Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

SIDE STAND ATTACHMENT MEMBER OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a side stand attachment member for attaching a side stand to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Generally, a saddle riding type vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle is provided with a side stand. When the two-wheeled vehicle is not being driven by the operator, it can be supported on ground using the side stand. These pivotable side stands are generally moved between a stand ON configuration, in which the side stand contacts the ground to support the two wheeled vehicle and a stand OFF configuration, in which the stand moves away from the ground.

[003] Conventional side stands are pivotally connected to a frame structure of the two-wheeled vehicle. In particular, referring to Figure 1, there is provided a plate member (1) having a bracket (2) attached thereto. A ground contacting member (not shown) is pivotally connected to the bracket (2). The plate member (1) is then attached to the frame structure (3) using two bolts (4). It has been observed that the plate member (1) bends or deforms as shown by line (5). Tendency of the plate member (1) to bend or deform increases over a time. Tendency of the plate member (1) to bend or deform increases as a weight of the vehicle increases. Tendency of the plate member (1) to bend or deform also increases in case additional component, such as a foot rest, is mounted on the plate member (1). Thus, there exists a need to address this problem.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[005] Accordingly, the invention provides a side stand attachment member for attaching a side stand to a vehicle comprising a first member forming part of the frame structure, said side stand attachment member comprising: a first plate member having the side stand attached thereto; and a first attachment member for attaching the first plate member to the first member at a first location, the first attachment member comprising: a male projecting member extending from the first member in a vehicle width direction; and an aperture forming part of the first plate member for slidably receiving the male projecting member thereby attaching the first plate member to the first member at the first location.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the side stand comprises a bracket member and a ground engaging portion pivotally coupled to the bracket member, the bracket member being attached to the first plate member, the bracket member overlapping at least partly the first attachment member in a side view of the vehicle.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the first attachment member being positioned below the bracket member in a vehicle height direction.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first plate member having the side stand attached thereto being further coupled to the first member vide a second attachment member and a third attachment member, the second attachment member attaching the first plate member to the first member at a second location; and the third attachment member attaching the first plate member to the first member at a third location; the first location, the second location and the third location forming three vertices of a triangle.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, a construction of the first attachment member being different from a construction of the second attachment member, and a construction of the first attachment member being different from a construction of the third attachment member.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the construction of the second attachment member being same as the construction of the third attachment member.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first member being one of a first pivot frame and a second pivot frame coupled to a rear lower end of the frame structure.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising: a frame structure comprising a first member extending from a rear lower end of the frame structure; a first plate member having the side stand attached thereto; a first attachment member for attaching the first plate member to the first member at a first location; the first attachment member comprising: a male projecting member extending from the first member in a vehicle width direction; and an aperture forming part of the first plate member for slidably receiving the male projecting member thereby attaching the first plate member to the first member at the first location.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the first plate member further comprises a foot rest positioned above the side stand in a vehicle height direction.

[0014] An advantage of the invention includes a reduction in tendency of the first plate member, which may be made of sheet metal, to undergo bending or deformation.

[0015] Another advantage of the invention includes the reduction in tendency of the first plate member to undergo bending or deformation is attained without increasing a weight or a size of the first plate member.

[0016] Still another advantage of the invention includes an ease in connecting the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure.

[0017] A further advantage of the invention includes the first plate member can now accommodate the foot rest, which therefore, leads to substantial advantage in terms of reduction of component of the vehicle, reduction in weight of the vehicle, a reduction in terms of a time of assembling of the vehicle, a reduction in a cost of the vehicle, etc.

[0018] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is 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 with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0019] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional mechanism of attaching a bracket to a frame structure of the vehicle;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a close-up showing attachment of the side stand to the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a close-up showing attachment of the bracket member to the first plate member and attachment of the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates another close-up showing attachment of the bracket member to the first plate member and attachment of the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view showing attachment of the bracket member to the first plate member and attachment of the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 9 illustrates another close-up showing attachment of the bracket member and the foot rest to the first plate member and attachment of the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 10 illustrates close-up showing yet another manner of attaching the bracket member the first plate member and attaching the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure; and

[0030] Figure 11 illustrates close-up showing still another manner of attaching the bracket member the first plate member and attaching the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure.

[0031] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements 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 the Invention:
[0032] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0033] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0034] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0035] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0036] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that 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.

[0037] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0039] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0040] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0043] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2 there is illustrated a first side view of a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) particularly comprises a head pipe (14) steerability supporting at least one front ground engaging member (18). In particular, a user can steer the front ground engaging member (18) using a handlebar (24), which is coupled to the front ground engaging member (18) vide at least one front fork (12), which is rotatably received by the head pipe (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises a front fender (16) positioned above the front ground engaging member (18). The vehicle may further comprise at least one front lighting unit (22) which is positioned above the at least one front ground engaging member (14) and in front of the handlebar (24). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one rear ground engaging member (20).

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further comprises a power unit (28) that supplies power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (18) and the rear ground engaging member (20). While in Figure 2, the power unit (28) has been demonstrated as being an internal combustion engine, the power unit (28) can alternatively be a motor. In case the vehicle (10) comprises an internal combustion engine as the power unit (28), the vehicle (10) further comprises a fuel tank (26) that supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine. Also, in such a case, the vehicle (10) can comprise an exhaust pipe (36) that processes an exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine prior to disposing the exhaust gas to the environment.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle (10) further comprises a rear fender (30) disposed above the rear ground engaging member (20) and a tail light (32) disposed above the rear fender (30). The vehicle (10) further comprises a seat (34) disposed above the rear ground engaging member (20). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one shock absorber (38) positioned below the seat (34). The vehicle (10) further comprises a frame structure (40) supporting at least the seat (34), the rear ground engaging member (20), the fuel tank (26) and the power unit (28). The frame structure (40) supports a side stand (42) and a foot rest (44).

[0047] Now referring to Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5 in an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure (40) comprises a first upper frame (46) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (14) and a second upper frame (48) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (14). The first upper frame (46) and the second upper frame (48) are spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction. The frame structure (40) further comprises a first lower frame (50) extending downwardly from the head pipe (14) and a second lower frame (52) extending downwardly from the head pipe (14). The first lower frame (50) and the second lower frame (52) are spaced from each other in a vehicle width direction. The frame structure (40) further comprises a first seat rail (54) extending in a rearward direction from the first upper frame (46) and a second seat rail (56) extending in a rearward direction from the second upper frame (48). The frame structure (40) further comprises a first rear frame (58) located below the first seat rail (54) and a second rear frame (60) located below the second seat rail (56). The frame structure (40) further comprises a first pivot frame (62) interconnecting the first rear frame (58) and the first lower frame (50). The frame structure (40) further comprises a second pivot frame (64) interconnecting the second rear frame (60) and the second lower frame (52). To the frame structure (40) is attached the side stand (42) vide a side stand attachment member (100). In particular, the side stand attachment member (100) attaches the side stand (42) to a first member (102) forming part of the frame structure (40). By way of a non-limiting example, the first member (102) forming part of the frame structure (40) may be one of the first lower frame (50), the second lower frame (52), the first rear frame (58), the second rear frame (60), the first pivot frame (62) and the second pivot frame (64). Particularly, the first member (102) forming part of the frame structure (40) may be one of the first pivot frame (62) and the second pivot frame (64). The side stand (42) may in turn comprise of a ground engaging portion (68) pivotally coupled to a bracket member (66). The side stand attachment member (100) comprises a first plate member (104) having the side stand (42) attached thereto; and a first attachment member (106) for attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102). In an embodiment of the invention, the first plate member (104) may additionally have a footrest (44) attached thereto. In such a case, the side stand attachment member (100) additionally serves to attach the footrest (44) to the first member (102) forming part of the frame structure (40). The first plate member (104) having the side stand (42) (and optionally the footrest (44)) attached thereto is further coupled to the first member (102) vide a second attachment member (108) and a third attachment member (110).

[0048] Now particularly referring to Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8, in an embodiment of the invention, the first attachment member (106) for attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) comprises a male projecting member (120) extending from the first member (102) in a vehicle width direction; and an aperture (122) forming part of the first plate member (104) for slidably receiving the male projecting member (120) thereby attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102). It can be additionally seen from Figure 7 that the first attachment member (106) attaches the first plate member (104) to a first member (102) at a first location (112), while the second attachment member (108) attaches the first plate member (104) to first member (102) at a second location (114) and the third attachment member (110) attaches the first plate member (104) to first member (102) at a third location (116). Additionally, it can be seen that the first location (112) is such that the bracket member (66) overlaps at least partly the first attachment member (106) in a side view of the vehicle (10). Also, it can be seen that the first location (112) is such that the first attachment member (106) is positioned below the bracket member (66) in a vehicle height direction. On the other hand, the it can be seen that the second location (114) and the third location (116) are such that the first attachment member (106) and the second attachment member (108) are positioned above the bracket member (66) in a vehicle height direction. Also, it can be said that the first location, the second location and the third location form three vertices of a triangle (118). Furthermore, it can be seen that a construction of the first attachment member (106) being different from a construction of the second attachment member (108), and a construction of the first attachment member (106) being different from a construction of the third attachment member (110), while the construction of the second attachment member (108) being same as the construction of the third attachment member (110). By way of non-limiting example, the second attachment member (108) and the third attachment member (110) may be bolts or screws.

[0049] In terms of assembling the first plate member (104) to the first member (102), the first plate member (104) having the side stand (42) attached thereto (or at least the bracket member (66) attached thereto) is taken. The male projecting member (120) is attached to first member (102) such that the male projecting member (120) extends in a vehicle width direction. The aperture (122) forming part of the first plate member (104) is then slid with respect to the male projecting member (120) thereby attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at the first location (112). Thereafter, the second attachment member (108) and the third attachment member (110) are used for attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102).

[0050] Now instead of connecting the using the first attachment member (106) which comprises the male projecting member (120) extending from the first member (102) in a vehicle width direction; and the aperture (122) forming part of the first plate member (104) for slidably receiving the male projecting member (120), bolt or a screw (124) is used for attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102), as shown in Figure 11, it becomes difficult to access the bolt or the screw (124) for the reason that at the first location (112), the bracket member (66) overlaps (as shown by ellipse (126)) at least partly the bolt or the screw (124) in a side view of the vehicle (10).

[0051] Also, instead of connecting the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at the first location (112), the first plate member (104) is connected to the first member (102) at a fourth location (128), as best visible in Figure 10, there is no space available for connecting the footrest (46). Also, when all second location (114), the third location (116) and the fourth location (128) are located above the bracket (66), the first member (102) starts showing tendency to bend or deform.

[0052] An advantage of the invention includes a reduction in tendency of the first plate member, which may be made of sheet metal, to undergo bending or deformation.

[0053] Another advantage of the invention includes the reduction in tendency of the first plate member to undergo bending or deformation is attained without increasing a weight or a size of the first plate member.

[0054] Still another advantage of the invention includes an ease in connecting the first plate member to the first member forming part of the frame structure.

[0055] A further advantage of the invention includes the first plate member can now accommodate the foot rest, which therefore, leads to substantial advantage in terms of reduction of component of the vehicle, reduction in weight of the vehicle, a reduction in terms of a time of assembling of the vehicle, a reduction in a cost of the vehicle, etc.

[0056] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same 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.

[0057] The figures and the forgoing 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. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A side stand attachment member (100) for attaching a side stand (42) to a vehicle (10) comprising a first member (102) forming part of the frame structure (40), said side stand attachment member (100) comprising:
a first plate member (104) having the side stand (42) attached thereto; and
a first attachment member (106) for attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at a first location (112), the first attachment member (106) comprising:
a male projecting member (120) extending from the first member (102) in a vehicle width direction; and
an aperture (122) forming part of the first plate member (104) for slidably receiving the male projecting member (120) thereby attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at the first location (112).

2. The side stand attachment member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side stand (42) comprising a bracket member (66) and a ground engaging portion (68) pivotally coupled to the bracket member (66), the bracket member (66) being attached to the first plate member (104), the bracket member (66) overlapping at least partly the first attachment member (106) in a side view of the vehicle (10).

3. The side stand attachment member (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first attachment member (106) being positioned below the bracket member (66) in a vehicle height direction.

4. The side stand attachment member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plate member (104) having the side stand (42) attached thereto being further coupled to the first member (102) vide a second attachment member (108) and a third attachment member (110), the second attachment member (108) attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at a second location (114); and the third attachment member (110) attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at a third location (116); the first location, the second location and the third location forming three vertices of a triangle (118).

5. The side stand attachment member (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a construction of the first attachment member (106) being different from a construction of the second attachment member (108), and a construction of the first attachment member (106) being different from a construction of the third attachment member (110).

6. The side stand attachment member (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the construction of the second attachment member (108) being same as the construction of the third attachment member (110).

7. The side stand attachment member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (102) being one of a first pivot frame (62) and a second pivot frame (64) coupled to a rear lower end of the frame structure (12).

8. The side stand attachment member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plate being made of sheet metal.

9. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame structure (12) comprising a first member (102) extending from a rear lower end of the frame structure (12);
a first plate member (104) having the side stand (42) attached thereto;
a first attachment member (106) for attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at a first location (112); the first attachment member (106) comprising:
a male projecting member (120) extending from the first member (102) in a vehicle width direction; and
an aperture (122) forming part of the first plate member (104) for slidably receiving the male projecting member (120) thereby attaching the first plate member (104) to the first member (102) at the first location (112).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first plate member (104) further comprises a foot rest (44) positioned above the side stand (42) in a vehicle height direction.