DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a motorcycle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a footrest assembly for said motorcycle.
Background
[0002] Typically, motorcycles are provided with a footrest assembly on both sides for a rider to rest his foot. Said footrest assembly is typically fixedly mounted to a frame member. In other words, it is generally not possible for a rider to adapt a position of said footrest assembly according to his/her height. Further, while a rear end of a gear shift linkage assembly is attached to a portion of the footrest assembly, a front end of said gear shift linkage assembly is pivotally attached to a gear shift shaft provided in a gear box of said motorcycle. Thus, since the front end of the gear shift assembly is attached to the gearbox, position of said gearbox being fixed, adjustment of said gear shift assembly is not feasible at the front end thereof. Particularly, adjustment of said footrest assembly along with corresponding adjustment in the gear shift linkage assembly is desirable since gear shifting is typically performed by resting a heel portion of the foot on the footrest assembly while using the toes to shift a gear shift lever of the gear shift linkage assembly. Additionally, in order to improve overall ergonomics for comfortable riding, it is also imperative to maintain a suitable distance between a footrest member of said footrest assembly and the gear shift lever of the gear shift linkage assembly based on the rider’s foot length, on a left hand side of the motorcycle. Similarly, adjustment of footrest assembly for maintaining a suitable distance between a footpeg and a brake pedal on a right hand side of the motorcycle is also desirable.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a footrest assembly for a motorcycle, which is adapted to be adjusted as per a rider’s height requirements as well as seating comfort requirements.
[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a footrest assembly for a motorcycle, which not only allows adjustment of a footrest member but also allows adjustment to be made in a gear shift linkage assembly attached to a portion of said footrest assembly.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a footrest assembly for a motorcycle, which not only allows adjustment of a footrest member but also allows adjustment of a brake pedal attached to a portion of said footrest assembly.
[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a footrest assembly for a motorcycle which aids in improving ergonomics of the motorcycle.
[0008] Accordingly, there is provided a motorcycle comprising a frame assembly having a main frame, to a lower portion of which the footrest assembly is detachably attached. The footrest assembly as per the present invention includes an attachment plate, said attachment plate including a plurality of matching pairs of attachment holes, a supporting bracket adapted to be attached to said attachment plate through any one matching pair of attachment holes of said plurality of matching pairs of attachment holes, and a multipurpose lever attached to said supporting bracket and adapted to not only support a footrest member but also adapted to receive a gear shift rod and a gear shifter member of a gear shift linkage assembly. Particularly, said multipurpose lever includes a plurality of first set of holes to receive the gear shifter member, and a plurality of second set of holes to receive the gear shift rod. While attachment of the supporting bracket to one matching pair of attachment holes of said plurality of matching pairs of attachment holes, enables adjustment of the footrest member with respect to a seat assembly as per the height of the rider, attachment of said gear shifter member to one of said plurality of first set of holes allows adjustment of position of the gear shifter member with respect to a position of the footrest member. In other words, distance of the gear shifter member from the footrest member can be adjusted. Positioning of the gear shift rod on one of said plurality second set of holes enables adjustment of the gear shift rod with respect to position of a gearbox in a transmission case of said motorcycle.
[0009] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings
[0001] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
[0002] FIG.1 illustrates a left side view of a motorcycle in accordance with the present invention.
[0003] FIG.2 illustrates an enlarged side perspective view of the motorcycle as seen from a left side of the motorcycle and depicting a footrest assembly as mounted to a frame member of the motorcycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0004] FIG.3a illustrates a side view of the footrest assembly as seen from a left side of the motorcycle and depicting position of a footrest member when a supporting bracket is attached to a first matching pair of attachment holes in an attachment plate of said footrest assembly.
[0005] FIG.3b illustrates a side view of the footrest assembly as seen from a left side of the motorcycle and depicting position of a footrest member when a supporting bracket is attached to a second matching pair of attachment holes in an attachment plate of said footrest assembly.
[0006] FIG.3c illustrates a side view of the footrest assembly as seen from a left side of the motorcycle and depicting position of a footrest member when a supporting bracket is attached to a third matching pair of attachment holes in an attachment plate of said footrest assembly.
[0007] FIG.4 illustrates a right side view of a footrest and brake pedal assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0010] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the footrest assembly, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the motorcycle with a driver riding thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to said motorcycle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the motorcycle. 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.
[0011] FIG.1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motorcycle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in a right corner of said figure depicts directions with respect to the vehicle, whereas arrow F denotes a front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction.
[0012] The motorcycle 100 depicted in FIG.1 includes a frame assembly 105 including a head tube 105a in a front portion thereof, said frame assembly 105 extending from said head tube 105a, towards a rear portion of the motorcycle 100. The frame assembly 105 includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube (not shown) extending rearwards from the head tube 105a, and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube 105a. The frame assembly 105 further comprises a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend rearwards and obliquely upward from a portion of the main frame.
[0013] In a front end portion of the motorcycle 100, a steering shaft (not shown) is supported rotatably in a certain range. Further a handlebar 140 steerably supported to the head tube 105a is connected to a front wheel 135 through the steering shaft. An upper portion of the front wheel 135 is covered by a front fender 145 which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft. Further, a front fork assembly (not shown) extending upwards from the front wheel 135 is also steerably supported to the head tube 105a.
[0014] Further, in a front portion of the motorcycle 100, a fuel tank 150 is arranged immediately behind the head tube 105a and is disposed above an engine 110. Particularly, while the fuel tank 150 is supported by a front portion of the main frame, the engine 110 is supported by a dowardly extending portion of the main frame and by the down tube of the frame assembly 105. The engine 110 is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly 105. The engine 110 acts as a power unit of the vehicle 100.
[0015] A seat assembly 155 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank 150 and is supported by the pair of rear tubes.
[0016] A swing arm 115 extending rearwards is swingably connected at its front end to the main frame, and at its rear end is rotatably connected to a rear wheel 120. Further, the swing arm 115 is coupled to the frame assembly 105 through one or more rear suspension(s). In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension (not shown) connects the swing arm 115 to the frame assembly 105. Furthermore, a front end portion of the swing arm 115 is detachably attached to a portion of a footrest assembly 190.
[0017] The rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the engine 110 through a transmission system. Particularly, power to the rear wheel 120 from the engine 110 is transmitted through a transmission system including a transmission case 200. More particularly, said transmission case 200 includes a gearbox containing gear train and a drive mechanism connecting the gearbox to the rear wheel 120. In the present embodiment, said transmission case 200 includes a transparent cover 200a detachably attached thereto. Said transparent cover 200a enables visibility of a drive chain (not shown) of said drive mechanism to check if there is any chain slackness and thus enables easy serviceability of said chain. The motorcycle 100 also includes a gear shift linkage assembly 191 (shown in FIG.2) connected at one end to said gearbox for varying gear ratio. Adjacent to the transmission case 200, the footrest assembly 190 is disposed on a left hand side of the motorcycle.
[0018] Further, the motorcycle 100 includes a front fairing assembly 165 that is disposed forwardly of the head tube 105a and extending sidewardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank 150. Also, the motorcycle 100 includes a bottom cowl assembly 170 that covers at least a portion of the engine 110, protecting the same from dust, dirt, and water. Furthermore, the motorcycle 100 includes one or more side panel(s) 175 disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on either sides thereof and is mounted to the main frame covering various parts including an air filter, and one or more electrical / electrical components that are mounted to the frame assembly 105. A tail cover assembly 180 which is disposed rearwardly of the side panel(s) 175 extends along the pair of rear tubes to cover at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes. The tail cover assembly 180 accommodates a tail lamp (not shown).
[0008] As may be seen in FIG.1, said footrest assembly 190 is disposed below the side panel(s) 175. Features of said footrest assembly 190 are explained with reference to FIGs.2-4.
[0009] FIG.2 is a left side view of the footrest assembly 190. The footrest assembly 190 including an attachment plate 190a is secured at one end to the swing arm 115 (shown in FIG.1) and at another end to a lower portion of a main frame member of the frame assembly 105. The attachment plate 190a as per the present embodiment includes a plurality of matching pairs of attachment holes (I,II,III,IV,V) on an outer surface thereof. Said plurality of matching pairs of attachment holes (I,II,III,IV,V) are adapted to detachably receive a supporting bracket 190b of said footrest assembly 190. The supporting bracket 190b further supports a multipurpose lever 190c and a heel guard 190h. Particularly, said multipurpose lever 190c is pivotally supported on said supporting bracket 190b. Further, through the multipurpose lever 190c, a footrest member 190d is fixedly supported on the supporting bracket 190b. In the present embodiment, said heel guard 190h is detachably attached to said supporting bracket 190b. Furthermore, the multipurpose lever 190c supports a gear shifter member 191a and pivotally supports a gear shift rod 191b of a gear shift linkage assembly 191.
[0010] The gear shift linkage assembly 191 at its one end is connected to the transmission system of said motorcycle and allows a rider to manually select different gears during the course of riding. Particularly, the gear shift linkage assembly 191 includes the gear shifter member 191a, the gear shift rod 191b and a gear shift link member 191c. Operation of the gear shifter member 191a, causes corresponding movement of said gear shift link member 191c, whose connection with a gear shift shaft (not shown) causes said gear shift shaft, provided in the gearbox, to rotate in a selected direction, thereby causing a selection of a desired gear. In other words, motion of the gear shifter member 191a is transferred to the gear shift link member 191c through the gear shift rod 191b for selection of the desired gear. In the present configuration of the motorcycle 100, gear shifting is typically performed by resting a heel portion of the foot on the footrest member 190d while using the toes to shift a gear shifter member 191a of the gear shift linkage assembly 191. Therefore, for comfortable gear shifting it is necessary to maintain suitable distance between the footrest member 190d and the gear shifter 191a based on a rider’s foot length. Moreover, it is also desirable to maintain the footrest member 190d at a suitable position of based on the rider’s height and height of seat assembly 155 the motorcycle 100.
[0011] With reference to FIG.3a, FIG.3b and FIG.3c, applicability of the footrest assembly 190 for achievement of variation in position of the footrest member 190d is depicted. For example, FIG.3a denotes the footrest assembly 190 as per a first embodiment of the present invention. As per the first embodiment and as may be seen in FIG.3a, the supporting bracket 190b is detachably attached to said attachment plate 190a through a first matching pair of attachment holes (I) of said plurality of matching pair of attachment holes (I,II,III,IV,V). Since, the footrest member 190d is fixedly attached to the supporting bracket 190b through the multipurpose lever 190c, change in position of the footrest member 190d may be achieved by changing the position of attachment of the supporting bracket 190b alone on the attachment plate 190a which is provided with the plurality of matching pair of attachment holes (I, II, III, IV, V) since said plurality of pairs of attachment holes are disposed at different points in the attachment plate 190a. Further, the first embodiment also depicts the gear shifter member 191a as being detachably attached to one of said plurality of first set of holes (A, B, C). Similarly, FIG.3b and FIG.3c depict attachment of the supporting bracket 190b to a second matching pair of attachment holes (II), and a third matching pair of attachment holes (III) respectively of the plurality of matching pair of attachment holes (I,II,III,IV,V). Thus, change in position of the footrest member 190d can be made out with reference to FIG.3a, FIG.3b and FIG.3c.
[0012] As per the present invention, whereas the plurality of matching pair of attachment holes (I,II,III,IV,V) enable adjustment of the position of footrest member 190d as per rider requirement, the plurality of first set of holes (A, B, C) enable adjustment of position of the gear shifter member 191a with respect to the footrest member 190d. Particularly, the plurality of first set of holes (A, B, C) is provided in a manner such that the gear shifter member 191a can be moved either towards said footrest member 190d or away from said footrest member 190d. Further, as may be seen in FIG.3a, FIG.3b and FIG.3c, a second set of holes (D, E,F) is provided in said multipurpose lever 190c for adjustment of position of the gear shift linkage assembly 191, especially that of the gear shift rod 191b with respect to position of the gearbox in the transmission case 200. Particularly, with the aid of the plurality of second set of holes (D, E, F) position of attachment of the gear shift rod 191b on the multipurpose lever 190c can be varied. In the present embodiment, said plurality of second set of holes (D, E, F) are provided at a rear portion of the multipurpose lever 190c below the footrest member 190d.
[0013] FIG.4 illustrates a footrest and brake pedal assembly 192 disposed on a right hand side of the motorcycle 100. Similar to the footrest assembly 191, said footrest and brake pedal assembly 192 includes a mounting plate 192a which includes a plurality of matching pair of mounting holes (VI,VII,VIII, IX,X) for mounting a mounting bracket 192b. A rider foot peg 192c is fixedly mounted to said mounting bracket 192b through a lever member 192d which supports a brake pedal 192e. As per the present embodiment, a plurality of third set of holes (H,I,J) is provided on the lever member 192d for adjustment of position of the brake pedal 192e with respect to the rider foot peg 192c. Mounting the mounting bracket 192b on different matching pairs of holes enables adjustment of position of the rider foot peg 192c as per the rider’s requirements for comfortable riding.
[0014] As is apparent from the above teaching, the footrest assembly as per the present invention aids in adjusting the position of a footrest member as per the rider’s requirements based on his height or based on seat height. Further, besides position of footrest member, the present invention also enables adjustment of position of a gear shifter member with respect to the footrest member so as to enhance rider’s comfort during gear shifting. Moreover, position of the gear shift rod with respect to the gearbox/gear shift shaft can also be varied. The present invention thus provides a simple and cost effective means for optimizing the ergonomics for seating and riding.
[0015] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. A footrest assembly (190) for a motorcycle (100), said motorcycle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (105) including a main frame and a sub frame;
a fuel tank (150) supported on the main frame;
a seat assembly (155) disposed behind the fuel tank (150);
an engine (110) supported by the main frame;
a transmission system including a transmission case (200) for transmitting power from the engine to a rear wheel (120);
a gear shift linkage assembly (191) connected at one end to a gearbox of said transmission system; and
wherein, said gear shift linkage assembly (191) includes a gear shifter member (191a), a gear shift rod (191b), and a gear shift link member (191c), and wherein a gear shifter member (191a) and said gear shift rod (191b) are connected to at least a portion of said footrest assembly (190) detachably;
characterized in that, said footrest assembly (190) includes an attachment plate (190a), a supporting bracket (190b), a multipurpose lever (190c), and a footrest member (190d), wherein said attachment plate (190a) and said multipurpose lever (190c) are adapted to enable adjustment of said footrest member (190d) with respect to said seat assembly (155), and adjustment of said gear shifter member (191a) with respect to said footrest member (190d) respectively.
2. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachment plate (190a) includes a plurality of matching pair of attachment holes (I,II,III,IV,V) for enabling adjustment of said footrest member (190d) with respect to said seat assembly (155).
3. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest member (190d) is fixedly supported to said supporting bracket (190b) through said multipurpose lever (190c).
4. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said supporting bracket (190b) is detachably attached to any one matching pair of attachment holes of said plurality of matching pair of attachment holes (I,II,III,IV,V).
5. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multipurpose lever (190c) is adapted to detachably receive said gear shifter member (191a).
6. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said multipurpose lever (190c) includes a first set of holes (A,B,C) to detachably receive said gear shifter member (191a).
7. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said first set of holes (A,B,C) is disposed in a front portion of said multipurpose lever (190c), and wherein detachable attachment of said gear shifter member (191a) in any one of said first set of holes (A,B,C) enables adjustment of distance between said gear shifter member (191a) and said footrest member (190d).
8. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multipurpose lever (190c) includes a second set of holes (D,E,F) to detachably pivotally receive said gear shift rod (191b).
9. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 8, wherein said second set of holes (D,E,F) disposed in a rear portion of said multipurpose lever (190c) and below said footrest member (190d) enables adjustment of said gear shift rod (191b) with respect to said gearbox.
10. The footrest assembly (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (190) includes a heel guard (190h) detachably attached to said supporting bracket (190b).