Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a stand assembly for a vehicle. Particularly, the present invention relates to a side stand for a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Existing side stands with multiple parts includes a mounting head portion, a body portion and an ending tail portion. For example, in two-wheeled vehicles, a side stand will usually be a cast iron part which will be more in weight as such adding to overall weight of the vehicle. Generally, the cast iron side stand will either be in a cylindrical shape or a cuboidal shape as such a simple in form with less surface area for it to not add extra weight to the vehicle. The said existing designs of the side stand may not be aerodynamic and may not add any additional benefits to the vehicle. In all these cases, the side stand usually will be different in comparison with the side panels.
[003] Thus, there is a need in the art for providing a side stand for a two-wheeled vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a side stand for a vehicle. The side stand comprises an elongated body. The elongated body comprises a base portion pivotally connected to a frame member of the vehicle. The frame member extends in a vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle. The elongated body further comprises a lower portion distal to the base portion. The lower portion comprises an end part which is being configured to contact a ground surface when the side stand is positioned in an open state. The elongated body of the side stand further comprises a connecting portion provided between the end part of the lower portion and the base portion. The connecting portion has a profile which is being configured to form a smooth appearance when the side stand is positioned in a closed state.
[005] In an embodiment of the present invention, the elongated body is formed as a single cast part.
[006] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base portion of the elongated body comprises one or more cut-outs.
[007] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base portion of the elongated body comprises a screw member for connecting a spring member. The screw member being provided on a side surface of the base portion of the elongated body.
[008] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base portion comprises a pair of prongs thereby forming a groove portion in between the pair of prongs.
[009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the groove portion being configured to connect with the frame member of the vehicle during assembling of the side stand with the frame member.
[010] In a further embodiment of the present invention, each prong of the pair of prongs is configured with a through hole for hingedly connecting the side stand with the frame member through a fastening bolt.
[011] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion provided between the end part of the lower portion and the base portion is an integral part of the elongated body.
[012] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion is welded between the end part of the lower portion and the base portion.
[013] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a width of the elongated body is gradually reducing from the base portion towards the lower portion.
[014] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle comprises a frame member extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a side stand. The side stand comprises an elongated body. The elongated body comprises a base portion pivotally connected to a frame member of the vehicle and a lower portion distal to the base portion. The lower portion comprises an end part being configured to contact a ground surface when the side stand is positioned in an open state, and a connecting portion provided between the end part of the lower portion and the base portion. The connecting portion comprises a profile being configured to form a smooth appearance when the side stand is positioned in a closed state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] 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.
Figures 1 – 3 show side perspective views of a side stand connected to a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of the side stand shown in Figures 1 – 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the side stand shown in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows a side view of the side stand shown in Figures 4 and 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows a front view of the side stand shown in Figures 4 - 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 shows a side view of a portion of the vehicle showing a closed state of the side stand, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] 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 two-wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may also be applied to two-wheeled vehicles which may be driven by an Internal Combustion (IC) engine and/or electric batteries capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[017] The present invention relates to a stand assembly for a vehicle. Particularly, the present invention relates to a side stand 100 for a two-wheeled vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 10 may be a scooter type two-wheeled vehicle or a motorcycle type two-wheeled vehicle. The terms “two-wheeled vehicle” and “vehicle” are interchangeably used in this disclosure. However, both the terms “two-wheeled vehicle” and “vehicle” are one and the same, and the term “vehicle” is used for brevity.
[018] The vehicle 10 may comprise a frame member (not shown) extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The frame member may include a head pipe (not shown) at a front portion of the vehicle 10 for supporting one or more components at the front of the vehicle 10. That is to say, the frame member provides a structural support to different vehicular components of the vehicle 10 and may be adapted to mount one or more vehicular components of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may further include a seat assembly (not shown) supported by the frame member and a storage unit or a utility box (not shown).
[019] The vehicle 10 typically includes a front wheel and a rear wheel (not shown), driven by a power generated by an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (not shown) and/or a battery pack (not shown). The IC engine generates the power by combustion of a fuel inside a combustion chamber (not shown) of the IC engine for movement of the vehicle 10. In some other embodiments, the battery pack of the vehicle 10 may supply electrical energy to a motor assembly (not shown) for driving the rear wheel and the front wheel of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the power generated by a combination of the IC engine and the battery may be used for driving the front wheel and the rear wheel. The vehicle 10 may further includes a front fender assembly (not shown) disposed above the front wheel of the vehicle 10 and a rear fender assembly (not shown) above the rear wheel of the vehicle 10. The front fender assembly and the rear fender assembly may be adapted to prevent splashing of the water or the mud towards and inside the vehicle 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle 10 may include a stand assembly in between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The stand assembly may include a center stand assembly (not shown) and/or a side stand 100. In an embodiment, the stand assembly includes a center stand (not shown) and the side stand 100. Any one of the center stand and the side stand 100 may be operated for parking the vehicle 10 in a parking mode.
[020] In some embodiments, the centre stand of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 is provided between the two wheels or at a rear axle of the wheel. The centre stand is adapted to keep the vehicle while parked, in plane which is normal to the ground level as compared to a tilted position obtained when a side stand is used. In some embodiment, the center stand and the side stand 100 may be provided a stopper for limiting movement with reference to the frame member of the vehicle. When the center stand is operated, it elevates one of the wheels (particularly the rear wheel) of the vehicle above the ground level while keeping the other wheel (generally the front wheel) in contact with the ground. The vehicle 10 parked through the center stand may be more stably positioned or parked. Generally, the center stand may contain a bracket which is adapted to be fastened to the frame member of the vehicle 10, between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The bracket may be provided with a pivoted joint having a swivelling leg and a stationary housing rigidly fitted to the bracket. A spring may be used to keep the leg in a horizontal position raised and away from the ground level, to prevent the stand from accidentally releasing during the movement of the vehicle 10.
[021] In some other embodiments, both the center stand and the side stand may be connected to the frame member through one or more connection mechanism like the bracket known in the art. In some other embodiments, the center stand and the side stand 100 may be connected to the frame member directly without any bracket member. In some other embodiment, the center stand may be connected to the frame member through the one or more brackets and the side stand may be connected to the frame member directly without using any bracket member. In the present illustrated embodiments, the side stand 100 is directly connected to the frame member without any intermediate connecting members like the bracket.
[022] Referring to Figures 1 – 7, it discloses various views of the side stand 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the side stand 100 may be an auxiliary member which may be provided at one side of the vehicle 10. The side stand 100 would be operated by the user when the user wishes to park the vehicle 10. When the user operates the side stand 100, the vehicle 10 will be tilted slightly with respect to the ground surface. When the user wishes to release the side stand, the vehicle 10 is held from the tilted position to a vertical position and the user or rider releases the side stand 100 using his feet and start the vehicle 10 for moving.
[023] Referring again to the Figures 1 – 7, the side stand 100 comprises an elongated body 102. In an embodiment, the elongated body 102 is formed as a single cast part using a material including, but not limited to, aluminum. However, it should be understood that the elongated body 102 may be formed using multiple parts and welded together. Thus, the elongated body 102 of the side stand 100 being formed as a single cast part is not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. The elongated body 102 includes a base portion 104 pivotally connected to the frame member which extends in a vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. As shown in the Figures 4 – 7, the base portion 104 comprises a pair of prongs 104D thereby forming a groove portion 104C in between the pair of prongs 104D. The groove portion 104C in between the pair of prongs 104D is being configured to connect with the frame member of the vehicle 10 during assembling of the side stand 100 with the frame member of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, each prong 104D1, 104D2 of the pair of prongs 104D is configured with a through hole 104E for hingedly connecting the side stand 100 with the frame member through a fastening bolt (not shown). The connection between the side stand 100 and the frame member may be established with one or more methods known in the art, like using bolts. Therefore, the details of connection between the side stand 100 and the frame member is not being described in detail.
[024] Referring again to the Figures 4 – 7, the base portion 104 comprises one or more cut-outs 104A. The one or more cut-outs 104A are provided to reduce the weight and to reduce drag or resistance that may be caused during the movement of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 4 – 7, the cut-outs 104A are in triangular shape. However, the shape of cut-outs 104A may be in made in any other non-geometric shape as well. The illustrated triangular shape of the cut-outs 104A should not be meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. The cut-outs 104A are provided with a smooth or curved surface 104A’ which would facilitate smooth flow of air and thus reduces drag that causes resistance to the movement of the vehicle 10 at certain higher speeds.
[025] Referring to Figures 5 – 7, the base portion 104 of the elongated body 102 comprises a screw member 110 (shown in Figure 5 – 7) for connecting a spring member (not shown). The screw member 110 is being provided on a side surface 104B of the base portion 104 of the elongated body 102 and proximal to the cut-out 104A closer to a lower portion 106 of the elongated body 102. The spring member is provided in order to hold the side stand 100 in a closed position/state when the vehicle is moving and thus does not allow the side stand 100 to open due to gravity and thus does not contact the ground surface while the vehicle 10 is moving. In some embodiments, the side stand 100 may be integrally provided with a strut member (not shown) transversely on the side surface 104B of the base portion 104. The strut member may include a head portion for preventing an end of the spring member to fall off after assembling the spring member with the strut member of the side stand 100.
[026] The elongated body 102 further comprises the lower portion 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 106 is distal to the base portion 104. The lower portion 106 comprises an end part 106A which is being configured to contact a ground surface when the side stand 100 is positioned in an open state. The term ‘open state’ is defined as a position of the side stand 100 when the end part 106A is contacting the ground surface during parking of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the end part 106A is a flat portion which facilitates friction contact on the ground surface.
[027] The elongated body 102 of the side stand 100 further comprises a connecting portion 108 provided between the end part 106A of the lower portion 106 and the base portion 104. The connecting portion 108 comprises a profile 108A which is being configured to form a smooth appearance when the side stand 100 is positioned in a closed state (shown in Figure 8). The term ‘closed state’ is a position of the side stand 100, when the side stand 100 is not in operation, i.e., the side stand 100 is not contacting the ground surface. In an embodiment, the connecting portion 108 is provided between the end part 106A of the lower portion 106 and the base portion 104 is an integral part of the elongated body 102. In some embodiments, the connecting portion 108 is welded between the end part 106A of the lower portion 106 and the base portion 104. In some embodiments, the profile 108A is a smooth transition which is provided at a junction between the base portion 104 and the lower portion 106. The end part 106A of the lower portion 106 may cut-off from the lower portion 106 if the smooth transition of the profile 108A is not provided. Thus, the profile 108A of the connecting portion 108 having the smooth transition facilitates stable landing during “ON” condition of the side stand 100 and provides a reliable and a stable operation of the side stand 100.
[028] In an embodiment as shown in Figure 7, a width of the elongated body 102 is gradually reducing from the base portion 104 towards the lower portion 106.
[029] Advantageously, present invention solves the problems faced in the existing designs of the side stand, which includes, but not limited to, weight of the side stand, see through gaps and problems in mounting due to conventional mounting of the side stand, non-durable side stand, increase in cost due to traditional mounting and a greater number of parts involved.
[030] The side stand as disclosed in the present invention is designed to include shape that efficiently reduces aerodynamic drag. In particular, the end part of the side stand is designed to reduce the aerodynamic drag and allow/facilitate smooth flow of air. Further, the connection portion in the side stand is joined smoothly by a connecting portion that is also configured to allow smooth flow of air without any resistance during the running condition of the vehicle.
[031] The side stand disclosed in the present invention provides better flush design which helps in drag reduction, better part strength, reduction in cost and reduces drag.
[032] 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 and Characters:
10: Vehicle
100: Side stand
102: Elongated body
104: Base portion
104A: One or more cut-outs
104A’: Smooth or curved surface of cut-outs
104B: Side surface of base portion
104C: Groove portion of base portion
104D: Pair of prongs
104D1: Prong
104D2: Prong
104E: Through hole
106: Lower portion
106A: End part of lower portion
108: Connecting portion
108A: Profile of the connecting portion
110: Screw member
, Claims:1. A side stand (100) for a vehicle (10), the side stand (100) comprising:
an elongated body (102), the elongated body (102) comprising:
a base portion (104) pivotally connected to a frame member of the vehicle (10), the frame member extending in a vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle (10);
a lower portion (106) distal to the base portion (104), the lower portion (106) comprising an end part (106A) being configured to contact a ground surface when the side stand (100) is positioned in an open state; and
a connecting portion (108) provided between the end part (106A) of the lower portion (106) and the base portion (104), the connecting portion (108) comprising a profile (108A) being configured to form a smooth appearance when the side stand (100) is positioned in a closed state.

2. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 1, the elongated body (102) is formed as a single cast part.

3. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portion (104) of the elongated body (102) comprises one or more cut-outs (104A).

4. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portion (104) of the elongated body (102) comprises a screw member (110) for connecting a spring member, the screw member (110) being provided on a side surface (104B) of the base portion (104) of the elongated body (102).

5. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portion (104) comprises a pair of prongs (104D) thereby forming a groove portion (104C) in between the pair of prongs (104D).

6. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the groove portion (104C) being configured to connect with the frame member of the vehicle (10) during assembling of the side stand (100) with the frame member.

7. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each prong (104D1, 104D2) of the pair of prongs (104D) is configured with a through hole (104E) for hingedly connecting the side stand (100) with the frame member through a fastening bolt.

8. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (108) provided between the end part (106A) of the lower portion (106) and the base portion (104) is an integral part of the elongated body (102).

9. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (108) is welded between the end part (106A) of the lower portion (106) and the base portion (104).

10. The side stand (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width of the elongated body (102) is gradually reducing from the base portion (104) towards the lower portion (106).

11. A vehicle (10) comprising,
a frame member extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; and
a side stand (100) comprising an elongated body (102), the elongated body (102) comprising:
a base portion (104) pivotally connected to a frame member of the vehicle (10);
a lower portion (106) distal to the base portion (104), the lower portion (106) comprising an end part (106A) being configured to contact a ground surface when the side stand (100) is positioned in an open state; and
a connecting portion (108) provided between the end part (106A) of the lower portion (106) and the base portion (104), the connecting portion (108) comprising a profile (108A) being configured to form a smooth appearance when the side stand (100) is positioned in a closed state.