DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a footrest assembly for the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a footrest assembly is provided on both sides of a two wheeled vehicle to receive a rider’s feet. Additional footrest assembly is provided substantially back of the two wheeled vehicle to receive a pillion passenger’s feet. By providing footrests in the two wheeled vehicle, the rider is benefited by way of comfortable gear shifting and braking, and the pillion passenger is benefited by way of safe positioning of his foot during the ride. There are various different types of two wheeled vehicles that are present for different usage and purposes. In one particular type of two wheeled vehicle, has a step-through structure with an internal combustion engine mounted at the bottom of the step-through structure. Here, conventionally the rider’s footrest assembly is either attached to a frame of such a two wheeled vehicle or attached to the internal combustion engine. This exposes the footrest assembly to impact loads generated due to road gradients and vehicle banking during a turn. Hence, the design and positioning of the footrest assembly is a very crucial part of the two wheeled vehicle design as it is subjected to various types of loading and forces. Hence, there arises a need to design the footrest assembly effectively to minimise the damage done to various parts of the two wheeled vehicle due to loads applied on the footrest assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0001] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0002] Fig. 1 illustrates the left side view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle employing an embodiment of the present invention.
[0003] Fig. 2 illustrates the perspective view of a frame of the two wheeled vehicle employing a footrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0004] Fig. 3 illustrates the bottom perspective view of an assembly comprising the frame and an internal combustion engine of the two wheeled vehicle employing a footrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0005] Fig. 4 illustrates the perspective view of the engine footrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig. 5 illustrates the side view of the footrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a step-through type two wheeled vehicle. However it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the spirit of the present invention. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[0008] In a two wheeled vehicle, the requirement of a footrest assembly is essential as it provides the necessary support to the feet of the rider. In some types of two wheelers, usually with a step-through arrangement, the internal combustion engine is constrained to be positioned below the step-through structure. In such cases, the position of the footrest assembly plays a more important role. Further, the aesthetics of the footrest assembly also add to the physical appearance of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[0009] Usually, in two wheeled vehicle, the footrest assembly is attached to the frame of the two wheeled vehicle. But some two wheeled vehicles have a single tubular structure called the main-tube extends rearwardly from the head-tube towards a rear portion of the vehicle. Various vehicle components that include the engine assembly, a fuel tank, a seat assembly, and a seat assembly are mounted to the frame assembly. Generally, the vehicle has a naked appearance and majority of the vehicle components are exposed to the atmosphere. Here, the internal combustion engine is located below the step-through structure is also exposed. In the event of any shock loads coming onto the foot rest assembly while negotiating a bump due to lower ground clearance, there is possibility this shock load directly transmitted to the internal combustion engine. This can cause damage to the whole internal combustion engine.
[00010] The conventional footrest assembly employed in the above two wheeled vehicle comprises of a foot-rest tube with a boss like face on either end, over which a foot peg sleeve made of a flexible material, such as, rubber or synthetic resin having ridges is provided to dampen vibration and give a better grip to support the feet of the rider. The foot-rest tube is secured to the internal combustion engine of the two wheeled vehicle such it extends from the opposite sides of the vehicle. The position of the rider footrest and the pillion passenger footrest with respect to the seat and with respect to the ground is ergonomically important and depends upon the vehicle geometry.
[00011] In the two wheeled vehicle as described above, due to design constraints and ergonomic considerations of the rider, the footrest assembly is attached to the internal combustion engine crankcase. Additionally, the footrest assembly can have additionally protection members to protect critical areas of the crankcase. The location of the footrest assembly being located substantially near the bottom of the two wheeled vehicle, when the two wheeled vehicle encountered speed breakers on the path it is traveling or during vehicle banking while making a turn the footrest assembly is subjected to high impact loads. Since, the footrest assembly is attached to the crankcase of the internal combustion engine; subsequently these loads are transferred to the crankcase and may lead to catastrophic failure of the crankcase. The major critical parts of the crankcase of the internal combustion engine include automatic chain tensioner and engine oil drain plug. Also certain critical zones of the crankcase needs to be protected which include cover clutch to LH crankcase joint, and LH crankcase to RH crankcase joint. In a step through vehicle, whenever rider footrest is mounted to the crank case, there is a possibility of crank case / engine breakage due to the impact load on the footrest. The cost of repair of the crank case is generally very high and also consumes more time.
[00012] Hence, it is the object of the present invention to provide a footrest assembly of a step-through type two wheeled vehicle which is mounted on the frame of the step-through type two wheeled vehicle.
[00013] Another objective of the present invention is to use engine mounting points on the frame of the two wheeled vehicle to attach the footrest assembly without the need to provide additional brackets on the frame of the vehicle.
[00014] Another object of the present invention is to protect the internal combustion engine from damage due to application of high loads.
[00015] Another object of the present invention is to provide provision for side stand mounting to be integrally attached to the footrest assembly.
[00016] Another object of the present invention is that, the two wheeled vehicle can glide over when it encounters a speed breaker.
[00017] Another objective of the present invention is that, the muffler assembly and disassembly is possible easily without disassembly of the footrest assembly thus providing ease of serviceability.
[00018] With the above design changes, the following advantages can be obtained such as good ergonomic comfort to rider, the footrest assembly is mounted to the frame thus avoiding damage of internal combustion engine, no separate mounting boss and provision necessary in internal combustion engine crankcase to mount the footrest, the design ensures more than 80% of the internal combustion engine surface is protected, and the ability of the two wheeled vehicle to glide over the speed-breaker and absorb high loads.
[00019] In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention is a two wheeled vehicle, which comprises a frame including a main-tube having a step-through structure, a front engine mounting bracket and a rear engine mounting bracket attached to the main-tube, an internal combustion engine disposed below the main-tube, and a rider footrest assembly. The internal combustion engine is configured to be attached to the front mounting bracket and the rear engine mounting bracket. The rider footrest assembly comprises a foot-rest tube, a U-shaped tube, a connector tube having one end attached to the curved portion of the U-shaped tube, and a means to connect the other end of the connector tube and the foot rest tube to the main-tube. The U-shaped tube is a curved tube shaped substantially U-shaped and its both ends are attached to the foot-rest tube. The footrest assembly is assembled such that, it is attached to the front engine mounting bracket and the rear engine mounting bracket and is disposed below the internal combustion engine.
[00020] The above assembly addresses the drawbacks discussed above as it not only provides for receiving a rider’s feet for providing ergonomic comfort to the rider, but also protects the underside of the internal combustion engine from damage and failure.
[00021] In the embodiment of the present invention, the means to connect the other end of the connector tube and the foot rest tube to the main-tube is effected by two brackets. A front bracket disposed at the other end of the connector tube and a rear bracket disposed on the foot rest tube. The footrest assembly is connected at the front bracket to the front mounting bracket, and the rear bracket is connected at the rear mounting bracket. Fasteners and nut assembly is used to make the above connections.
[00022] In the embodiment of the present invention, a cross tube is used to connected the two substantially straight portions of the U-shaped tube to provide strength and stiffness to the footrest assembly. Additionally it also covers certain critical areas of the bottom part of the internal combustion engine like for example the drain plug. The cross tube also has a small metal member attached to the surface of the cross tube facing the internal combustion engine. This controls the travel of the footrest assembly to the internal combustion engine in case of any impact loading condition on the footrest assembly.
[00023] In the embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped tube is concavely curved at its circular end, the concavity is configured to face the internal combustion engine. This arrangement ensures that in the event of encountering any speed breaker which may impact the footrest assembly, the smooth curved convex profile below the two wheeled vehicle ensures it can glide our the speed breaker, hence not only avoiding a potential high impact load on the bottom of the internal combustion engine also enables it to easilty distribute the load to prevent any stress concentration at any particular part of the footrest assembly.
[00024] In the embodiment of the present invention, foot-rest tube is designed to be at different planes to provide ergonomic comfort while support the rider’s feet.
[00025] In the embodiment of the present invention, a side stand bracket is provided in the footrest assembly to provide provision to support a side stand for the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00026] In the embodiment of the present invention, additionally to provide strength and stiffness of the footrest assembly in event of application of high loads, and also aid in stress distribution and prevent stress concentration at any particular location, an elongated bracket and an elongated structural member disposed below the attachment of the U-shaped tube and the foot-rest tube.
[00027] In the embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped tube has a profile that is flattened on the top facing circumferential surface and bottom facing circumferential surface to provide for larger surface contact of the U-shaped tube over the internal combustion engine, and also to aid in smooth absorption and provide smooth gliding capability of the two wheeled vehicle, when a speed breaker is encountered.
[00028] The present invention along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00029] Fig. 1. illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled type-through type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The vehicle (100) has a frame assembly (105) extending from a front portion (F) to a rear portion (R) in a longitudinal axis (F-R) of the two wheeled vehicle (100), which acts as the skeleton for bearing the loads. In the present embodiment, the frame assembly is a mono-tube type frame assembly (105) that includes a head tube (204), a horizontal portion (202), a downward portion (203), and a rear portion (201). The downward portion (203) extends rearwardly downwards from a head tube (204) and is disposed in the front portion (F). The horizontal portion (202) is substantially horizontal to the longitudinal axis (F-R) and extending rearward from the downward portion (202). The rear portion (201) extends rearwardly upward from the horizontal portion (203), said rear portion (201) further extending rearwardly and substantially horizontally towards the rear portion (R). A handle bar assembly (115) is pivotally disposed through the head-tube (204). The handle bar assembly (115) is connected to a front wheel (110) by one or more front suspension(s) (120). A front fender (125) is disposed above the front wheel (110) for covering at least a portion of the front wheel (110). A fuel tank (130) is mounted to the downward portion (203) of the frame assembly (105) and it is disposed in the front portion F of a step-through structure of the frame assembly (105). The power unit (135) is mounted to the horizontal portion (202). In an embodiment, the power unit (135) is an internal combustion engine (135). The fuel tank (130) is functionally connected to the power unit (135). In an embodiment, a piston axis of the engine is horizontal i.e. parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (100). A swing arm (140) is swingably connected to the frame assembly (105). A rear wheel (145) is rotatably supported by the swing arm (140). One or more rear suspension(s) (150), which are connecting the swing arm (140) at an angle, to sustain both the radial and axial forces occurring due to wheel reaction, to the frame assembly (105). A rear fender (155) is disposed above the rear wheel (145). A seat assembly (160A, 160B) is disposed at a rear portion R of the step-through structure. In an embodiment, the seat assembly (160) includes a rider seat (160A) and a pillion seat (160B). Further, the seat assembly (160) is positioned above the rear wheel (145).The vehicle is supported by a centre stand mounted to the frame assembly (105). A floorboard (165) is mounted to the down-tube (105C). The floorboard (165) covers at least a portion of the power unit (135).
[00030] The internal combustion (IC) engine of the power unit (135) includes an, an air intake system (not shown), an exhaust system (not shown), and a starter system (not shown). The starter system includes an electric starter mechanism or a mechanical starter mechanism. The electrical starter system is powered by an auxiliary power source, for cranking the IC engine. Power generated by IC engine is transferred to the rear wheel (145) through a transmission system (not shown).
[00031] Fig. 2 illustrates the perspective view of a frame of the two wheeled vehicle (100) employing a footrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal portion (202) has two brackets, namely the front engine mounting bracket (206) and rear engine mounting bracket (205). The internal combustion engine (135) is mounted on the frame assembly at these two points on the front engine mounting bracket (206) and rear engine mounting bracket (205) by means of fasteners and nut arrangement. The footrest assembly is disposed below the horizontal portion (202). The footrest assembly has two brackets, namely front bracket (408) and rear bracket (407) which is mounted on the frame assembly at the same mounting points on the front engine mounting bracket (206) and rear engine mounting bracket (205) respectively. This is advantageous as, the footrest assembly is connected to the frame assembly (105) of the two wheeled vehicle (100), and no provisions for additional fitments are required to be arranged on the frame assembly (105). When the footrest assembly is mounted on the frame assembly (105), there is a space created inside the footrest assembly and below the horizontal portion (202). The space created and the contours of the space are designed such that the mounted internal combustion engine (135) fits perfectly in the space designed.
[00032] This arrangement ensures that the footrest assembly is mounted on the frame assembly and any application of load is directed towards the frame assembly and not the internal combustion engine. Hence, this arrangement eliminates the need to mount the footrest assembly on the internal combustion engine and prevents catastrophic failure of the internal combustion engine crankcase. Additional provisions such a plurality of bosses on the lower surface of the crankcase of the internal combustion engine to mount the footrest assembly can be eliminated. This saves cost, and reduces complexity in manufacturing of crankcase.
[00033] Fig. 3 illustrates the bottom perspective view of an assembly comprising the frame assembly (105) and an internal combustion engine (135) of the two wheeled vehicle employing the footrest assembly (400) according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is seen that, the footrest assembly (400) is designed such that its contours fit in perfectly accommodating the internal combustion engine (135). This acts like an engine guard protecting the important and critical areas of the internal combustion engine (135). Such critical areas include an engine oil drain hole (301), automatic chain tensioner (302) and critical zones such as cover clutch to LH crankcase joint and LH crankcase to RH crankcase joint. A U-shaped tube (402) along with a cross tube (405) of a part of the footrest assembly (400) forms a protective guard around a engine oil drain hole (301). The curved portion of U-shaped tube (402) is located just below the automatic chain tensioner (302), thus protecting the automatic chain tensioner (302) from any load when the two wheeled vehicle travels over a speed-breaker. Additionally, the U-shaped tube (402) has a profile that is concavely curved from its horizontal axis (A-A) and the concavity is configured to face the internal combustion engine (see plane B-B). Additionally, the U-shaped tube (402) has a profile that is bashed, so as to provide a flat surface both on top and bottom surface. This arrangement ensures that, even if the two wheeled vehicle (100) encounters a speed-breaker, the load will not directly impact the footrest assembly (400) and the two wheeled vehicle (100) will glide over the speed-breaker avoiding any potential catastrophic loads on the two wheeled vehicle (100) and internal combustion engine (135).
[00034] Fig. 4 illustrates the perspective view of the engine footrest assembly (400) according to the embodiment of the present invention. The footrest assembly (400) comprises a foot-rest tube (401), the U-shaped tube (402), a connector tube (403), a cross tube (405), a side stand bracket (404) and a means to connect the footrest assembly to the down-tube. The foot-rest tube (401) is a long tube with a straight profile at a substantially central portion (401a) of the foot-tube (401), with the foot-rest tube (401) having a plurality of bends on either end portions, and again having a substantially straight portion at its very end. The flat portion at both the ends have a boss like surface, over which a foot peg sleeve (410a and 410b) made of a flexible material such as, rubber or synthetic resin having ridges, is received. The substantially central portion of the foot-rest tube (401) is located at a different plane as compared to the plane at which the foot peg sleeve (410a and 410b) is located. As illustrated in the figure, the ends of the foot-rest tube (410a and 410b) are located in a plane X-X. The Substantially central portion (401a) of the foot-rest tube (401) is located in a plane Y-Y. The plurality of bends located at either end, permit the foot-rest tube to be bent such that the foot peg sleeve (410a and 410b) is located in plane X-X. This arrangement ensures, the contours created by the profile of foot-rest tube (401) matches perfectly with the internal combustion engine (135). Additionally, this provides the added advantage of mounting the foot-rest tube (401) by the rear bracket (407) to the rear engine mounting bracket (205) and at the same time provides ergonomic comfort to the rider to support his feet. The rear bracket (407) is located in the centre (401a) of the foot-rest tube (401), through which the footrest assembly (400) is mounted on the engine rear mounting bracket (205) using fasteners and nut arrangement. The U-shaped tube (402), has a U shape with its both the ends welded on the substantially central portion (401a) of the foot-rest tube (401). The curved portion of the U-shaped tube (401) has a lower bracket (407) on which one end of the connector tube (405) is attached to the lower bracket (409) by fasteners. The cross tube (405) is welded at the two straight portions of the U-shaped tube (402). Since, a long portion of the U-shaped tube (402) is only connected to the foot-rest tube (401) at one end and connector tube (403) by means of bracket. The centre portion of the U-shaped tube (402) may become weak to withstand high loads. The cross tube (405) which is position in a direction perpendicular to the straight portions of the U-shaped tube (402), provide the necessary strength to support the U-shaped tube (402). Additionally, the cross tube (405) is positioned such that, the critical components such as for example, the engine oil drain hole (301) is guarded by the cross tube (405). The cross tube (405) also has a small metal member (406) is integrally welded to the centre of the face (405a) of the cross tube (405) and that face (405a) facing a direction towards the internal combustion engine (135). This stopper (406) controls the travel of the footrest assembly (400) to the internal combustion engine (135). The connector tube (403) is a long slender tube, with L-shaped bend at both its ends. It connects the U-shaped tube (402) to the front engine mounting bracket (408). While one end of the connector tube (403) is connected to the lower bracket (409) at the curved portion of the U-shaped tube (402) by fasteners, the other end has a front bracket (408) which is used to mount the footrest assembly (400) on the front engine mounting bracket (205) by fasteners and nut assembly. A side stand bracket (404) is welded to the foot-rest tube (401) on its lefthand side as viewed when the two wheeled vehicle is seen from rear to front. The side stand bracket (404) can accommodate a side stand (207) which is used as a stand when the two wheeled vehicle is parked.
[00035] There is an elongated structural bracket (411) welded below the attachment of the U-shaped tube (402) and the foot-rest tube (401) and it is configured to provide structural strength to prevent the foot-rest tube (401) from deforming on application of load. It is a thin elongated metal bracket which extends from one end of the foot-rest tube (401) to the other end in a single plane. Primarily the elongated structural bracket (411) is used to provide structural strength from horizontal loads that arise from vehicle weight applied through the side stand during parking, and horizontal loads during a vehicle crash.
[00036] There are two elongated structural members disposed below the foot-rest tube, located behind the foot-rest tube and on either side of the rear bracket and it is configured to provide structural strength to prevent the foot-rest tube from deforming on application of load. Primarily the elongated structural member is used to provide structural strength from vertical loads that arise from vehicle weight applied due to rider’s weight as applied to the foot-rest tube when it supports the rider’s feet.
[00037] Fig. 5 illustrates the side view of the footrest assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here it is seen that, the U-shaped tube (402) having a central portion (402a) has a profile that is concavely curved from its horizontal axis (A-A) and the concavity is configured to face the internal combustion engine (see plane B-B). Additionally, the U-shaped tube (402) has a profile that is bashed, so as to provide a flat surface both on top and bottom surface. This arrangement ensures that, even if the two wheeled vehicle (100) encounters a speed-breaker, the load will not directly impact the footrest assembly (400) and the two wheeled vehicle (100) will glide over the speed-breaker avoiding any potential catastrophic loads on the two wheeled vehicle (100) and internal combustion engine (135).
[00038] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A two wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (105) extending from a front portion (F) to a rear portion (R) in a longitudinal axis (F-R) of the two wheeled vehicle (100), said frame assembly (105) comprising a horizontal portion (202) substantially horizontal to the longitudinal axis (F-R); and
an internal combustion engine (135) disposed below the horizontal portion (203) and mounted on said frame assembly (105);
wherein,
a footrest assembly (400) comprising a foot-rest tube (401) extending on either side in the two wheeled vehicle width direction is disposed below the internal combustion engine (135), and said foot-rest assembly (400) is attached to the frame assembly (105).

2. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame assembly (105) further comprising:
a downward portion (203) extending rearwardly downwards from a head tube (204) and disposed in the front portion (F);
a rear portion (201) extending rearwardly upward from rear of the horizontal portion (203), said rear portion (201) further extending rearwardly and substantially horizontally towards the rear portion (R);
a front engine mounting bracket (206) and a rear engine mounting bracket (205) mounted on the frame assembly (105), said front engine mounting bracket (206) and the rear engine mounting bracket (205) configured to enable mounting of the internal combustion engine (135); and
said foot-rest assembly (400) is attached to the front engine mounting bracket (206) and the rear engine mounting bracket (205) on the frame assembly (105).
3. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the footrest assembly (400) further comprises:
an U-shaped tube (402) having its both the ends attached to the foot rest tube (401);
a connector tube (403) connecting the U-shaped tube (402) to the front engine mounting bracket (206); and
a cross tube (405) connecting the two substantially straight portions of the U-shaped tube (402).
4. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the connector tube (403) is connected to the front engine mounting bracket (206) by a front bracket (408), and wherein the foot-rest tube (401) is connected to the rear engine mounting bracket (205) by a rear bracket (407).
5. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the cross tube (405) comprises a small metal member (406) integrally attached to that face (405a) of the cross tube (405) facing the facing the internal combustion engine (135).
6. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the profile of the U-shaped tube (402) having a central portion (402a) is concavely curved from a horizontal plane (A-A) to face the internal combustion engine (135).
7. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the substantially central portion (401a) of the foot-rest tube (401) is located in a different plane with reference to the ends of the foot-rest tube (410a and 410b), and wherein the foot-rest tube (401) is configured to provide a boss at both its end, to accommodate a foot peg sleeve (410a and 410b) on both the ends.
8. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the footrest assembly (400) comprises an elongated structural bracket (411) disposed below the junction of attachment of the U-shaped tube (402) and the foot-rest tube (401).
9. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the footrest assembly (400) comprises an elongated structural member (412) disposed below and integrally attached to the central portion (401a) of the foot-rest tube (401) and configured to provide structural strength to prevent the foot-rest tube (401) from deforming on application of load.
10. The two wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot-rest tube (401) has a side-stand bracket (404) attached to any one end, and configured to mount a side-stand (207) for the two wheeled vehicle (100).