Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a footrest assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a footrest assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, a vehicle such as a saddle type vehicle is provided with footrests mounted to a frame of the vehicle for providing resting surfaces for a rider and/or a pillion of the vehicle to rest their feet. Fixed footrests constitute a tripping hazard and pose a risk of injury to individuals who come into accidental contact with them. Accordingly, pivotable footrests are used that are pivotably mounted to lateral side surfaces of the frame such that the footrests can be folded / retracted in closed positions (or stowed positions) relative to the frame when not in use and can be unfolded / extended to open positions (or deployed positions) relative to the frame when required.
[003] In a typical scenario, the rider and/or the pillion displaces the footrests to open positions upon occupying the vehicle by leaning sideways and rotating the footrests with bare hands. Likewise, the rider and/or the pillion displaces the footrests to closed positions upon exiting the vehicle by leaning sideways and rotating the footrests with bare hands. Such a manual operation of the footrests involving direct contact with the footrests is deemed unhygienic as it exposes the rider and/or the pillion to potential dust and contaminants transferred through touch. The leaning and manual operation required for deployment (opening) and stowage (closing) of the footrests can be inconvenient, especially for riders and/or pillions with limited mobility.
[004] Some conventional configurations use a rack-and-pinion arrangement for operating the footrests. These involve pinion gears rotatably mounted on shafts supporting the footrests, engaging toothed linear racks that are slidably mounted on brackets mounted to the vehicle frame. The rider and/or the pillion can operate the footrests between closed positions and open positions by gripping protrusions on the racks and sliding the racks back and forth. However, such rack-and-pinion arrangements still require significant manual effort to operate. Moreover, providing such rack-and-pinion arrangements requires significant modification to the footrest assemblies, which is expensive and undesirable.
[005] Some other configurations use a footrest actuation system comprising mechanically or electrically operable actuators and electromagnetic latching systems for operating the footrests. However, such systems are expensive, complex, and involve a large number of moving parts, leading to operational noise. Consequently, installation and maintenance of such systems becomes complex.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a footrest assembly for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a footrest assembly for a vehicle. The footrest assembly has a pair of footrests and an electronic component. The pair of footrests are pivotably mounted to a frame assembly. The electronic component is operably connected to the pair of footrests. The pair of footrests are configured to operate based on an actuation from the electronic component.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame assembly has a main tube, a pair of rear frame members and a pair of seat rails. The main tube extends downwardly from a head pipe. The pair of rear frame members extend rearwardly from the main tube. The pair of seat rails extend rearwardly and upwardly from the pair of rear frame members. The pair of footrests are pivotably mounted to the pair of seat rails.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame assembly has a cross member and the cross member extends between the pair of seat rails, wherein the electronic component is mounted on the cross member.
[010] In an embodiment of the invention, the cross member includes a shaft and the shaft is adapted to rotatably support the electronic component.
[011] In an embodiment of the invention, the footrest assembly has a pair of cables for operably connecting the electronic component to the pair of footrests.
[012] In an embodiment of the invention, the pair of cables include a first cable and a second cable, wherein the first cable operably connects the electronic component to a right footrest and the second cable operably connects the electronic component to a left footrest.
[013] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component has a first connecting end and a second connecting end. The first connecting end is connected to the first cable and the second connecting end is connected to the second cable. Herein, the first connecting end and the second connecting end are diametrically opposite to one another on the electronic component.
[014] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is a rotating type switch, wherein the rotating type switch is configured to rotate thereby operating the pair of footrests.
[015] In an embodiment of the invention, the rotating type switch is configured to rotate for operating the pair of footrests from a closed position to an open position.
[016] In an embodiment of the invention, the rotating type switch has a projection and the projection is accessible to a user for rotating the rotating type switch.
[017] In an embodiment of the invention, the footrest assembly has one or more return springs. The one or more return springs are connected to the pair of footrests for resiliently biasing the pair of footrests in a closed position.
[018] In an embodiment of the invention, the footrest assembly has a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism is configured to restrict the actuation of the electronic component.
[019] In an embodiment of the invention, the retention mechanism includes a ball spring plunger having a spring and a ball, wherein one end of the spring is connected to the electronic component and another end of the spring is attached to the ball. Herein, the shaft includes one or more depressions for receiving the ball for selectively restricting the actuation of the electronic component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] 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 perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle and a footrest assembly mounted to the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly and the footrest assembly mounted to the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the footrest assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4A illustrates a front view of the footrest assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4B illustrates a top view of the footrest assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5A illustrates a front view of the electronic component of the footrest assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5B illustrates a sectional view of the electronic component considered along axis A-A shown in Figure 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] The present invention generally relates to a footrest assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a footrest assembly for a vehicle. The footrest assembly of the present invention is typically used in a vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle. However, it should be understood that the footrest assembly as illustrated may find its application in a three wheeled vehicle, or a four wheeled vehicle, or other multi-wheeled vehicles, or any non-automotive application using a footrest as required.
[022] Figure 1 illustrates a frame assembly 100 of a vehicle with a footrest assembly 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle includes a prime mover (not shown), such as but not limited to an internal combustion engine or a traction motor for providing motive/traction force to the vehicle.
[023] In an embodiment, the frame assembly 100 comprises a main tube 102, a pair of rear frame members 104a, 104b, and a pair of seat rails 106a, 106b. The main tube 102 extends downwardly from a head pipe (not shown). In an embodiment, the head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a suspension assembly (not shown) attached to the steering shaft connected to a front wheel of the vehicle.
[024] As illustrated, the pair of rear frame members 104a, 104b comprises a right rear frame member 104a and a left rear frame member 104b spaced apart from one another. The pair of rear frame members 104a, 104b are connected to the main tube 102. The pair of rear frame members 104a, 104b extend rearwardly from the main tube 102. In an embodiment, the pair of rear frame members 104a, 104b are adapted to support a floorboard (not shown) of the vehicle. The floorboard is adapted to support feet of a rider of the vehicle. The frame assembly 100 comprises an intermediate connecting member 105 interconnecting the right rear frame member 104a and the left rear frame member 104b.
[025] Further, the pair of seat rails 106a, 106b comprises a right seat rail 106a and a left seat rail 106b spaced apart from one another. The pair of seat rails 106a, 106b are adapted to support a vehicle seat (not shown) thereon. The pair of seat rails 106a, 106b extend rearwardly and upwardly from the pair of rear frame members 104a, 104b. Particularly, the right seat rail 106a extends rearwardly and upwardly from the right rear frame member 104a, and the left seat rail 106b extends rearwardly and upwardly from the left rear frame member 104b. In an embodiment, the pair of seat rails 106a, 106b are connected to end portions of the intermediate connecting member 105.
[026] In an embodiment, the frame assembly 100 comprises a cross member 108. The cross member 108 extends between the pair of seat rails 106a, 106b connecting the right seat rail 106a to the left seat rail 106b. The cross member 108 provides support to a body panel portion of the vehicle disposed adjacent to and below a front portion of the vehicle seat.
[027] As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the present invention relates to the footrest assembly 10. As illustrated, the footrest assembly 10 comprises a pair of footrests 110a, 110b pivotably mounted to the frame assembly 100. In an embodiment, the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are pivotably mounted to the pair of seat rails 106a, 106b of the frame assembly 100. In an embodiment, the pair of footrests 110a, 110b comprises a right footrest 110a pivotably mounted to the right seat rail 106a, and a left footrest 110b pivotably mounted to the left seat rail 106b of the frame assembly 100. In an embodiment, the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are adapted to support feet of a pillion of the vehicle when the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are deployed in an open position (or an extended position or a deployed position).
[028] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, in an embodiment, the frame assembly 100 comprises a right bracket 120a having a first end and a second end. The first end of the right bracket 120a is connected to the right seat rail 106a adjacent to the intermediate connecting member 105. The right bracket 120a may be integrally connected to the right seat rail 106a or may be fastened or welded or brazed to the right seat rail 106a. The second end of the right bracket 120a is disposed rearwardly of the first end of the right bracket 120a. The second end of the right bracket 120a is connected to a right support platform 122a. The right support platform 122a supports a right pivot column 124a thereon, which may be a shaft. The right footrest 110a is mounted to the right pivot column 124a so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the right pivot column 124a.
[029] Further, the frame assembly 100 comprises a left bracket 120b having a first end and a second end. The first end of the left bracket 120b is connected to the left seat rail 106b adjacent to the intermediate connecting member 105. The left bracket 120b may be integrally connected to the left seat rail 106b or may be fastened or welded or brazed to the left seat rail 106b. The second end of the left bracket 120b is disposed rearwardly of the first end of the left bracket 120b. The second end of the left bracket 120b is connected to a left support platform 122b. The left support platform 122b supports a left pivot column 124b thereon, which may be a shaft. The left footrest 110b is mounted to the left pivot column 124b so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the left pivot column 124b.
[030] In an embodiment of the invention, the footrest assembly 10 comprises one or more return springs 126a, 126b. The one or more return springs 126a, 126b are connected to the pair of footrests 110a, 110b for resiliently biasing the pair of footrests 110a, 110b in a closed position (or a folded position or a stowed position) relative to the frame assembly 100.
[031] Referring Figure 3, in an embodiment, the one or more return springs 126a, 126b comprises a right return spring 126a and a left return spring 126b. The right return spring 126a is disposed around the right pivot column 124a. The right footrest 110a is supported by the right return spring 126a. The right return spring 126a is adapted to resiliently bias the right footrest 110a in the closed position. The left return spring 126b is disposed around the left pivot column 124b. The left footrest 110b is supported by the left return spring 126b. The left return spring 126b is adapted to resiliently bias the left footrest 110b in the closed position.
[032] Further, as illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the footrest assembly 10 comprises an electronic component 112. The electronic component 112 is operably connected to the pair of footrests 110a, 110b. Herein, the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are configured to operate based on an actuation from the electronic component 112. Thus, on actuation of the electronic component 112, the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are operated, thus eliminating the requirement of manual operation of the footrests using physical contact.
[033] Further as referred in Figures 1, 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the electronic component 112 is mounted on the cross member 108. The cross member 108 comprises a shaft 118 mounted thereon. The shaft 118 is adapted to rotatably support the electronic component 112 (also shown in Figure 5B).
[034] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the footrest assembly 10 comprises a pair of cables 114a, 114b for operably connecting the electronic component 112 to the pair of footrests 110a, 110b. The pair of cables 114a, 114b comprises a first cable 114a and a second cable 114b. The first cable 114a operably connects the electronic component 112 to the right footrest 110a. Particularly, the first cable 114a has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the first cable 114a is connected to the electronic component 112 and the second end of the first cable 114a is connected to the right footrest 110a. The right footrest 110a has a mounting provision (not shown) comprising a slot and a guide to connect to the second end of the first cable 114a. Likewise, the second cable 114b operably connects the electronic component to the left footrest 110b. Particularly, the second cable 114b has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the second cable 114b is connected to the electronic component 112 and the second end of the second cable 114b is connected to the left footrest 110b. The left footrest 110b has a mounting provision (not shown) comprising a slot and a guide to connect to the second end of the second cable 114b.
[035] Further referring Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the electronic component 112 comprises a first connecting end 112c1 and a second connecting end 112c2. The first connecting end 112c1 is connected to the first cable 114a and the second connecting end 112c2 is connected to the second cable 114b. The first connecting end 112c1 and the second connecting end 112c2 are located diametrically opposite to one another on the electronic component 112.
[036] Referring Figure 5A, the electronic component 112 has a first slot 112S1 and a second slot 112S2 positioned 180° apart and diametrically opposite to one another. The first slot 112S1 is provided for connecting the first end of the first cable 114a to the electronic component 112 and the second slot 112S2 is provided for connecting the first end of the second cable 114b to the electronic component 112.
[037] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component 112 is a switching element. In a further embodiment, the electronic component 112 is a rotating type switch. The rotating type switch is configured to rotate thereby operating the pair of footrests 110a, 110b. Particularly, the rotating type switch is configured to rotate for operating the pair of footrests 110a, 110b from the closed position to the open position.
[038] In an embodiment, the rotating type switch is rotatable along a first circumferential direction for operating the pair of footrests 110a, 110b from the closed position to the open position. In an exemplary embodiment, the first circumferential direction is a clockwise direction. However, in an alternate embodiment, the pair of cables 114a, 114b can connected to the rotating type switch in a manner as to induce operation of the pair of footrests 110a, 110b from the closed position to the open position when the rotating type switch is rotated in a counterclockwise direction.
[039] In an embodiment, the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are configured to rotate from an angle of 0° with respect to the support platforms 122a, 122b in the closed position up to an angle of 75° with respect to the support platforms 122a, 122b in the open position upon rotating the rotating type switch in the first circumferential direction.
[040] In an embodiment, the rotating type switch has a projection 112P (Refer Figure 4B and Figure 5A). The projection 112P of the rotating type switch is accessible to a user or the rider for rotating the rotating type switch.
Rotating the rotating type switch along the first circumferential direction induces a travel of the first cable 114a in a direction opposite to a direction of travel of the second cable 114b, as the first cable 114a and the second cable 114b are connected at diametrically opposite ends on the rotating type switch. Thereby, the right footrest 110a and the left footrest 110b pivotably rotate in opposite directions relative to one another about the right pivot column 124a and the left pivot column 124b respectively, from the closed position to the open position.
[041] In an embodiment of the invention, the footrest assembly 10 comprises a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism is configured to restrict the actuation of the electronic component 112. In a further embodiment, the retention mechanism comprises a ball spring plunger 130 (Refer Figure 5B) having a spring and a ball. One end of the spring is connected to the electronic component 112. Another end of the spring is attached to the ball. The shaft 118 (that rotatably supports the electronic component 112) comprises one or more depressions for receiving the ball for selectively restricting the actuation of the electronic component 112.
[042] In an exemplary embodiment where the electronic component 112 is a rotating type switch, the rotating type switch may be stoppable in one or more positions by the ball spring plunger 130 and the one or more depressions of the shaft 118. The one or more depressions may be positioned such that when the rotating type switch is rotated along the first circumferential direction beyond a certain degree (for e.g., beyond 75 °), the ball of the ball spring plunger 130 successively engages with the one or more depressions thereby restricting further rotation of the rotating type switch along the first circumferential direction. Engagement of the ball with the one or more depressions of the shaft 118 brings about a locking to the pair of footrests 110a, 110b deployed in the open position.
[043] In an embodiment, when the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are in the closed position, the one or more return springs 126a, 126b do not store any potential energy. Once the rotating type switch is rotated in the first circumferential direction, the pair of footrests 110a, 110b are deployed in the open position, and the one or more return springs 126a, 126b store maximum potential energy. Energy needed to lock the pair of footrests 110a, 110b in the open position with the retention mechanism (such as the ball spring plunger 130) must be greater than the maximum potential energy stored in the one or more return springs 126a, 126b.
[044] In an embodiment, in order to stow the locked pair of footrests 110a, 110b from the open position to the closed position, the rotating type switch may be rotated in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction. As a result, the rotating type switch disengages from the retention mechanism. In an embodiment, rotating the rotating type switch in the second circumferential direction results in a disengagement of the ball of the ball spring plunger 130 with the one or more depressions of the shaft 118. Once the ball of the ball spring plunger 130 disengages with the one or more depressions of the shaft 118, the one or more return springs 126a, 126b resiliently bias the pair of footrests 110a, 110b in the closed position.
[045] In an embodiment, the right footrest 110a traverses a radial distance of r1α, wherein r1 corresponds to a radius of the right footrest 110a from a mounting axis of the right footrest 110a to a point where the first cable 114a is mounted to the right footrest 110a, and α corresponds to an angular displacement of the rotating type switch. The travel of the first cable 114a can be calculated based on the value of radial distance r1α. The left footrest 110b traverses a radial distance of r2α, wherein r2 corresponds to a radius of the left footrest 110b from a mounting axis of the left footrest 110b to a point where the second cable 114b is mounted to the left footrest 110b, and α corresponds to an angular displacement of the rotating type switch. The travel of the second cable 114b can be calculated based on the value of radial distance r2α. In an embodiment, r1=r2 and the first cable 114a and the second cable 114b travel an equivalent distance in opposite directions.
[046] Advantageously, the present invention provides a footrest assembly for the vehicle that enables operation of the footrests without physical contact with the footrests, thereby enabling hygienic operation of the pair of footrests by mitigating the need for direct contact with the pair of footrests.
[047] Further, the pair of footrests of the footrest assembly are operated between the closed position and the open position by expending minimal effort in actuating the electronic component. Thereby, individuals with limited mobility may operate the pair of footrests with ease. Further, the footrest assembly of the present invention dispenses the need for significant mechanical modification of the footrests such as providing a rack-and-pinion arrangement to operate the footrests.
[048] Furthermore, the footrest assembly of the present invention also dispenses the need for an electromagnetic latching system and a large number of moving parts to operate the pair of footrests, thereby resulting in cost savings and design simplicity as compared to prior art.
[049] 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: Footrest assembly
100: Frame assembly
102: Main tube
104a: Right rear frame member
104b: Left rear frame member
105: Intermediate connecting member
106a: Right seat rail
106b: Left seat rail
108: Cross member
110a: Right footrest
110b: Left footrest
112: Electronic component
112c1: First connecting end
112c2: Second connecting end
112S1: First slot
112S2: Second slot
112P: Projection
114a: First cable
114b: Second cable
116: Assembly of the electronic component, the first cable, and the second cable
118: Shaft
120a: Right bracket
120b: Left bracket
122a: Right support platform
122b: Left support platform
124a: Right pivot column
124b: Left pivot column
126a: Right return spring
126b: Left return spring
130: Ball spring plunger
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A footrest assembly (10) for a vehicle, the footrest assembly (10) comprising:
a pair of footrests (110a, 110b) pivotably mounted to a frame assembly (100); and
an electronic component (112), said electronic component (112) being operably connected to the pair of footrests (110a, 110b),
wherein said pair of footrests (110a, 110b) being configured to operate based on an actuation from the electronic component (112).

2. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame assembly (100) comprises: a main tube (102) extending downwardly from a head pipe; a pair of rear frame members (104a, 104b) extending rearwardly from the main tube (102); and a pair of seat rails (106a, 106b) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the pair of rear frame members (104a, 104b), wherein the pair of footrests (110a, 110b) being pivotably mounted to the pair of seat rails (106a, 106b).

3. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame assembly (100) comprises a cross member (108), the cross member (108) extending between the pair of seat rails (106a, 106b), wherein the electronic component (112) being mounted on the cross member (108).

4. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cross member (108) comprises a shaft (118), the shaft (118) being adapted to rotatably support the electronic component (112).

5. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footrest assembly (10) comprises a pair of cables (114a, 114b) for operably connecting the electronic component (112) to the pair of footrests (110a, 110b).

6. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pair of cables (114a, 114b) comprises a first cable (114a) and a second cable (114b), wherein the first cable (114a) operably connects the electronic component (112) to a right footrest (110a) and the second cable (114b) operably connects the electronic component (112) to a left footrest (110b).

7. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic component (112) comprises a first connecting end (112c1) and a second connecting end (112c2), the first connecting end (112c1) being connected to the first cable (114a) and the second connecting end (112c2) being connected to the second cable (114b), wherein the first connecting end (112c1) and the second connecting end (112c2) being diametrically opposite to one another on the electronic component (112).

8. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (112) is a rotating type switch, wherein the rotating type switch being configured to rotate thereby operating the pair of footrests (110a, 110b).

9. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rotating type switch being configured to rotate for operating the pair of footrests (110a, 110b) from a closed position to an open position.

10. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rotating type switch has a projection (112P), the projection (112P) being accessible to a user for rotating the rotating type switch.

11. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more return springs (126a, 126b), the one or more return springs (126a, 126b) being connected to the pair of footrests (110a, 110b) for resiliently biasing the pair of footrests (110a, 110b) in a closed position.

12. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a retention mechanism, the retention mechanism being configured to restrict the actuation of the electronic component (112).

13. The footrest assembly (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a ball spring plunger (130) having a spring and a ball, wherein one end of the spring being connected to the electronic component (112) and another end of the spring being attached to the ball, wherein the shaft (118) comprises one or more depressions for receiving the ball for selectively restricting the actuation of the electronic component (112).

Dated this 25th day of January 2024

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471