Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting of a brake pedal on the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in a saddle type vehicle, especially a motorcycle type saddle type vehicle, the brake operating member for operating the rear brake is a brake pedal that is detachably attached on the right side of the vehicle. The brake pedal may be detachably attached either on the frame of the vehicle or on the footrest mounting portion or bracket. In case of the brake pedal being detachably attached on the footrest mounting portion or bracket, fasteners and mounting bosses are used. Usage of these fasteners and mounting bosses on footrest and brake pedal consume space which affects or hinders rider leg movement while operating the brake pedal.
[003] Such hinderance caused in the movement of brake pedal affects braking performance and braking feel for the rider, thereby deteriorating overall riding experience and vehicle performance.
[004] In cases where brake pedal is detachably attached to the footrest mounting portion, it is thus of paramount importance to understand the effect of distance between foot peg and the operating and mounting point of the brake pedal operating and mounting point. This distance is one of the key parameters of brake performance. Moreover, the brake pedal mounting needs to be done with the ergonomic movement of the rider leg in mind, while having consideration for positioning of surrounding vehicle parts. Thus, provision of the brake pedal on the footrest mounting portion remains a challenge.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle having a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and a pair of pivot plates extending downwardly from the main frame. One or more cross members extend between the pair of pivot plates and the one or more cross members have at least a bottom cross member. A first bracket is mounted on one of the pivot plates of the pair of pivot plates. The first bracket is configured to support a foot peg. The first bracket has a first mounting slot. A brake pedal is configured to be supported on the first mounting slot of the first bracket, wherein the first mounting slot overlaps with the bottom cross member in a vehicle side view.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom cross member has a substantially hollow cross section.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pair of pivot plates has a left side pivot plate and a right side pivot plate.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first mounting slot is configured for receiving a primary fastener, thereby supporting the first bracket on the right side pivot plate.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the primary fastener is provided at least partially inside the bottom cross member.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the brake pedal extends substantially forwardly in the vehicle rear-front direction between a rear portion and a front portion.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the brake pedal is supported on the first bracket at the rear portion.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the brake pedal has a projection extending in a vehicle width direction from the front portion of the brake pedal. The projection is configured to receive a toe portion of a foot of a rider for operation of the brake pedal.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first bracket is configured to support a master cylinder that stores hydraulic fluid for braking operation.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the brake pedal is operatively connected to the master cylinder at the rear portion of the brake pedal, thereby being capable of actuating the master cylinder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] 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 left side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the saddle view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a right side perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a first bracket on the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a magnified exploded view of the first bracket on the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of a bottom cross member and the first bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the first bracket with a foot peg and a brake pedal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the first bracket with the foot peg and the brake pedal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to mounting of a brake pedal on a saddle type vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed or a traction motor (not shown). Preferably, the Internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type direct injection internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 40. The frame member includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), a main frame 24, a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front forks 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front forks 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front forks 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A head light 32, a visor guard 33 and an instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The frame member having the down tube (not shown) may be located in front of the internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 of the frame member is located above the internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe 22. The internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main frame 24. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[019] The fuel tank 40 of the vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame 24. Seat rails are joined to the main frame 24 and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 or through two suspensions (not shown) on either side of the vehicle 10. A taillight unit 37 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive 39 from the internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[020] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the Internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the Internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[021] The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 50 connected to the head pipe 22 of the frame member and extending in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar 50 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements.
[022] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As mentioned earlier, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the head pipe 22 and the main frame 24 extending rearwardly from the head pipe 22. Further, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a pair of pivot plates 60 that extend downwardly from the main frame 24. The rear swing arm 34 is attached to the pair of pivot plates 60 for swingably supporting the rear wheel 16 of the saddle type vehicle 10.
[023] The saddle type vehicle 10 has one or more cross members extending between the pair of pivot plates 60. The one or more cross members provide structural integrity and greater strength to the saddle type vehicle 10, while also acting as potential mounting supports for various vehicle components. The one or more cross members have at least a bottom cross member 62. The bottom cross member 62 is provided such that the bottom cross member 62 extends between the pair of pivot plates 60 towards the bottom of the pair of pivot plates 60. In an embodiment, the bottom cross member 62 has a hollow cross section.
[024] In an embodiment, the pair of the pivot plates 60 comprise a left side pivot plate (not shown) and a right side pivot plate 60A, and the bottom cross member 62 extends between the left side pivot plate and the right side pivot plate 60A towards their respective bottom ends.
[025] The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a first bracket 100 that is mounted on one of the pivot plates of the pair of pivot plates 60. Herein, the first bracket 100 is configured to support a foot peg 110. The foot peg 110 is mounted on the first bracket 100 by means of one or more auxiliary fasteners. The foot peg 110 is provided to receive a foot of the rider whereby the rider can rest their foot on the foot peg 110.
[026] Further, the first bracket 100 has a first mounting slot 120. The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a brake pedal 130, which can be operated by the rider for a braking operation. In an embodiment, the brake pedal 130 is in connection with a master cylinder 150 that stores the hydraulic fluid for braking operation.
[027] The brake pedal 130 is configured to be supported on the first mounting slot 120 of the first bracket 100. The brake pedal 130 is pivotably supported on the first mounting slot 120 of the first bracket 100, so as to allow brake pedal 130 to pivotably move in a vertical plane for operation of the brakes. The rider can rest their foot on the foot peg 110 and use their foot, or specifically their toe portion to operate the brake pedal 130. Herein, as referenced in Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6, the first mounting slot 120 overlaps with the bottom cross member 62 in a vehicle side view.
[028] Such a configuration in which the first mounting slot 120 overlaps with the bottom cross member 62 in a vehicle side view, allows for the first mounting slot 120 to receive a primary fastener 122 that passes on to the right side pivot plate 60A, thereby supporting the first bracket 100 on the right side pivot plate 60A. The brake pedal 130 is also supported on the first bracket 100 by means of the primary fastener 122 passing though the first mounting slot 120. In an embodiment, the primary fastener 122 is provided at least partially inside the bottom cross member 62. This allows for the brake pedal 130 to be detachably mounted on the first bracket 100 that supports the foot peg 110, in a compact manner, without creating a hinderance to the movement of the rider leg, as the primary fastener 122 is positioned away from the foot peg 110.
[029] Reference is made to Figure 6, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the brake pedal 130 extends substantially forwardly in the vehicle rear-front direction between a rear portion 130B and a front portion 130A. In that, the brake pedal 130 is supported on the first bracket 100 at the rear portion 130B of the brake pedal 130.
[030] For allowing the rider to operate the brake pedal 130 by their foot, as further illustrated in Figure 6, the brake pedal 130 comprises a projection 136 that extends in a vehicle width direction from the front portion 130A of the brake pedal 130. The projection 136 is configured to receive a toe portion of a foot of a rider for operation of the brake pedal 130. As mentioned earlier, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a master cylinder 150 that stores hydraulic fluid for braking operation. In an embodiment, the master cylinder 150 is connected to a brake calliper and a brake disc provided on the rear wheel 16 for braking operation of the rear wheel 16. In an embodiment as illustrated in Figure 6 and 7, the first bracket 100 is configured to support the master cylinder 150 in addition to the foot peg 110 and the brake pedal 130. The brake pedal 130 is operatively connected to the master cylinder 150 at the rear portion 130B of the brake pedal 130, thereby being capable of actuating the master cylinder 150. Movement of the toe portion of the rider is received by the projection 136, and the subsequent movement of the projection 136 is transmitted to the master cylinder 150 via the front portion 130A and the rear portion 130B of the brake pedal 130, thereby actuating the hydraulic brakes.
[031] Advantageously, the present invention provides for a mounting bracket which supports the foot peg, the brake pedal and the master cylinder, thereby providing a saddle type vehicle with a lower part count, which contributes towards reduction in vehicle weight, and cost of assembly.
[032] Further, the brake pedal being detachably attached on the first mounting bracket such that the primary fastener is partially provided inside the bottom cross member means that the primary fastener cannot hinder with the movement of the rider leg, which not only provides for a more compact packaging of the vehicle, but better braking performance and rider feel.
[033] 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.
 
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (22);
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (22);
a pair of pivot plates (60) extending downwardly from the main frame (24);
one or more cross members extending between the pair of pivot plates (60), the one or more cross members having at least a bottom cross member (62);
a first bracket (100) mounted on one of the pivot plates of the pair of pivot plates (60),
the first bracket (100) being configured to support a foot peg (110), the first bracket (100) having a first mounting slot (120); and
a brake pedal (130) being configured to be supported on the first mounting slot (120) of the first bracket (100), wherein the first mounting slot (120) overlaps with the bottom cross member (62) in a vehicle side view.

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom cross member (62) has a substantially hollow cross section.

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of the pivot plates (60) comprise a left side pivot plate and a right side pivot plate (60A).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first mounting slot (120) is configured for receiving a primary fastener (122), thereby supporting the first bracket (100) on the right side pivot plate (60A).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2 and 4, wherein the primary fastener (122) is provided at least partially inside the bottom cross member (62).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake pedal (130) extends substantially forwardly in the vehicle rear-front direction between a rear portion (130B) and a front portion (130A).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the brake pedal (130) is supported on the first bracket (100) at the rear portion (130B).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the brake pedal (130) comprises a projection (136) extending in a vehicle width direction from the front portion (130A) of the brake pedal (130), the projection (136) configured to receive a toe portion of a foot of a rider for operation of the brake pedal (130).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bracket (100) is configured to support a master cylinder (150) that stores hydraulic fluid for braking operation.

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the brake pedal (130) is operatively connected to the master cylinder (150) at the rear portion (130B) of the brake pedal (130), thereby being capable of actuating the master cylinder (150).