Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[01] Present invention relates to an adjustable gear shift assembly of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the adjustable gear shift assembly for an adjustable footrest of a two-wheeled vehicle.
5

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] Saddle type vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles, are typically manufactured keeping in mind a rider with generic physiological dimensions. Accordingly, position of components such as a footrest and a gear shift pedal in
10 the saddle type vehicle are considered based on the generic rider. However, the saddle type vehicle is typically used by the rider of varying physiological dimensions. Thus, the rider may be uncomfortable in riding such saddle type vehicles. Moreover, due to fixed positions of components in the saddle type vehicles, a riding posture and/or a riding position of the rider may also be fixed.
15 As such, the riding posture and/or the riding positions may not be optimized for different riding conditions such as a city riding condition, an off-road riding condition and a cruise riding condition.
[03] Further, due to fixed positions of the gear shift pedal and the foot rest, the rider is required to maintain the position of the foot for a longer duration of time,
20 which is unergonomic. Also, unergonomic placement of the foot may consequently impede ability of the rider to ride the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[04] Thus, there is a need for an adjustable gear shift assembly which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.
[05] The position of Gear shift pedal shall be fixed with respect to rider footrest
25 based on riding posture and foot anthropometry.
[06] In existing vehicles, the rider footrest and gear shift pedal positions are fixed, so the gear shift pedal is connected to gear shift shaft of engine with a fixed length four bar linkage assembly.

[07] In existing gear shift design, fixed length four bar linkage assembly used and same cannot function between gear shift shaft of engine and adjustable footrest & gear shift pedal system.
[08] Mechanically the length of the gear shift rod/assembly can be changed,
5 however, if the position of the footrest moves on the go of the vehicle, the length of the gear shift sub-assembly cannot be changed with fixed lengths and dimensions of the mechanical parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[09] The invention provides a saddle type vehicle comprising a gear shifting
10 assembly being housed by a crankcase. An adjustable footrest mounting bracket for mounting a footrest sub-assembly. The vehicle comprising an adjustable gear shift actuating sub-assembly including an actuating member, the actuating member being connected between a gear shift pedal and the gear shifting assembly, the first member being configured to be actuated upon operation of the
15 gear shift pedal.
[10] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member being operable between a first position and a second position corresponding to actuation of said adjustable footrest sub-assembly.
[11] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the gear shift actuating
20 sub-assembly includes a gear shifting pedal, said gear shifting pedal being mounted to said adjustable footrest mounting bracket.
[12] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the actuation of the footrest sub-assembly including movement of said adjustable footrest mounting bracket from a first position to a second position, wherein a predetermined angle
25 of movement between said first position and said second position being α degrees.
[13] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member comprising a first part and a moveable second part, said moveable second part being capable of reciprocating inside said first part, said first part being linked to said gear shifting assembly and said moveable second part being attached to said
30 gear shift pedal through a first moveable linking member.

[14] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member being connected to said gear shifting assembly through a second moveable linking member.
[15] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member
5 being operable by any one of pneumatically, hydraulically, gas-filled chamber and mechanically. Wherein, the reciprocating movement of said moveable second part being controlled by a controller.
[16] As per an aspect, the invention provides a system for actuation of an adjustable gear shift assembly. The system comprising a footrest position sensor
10 for detection of position of a footrest sub-assembly, an actuator position sensor for detection of position of an actuator of said a gear shift actuating sub-assembly of said adjustable gear shift assembly, a controller for receiving inputs from said footrest position sensor and said actuation position sensor, an actuator of said gear shifting actuating sub-assembly, said actuator being controlled by said controller,
15 a length of said actuator being adjustable automatically corresponding to a position of said footrest sub-assembly, and a battery for powering said footrest position sensor, said actuator position sensor, and said controller.
[17] As per an aspect, the invention provides a method for actuation of an adjustable gear shift assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
20 [018] reading, by a controller through a footrest position sensor and an actuator position sensor, the position of a footrest sub-assembly and a position of an actuator of an adjustable gear shift assembly.
[19] continuously monitoring, by said controller, if a predetermined length between said position of said footrest sub-assembly being equal to said position
25 of said actuator.
[20] extending said length of said actuator, by said controller, if said position of said footrest sub assembly being greater than said predetermined length of said actuator between said footrest sub-assembly and said adjustable gear shift assembly, and
30 [021] retracting said length of said actuator, by said controller, if said position of said footrest sub assembly being lesser than said predetermined length of said

actuator between said footrest sub-assembly and said adjustable gear shift assembly.
[22] The present invention provides a technical advancement of the rider footrest and gear shift pedal positions being adjustable together for providing
5 different riding posture, so there is a requirement for an alternate to the existing fixed length four bar linkage assembly.
[23] The invention is intended to improve the comfort of gear shift pedal actuation in different riding postures.

10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[24] 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
15 limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[25] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a motorcycle.

[26] Figure 2 illustrates a left perspective view of a gear shift sub-assembly as attached to a footrest mounting bracket.
[27] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a gear shift sub-assembly as

20 attached to a footrest mounting bracket.

[28] Figure 4 illustrates a gear shift sub-assembly.

[29] Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of an actuating member of the gear shift sub-assembly as taken along A-A axis as depicted in Figure 4.
[30] Figure 6 illustrates a gear shift sub-assembly.

[31] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of an actuating member of the gear shift sub-assembly as taken along B-B axis as depicted in Figure 6.
[32] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a system for actuation of an adjustable gear shift assembly.
5 [033] Figure 9 illustrates a flow diagram of actuation of an adjustable gear shift

assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[34] The present invention relates to an adjustable gear shift assembly of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the adjustable gear shift
10 assembly for an adjustable footrest of a two-wheeled vehicle. The adjustable gear shift assembly is capable of being adjusted in accordance with requirement of a rider of the vehicle. Thus, the adjustable gear shift assembly enables various riding positions to the rider.
[35] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle
15 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. The vehicle 200 includes a frame assembly 201 that extends
20 rearward from a head tube 201A. The frame assembly 201 extends along in a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 200. The frame assembly 201 includes a mainframe comprising a main tube 201B extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube 201A and a down tube 201C that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube 201A. The frame assembly 201 may further comprise a sub-
25 frame formed by a pair of rear tubes that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly 100 is mounted to the main frame of the frame assembly 201.

[36] The engine assembly 100 acts as the power unit of the vehicle 200, wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). The engine assembly 100 is coupled to an exhaust assembly 110 that scavenges exhaust gases there through. A front portion of a swing arm 115 is swingably
5 connected to the frame assembly 201 and a rear portion of the swing arm 115 rotatably supports a rear wheel 120. The rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the engine assembly 100 through a transmission system/member 125. In a preferred embodiment, the transmission system 125 includes a chain drive coupled to an output of manual gear transmission. However, the transmission
10 system 125 may include an automatic transmission or continuously variable transmission. Further, the swing arm 115 is coupled to the frame assembly 201 through one or more rear suspension(s) (not shown). In the present embodiment, a mono-shock rear suspension connects the swing arm 115 to the frame assembly
201. Similarly, a pair of front forks 130 supports a front wheel 135 and is steerably
15 supported by the head tube 201A. A handlebar assembly 140 is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front forks 130. Further, a front fender 145 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 135 and the front fender assembly 145 is mounted to the front forks 130.
[37] A fuel tank 150 is mounted to the main tube 201B of the frame assembly
20 201 and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly 140. A seat assembly including a rider seat 155 and a pillion seat 160 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly 150 and is supported by the rear tubes. A pair of rider foot pegs 165 is disposed on either sides and is mounted to the frame assembly 201 of the vehicle that supports rider foot. A rear fender 170 is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel
25 120 covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 120.
[38] Further, the engine assembly 100 is functionally coupled to an air-fuel supply system (not shown) that supplies air and fuel to the engine assembly 100. The torque/power output of the engine assembly 100 is transferred to a drive sprocket (not shown). A chain drive 125 is coupled to the drive sprocket. A
30 sprocket cover encloses the drive sprocket and at least a portion of the chain drive 125.

[39] Furthermore, the vehicle 200 includes various electrical and electronic systems including a starter motor (not shown), a headlamp 175, a vehicle control unit, and a tail lamp 180.
[40] Figure 2 illustrates a left perspective view of a gear shift sub-assembly as
5 attached to a footrest mounting bracket. As per an embodiment of the present invention, a gear shifting assembly (100) being housed by a crankcase. The adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) comprising a footrest mounting bracket (300a) for mounting said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300), wherein, the vehicle (200) comprising an adjustable gear shift actuating sub-assembly (100),
10 said adjustable gear shift actuating sub-assembly (100) including an actuating member (204), said actuating member (204) being connected between a gear shift pedal (206) and said gear shifting assembly (100), wherein, the actuating member
(204) being operable between a first position and a second position corresponding to actuation of said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300).
15 [041] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a gear shift sub-assembly as attached to a footrest mounting bracket. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member (204) being in an extended state. The extension of the actuating member (204) being enabled by a controller (203) upon detecting of change in position the adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300).
20 [042] Figure 4 illustrates a gear shift sub-assembly. Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of an actuating member of the gear shift sub-assembly as taken along A-A axis as depicted in Figure 4. The cross-section of the actuating member
(204) illustrates that the actuating member functions as a single assembly. The actuating member (204) comprising a first part (204a) and a moveable second part
25 (204b), said moveable second part (204b) being capable of reciprocating inside said first part (204a), said first part (204a) being linked to said gear shifting assembly (100) and said moveable second part (204b) being attached to said gear shift pedal (206) through a first moveable linking member (207).
[43] Figure 6 illustrates a gear shift sub-assembly. Figure 7 illustrates a
30 sectional view of an actuating member of the gear shift sub-assembly as taken along B-B axis as depicted in Figure 6. said actuating member (204) comprising

a first part (204a) and a moveable second part (204b), said moveable second part (204b) being capable of reciprocating inside said first part (204a), said first part (204a) being linked to said gear shifting assembly (100) and said moveable second part (204b) being attached to said gear shift pedal (206) through a first moveable
5 linking member (207). said actuating member (204) being connected to said gear shifting assembly (100) through a second moveable linking member (208).
[44] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a system for actuation of an adjustable gear shift assembly. a footrest position sensor (201) for detection of position of an adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300);
10 [045] As per an embodiment, an actuator position sensor (202) for detection of position of an actuating member (204) of a gear shift actuating sub-assembly (100) of said adjustable gear shift assembly (100);
[046] As per an embodiment, a controller (203) for receiving inputs from said footrest position sensor (201) and said actuation position sensor (202);
15 [047] As per an embodiment, an actuating member (204) of said gear shifting actuating sub-assembly (100), said actuator being controlled by said controller, a length of said actuating member (204) being adjustable automatically corresponding to a position of said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300); and
[48] As per an embodiment, a battery (205) for powering said footrest position
20 sensor (201), said actuator position sensor (202), and said controller (203).
[49] Figure 9 illustrates a flow diagram of actuation of an adjustable gear shift assembly. reading (302), by a controller (203) through a footrest position sensor
(201) and an actuator position sensor (202), the position of an adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) and a position of an actuating member (204) of an adjustable
25 gear shift assembly (100);
[50] As per an embodiment, continuously monitoring (303), by said controller (203), if a predetermined length between said position of said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) being equal to said position of said actuating member (204);
[51] As per an embodiment, extending (304) said length of said actuating
30 member (204), by said controller (203), if said position of said adjustable footrest sub assembly (300) being greater than said predetermined length of said actuating

member (204) between said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) and said adjustable gear shift assembly (100); and
[52] As per an embodiment, retracting (306) said length of said actuating member (204), by said controller (203), if said position of said adjustable footrest
5 sub assembly (300) being lesser than said predetermined length of said actuating member (204) between said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) and said adjustable gear shift assembly (100).
[53] In an embodiment, the first lever 108 may be a first-class lever, a second- class lever or a third-class lever as per design feasibility and requirement. In the
10 present embodiment, the first lever 108 is an elongated bar. However, the shape and dimensions of the first lever 108 may be considered as per design feasibility and requirement of the assembly 100 and the vehicle.
[54] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions
15 to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the gear shift pedal being operable between the first position and the second position corresponding to actuation of the adjustable footrest arm enables adjustment of position of the gear shift shaft as per rider physiological dimensions and/or ankle flexibility of the rider. Consequently, comfort of the rider is enhanced
20 during use of the vehicle. Further, the rider may change posture while riding the vehicle by adjusting the gear shift pedal along with the footrest to their comfort. Also, the one or more cables mounted to the first lever and the second lever ensures transmission of movement from the gear shift pedal to the gear shift shaft of the gearbox seamlessly. Thus, irrespective of position of the gear shift pedal,
25 the gear shift pedal is capable of operating the gear shift shaft for ensuring shifting of the gear. Moreover, the aspect of the one of more sheaths being connected to the first abutment member and the second abutment member ensures that the tension is maintained between the first lever and the second lever. Thus, actuation of the first lever is seamlessly transferred to the second lever through the one or
30 more cables. Additionally, the adjustable gear shift assembly as disclosed in the

present invention is a cost effective, efficient and service-friendly solution over the conventional gear shift assemblies.
[55] 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
5 and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals

Saddle type vehicle (200)

10 gear shifting assembly 100
, Claims:I/We claim:

1. A saddle type vehicle (200), said saddle type vehicle (200) comprising: a gear shifting assembly (100) being housed by a crankcase;
an adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) comprising a footrest
5 mounting bracket (300a) for mounting said adjustable footrest sub- assembly (300);
wherein,
said vehicle (200) comprising an adjustable gear shift actuating sub-assembly (100), said adjustable gear shift
10 actuating sub-assembly (100) including an actuating member (204), said actuating member (204) being connected between a gear shift pedal (206) and said gear shifting assembly (100),
wherein,
said actuating member (204) being operable
15 between a first position and a second position corresponding to actuation of said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300).
2. The saddle type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gear shift actuating sub-assembly (100) includes gear shift pedal (206) being
20 mounted to said adjustable footrest mounting bracket (300a).
3. The saddle type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuation of said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) including movement of said footrest mounting bracket (300a) from a first position to a second position, wherein a predetermined angle of movement between said first position
25 and said second position being α degrees.
4. The saddle type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating member (204) comprising a first part (204a) and a moveable second part (204b), said moveable second part (204b) being capable of reciprocating inside said first part (204a), said first part (204a) being linked to said gear
30 shifting assembly (100) and said moveable second part (204b) being

attached to said gear shift pedal (206) through a first moveable linking member (207).
5. The saddle type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating member (204) being connected to said gear shifting assembly (100)
5 through a second moveable linking member (208).
6. The saddle type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating member (204) being operable by any one of pneumatically, hydraulically, gas-filled chamber and mechanically.
7. The saddle type vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said
10 reciprocating movement of said moveable second part (204b) being controlled by a controller (203).
8. A system (400) for actuation of an adjustable gear shift assembly (100), said system (400) comprising:
a footrest position sensor (201) for detection of position of an
15 adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300);

an actuator position sensor (202) for detection of position of an actuating member (204) of a gear shift actuating sub-assembly (100) of said adjustable gear shift assembly (100);

a controller (203) for receiving inputs from said footrest position
20 sensor (201) and said actuation position sensor (202);

said actuating member (204) of said gear shifting actuating sub- assembly (100), said actuator being controlled by said controller, a length of said actuating member (204) being adjustable automatically corresponding to a position of said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300);
25 and

a battery (205) for powering said footrest position sensor (201), said actuator position sensor (202), and said controller (203).
9. A method (500) for actuation of an adjustable gear shift assembly (100), said method (500) comprising the steps of:

reading (302), by a controller (203) through a footrest position sensor (201) and an actuator position sensor (202), the position of an adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) and a position of an actuating member (204) of an adjustable gear shift assembly (100);

5 continuously monitoring (303), by said controller (203), if a predetermined length between said position of said adjustable footrest sub- assembly (300) being equal to said position of said actuating member (204);
extending (304) said length of said actuating member (204), by
10 said controller (203), if said position of said adjustable footrest sub assembly (300) being greater than said predetermined length of said actuating member (204) between said adjustable footrest sub-assembly
(300) and said adjustable gear shift assembly (100); and

retracting (306) said length of said actuating member (204), by said
15 controller (203), if said position of said adjustable footrest sub assembly
(300) being lesser than said predetermined length of said actuating member (204) between said adjustable footrest sub-assembly (300) and said adjustable gear shift assembly (100).