Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates a floorboard assembly for a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention relates to the floorboard assembly for a saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicle, such as a saddle-type vehicle, is provided with a floorboard for resting feet of a user. Typically, the floorboard is provided in order to allow the user to move across or step through the vehicle with ease. The floorboard also allows the user to rest his/her feet while riding the vehicle for enhancing riding comfort to the user. Further, the space for placing the user feet can also be used by the user for storing and transporting articles such as milk cans and the like as per user requirement. To further enhance utility of the space on the floorboard, mounting tabs or hooks are provided under a seat or below a handlebar of the vehicle. Thus, enable the article to be placed and be locked on the floorboard.
[003] However, the space provided on the floorboard is constrained, since the main objective of providing the floorboard is to allow the user to step through the vehicle with ease and to allow the user to rest his/her feet while riding the vehicle. Due to the space constraint on the floorboard, the user is unable to accommodate larger baggage or cargo, which is undesirable. Also, it is a general tendency of the user to attempt placing and transporting of larger sized baggage. Such an attempt may shift weight of the vehicle inappropriately, which may lead to imbalance in the vehicle during riding, which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need for a floorboard assembly for a vehicle that addresses at least some of the limitations mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a floorboard assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The floorboard assembly comprises one or more guide members mounted on a frame member of the vehicle. The one or more guide members are adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position. One or more floorboard panels are coupled to the one or more guide members. The one or more guide members in the second position are adapted to deploy the one or more floorboard panels to an extended position, wherein the one or more floorboard panels in the extended position are adapted to protrude beyond a main floorboard along a left-right direction of the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, the one or more guide members comprises a first guide member and a second guide member. The first guide member is adapted to move relative to the second guide member between the first position and the second position.
[007] In an embodiment, the first guide member is coupled to an actuator. The actuator is adapted to slide the first guide member relative to the second guide member between the first position and the second position.
[008] In an embodiment, the actuator is communicably coupled to a switch through a control unit. The actuator is adapted to operate the one or more guide members from the first position to the second position in response to actuation of the switch.
[009] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to enable the actuator to operate the one or more guide members from the first position to the second position, upon determining actuation of the switch for a preset duration of time.
[010] In an embodiment, the control unit is adapted to determine one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to enable the actuator to operate the one or more guide members from the first position to the second position, when each of the one or more operating parameters reach a first predetermined condition. In an embodiment, the one or more operating parameters comprises a vehicle speed, an ignition condition of the vehicle and a speed of a prime mover of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the control unit is adapted to operate the one or more guide members from the second position to the first position to operate the one or more floorboard panels to a retracted position, when each of the one or more vehicle operating parameters reach a second predetermined condition.
[012] In an embodiment, the one or more floorboard panels are slidably mounted beneath the main floorboard of the vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the one or more floorboard panels comprise one or more left floorboard panels and one or more right floorboard panels. The one or more left floorboard panels extend leftwardly from the main floorboard and the one or more right floorboard panels extend rightwardly from the main floorboard, when the one or more guide members are actuated to the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMAPNYING DRAWINGS
[014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a top view of a vehicle comprising a floorboard assembly in a retracted position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the floorboard assembly in the retracted position of Figure 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a top view of the vehicle comprising the floorboard assembly in an extended position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the floorboard assembly in the extended position of Figure 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the floorboard assembly from the retracted position to the extended position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the floorboard assembly from the extended position to the retracted position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] Present invention discloses a floorboard assembly for a vehicle. The floorboard assembly comprises one or more guide members connected to one or more floorboard panels of the vehicle. The one or more guide members are operable between a first position to a second position, for actuating the one or more floorboard panels between a retracted position and the extended position respectively. Thus, the floorboard assembly of the present invention enables a user to increase the space available on the floorboard, thereby enabling the rider to place and transport larger baggage or cargo effortlessly.
[016] Figure 1 is a top view of a vehicle 102 depicting a floorboard assembly 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 102 can be a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a scooter-type vehicle.
[017] The vehicle 102 comprises a prime mover (not shown) such as an Internal Combustion (IC) engine or an electric motor. The prime mover is adapted to provide the motive force required for operation of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 has a front wheel 120, a rear wheel (not shown), a frame member and a seat assembly 122. The prime mover is supported or mounted on the frame member and under the seat assembly 122. A head pipe (not shown) supports a steering shaft and front suspensions attached to a steering shaft (not shown) through a lower bracket. An upper portion of the front wheel 120 is covered by a front fender (not shown) mounted to a lower portion of the front suspensions at an end of the steering shaft A handlebar 124 is fixed to an upper bracket and can rotate about the steering shaft or a steering axis of the vehicle 102.
[018] A maintube (not shown) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe upto a center tube. From the center tube, one or more side tubes extend upwardly and rearwardly upto a rear end (not shown) of the vehicle 102. The center tube is adapted to allow the user to step through the vehicle 102. Further, the center tube is also adapted to support a floorboard assembly 100 of the vehicle 102.
[019] Referring to Figures 2-4 in conjunction with Figure 1, the floorboard assembly 100 comprises a main floorboard 108 mounted onto the frame member, particularly, the center tube. The main floorboard 108 may be a rectangular member extending along a front-rear direction of the vehicle 102. Also, the main floorboard 108 extends along a left-right direction of the vehicle 102, based on a width of the vehicle 102. The main floorboard 108 is adapted to enable the user to step through the vehicle and/or enable the user to place his/her feet thereon, for enhancing riding comfort.
[020] The floorboard assembly 100 also comprises one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b mounted onto the frame member, particularly, the center tube, and positioned below the main floorboard 108. The one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are operable between a retracted position RP to an extended position EP (as shown in Figures 3 and 4). The one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are adapted to extend beyond the main floorboard 108 in the extended position EP, along the left-right direction of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are rectangular panels with a thickness selected based on strength or loading requirements in the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, each of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are made of materials identical to that of the main floorboard 108.
[021] In an embodiment, the term “main floorboard” refers to the floorboard panel that is typically provided in the vehicle 102. Alternatively, the main floorboard may be one of the panels of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b. As such, one panel of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b behaves as the main floorboard 108, while the other connected panels can be operated to between the extended position EP and the retracted position RP.
[022] In an embodiment, the term “retracted position” pertains to position of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b that are within the width of the main floorboard 108. In other words, the term “retracted position” pertains to position of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b within the width of the main floorboard 108.
[023] In an embodiment, the term “extended position” pertains to position of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b beyond the width of the main floorboard 108. In other words, the term “extended position” pertains to position of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b beyond the width of the vehicle 102.
[024] In an embodiment, the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b comprises one or more left floorboard panels 106a (hereinafter selectively referred to as “left floorboard panel 106a”) and one or more right floorboard panels 106b (hereinafter selectively referred to as “left floorboard panel 106a”).
[025] In an embodiment, the left floorboard panel 106a is provided on a left-side of the frame member and slidably mounted below the main floorboard 108. The left floorboard 106a is adapted to extend leftwardly from the main floorboard 108 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4). In an embodiment, the left floorboard panel 106a is hingedly mounted onto the main floorboard 108. As such, the left floorboard panel 106a is operably hingedly with the main floorboard 108, to extend leftwardly from the main floorboard 108.
[026] In an embodiment, the right floorboard panel 106b is provided on a right-side of the frame member and slidably mounted below the main floorboard 108. The right floorboard panel 106b is adapted to extend rightwardly from the main floorboard 108 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4). In an embodiment, the right floorboard panel 106b is hingedly mounted onto the main floorboard 108. As such, the right floorboard panel 106b is operably hingedly with the main floorboard 108, to extend rightwardly from the main floorboard 108.
[027] In an embodiment, the extension of the left floorboard panel 106a and the right floorboard panel 106b is symmetrical with respect to the frame member about the left and right directions of the vehicle 102. As such, extension of the left floorboard panel 106a and the right floorboard panel 106b is identical or equal on both the left and right sides of the vehicle 102.
[028] In an embodiment, extension of the left floorboard panel 106a and the right floorboard panel 106b with respect to the main floorboard 108 is selected such that, handling of the vehicle 102 is unaffected. In an embodiment, extension of the left floorboard panel 106a and the right floorboard panel 106b with respect to the main floorboard 108 is in the range of 300mm to 400mm.
[029] In an embodiment, the left floorboard panel 106a may be made of a single floorboard panel or a plurality of floorboard panels that are adapted to extend leftwardly from the main floorboard 108. In case the left floorboard panel 106a is made of the plurality of floorboard panels, the plurality of floorboard panels are interlinked with one another through conventional techniques known in the art such as a slide-mounting technique, hinge mounting technique and the like.
[030] Further, the floorboard assembly 100 comprises one or more guide members 104 mounted to the frame member through conventional mounting techniques. The one or more guide members 104 are engaged with the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b. The one or more guide members 104 are movable between a first position FP to a second position SP such that, at the first position FP the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are at the retracted position RP and at the second position SP, the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are at the extended position EP. Also, the one or more guide members 104 may be provided below the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to enhance structural rigidity or load bearing capacity of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b.
[031] In an embodiment, the first position FP corresponds to a retracted position of the one or more guide members 104, while the second position SP corresponds to an extended position of the one or more guide members 104. Alternatively, the first position FP and the second position SP of the one or more guide members 104 may alter based on the construction of the floorboard assembly 100.
[032] In an embodiment, the one or more guide members 104 telescopic slide members that are connected to the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b. The one or more guide members 104 comprise a first guide member 110 slidably mounted to a second guide member 112. In an embodiment, the first guide member 110 is slidably mounted to the second guide member through guide rollers or through a guideway (not shown) or any other mechanism that is capable of slidably mounting the first guide member 110 with the second guide member 112. The first guide member 110 is connected to the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b, while the second guide member 112 is fixedly mounted to the frame member or to the main floorboard 108. The first guide member 110 is adapted to move relative to the second guide member 112 between the first position FP and the second position SP. Thus, movement of the first guide member 110 between the first position FP and the second position SP actuates the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b between the retracted position RP to the extended position EP, respectively (with respect to the main floorboard 108).
[033] In an embodiment, the one or more guide members 104 are provided separately to the left floorboard panel 106a and the right floorboard panel 106b. Accordingly, a separate first guide member 110 is provided for each of the left floorboard panel 106a and the right floorboard panel 106b. Consequently, the first guide member 110 is operated for actuating the left floorboard panel 106a and the right floorboard panel 106b between the retracted position RP and the extended position EP.
[034] Further, the floorboard assembly 100 comprises an actuator 114 coupled to the one or more guide members 104. The actuator 114 is coupled to the one or more guide members 104 through conventional coupling techniques known in the art such as fastening, clamping and the like. The actuator 114 is adapted to operate the one or more guide members 104 between the first position FP to the second position SP. In an embodiment, the actuator 114 is fixedly mounted on the frame member or the second guide member 112, while an actuator shaft 114a (shown in Figure 4) of the actuator 114 is connected to the first guide member 110. In an embodiment, the actuator shaft 114a is connected to an end of the first guide member 110 that is oriented towards the frame member. As such, operation or actuation of the actuator 114 correspondingly moves the actuator shaft 114a, thereby moving the first guide member 110 between the first position FP and the second position SP. In an embodiment, the actuator 114 may be a motor, a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator as per requirement.
[035] In an embodiment, the actuator shaft 114a is adapted to move laterally to the frame member and about the left-right direction of the vehicle 102, when the actuator shaft 114a is coupled to the telescopic slide construction of the one or more guide members 104 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4). In an embodiment, suitable transmission mechanism or link mechanism may be provided for connecting the actuator shaft 114a with the one or more guide members 104, for moving or operating the one or more guide members 104 between the first position FP to the second position SP.
[036] In an embodiment, the actuator 114 is electrically coupled to a battery pack (not shown) of the vehicle 102, through a wired connection or a wireless connection. The actuator 114 is adapted to draw power or electric current from the battery pack for actuation. The actuator 114 upon actuation is adapted to move the one or more guide members 104 (or the first guide member 110) from the first position FP to the second position SP.
[037] In an embodiment, the actuator 114 can be provided separately for the one or more guide members 104 provided on the left-side of the vehicle 102 and to the one or more guide members 104 provided on the right-side of the vehicle 102. Accordingly, the actuators 114 can be operated simultaneously for actuating the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP. Alternatively, a single actuator 114 may be coupled to the one or more guide members 104 provided on the right-side as well as the left-side for actuating the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP. In an embodiment, the actuator 114 is selected based on the speed of actuation required for actuating the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b between the retracted position RP and the extended position EP.
[038] Further, the actuator 114 is communicably coupled to a switch 116 and a control unit 118. The actuator 114 is communicably coupled to the switch 116 and the control unit 118 through a wired connection or a wireless connection as per feasibility and requirement. The switch 116 may be a two-way switch that is capable of being actuated by the user of the vehicle 102 to an ON position or an OFF position. The switch 116 is positioned at a location that is easily accessible for the user to operate, such as a handlebar (not shown) of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the switch 116 is an ignition switch of the vehicle 102.
[039] The control unit 118 is also communicably coupled to the switch 116 and is adapted to determine the ON position of the switch 116. Upon determining actuation of the switch 116 to the ON position, the control unit 118 is adapted to enable supply of power or electric current from the battery pack to the actuator 114. Thus, enable actuation of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b from the retracted position RP to the extended position EP. In an embodiment, the control unit 118 is adapted to determine the ON position of the switch 116, when the switch 116 is pressed by the user for a preset duration of time, say 10 seconds. In other words, the control unit 118 is adapted to determine the ON position of the switch 116, when the switch 116 is pressed for 10 seconds. In an embodiment, the control unit 118 is a vehicle control unit that is disposed in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit 118 may be disposed in an instrument cluster (not shown) of the vehicle.
[040] The control unit 118 is also communicably coupled to one or more sensors (not shown) in the vehicle 102. The control unit 118 based on information received from the one or more sensors is adapted to determine one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises a vehicle speed sensor, a Rotation Per Minute (RPM) sensor and an ignition sensor of the vehicle.
[041] In an embodiment, the vehicle speed sensor is located on the front wheel 120 or the rear wheel of the vehicle 102. The vehicle speed sensor is adapted to provide information pertaining to rate of rotation of the front wheel 120 or the rear wheel, to the control unit 118. The vehicle speed sensor may be a position sensor, or a hall effect sensor as known in the art.
[042] In an embodiment, the RPM sensor is located within the prime mover of the vehicle 102. The RPM sensor is adapted to procure information pertaining to actuation of the prime mover. In an embodiment, if the prime mover is an Internal Combustion (IC) engine, the RPM sensor is adapted to procure information pertaining to speed of rotation of a crankshaft (not shown). In an embodiment, if the prime more is an electric motor, the RPM sensor is adapted to procure information pertaining to the speed of rotation of a motor shaft (not shown) of the electric motor.
[043] In an embodiment, the ignition sensor is located within an ignition unit (not shown) of the vehicle 102. The ignition sensor is adapted to provide information whether the ignition unit is in an ON condition or in an OFF condition.
[044] The control unit 118 on receiving the information pertaining to the rate of rotation of the front wheel 120 or the rear wheel from the vehicle speed sensor, is adapted to determine a vehicle speed. Also, the control unit 118 on receiving information pertaining to actuation of the prime mover from the RPM sensor, is adapted to determine the speed of the prime mover. Further, the control unit 118 on receiving information pertaining the ignition unit from the ignition sensor, is adapted to determine whether the ignition unit is in the ON condition or on the OFF condition.
[045] The control unit 118 is adapted to enable the actuator 114 to operate the one or more guide members 104 from the first position FP to the second position SP, when each of the one or more operating parameters reach a first predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, the control unit 118 is adapted to operate the one or more guide members 104 from the first position FP to the second position SP, when the ignition is in ON condition and/or the vehicle speed is “zero” and/or when the speed of the prime mover is in an idle condition. In an embodiment, the speed of prime mover is in the idle condition when the speed of the prime mover is less than 1600 RPM. Consequently, the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are operated to the extended position EP by the control unit 118, when each of the one or more operating parameters reach the first predetermined condition.
[046] Further, the control unit 118 is adapted to operate the one or more guide members 104 from the second position SP to the first position FP, when each of the one or more vehicle operating condition reach a second predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, the control unit 118 is adapted to operate the one or more guide members 104 from the second position SP to the first position FP, when the ignition is in OFF condition, the vehicle speed is “zero” and when the speed of the prime mover is zero. Consequently, the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are operated to the retracted position RP by the control unit 118, when each of the one or more operating parameters reach the second predetermined condition.
[047] In an embodiment, the control unit 118 enables the user to control the extension of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b based on size requirement for placing and transporting the article or baggage. In an embodiment, the control unit 118 is adapted to operate the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP until the switch 116 is actuated to the ON condition by the user. Upon releasing the switch 116, the switch 116 is actuated to the OFF condition and accordingly, the control unit 118 prevents further extension of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP.
[048] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for operating the floorboard assembly 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 500 is being implemented or performed by the control unit 118, which can be the vehicle control unit of the vehicle 102. The method 500 provides steps involved for operating the floorboard assembly 100 from the retracted position RP to the extended position EP.
[049] At step 502, the control unit 118 determines based on the information from the ignition sensor, whether the ignition unit is in the ON condition or the OFF condition. If the ignition unit is in the ON condition, the control unit 118 moves to step 504.
[050] At step 504, the control unit 118 determines if the switch 116 is operated by the user. Upon determining actuation of the switch 116 to the ON condition, which can be through a long press for at least 10 seconds, the control unit 118 moves to step 506.
[051] At step 506, the control unit 118 determines the one or more operating conditions of the vehicle 102 based on the information received from the one or more sensors. Particularly, if the control unit 118 determines that the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 102 have reached the first predetermined threshold, the control unit 118 moves to step 512. Else, the control unit 118 moves to step 510 to allow riding of the vehicle 102. In the present embodiment, the control unit 118 determines that the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 102 have reached the first predetermined threshold, when the ignition is in ON condition and/or the vehicle speed is “zero” and/or when the speed of the prime mover is in an idle condition.
[052] At step 512, the control unit 118 enables operation of the actuator 114 through the battery pack. Operating the actuator 114 correspondingly moves the one or more guide members 104 and thereby the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP from the retracted position RP. In an embodiment, the one or more guide members 104 may actuate the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP linearly, when the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are slidably mounted to the main floorboard 108. In an embodiment, the one or more guide members 104 may actuate the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP pivotally, when the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are hingedly mounted to the main floorboard 108. Upon actuation of the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b to the extended position EP, the one or more guide members 104 are adapted to be in-flush or in-level with the main floorboard 108 and/or the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b, thereby maintaining a substantial stock ride height (or ground clearance) of the vehicle 102.
[053] Subsequently, the control unit 118 moves to step 514, wherein the control unit 118 provides a notification to the user through the instrument cluster. The notification can be a visual notification in the form of text such as “floorboard expanded” or through illuminating an icon in the instrument cluster and the like. Alternatively, the notification can be a haptic notification provided through a haptic device mounted in the vehicle 102 or through audible notification provided through an audible device that is disposed in the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the haptic device can be mounted at a handle grip portion of the handlebar and the audible device may be provided in the instrument cluster of the vehicle 102 as per requirement.
[054] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 for operating the floorboard assembly 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 600 is being implemented or performed by the control unit 118, which can be the vehicle control unit of the vehicle 102. The method 600 provides steps involved for operating the floorboard assembly 100 from the extended position EP to the retracted position RP.
[055] At step 602, the control unit 118 determines, based on the information from the ignition sensor, whether the ignition unit is in the ON condition or the OFF condition. If the ignition unit is in the OFF condition, the control unit 118 moves to step 604.
[056] At step 604, the control unit 118 determines if the vehicle is halted. That is, the control unit 118 based on the information received from the vehicle speed sensor, determines the speed of the vehicle 102. If the speed of the vehicle is zero, the control unit 118 determines that the vehicle 102 is halted. At this scenario, the control unit 118 moves to step 608. If the speed of the vehicle 102 is determined to be greater than zero, the control unit 118 moves to step 606 and allows movement or driving of the vehicle 102.
[057] At step 608, the control unit 118 disables the actuator 114, thereby retracting the one or more guide members 104 from the second position SP to the first position FP. Alternatively, at step 608, the control unit 118 operates the actuator 114 such that the actuator shaft 114a retracts, thereby retracting the one or more guide members 104 from the second position SP to the first position FP. Consequently, at step 610, the one or more floorboard panels 106a, 106b are retracted to the retracted position RP from the extended position EP.
[058] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of providing the one or more floorboard panels that is capable of being operated to the extended position from the retracted position provides a larger floorboard space to the user, thereby enabling the user to place and transport larger baggage or items on the vehicle. Also, providing the one or more guide members facilitate smooth movement of the one or more floorboard panels between the retracted position and the extended position. Also, the one or more guide members enhance structural rigidity of the floorboard assembly, and thus enhance weight bearing capacity of the floorboard assembly, especially, when the floorboard assembly is in the extended position. Moreover, the one or more guide members being connected to the actuator and the control unit, makes the floorboard assembly operate electronically, thereby mitigating the need for manual effort from the user for extending the floorboard assembly. Additionally, the control unit is adapted to operate the floorboard assembly to the extended position based on the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. Thus, the floorboard assembly of the present invention ensures safety to the user while extending the floorboard assembly. Furthermore, the floorboard panels are provided beneath or below the main floorboard. Consequently, enhances aesthetics of the vehicle.
[059] 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.

Reference Numerals and Characters
100 – Floorboard assembly
102 – Vehicle
104 – One or more guide members
106a, 106b – One or more floorboard panels
108 – Main floorboard
110 – First guide member
112 – Second guide member
114 – Actuator
114a – Actuator shaft
116 – Switch
118 – Control unit
120 – Front wheel
122 – Seat assembly
FP – First position
SP - Second position
EP – Extended position
RP – Retracted position
, Claims:1. A floorboard assembly (100) for a vehicle (102), the floorboard assembly (100) comprising:
one or more guide members (104) mounted on a frame member of the vehicle (102), the one or more guide members (104) being adapted to be movable between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP); and
one or more floorboard panels (106a, 106b) being coupled to the one or more guide members (104), the one or more guide members (104) in the second position (SP) being adapted to deploy the one or more floorboard panels (106a, 106b) to an extended position (EP),
wherein the one or more floorboard panels (106a, 106b) in the extended position (EP) being adapted to protrude beyond a main floorboard (108) along a left-right direction of the vehicle (102).

2. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more guide members (104) comprises a first guide member (110) and a second guide member (112), the first guide member (110) being adapted to move relative to the second guide member (112) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

3. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first guide member (110) being coupled to an actuator (114), the actuator (114) being adapted to slide the first guide member (110) relative to the second guide member (112) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

4. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the actuator (114) being communicably coupled to a switch (116) through a control unit (118), the actuator (114) being adapted to operate the one or more guide members (104) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) in response to actuation of the switch (116).

5. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (118) being configured to enable the actuator (114) to operate the one or more guide members (104) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP), upon determining actuation of the switch (116) for a preset duration of time.

6. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (118) being adapted to determine one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (102), the control unit (118) being configured to enable the actuator (114) to operate the one or more guide members (104) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP), when each of the one or more operating parameters reach a first predetermined condition.

7. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control unit (118) being adapted to determine one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (102), the one or more operating parameters comprising:
a vehicle speed;
an ignition condition of the vehicle (102); and
a speed of actuation of a prime mover in the vehicle (102).

8. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (118) being adapted to operate the one or more guide members (104) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) to operate the one or more floorboard panels (106a, 106b) to a retracted position (RP), when each of the one or more vehicle operating parameters reach a second predetermined condition.

9. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more floorboard panels (106a, 106b) being slidably mounted beneath the main floorboard (108) of the vehicle (102).

10. The floorboard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more floorboard panels (106a, 106b) comprises one or more left floorboard panels (106a) and one or more right floorboard panels (106b), the one or more left floorboard panels (106a, 106b) extending leftwardly from the main floorboard (108) and the one or more right floorboard (106b) panels extend rightwardly from the main floorboard (108), when the one or more guide members (104) are actuated to the second position (SP).