DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and more particularly to a foot rest assembly for the two-wheeled motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Two-wheeled vehicles are one of the most affordable forms of motorized transport and for most of the world’s population they are the most common type of motor vehicle. Generally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame assembly, a fuel tank, a seat, a cowling, a front wheel rotatably supported on the lower portion of a front fork, a handle bar fixed to the upper portion of the front fork and a rear wheel rotatably supported on a rear fork.
[0003] Conventionally, the frame assembly for the two-wheeled vehicle acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. The frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. A front portion of the frame assembly connects the front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. The rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine assembly is operatively connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0004] In an existing two-wheeled vehicle, footrests are provided on both sides of the frame assembly for driver and pillion rider. Apart from safe positioning of the feet, the footrest aids the driver in shifting the gears and also in applying the brakes. More importantly, the position and the orientation of the foot rest have a bearing effect on the ease with which the rider shifts gears and/or operates brake while riding.
[0005] Hence, it has always been a challenge to provide a rider footrest assembly that is positioned and oriented at an optimal location, which would ensure that the ease of riding is not affected under any circumstances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged left side view of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a footrest assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective side view of a footrest cover member of the footrest assembly depicted in Fig. 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Typically, known motorcycles include foot rest assembly that is supported at one end with an overhang at the other end. Apart from the forced excitation, the foot rest assembly is often subjected to resonance in operating range and hence amplitude due to forced response or resonance tends to increase at free end or the foot support structure or the foot peg that result in high vibration. Thus, constant efforts have been undertaken to reduce the impact of such high vibration.
[00012] Generally, such known foot rest assemblies are die-casted with an aluminum body and mounted onto the frame structure. Such foot rest assemblies include a foot rest holder structure that extends along a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a foot peg structure that extends transversely to the foot rest holder structure. Typically side panels are made in such a manner so as to cover the footrest mounting portion of the motorcycle. However, such mounting of the side panels has remained a challenge as it becomes essential to provide side panel assemblies that map the profile of the adjoining foot rest assembly. Moreover, any change in the side panel profile also affects the profile of the foot rest assembly, which otherwise results in a large gap and mismatch between the side panel and the foot rest. This will result in making a new assembly every time, which will increase the part count and variety and cost. Further the uneven gap will result in poor aesthetics.
[00013] Moreover, any mismatch in the profile of the foot rest assembly increases the overall vibration in the foot rest area, which hampers the rider’s ease of riding as such vibrations are passed on to the rider’s feet. Thus, there is a challenge to provide a foot rest assembly that overcomes the above problem.
[00014] In one embodiment, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a foot rest assembly that enables elimination of vibrations caused due to misalignment of the foot rest structure and the foot rest cover. In one embodiment, the foot rest cover, partially covers a sprocket and chain assembly of a transmission system and ensures that the chain transmission do not interfere with the rider’s feet. In one embodiment, the foot rest cover of the present invention also prevents entangling of rider's apparel during riding posture as the foot rest cover partially exposes the sprocket area and covers the rearwardly extending transmission chain.
[00015] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a vibration damping mechanism to reduce the vibration at the pillion footrest of a two-wheeler. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dissimilar vibration damping means for the pillion footrest assembly provide on either side of the vehicle.
[00016] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the two-wheeled vehicle comprises a frame assembly extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction, a front wheel and a rear wheel generally positioned in line with the front wheel, an engine assembly supported by the frame assembly and operatively connected to the rear wheel to power the rear wheel and a footrest assembly disposed rearwardly of the engine assembly, said footrest assembly including a pair of foot pegs detachably mounted to the frame assembly. In one embodiment, the footrest assembly further comprises a footrest sub assembly and a foot rest cover member. Referring to one embodiment, the foot rest cover member detachably mounted to at least a portion of the main frame structure. In one embodiment, said foot rest cover member is configured to cover at least some components of the engine assembly in the manner so as to protect the rider’s feet from interfering with said at least some components disposed substantially behind the foot rest cover member. As per one embodiment, said at least some componenents of the engine assembly includes the sprocket and chain assembly.
[00017] It is advantageous to provide a footrest assembly for two-wheeled vehicles, which will enable a rider to keep part of his weight on his legs, so as to absorb vibration and shifting and additionally, which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation.
[00018] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00019] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00020] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle (100) (hereinafter ‘vehicle’), in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein the arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denoted downward direction. The vehicle (100) includes the frame assembly (114) that extends from a head tube (not shown), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100), towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the frame assembly (114) includes at least a main frame and a sub-frame. In one embodiment, the main frame includes a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. In one embodiment, the frame assembly (114) may further include a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. In one embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are integrated as a single unit such that both of them act as load bearing members. In another embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are formed as two different frame structures. In one embodiment, an engine assembly (112) of the vehicle (100) is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly (114). The engine assembly (112) acts as the power unit of the vehicle (100), which may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm (116) is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly (114) and a rear portion of the swing arm (116) rotatably supports a rear wheel (122). The rear wheel (122) is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (112) through a transmission system (not shown). A rear fender (not shown) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (122) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (122). A rear wheel brake assembly (130) is mounted on the rear wheel (122). Further, the swing arm (116) is coupled to the frame assembly (114) through one or more rear suspension(s) (118). In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension (118) connects the swing arm (116) to the frame assembly (114). A pair of front forks (not shown) supports a front wheel (120) and is steerably supported by the head pipe. A handlebar assembly (102) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork. Further, a front fender assembly (128) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (120) and the front fender assembly (128) is mounted to the front forks.
[00021] Further in Fig.1, as per one embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes a fuel tank assembly (104) mounted to the frame assembly (114) and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (102). In one embodiment, an air cleaner sub-assembly (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity of the fuel tank assembly (104). In one embodiment, a seat assembly (106) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (104) and upwardly supported by the frame assembly (114). A pair of rider foot pegs are mounted to the frame assembly (114) of the vehicle (100) for supporting the rider foot. Further, the vehicle (100) also include a body panel (110) including a fairing assembly (108) disposed forwardly of the head tube and extending sidewardly and rearwardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank assembly (102) and at least a portion of the engine assembly (112). In one embodiment, the fairing assembly (108) of the body panel (110) is mounted with one or more headlamp(s) (not shown) that are disposed in a front portion of the fairing assembly (108). In one embodiment, the body panel (110) of the vehicle (100) that is disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on either sides of the vehicle (100) and mounted to the main frame, covers at least a portion of the engine assembly (112) whereby the engine assembly (112) is protected from dust, dirt, and water splashing. In one embodiment, the body panel (110) further includes a tail cover assembly (124) disposed rearwardly and extending from the frame assembly (114) covering at least a portion of the frame assembly (114). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) that is extending towards a rear portion of the frame assembly (114) is adapted to accommodate at least a tail lamp sub-assembly (not shown). Further, in one embodiment, a muffler sub-assembly (126) is disposed rearwardly extending from an exhaust port (not shown) of the engine assembly (112). In one embodiment, the muffler sub-assembly (126) is supported at front at least by a supporting member (not shown) mounted to the engine assembly (112), and support at rear at least by a supporting member mounted to the frame assembly (114).
[00022] Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged left side view of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the foot rest sub-assembly (204) is disposed rearwardly of the engine assembly (112) and forwardly of a rear suspension unit (118). In one embodiment, the foot rest sub-assembly (204) mounts a gearshift assembly (214) that allows the rider to shift a gear shift lever while riding. In one embodiment, a fairing lower body (202) is disposed downwardly of the foot rest sub-assembly (204).
[00023] Further in Fig.2, as per one embodiment, a foot rest cover member (206) is provided juxtaposing the foot rest sub-assembly (204) and disposed forwardly to the foot rest sub-assembly (204) towards a side facing the vehicle front. In one embodiment, the foot rest cover member (206) is disposed in such a manner that a first side of the foot rest cover member (206) is adjacently mounted to a sprocket cover (212), while a second side of the foot rest cover member (206) is mounted adjoining the foot rest sub-assembly (204). In one embodiment, a top side of the foot rest cover member (206) juxtaposes at least one down tube of a frame assembly (114). In another embodiment, the foot rest cover member (206) juxtaposes a sub-frame member (208) of the frame assembly (114). In one embodiment, a side fairing member (210) of the fairing assembly (108) covers a portion of the frame assembly (114).
[00024] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a footrest assembly (300) of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the foot rest assembly (300) includes the foot rest sub-assembly (204) mounted to the foot rest cover member (206) by means of one or more mounting slots, for instance, a first foot rest mounting slot (310-1), and a second foot rest mounting slot (310-2). In one embodiment, the foot rest cover member (206) is mounted to the frame assembly (114). For instance, the foot rest cover member (206) is mounted at one or more mounting locations on at least a portion of the main frame structure (302), through at least one cover mounting boss viz., a first cover mounting boss (312), and a second cover mounting boss (314).
[00025] Further in Fig.3, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the foot rest cover member (206) has an upwardly extending profile corresponding to at least a first main frame down tube (216-1), and a second main frame down tube (316-2). Further, in one embodiment, a foot rest peg structure (306) is mounted at a rearmost portion of the foot rest sub-assembly (204) and extends transversely to a lengthwise direction of the foot rest sub-assembly (204). In one embodiment, the foot rest cover member (206) ensures that the rider’s feet resting on the foot peg structure (306) do not interfere with the sprocket and chain assembly disposed substantially behind the foot rest cover member (206). Further, in one embodiment, the foot rest cover member (206) also ensures ease of gear shifting by the rider as the gearshift assembly (214) including a gear shift linkage (308) are disposed at an optimal distance from the bottom most point of the foot rest cover member (206). In one embodiment, a heel guard (304) is provided in order to support the heel portion of the rider’s feet. In one embodiment, the heel guard (304) is mounted to the rearmost portion of the foot rest sub-assembly (204) extending rearwardly upward along the vehicle lengthwise direction.
[00026] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective side view of the footrest cover member (206) of the footrest assembly (300) depicted in Fig. 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the foot rest cover member (206) of the present invention is provided with a shape and structure that conforms to the adjoining components with a primary objective of reducing the vibrations arising as a result of whatsoever play between the style components and the foot rest sub-assembly (204), and a secondary objective of eliminating misalignment between mating parts. One another objective of the foot rest cover member (206) of the present invention is to ensure that the rider’s feet or the apparel do not interfere with the engine and transmission components disposed substantially behind the foot rest cover member (206). Yet another objective of the foot rest cover member (206) is to provide enhanced fit and finish with the adjoining vehicle body parts thereby achieving optimal conformance and appearance when viewed from a vehicle sideward direction. Further in Fig.4, as per one embodiment, the foot rest cover member (206) of the present invention includes a first foot rest holding portion (406) and an adjacently provided second foot rest holding portion (408) for optimal mounting of the foot rest sub-assembly (204), thereby eliminating vibration due to improper mounting and misalignment. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the foot rest cover member (206) includes a first cover mounting slot (410) disposed proximal to a bottom end of the foot rest cover member (206). A second cover mounting slot (412) is disposed at close proximity to a top end of the foot rest cover member (206). The first and the second cover mounting slots (410), (412) enable mounting of the foot rest cover member (206) to the main frame structure (302) (shown in Fig.3). Referring to one embodiment, a first main tube profile (402), and a second main tube profile (404) is formed at a top end of the foot rest cover member (206), which conforms with the first and the second main frame down tubes (316-1), (316-2) respectively, thereby eliminating any misalignment with the adjoining frame structure parts.
[00027] Advantageously, the one embodiment of the present invention provides the foot rest assembly that enables elimination of vibrations caused due to misalignment of the foot rest structure and the foot rest cover. Furthermore, as per one embodiment, the foot rest cover, partially covers a sprocket and chain assembly of a transmission system and ensures that the chain transmission do not interfere with the rider’s feet. Further, as per one embodiment, the footrest assembly provides a vibration damping mechanism to reduce the vibration at the pillion footrest of a two-wheeler.
[00028] Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, in the light of above disclosure. ,CLAIMS:I/ We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (114) extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA), said frame assembly (114) including a main frame structure (302);
a front wheel (120) and a rear wheel (122) generally positioned in line with the front wheel (120), said front wheel (120) and said rear wheel (122) supported by the frame assembly (114);
an engine assembly (112) supported by the frame assembly (114) and operatively connected to the rear wheel (122) to power the rear wheel (122);
a footrest assembly (300) disposed rearwardly of the engine assembly (112), said footrest assembly (300) including a foot rest sub-assembly (204); and

wherein the footrest assembly (300) further comprises a foot rest cover member (206) detachably mounted to at least a portion of the main frame structure (302); and wherein said foot rest cover member (206) is configured to cover at least some components of the engine assembly (112) in the manner so as to protect the rider’s feet from interfering with said at least some components disposed substantially behind the foot rest cover member (206).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the foot rest cover member (206) comprises a first side and a second side.
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first side of the foot rest cover member (206) is adjacently mounted to said at least some components while a second side of the foot rest cover member (206) is mounted adjoining the foot rest sub-assembly (204).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said at least some componenents of the engine assembly (112) includes a sprocket and chain assembly.

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot rest cover member (206) includes a first cover mounting slot (410) and a second cover mounting slot (412) enabling mounting of the foot rest cover member (206) to said at least a portion of the main frame structure (302).

6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first cover mounting slot (410) is disposed proximal to a bottom end of the foot rest cover member (206) and the second cover mounting slot (412) is disposed at close proximity to a top end of the foot rest cover member (206).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot rest cover member (206) is mounted at one or more mounting locations on said at least a portion of the main frame structure (302) through at least one cover mounting boss.
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one cover mounting boss including a first cover mounting boss (312) and a second cover mounting boss (314).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein the foot rest cover member (206) includes a first foot rest holding portion (406) and an adjacently provided second foot rest holding portion (408) for optimal mounting of the foot rest sub-assembly (204).
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot rest cover member (206) includes a gear shift linkage (308) disposed at an optimal distance from a bottom most point of the foot rest cover member (206).