rotatable range. The steering shaft is rotatably supported on a head pipe. The saddle type vehicle also comprises a frame structure extending rearwardly from the head pipe. The different components of the saddle type vehicle are mounted on the frame structure and the handlebar 10 of the saddle type vehicle.
[021] The handlebar 10 extends in lateral direction (L1-L1) of the saddle type vehicle to define a left portion 10L extending in left direction of the saddle type vehicle and right portion 10R extending in right direction of the saddle type vehicle. The right portion 10R of the handlebar 10 is adapted to receive a rotatable throttle grip 12 which is operated by a rider of the saddle type vehicle to control speed of the saddle type vehicle. In a non-limiting example, when the saddle type vehicle is an internal combustion engine vehicle, the throttle grip 12 is coupled to a throttle valve of an air intake system of the internal combustion engine by means of a throttle cable. The extent of opening of the throttle valve depends on degree of rotation of the throttle grip 12 to control the speed of the saddle type vehicle. In a non-limiting example, when the saddle type vehicle is an internal combustion engine vehicle, the throttle grip 12 is communicatively coupled to a control unit of the saddle type vehicle. The degree of rotation of the throttle grip 12 is detected by a sensor and transmitted to the control unit, which in turn controls the opening of the throttle valve to control the speed of the saddle type vehicle. In a non-limiting example, when the saddle type vehicle is an electric vehicle, the throttle grip 12 is communicatively coupled to a control unit of the vehicle. The degree of rotation of the throttle grip 12 is detected by a sensor and transmitted to the control unit, which in turn controls a power supply from one or more batteries to one or more electric motors to control speed of the saddle type vehicle. In a non-limiting example, when the saddle type vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, the degree of rotation of the throttle grip 12 is detected by a sensor and transmitted to a control unit, which in turn controls a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine and/or a power supply from one or more batteries to one or more electric motors to control speed of the saddle type vehicle. The right portion 10R of the handlebar 10 also comprises a right switch assembly 22. The right switch assembly 22 comprises a right switch case 24 for housing one or more switches such as, not being limited to, engine stop switch, neutral/drive change over switch, starter switch and/or a run mode change over switch and the assemblies thereof. The left portion 10L of the handlebar 10 also comprises a left switch assembly 26. The left switch assembly 26 comprise a left switch case 28 for housing one or more switches such as, not being limited to, headlight optical axis changeover switch, a horn switch, a turn signal switch, a hazard lamp switch and/or a shift up/down switch for automatic transmission gear shift and assemblies thereof. The left switch assembly 26 of the present invention further comprises a cruise control assembly 14. The cruise control assembly 14 comprises a cruise control switch 14a extending outwardly from an opening 30 in the left switch case- 28. The cruise control switch 14a is adapted to be operated by the rider of the saddle type vehicle to perform one or more cruise control operations.
[022] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the left switch case 28 extends in the vertical direction L2-L2 of the saddle type vehicle between a top portion 28a and a bottom portion 28b and in a lateral direction L1-L1 of the saddle type vehicle between a left portion 28c and the right portion (not shown). The opening 30 through which the cruise control switch 14a extends outwardly is provided in the top-left portion of the left switch case 28. The location of the cruise control switch 14a in the top left portion of the left switch case 28 ensures that the cruise control feature is not activated accidently by the rider of the saddle type vehicle but is within reach of the left hand of the rider of the saddle type vehicle when the rider wishes to operate the cruise control switch 14a for performing one or more cruise control operations.
[023] In an embodiment, the cruise control switch 14a is a knob type switch. The knob type switch can be easily controlled by a rider while riding the saddle type vehicle to perform one or more cruise control operations. In one non-limiting example, the knob switch is pressed for activation/deactivation of cruise control feature, the knob switch is pushed in a direction towards the rider of the vehicle to increase the speed of the saddle type vehicle and pushed in a direction away from the rider of the vehicle to decrease the speed of the saddle type vehicle. The vice versa may also be true.
[024] In an embodiment, the cruise control operations comprises at least one of the following cruise control operations: (a) switch ON the cruise control of the saddle type vehicle; (b) switch OFF the cruise control of the saddle type vehicle; (c) increase cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle; (d) decrease cruise control speed of the saddle type; (e) resume cruise control with a last stored cruise control speed; and (f) resume cruise control with a current vehicle speed as target cruise control speed using set/reset button.
[025] In an embodiment, the cruise control assembly 14 is coupled to a control unit of the saddle type vehicle wherein the control unit is configured for locking a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine at multiple positions to maintain multiple control speed of the internal combustion engine.
[026] In an embodiment, the cruise control assembly 14 is coupled to a control unit of the saddle type vehicle wherein the control unit is configured for controlling a power supply from one or more batteries to one or more electric motors to maintain multiple cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle.
[027] In an embodiment, the the cruise control assembly 14 is coupled to a control unit of the saddle type vehicle wherein the control unit is configured for locking a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine at multiple positions and controlling a power supply from one or more batteries to one or more electric motors to maintain multiple cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle.
[028] In an embodiment, the left switch case 28 comprises at least an upper case 29a and a lower case. The upper case 29a is adapted to receive the cruise control assembly 14 and the lower case 29b is adapted to receive at least a horn assembly. In a non-limiting example, the upper case 29a and the lower case 29b are fastened together with one or more first fasteners F1. In a non-limiting example, the cruise control assembly is assembled in the upper case with one or more second fasteners.
[029] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a left portion 10L of a handlebar 10 of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[030] As shown, the left switch assembly 26 is mounted on the left portion 10L of the handlebar 10 of the saddle type vehicle. The left switch assembly 26 is mounted on the left portion 10L of the handlebar 10 at a location from where all the switches disposed in the left switch assembly 26 are easily accessible by a left thumb of the rider of the saddle type vehicle. The construction of the left switch assembly 26, in accordance with the present invention, has already been discussed in Figure 1. As already stated, the left switch case 28 extends in the vertical direction L2-L2 of the saddle type vehicle between a top portion 28a and a bottom portion 28b and in a lateral direction L1-L1 of the saddle type vehicle between a left portion 28c and the right portion. The opening 30 through which the cruise control switch 14a extends outwardly being provided in the top-left portion of the left switch case 28. The location of the cruise control switch 14a in the top left portion of the left switch case 28 ensures that the cruise control feature is not activated accidently by the rider of the saddle type vehicle but is within reach of the left hand of the rider of the saddle type vehicle when the rider wishes to operate the cruise control switch 14a for performing one or more cruise control operations.
[031] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a left switch assembly 26 of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the left switch assembly 26 of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[032] As shown, the left switch case 28 comprises the upper case 29a and the lower case 29b. The upper case 29a is adapted to receive the cruise control assembly 14. The lower case 29b is adapted to receive a horn switch assembly. The left switch case 28 may further comprise a headlight optical axis changeover switch, a turn signal switch, a hazard lamp switch and/or a shift up/down switch for automatic transmission gear shift and assemblies thereof assembled in either the upper case 29a or the lower case 29b of the saddle type vehicle. The upper case 29a comprises the opening 30 in top left portion from which the cruise control switch 14a extends outwardly and can be operated by the rider of the saddle type vehicle to perform one or more cruise control operations. The one or more cruise control operations have already been defined in the preceding paragraphs. The upper case 29a and the lower case 29b are fastened together with one or more first fasteners F1. The cruise control assembly 14 is assembled in the upper case 29a with one or more second fasteners. In a non-limiting example, the left switch assembly comprises navigation switches 32 to navigate through instrument cluster menu of the saddle type vehicle.
[033] The claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed invention enables the following advantages in addressing existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of inconvenience to the rider of saddle type vehicle while operating a cruise control switch provided on the right portion of the handlebar is solved by the present invention.
[034] In the present invention, the cruise control assembly is provided on the left portion of the handlebar. It is to be understood that, while riding the saddle type vehicle, left hand of the rider of the saddle type vehicle is free whereas the right hand of the saddle type vehicle is occupied for rotation of the throttle grip. When the cruise control assembly is provided on the left portion of handlebar, the left hand can be utilized for performing one or more cruise control operations without causing inconvenience to the rider of the saddle type vehicle.
[035] In the present invention, the cruise control switch is provided on the top left portion of the left switch case. The cruise control switch in the top left portion of the left switch case ensures that the cruise control assembly is not activated accidently by the rider of the saddle type vehicle but is within reach of the left hand of the rider of the vehicle when the rider wishes to operate the cruise control switch for performing one or more cruise control operations.
[036] In the present invention, fatigue in the right hand of the rider of the saddle type vehicle due to constant turning of the throttle grip can be prevented by activating the cruise control feature of the saddle type vehicle.
[037] In the present invention, the cruise control assembly is disposed in the left switch assembly of the saddle type vehicle and no separate housing or casing is required for housing the cruise control assembly. This prevents overcrowding of the handlebar assembly and also decreases the cost associated with manufacturing, assembling and maintaining an additional housing on the saddle type vehicle.
[038] The present invention provides a simple, cost effective, convenient and reliable way to include cruise control feature in the saddle type vehicle which increases the market appeal of the saddle type vehicle and comfort of the rider of the saddle type vehicle.
[039] 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- handlebar
10L- left portion of the handlebar
10R- right portion of the handlebar
12- throttle grip
14- cruise control assembly
14a- cruise control switch
22- right switch assembly
24- right switch case
26- left switch assembly
28-left switch case
28a- top portion of the left switch case
28b- bottom portion of the left switch case
28c-left portion of the left switch case
29a- upper case of the left switch case
29b- lower case of the left switch case
30- opening
32- navigation switches
F1- Fasteners (upper case and lower case)
L1-L1- lateral direction of saddle type vehicle
L2-L2- Vertical direction of saddle type vehicle
, C , Claims:1. A saddle type vehicle comprising:
- a head pipe;
- a steering shaft, the steering shaft being rotatably supported by the head pipe;
- a handlebar (10), the handlebar (10) being operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle in a rotatable range, the handlebar (10) extending in a lateral direction of the saddle type vehicle to define a left portion (10L) extending in left direction of the saddle type vehicle and a right portion (10R) extending in right direction of the saddle type vehicle, the right portion (10R) of the handlebar (10) being adapted to receive a rotatable throttle grip (12); and
- a left switch assembly (26), the left switch assembly (26) being mounted on the left portion (10L) of the handlebar (10), the left switch assembly (26) having a left switch case (28) for housing at least a cruise control assembly (14), the cruise control assembly (14) having a cruise control switch (14a) extending outwardly from an opening (30) in the left switch case (28), the cruise control switch (14a) adapted to be operated by a rider of the saddle type vehicle to perform one or more cruise control operations.
2. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cruise control switch (14a) being a knob type switch.

3. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left switch case (28) extends in a vertical direction (L2-L2) of the saddle type vehicle between a top portion (28a) and a bottom portion (28b), and the left switch case (28) extends in a lateral direction (L1-L1) of the saddle type vehicle between a left portion (28c) and the right portion, the opening (30) through which the cruise control switch (14a) extends outwardly being provided in top-left portion of the left switch case (28).

4. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more cruise control operations comprises at least one of: switch ON the cruise control of the saddle type vehicle; switch OFF the cruise control of the saddle type vehicle; increase cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle; decrease cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle; resume cruise control with a last stored cruise control speed; and resume cruise control with a current vehicle speed as target cruise control speed using set/reset button.

5. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cruise control assembly (14) being coupled to a control unit, the control unit being configured for locking a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine at multiple positions to maintain multiple cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle.

6. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cruise control assembly (14) being coupled to a control unit, the control unit being configured for controlling a power supply from one or more batteries to one or more electric motors to maintain multiple cruise control speed of the saddle type vehicle.

7. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left switch case (28) comprises at least an upper case (29a) and a lower case (29b), the upper case (29a) being adapted to receive the cruise control assembly (14).

8. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the upper case (29a) and the lower case (29b) being fastened together with one or more first fasteners (F1).

9. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cruise control assembly (14) being assembled in the upper case (29a) of the left switch case (28) with one or more second fasteners.