Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a footrest assembly, and more particularly, to an extendable footrest assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A footrest, also known as a foot-peg, is a component of a two-wheeled vehicle that allows a pillion rider to rest his/her foot thereon. The footrest may either be a part of a chassis of the two-wheeled vehicle or can be mounted on the chassis. In either case, the footrest extends from either side of the two-wheeled vehicle for resting the pillion rider’s foot. Some of the footrests are fixedly mounted to the chassis and are generally designed in such a way that their shape blends into a body panel of the two-wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, some of the footrests are pivotably mounted to the chassis and can be pivoted to either extend from the chassis when the footrest is in use or retract into the chassis when the footrest is not in use.

[0003] Conventional footrest, as explained in the above paragraph, has various limitations associated thereto. For instance, the conventional footrest has a limited or a defined footrest area for the pillion rider’s foot. As a result, the limited footrest area may not be adequate for a pillion rider having a large foot. One of the ways to mitigate this issue is to use a large-sized footrest to accommodate a greater range of different-sized feet. However, an increase in the size of the footrest increases the overall width of the two-wheeled vehicle. In case the footrest is pivotably mounted, the installation of the large-sized footrests requires heavy-duty hinges which increases the overall weight of the footrests, and the two-wheeled vehicle.

SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, which is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an extendable footrest assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle. The extendable footrest assembly is designed to vary a footrest area available for a user’s foot. Further, the footrest area can be increased or decreased based on an input.

[0006] In an embodiment, an extendable footrest assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The extendable footrest assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted on a chassis of the two-wheeled vehicle and has a first top surface defining an initial footrest area. The extendable footrest assembly also includes a footrest extender slidably disposed within the housing and has a second top surface and an actuating mechanism adapted to be activated, based on a first user input, for protruding the footrest extender out of the housing, such that the second top surface, along with the first top surface, form an extended footrest area.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the extendable footrest assembly provides different footrest areas based on the user inputs thereby enabling the extendable footrest assembly to be used for different sized user’s foot. Moreover, since the footrest extender extends based on the user’s input, an overall size of the extendable footrest assembly does not increase the overall width of the two-wheeled vehicle when the extendable footrest assembly is not in use.

[0008] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[00010] Figure 1 illustrates an extendable footrest assembly mounted on a chassis of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00011] Figure 2A illustrates a side view of an extendable footrest assembly having an actuator and a footrest extender in a retracted state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00012] Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly having the actuator and the footrest extender in the retracted state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00013] Figure 2C illustrates a side view of the extendable footrest assembly having the actuator and the footrest extender in a protruded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00014] Figure 2D illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly having the actuator and the footrest extender in the protruded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00015] Figure 3A illustrates a side view of an extendable footrest assembly having a spring-loaded footrest extender in a retracted state, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00016] Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly having the spring-loaded footrest extender in the retracted state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00017] Figure 3C illustrates a side view of the extendable footrest assembly having the spring-loaded footrest extender in a protruded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00018] Figure 3D illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly having the spring-loaded footrest extender in the protruded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00019] Figure 4A illustrates a side view of an extendable footrest assembly having a motor-driven system, and a footrest extender in a retracted state in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00020] Figure 4B illustrates a side view of the extendable footrest assembly having the motor-driven system, and the footrest extender in a protruded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00021] Figure 4C illustrates a housing of the extendable footrest assembly showing guide slots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00022] Figure 4D illustrates the footrest extender of the extendable footrest assembly showing another guide rail, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00023] Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit for operating the extendable footrest assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[00024] Figure 6 illustrates a method for operating the extendable footrest assembly for automatically extending and retracting the footrest extender, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[00025] Figure 7 illustrates a method for operating the extendable footrest assembly for manually retracting the footrest extender, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00026] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate those elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[00027] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[00028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[00029] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

[00030] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[00031] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[00032] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[00033] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[00034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00035] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

[00036] Figure 1 illustrates an extendable footrest assembly (100) mounted on a chassis (102) of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the extendable footrest assembly (100) may be removably mounted on the chassis (102). In another embodiment, the extendable footrest assembly (100) may be an integral part of the chassis (102). The extendable footrest assembly (100) may be installed on the chassis (102) of any two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle may be embodied as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle may be embodied as an IC engine-based vehicle. The extendable footrest assembly (100) may be configured to have a variable footrest area, such that the footrest area can be increased or decreased in accordance with a user’s input. Further, the extendable footrest assembly (100) may be operated based on user’s inputs and/or an ignition state of the two-wheeled vehicle.

[00037] The extendable footrest assembly (100) may include a housing (104), a footrest extender (106), and an actuating mechanism (108). The housing (104) may be mounted on or integrated into the chassis (102) whereas the footrest extender (106) may be slidably disposed within the housing (104). Further, the footrest extender (106) may protrude or retract relative to the housing (104). The footrest extender (106) may be coupled to the actuating mechanism (108) adapted to protrude or retract the footrest relative to the housing (104) based upon receipt of the user’s input. The housing (104) may include a first top surface (104A) that defines an initial footrest area. The footrest extender (106) may include a second top surface (106A) which may form an extension footrest area and together with the initial footrest area to form an extended footrest area. The footrest extender (106) may extend either in a longitudinal direction to extend an overall length of the initial footrest area and/or in a lateral direction to increase an overall width of the initial footrest area.

[00038] According to the present disclosure, the actuating mechanism (108) can be envisioned in various forms. For instance, the actuating mechanism (108) can either be a hydraulic/pneumatic actuator, a linear solenoid system, or a motor-driven system. All these designs are explained in detail in the subsequent paragraphs.

[00039] Figure 2A to 2D illustrates an extendable footrest assembly (200) having an actuating mechanism (208) and a footrest extender (206), in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2A illustrates a side view of the extendable footrest assembly (200) with the footrest extender (206) in a retracted state. Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly (200) with the footrest extender (206) in the retracted state. Further, Figure 2C illustrates a side view of the extendable footrest assembly (200) having the footrest extender (206) in a protruded state. Figure 2D illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly (200) with the footrest extender (206) in the protruded state.

[00040] The extendable footrest assembly (200) may include a housing (204) that may accommodate all the components of the extendable footrest assembly (200). The housing (204) may include an upper chamber (202) that may accommodate the footrest extender (206) and the actuating mechanism (208) therein. The upper chamber (202) may include a top wall (210) that may include an outer surface defining a first top surface (204A) and a ceiling surface (204B) that may define a ceiling of the upper chamber (202). The upper chamber (202) may also include a side wall (212) that may include a side surface (212A). In one example, the ceiling surface (204B) and the side surface (212A) may act as a guide for the footrest extender (206) to slide relative to the upper chamber (202). The upper chamber (202) may also include a rear wall (214) having a rear surface (214A) that allows coupling of the actuating mechanism (208) thereon. The upper chamber (202) may include a bottom wall (216) having a bottom surface (216A). The upper chamber (202) may also include an opening (218) through which the footrest extender (206) may protrude. In addition, the upper chamber (202) may include a stopper (220) that limits the distance up to which the footrest extender (206) can protrude from the opening (218).

[00041] The housing (204) may also include a lower chamber (222) underneath the upper chamber (202) and may accommodate various electronic components of the extendable footrest assembly (200). For instance, the lower chamber (222) may accommodate auxiliary components for the actuating mechanism (208). The extendable footrest assembly (200) may also include a sensing unit (224) that may sense the position of the footrest extender (206) to detect whether the footrest extender (206) is in a protruded state or a retracted state. The sensing unit (224) may include a first sensor (224A) that is configured to sense the position of the footrest extender (206) in the retracted state and a second sensor (224B) configured to sense the position of the footrest extender (206) in the protruded state. Each of the first sensor (224A) and the second sensor (224B) may be embodied as one of a contact switch, a reed switch, or a hall effect sensor.

[00042] In one embodiment, the footrest extender (206) may be accommodated within the upper chamber (202), such that the footrest extender (206) can travel inside the upper chamber (202) to toggle between the retracted state and the protruded state. The footrest extender (206) may also include a second top surface (206A) that, in combination with the first top surface (204A) may form an extended footrest area. The footrest extender (206) may include a back surface (226A) that may be coupled to the actuating mechanism (208) and a front surface (226B) that may be flush with the edges of the opening (218) when the footrest extender (206) is in the retracted state. The footrest extender (206) may include a leg (228) that may slide over the bottom surface (216A) to allow the footrest extender (206) to toggle between the retracted state and the protruded state. The leg (228) may also interact with the first sensor (224A) and the second sensor (224B) during the sliding of the footrest extender (206). In addition, the leg (228) may abut the stopper (220) when the footrest extender (206) is in the protruded state.

[00043] The actuating mechanism (208) may be installed within the upper chamber (202), such that one end is coupled to the rear surface (214A), and the other end is coupled to the back surface (226A) of the footrest extender (206). The actuating mechanism (208) may be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator and may include a cylinder (230A) and a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder (230A) and connected to a shaft (230B) which is further connected to the back surface (226A) of the footrest extender (206). The actuating mechanism (208), in response to the receipt of a first user input, may push the footrest extender (206) out from the upper chamber (202) to toggle to the protruded state and in response to the receipt of a second user input, may retract the footrest extender (206) in the upper chamber (202) to toggle to the retracted state.

[00044] Although not shown, the extendable footrest assembly (200) may also include a pressure switch (not shown) installed underneath the first top surface (204A). The pressure switch may receive an input from the user’s foot in the form of one or more tap inputs on the first top surface (204A).

[00045] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the extendable footrest assembly (200) may be designed in such a way that the footrest extender (206) may protrude automatically but the footrest extender (206) is retracted manually. An exemplary embodiment of such an extendable footrest assembly (300) is explained with respect to Figure 3, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00046] Specifically, Figure 3A illustrates a side view of an extendable footrest assembly (300) having a spring-loaded footrest extender (306) in a retracted state. Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly (300) having the spring-loaded footrest extender (306) in the retracted state. Figure 3C illustrates a side view of the extendable footrest assembly (300) having the spring-loaded footrest extender (306) in a protruded state. Figure 3D illustrates a perspective view and an oblique view of the extendable footrest assembly (300) having the spring-loaded footrest extender (306) in the protruded state.

[00047] The extendable footrest assembly (300) may include some of the components identical to the extendable footrest assembly (200) and hence are not explained with respect to Figures 3A-3D for the sake of brevity. For instance, the extendable footrest assembly (300) may include a housing (304) that is identical to the housing (204). Accordingly, the housing (304) may include a first top surface (304A) and an upper chamber (302). The extendable footrest assembly (300) may also include an actuating mechanism (308) that includes a linear solenoid system (308A) and a spring (308B) or a gas spring cylinder. The spring (308B) may include one end that may be attached to a rear surface (314A) of the upper chamber (302) and another end that may be attached to a back surface (326A) of the spring-loaded footrest extender (306).

[00048] Further, the linear solenoid system (308A) may be configured to selectively engage with a leg (328) of the spring-loaded footrest extender (306). As shown in Figures 3A to 3D, the spring (308B) is disposed in the upper chamber (302) whereas the linear solenoid system (308A) may be disposed in a lower chamber (322) of the housing (304). Further, a bottom wall (316) of the upper chamber (302) may include a hole that allows a lock (308C) of the linear solenoid system (308A) to extend/retract in the upper chamber (302) when a solenoid inside the linear solenoid system (308A) is actuated.

[00049] In addition, the extendable footrest assembly (300) may include a sensing unit (324) having a first sensor (324A) and a second sensor (324B) that are structurally and operationally identical to the first sensor (224A) and the second sensor (224B) as explained with respect to Figures 2A-2D.

[00050] In a retracted state, the lock (308C) is configured to engage the leg (328) and therefore the linear solenoid system (308A) keeps the footrest extender (306) within the upper chamber (302) as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In this configuration, the spring (308B) is in an energized state. Upon receipt of a first user input, the linear solenoid system (308A) gets actuated and as a result, the lock (308C) retracts to the linear solenoid system (308A) thereby disengaging from the leg (328). As the lock (308C) disengages, the energized spring (308B) pushes the footrest extender (306) thereby protruding the footrest extender (306) from the housing (304) to toggle to the protruded state as shown in Figures 3C and 3D. In this position, a second top surface (306A) along with the first top surface (304A) forms an extended footrest area.

[00051] Further, the footrest extender (306) may be retracted by receiving a second user input. For instance, the second user input may be a push force from a user’s foot. The footrest extender (306), upon the receipt of the push force, starts to slide back into the upper chamber (302), the leg (328) may come in come in contact with the lock (308C). As the footrest extender (306) slides further inside the upper chamber (302), the leg (328) may push against an inclined surface of the leg (308C) which causes the lock (308C) to retract in the linear solenoid system (308). Once the footrest extender (306) reaches the retracted state, a lock (308C) is no longer pushed down by the leg (328) and therefore, the lock (308C) extends back into the upper chamber (302) to engage with the leg (308) thereby securing the footrest extender (306) in the retracted state. In the retracted state, the spring (308B) gets energized to protrude the footrest extender (306) on subsequent receipt of a first user input.

[00052] According to the present disclosure, the actuating mechanism can also be a motor-driven system that can protrude and retract the footrest extender. Such an exemplary embodiment is explained with respect to Figures 4A to 4D.

[00053] Specifically, Figure 4A illustrates a side view of an extendable footrest assembly (400) having the motor-driven system (408), and a footrest extender (406) in a retracted state. Figure 4B illustrates a side view of the extendable footrest assembly (400) having the motor-driven system (408), and the footrest extender (406) in a protruded state. Further, Figure 4C illustrates a housing (404) of the extendable footrest assembly (400) showing a plurality of guide slots (432). Figure 4D illustrates the footrest extender (406) of the extendable footrest assembly (400) showing another guide rail.

[00054] Hereto, common components of the extendable footrest assembly (400) are identical to the components of the extendable footrest assembly (200) and therefore, the constructional details of such components are not repeated with respect to Figures 4A-4D for the sake of brevity. The extendable footrest assembly (400) may include the motor-driven system (408) that may be accommodated in a lower chamber (422) of the housing (404) whereas the footrest extender (406) may be accommodated in an upper chamber (402) of the housing (404).

[00055] Referring to Figure 4C, the upper chamber (402) may include a pair of guide slots (432) and a guide pin (434) formed on a side surface (412A) of the upper chamber (402). Further, each guide slot (432) may include a first section (432A) that extends longitudinally inside the upper chamber (402) of the housing (404). In addition, the guide slot (432) may include a second section (432B) extending at a predefined angle from the first section (432A) and a third section (432C) that extends from the second section (432B), such that the third section (432C) is parallel to the first section (432A). The step profile of different sections of the guide slot (432) enables the footrest extender (406) to both travel longitudinally and orthogonally relative to the housing (404). In addition, a top wall (410) of the upper chamber (402) may include an inclined edge (436) at an opening (418). The inclined edge (436) may allow the footrest extender (406) orthogonally without making contact with the edges of the opening (418)

[00056] Referring to Figure 4D, the footrest extender (406) may include a step profile (438) formed on a top section of the footrest extender (406), such that a second top surface (406A) is formed on a portion of the top section of the footrest extender (406). The footrest extender (406) may include a pair of guide pins (440) that are installed in the pair of guide slots (432) as shown in Figures 4D and 4E. In addition, the footrest extender (406) may include another guide slot (442) that may have a similar construction as the guide slot (432) of the upper chamber (402). The guide slot (442) may also receive the guide pin (434) of the upper chamber (402). The combination of the guide slots (432, 442) and the guide pins (434, 440) enables the sliding of the footrest extender (406) relative to the upper chamber (402) in such a way that the footrest extender (406) slides longitudinally until the second top surface (406A) moves out of the upper chamber (402) and thereafter the footrest extender (406) moves upward slightly, such that the second top surface (406A) flushes with the first top surface (404A) of the housing (404) when the footrest extender (406) is in the protruded state.

[00057] In one embodiment, the motor-driven system (408) may be configured to actuate the footrest extender (406) to toggle between the extended and the retracted state. The motor-driven system (408) may include an electric motor (444) and a worm gear drive (446) having a worm gear (446A) mounted on the electric motor (444) and a worm wheel (446B) in mesh with the worm gear (446A). Although not shown, the motor-driven system (408) may include a gear rack (not shown) disposed on the footrest extender (406) and in mesh with the worm wheel (446B), such that the worm wheel (446B) may rotate for operating the footrest extender (406). The operation of the motor driver system (408) may be regulated by a sensing unit (424) that may include a first sensor (424A) and a second sensor (424B). The structure and operation of the sensing unit (424) are the same as the operation of the sensing unit (224) as explained with respect to Figures 2A to 2D and therefore, the structure and operation of the sensing unit (424) are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

[00058] During the operation, the motor-driven system (408) may be actuated by the first user input that causes the electric motor (444) to rotate the worm gear (446A) clockwise. The clockwise rotation causes the worm wheel (446B) to also rotate clockwise thereby causing the footrest extender (406) to extend through the upper chamber (402). As a portion of the top section defining the second top surface (406a) extends from the upper chamber (402), the footrest extender (406) moves upward by a small distance and continues further extension to toggle to the protruded state as shown in Figure 4B. At this point, the second sensor (424B) may sense that the footrest extender (406) is in the protruded state and accordingly cuts off the electric supply to the electric motor (444).

[00059] Further, upon actuation by the motor-driven system (408) by the second user input, the electric motor (444) may rotate the worm gear (446A) counterclockwise which causes the worm wheel (446B) to also rotate counterclockwise thereby causing the footrest extender (406) to extend in the upper chamber (402). Initially, the footrest extender (406) travels downwards slightly so that the second top surface (406A) is not flush with the first top surface (404A) and thereafter travels longitudinally. The footrest extender (406) continues to retract in the upper chamber (402) until the footrest extender (406) has completely retracted in the upper chamber (402) as shown in Figure 4A. At this point, the first sensor (424A) may sense that the footrest extender (406) is in the retracted state and accordingly cuts off the electric supply to the electric motor (444).

[00060] According to the present disclosure, the aforementioned extendable footrest assemblies (100, 200, 300, 400) shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4 may be controlled by the first user input and the second user input. An exemplary embodiment showing an architecture for operating the extendable footrest assemblies (100, 200, 300, 400) is explained with respect to Figure 5.

[00061] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of a control unit (500) for operating the actuating mechanisms (108, 208, 308, 408), in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit (500) may include but is not limited to, a processor, a memory, a module, and a database. The module and the memory may be coupled to the processor. The processor may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. In one embodiment, the control unit may be a part of the ECU, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[00062] The processor may be configured to communicate with the memory to execute programmable instructions stored in the memory. The programmable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to provide the functionalities of the control unit (500) as discussed in the disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the processor may be one or more microprocessor or microcontroller. The processor may include one or a plurality of processors, which may further include one or more general-purpose processors, such as a central processing unit, an application processor, or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit, a visual processing unit, and/or an Artificial intelligence dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit.

[00063] In some embodiments, the memory may store data and instructions executable by the processor to perform the method steps for controlling the operation of the control unit (500), as discussed herein throughout the disclosure. The memory may further include, but is not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. Further, the non-transitory computer-readable storage media of memory may include executable instructions in the form of modules and a database to store data.

[00064] In an implementation, the module may include a processing module. The database serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by the processing module.

[00065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the module may be implemented as part of the processor. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module may be external to the processor. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module may be part of the memory. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module may be part of the hardware, separate from the processor.

[00066] The control unit (500) of the present disclosure may be a part of an electronic control unit (ECU) and may communicate with an actuating mechanism (508) over Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol. Alternatively, the control unit (500) can be a part of either Peripherals Control Network (PCN) / Body Control Module (BCM) / Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) of the two-wheeled vehicle. The actuating mechanism (508) may include either of the actuating mechanisms (108, 208, 308, 408) explained above.

[00067] In one embodiment, the control unit (500) may also be coupled to an ignition sensor (502) that may receive an ignition state of the two-wheeled vehicle. In addition, the control unit (500) may also be communicably coupled to a pressure switch (504) that may provide user input in the form of a tap input or a swipe gesture on the first top surfaces (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A) to either protrude or retract the footrest extenders (106, 206, 306, 406). The control unit (500) may also be communicably coupled to an input source (506) that may also provide user input. The input source (506) may include, but is not limited to, a switch on a dashboard on the two-wheeled vehicle, a touch input via a touchscreen instrument panel of the two-wheeled vehicle, or via a mobile application running on a communication device. The aforementioned user inputs received by the pressure switch (504) and the input source (506) can either be the first user input or the second user input that may be based on a detected state of the footrest extenders (106, 206, 306, 406). The detected state can either be the retracted state or the protruded state. The operation of the control unit (500) is explained with respect to Figure 6.

[00068] Figure 6 illustrates a method (600) for operating the actuation mechanism (508) for automatic extending and retracting the footrest extender, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps may be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. Additionally, individual steps may be deleted from the method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

[00069] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program products may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program products can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.

[00070] The method (600) may be explained in conjunction with Figure 5 and begins at step (602) at which the control unit (500) receives a signal from the ignition sensor (502) which indicates that the vehicle’s ignition is ON. Thereafter, at step (604), the receives the receipt of the first user input. The first user input can either be the tap input or a swipe gesture on the first top surfaces (104A, 204A, 404A) to protrude the footrest extenders (106, 206, 406) or an input received through one of an instrument or dashboard panel of the vehicle and a mobile application of a communication device. The control unit (500), at step (606), checks if the first user input is received. In case the first user input is not received, the method (600) returns to step (604). On the other hand, in case the first user input is received, the control unit (500), at step (608), actuates the actuating mechanism (508) which causes the footrest extenders (106, 206, 406) to toggle to the protruded state represented by step (610). The footrest extenders (106, 206, 406) remain protruded for the remaining duration of the riding of the two-wheeled vehicle or until the receipt of the second user input.

[00071] The control unit (500), at step (612), receives either the second user input or the ignition status of the two-wheeled vehicle. For instance, the control unit (500) receives the second user input when the two-wheeled vehicle is not switched OFF. As mentioned before, the second user input can be the tap input or a swipe gesture on the first top surfaces (104A, 204A, 404A) to retract the footrest extenders (106, 206, 406) and input received through an instrument or dashboard panel of the vehicle and a mobile application of a communication device. In such a scenario, the control unit (500) may receive the second user input at step (612). Alternatively, the control unit (500) may receive the ignition state as OFF indicating that the ride of the two-wheeled vehicle is now over. In both scenarios, the control unit (500), at step (614), checks if the aforementioned inputs are received. In case the inputs are not received, the method (600) returns to step (610) indicating that the footrest extenders (106, 206, 406) remain extended. In case the control unit (500) determines the receipt of the inputs, the control unit (500), at step (616), actuates the actuating mechanism (508) to retract the footrest extenders (106, 206, 406) so that the footrest extenders (106, 206, 406) enters in the retracted state at step (618).

[00072] Referring to Figure 7, the present disclosure also relates to a method (700) for operating the extendable footrest assembly for manually retracting the footrest extender, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (700) may include steps (702), (704), and (706) that are the same as corresponding steps (602), (604), and (606) in Figure 6 and hence not explained with respect to Figure 7 for the sake of brevity. Further, at step (708), the control unit (500) may actuate the linear solenoid actuator (308A) to disengage the lock (308C) from the footrest extender (306). The disengagement allows the spring (308B) to protrude the footrest extender (306) so that the footrest extender (306) toggles into the protruded state at step (710). Further, at step (712), a second user input may be provided in the form of a push force on the footrest extender (306) which causes the footrest extender (306) to retract into the upper chamber (302) of the housing (304) to toggle into the retraced state at step (714).

[00073] The extendable footrest assemblies (100, 200, 300, 400) of the present disclosure enable the extension of the footrest area based on the user’s requirement thereby allowing the extendable footrest assemblies (100, 200, 300, 400) to accommodate the user’s feet of different sizes. Such an arrangement makes the extendable footrest assemblies (100, 200, 300, 400) compatible with riders having either short feet or large feet. Moreover, the extendable footrest assemblies (100, 200, 300, 400) are configured to retract the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) when not in use thereby making its operation automatic. Moreover, the extendable footrest assemblies (100, 200, 300, 400) do not use heavy-duty hinges to mount the footrest extenders (106, 206, 306, 406) thereby avoiding an unwanted increase in the overall weight of the two-wheeled vehicle.

[00074] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. , Claims:We claim:

1. An extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) for a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising:
a housing (104, 204, 304, 404) adapted to be mounted on a chassis (102) of the two-wheeled vehicle, and having a first top surface (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A) defining an initial footrest area;
a footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) slidably disposed within the housing (104, 204, 304, 404), and having a second top surface (106A, 206A, 306A, 406A); and
an actuating mechanism (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) adapted to be activated, based on a first user input, for protruding the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) from the housing (104, 204, 304, 404), such that the second top surface (106A, 206A, 306A, 406A), along with the first top surface (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A), form an extended footrest area.

2. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) is adapted to retract the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) into the housing (104, 204, 304, 404), based on a second user input.

3. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second top surface (106A, 206A, 306A, 406A) of the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) is flush with the first top surface (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A) of the housing (104, 204, 304, 404) when the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) is protruded from the housing (104, 204, 304, 404).

4. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) is adapted to protrude in at least one of longitudinal direction and a lateral direction with respect to the housing (104, 204, 304, 404), such that a length and a width of the initial footrest area is increased, respectively, to form the extended footrest area.

5. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a sensing unit (224, 324, 424) adapted to detect whether the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) is in a protruded state or a retracted state.

6. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a pressure switch positioned underneath the first top surface (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A) of the housing (104, 204, 304, 404) and adapted to:
receive an input indicative of operating the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406); and
activate the actuating mechanism (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) for extending or retracting the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406), based on the input and a detected state of the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406), wherein the detected state is one of the protruded state and the retracted state.

7. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first user input comprising at least one of a tap input on the first top surface (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A) and an input received through one of an instrument or a dashboard panel of the vehicle and a mobile application of a communication device.

8. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second user input comprising at least one of a tap input on the first top surface (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A) and an input received through an instrument or a dashboard panel of the vehicle and a mobile application of a communication device.

9. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) is one of a linear solenoid system (308A), a hydraulic or pneumatic cylindrical actuation system (208), and a motor-driven system (408).

10. The extendable footrest assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the motor-driven system (408) comprising:
an electric motor (444);
a worm gear drive (446) coupled to the electric motor (444), and comprising:
a worm gear (446A) mounted on the electric motor (444); and
a worm wheel (446B) in mesh with the worm gear (446A); and
a gear rack disposed on the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406) and in mesh with the worm wheel (446B),
wherein the worm wheel (446B) is adapted to rotate for operating the footrest extender (106, 206, 306, 406).