Description:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a parking brake actuator which is suitable for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
A parking brake actuator is configured to selectively engage a hand brake lever such that upon actuation, the parking brake actuator locks the hand brake lever at a brake operating position.

A conventional parking brake actuator is pivotally supported on a bracket mounted on a steering handle by a first support shaft and biased by a torsion spring, and a hand brake lever is pivotally supported on the mounting bracket by a second support shaft. The hand brake lever is operated and the parking brake actuator is operated to bring a groove in the hand parking brake lever into engagement with the parking brake actuator, whereby the hand brake lever is locked at a brake operating position. When the hand brake lever is again actuated, the engagement of the groove and the locking pin with each other is released, whereby the hand brake lever is pulled by a Bowden cable and swung back to an original brake releasing position.

Operation of the conventional parking brake actuator requires both hands of the rider. Additionally, the construction of the conventional parking brake actuator is complicated and requires a lot of parts. Therefore, it has been desired to develop a parking brake actuator that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a parking brake actuator of a vehicle adapted to selectively engage a hand brake lever. The parking brake actuator comprises a holding mechanism disposed on a handlebar of the vehicle at a distance from a handgrip substantially within the range of action of a finger of a rider of the vehicle without removing his/her hands from the handgrip.

In an embodiment of the invention, the holding mechanism is disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle at a distance from the handgrip approximately within the range of action of a thumb of the rider of the vehicle without removing his/her hands from the handgrip.

In another embodiment of the invention, the holding mechanism comprises a force receiving arm, a retaining arm, and an annular portion.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the retaining arm selectively engages with an aperture provided in the hand brake lever.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the force receiving arm is located in an accessible region located between a lower front region and an upper front region with respect to the handlebar.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the accessible region has an included angle (ß) in the range of 20 to 30 degrees with respect to the handlebar.

In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the accessible region has a first end located at an angle (?) in the range of 98 to 120 degrees, as measured from a first end of the lower front region and a second end located at an angle (a) in the range of 30 to 62 degrees, as measured from a second end of the upper front region.

In another embodiment of the invention, the parking brake actuator comprises a resilient member co-operating with the holding mechanism to keep the holding mechanism in a disengaged state.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the resilient member comprises a first arm portion linked with the holding mechanism and a second arm portion linked to the handlebar or a handlebar switch assembly.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the parking brake actuator comes into an engaged state with the hand brake lever upon the hand brake lever being depressed in excess of a first predetermined angular position; and the holding mechanism is moved to an engaged state.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the parking brake actuator is brought from an engaged state to a disengaged state upon the hand brake lever being depressed in excess of a second predetermined angular position.

In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the parking brake actuator is integrated with the handgrip.

In another embodiment of the invention, the parking brake actuator is integrated with a handlebar switch assembly.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a frame; a pair of wheels rotatably supported with respect to the frame; a brake associated with at least one of the wheels; a hand brake lever operably coupled to the brake; and a parking brake actuator acting to selectively engage the hand brake lever, the parking brake actuator comprising: a holding mechanism disposed on a handlebar of the vehicle at a distance from a handgrip substantially within the range of action of a finger of a rider of the vehicle without removing his/her hands from the handgrip.

One advantage of the invention is that the operation of the parking brake actuator requires a single hand of the rider. Another advantage of the invention is that the parking brake actuator is constructed using a minimum number of components. Because the parking brake actuator comprises a minimum number of components, yet another advantage of the invention is that the time period required for manufacturing / assembling of the device is substantially less. Because the parking brake actuator comprises a minimum number of components, still another advantage of the invention is that the size of the parking brake actuator is substantially small. Because the parking brake actuator comprises a minimum number of components and the time required for manufacturing/assembling of the device is substantially less, the cost of the parking brake actuator as well as the cost of the vehicle incorporating the same is substantially reduced.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a handle bar of the two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a close-up top view of a left side of the handle bar of the two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the left side of the handle bar as viewed from a top side of the two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the holding mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the left side of the handle bar as viewed from a bottom side of the two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the resilient member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates a left side view of the left side of the handle bar of the two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 9 illustrates a left side view of a perspective view of the handle bar of the two wheeled vehicle having a stopper for restricting an angular movement of the parking brake actuator (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. The steering mechanism (20) comprises a handlebar (106). The handlebar (106) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a leg shield (22). The leg shield (22) encloses the steering mechanism (20). The leg shield (220) comprises an inner leg shield (24) and an outer leg shield (26). The leg shield (220) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10).

The front end structure (12) comprises a dash assembly (28). The dash assembly (28) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information about the vehicle (10) to the rider. The dash assembly (28) may comprise additional components such as LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as mirror/s, head lamp/s, front fender/s, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

The rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (30), a rear ground engaging member (32), and a power unit (34). The seat (30) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (32) underlies the seat (30) and is driven by the power unit (34). In the illustrated example, the power unit (34) is swingably coupled to the body frame (36). The power unit (34) comprises an engine (not shown) and a transmission unit (38). The transmission unit (38) is provided between the engine and the rear ground engaging member (32).

The rear end structure (14) comprises a storage box. In the illustrated example, the storage box is provided under the seat (30). More particularly, the storage box is disposed within a space defined by the seat (30) and the engine of the power unit (34). In the illustrated example, the seat (30) is rotatably coupled to the storage box. In another example, the seat (30) may be rotatably coupled to the body frame (36). The seat (30) may be rotated manually, or with the assistance of a motor or an actuator or a solenoid, etc., without any limitations.

The body frame (36) supports the front end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14). The body frame (36) comprises a head tube (40), a frame member (42), a first cross member (44), a set of seat rail members (46), a second cross member (48), and a third cross member (not shown). A set of side covers (50) are mounted to the set of seat rail members (46). The head tube (40) supports the steering mechanism (20). More particularly, the head tube (40) pivotably supports the handlebar (106).

The vehicle (10) includes a front brake (52) associated with the front ground engaging member (18) and a rear brake (54) associated with the rear ground engaging member (32). In one embodiment, the front and the rear brakes (52, 54) can be disc brakes and/or drum brakes which can be actuated mechanically and/or electronically.

Referring to Figure 2, the handlebar (106) can include a left handgrip (108) and a right handgrip (140) that can accommodate an operator's left and right hands, respectively, for steering the vehicle (10). A hand brake lever (102) can be provided adjacent to the left handgrip (108) such that an operator can grasp the hand brake lever (102) with a left hand and can urge the hand brake lever (102) towards the left handgrip (108) to facilitate braking of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, the hand brake lever (102) can be provided adjacent to the right handgrip (140) such that an operator can grasp the hand brake lever (102) with a right hand and can urge the hand brake lever (102) towards the right handgrip (140) to facilitate braking of the vehicle (10).

In an embodiment, an additional hand brake lever (142) can be provided on the handlebar (106) such that an operator can grasp the additional hand brake lever (142) with either the right hand or the left hand and can urge the additional hand brake lever (142) towards the right handgrip (140) or the left handgrip (108), respectively to facilitate braking of the vehicle (10). In an alternative embodiment, a clutch lever (144) can be provided adjacent to the right handgrip (140) or the left handgrip (108) such that an operator can grasp the clutch lever (144) with a right hand or with the left hand and can urge the clutch lever (144) towards the right handgrip (140) or the left handgrip (108) to facilitate engagement of a vehicular clutch and subsequent manual shifting of the vehicle's gears. It may be noted that, in embodiments where the vehicle (10) is provided with an automatic transmission, the clutch lever (144) might be omitted entirely.

The hand brake lever (102) can be pivotally coupled to the handlebar (106). As illustrated, a brake perch (146) can be coupled to the handlebar (106) and the hand brake lever (102) can be pivotally coupled to the brake perch (146) by a bolt (148). The hand brake lever (102) can be pivotable about the bolt (148). A brake cable (150) operably couples the hand brake lever (102) to at least one of the front brake (52) or the rear brake (54) thereby facilitating the operation of at least one of the front brake (52) or the rear brake (54) actuation of the hand brake lever (102).

In one embodiment, the brake cable (150) can be a Bowden-type cable or other suitable mechanical interfaces. In other embodiments, a brake cable can be an electrical wire or fiber optic cable associated with a drive-by-wire or other type of electrical braking system. In such an embodiment, the brake cable can be associated with a sending unit that is configured to transmit an electric signal in response to the operation of the brake lever to facilitate the operation of the braking system.

Referring to Figure 3, the handlebar (106) can include a parking brake actuator (100) that facilitates the activation of a parking brake feature or function for the vehicle (10). For instance, the parking brake actuator (100) can selectively engage with at least one hand brake lever (102 and/or 142) of the vehicle.

The parking brake actuator (100) comprises a holding mechanism (104) disposed on a handlebar (106) of the vehicle (10) at a distance from a handgrip (108) substantially within the range of action of a finger of a rider of the vehicle (10) without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108). The holding mechanism (104) facilitates retaining of the hand brake lever (102 and/or 142) in an engaged position thereby facilitating the operation of the corresponding brake (52 and/or 54) thereby serving as the vehicle's parking brake. The hand brake lever (102) is disposed on the handlebar (106) of the vehicle (10) at a distance from a handgrip (108) substantially within the range of action of at least one of the remaining fingers of the same hand of the rider of the vehicle (10) without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108) and the hand brake lever (102) disposed on the vehicle.

By way of a non-limiting example, the holding mechanism (104) may be disposed on the handlebar (106) of the vehicle (10) at a distance from the handgrip (108) approximately within the range of action of a thumb of the rider of the vehicle without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108). In this case, the hand brake lever (102) is disposed on the vehicle at a distance from the handgrip (108) approximately within the range of action of at least one of the remaining fingers of the same hand of the rider of the vehicle without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108).

Thus, the rider of the vehicle can actuate the holding mechanism (104) and the hand brake lever (102) simultaneously, for example, using a thumb and at least one of the remaining fingers of the same hand, without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108).

Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the holding mechanism (104) comprises a force receiving arm (110), a retaining arm (112), and an annular portion (114). Referring back to Figure 3, the holding mechanism (104) can be pivotally coupled to the handlebar (106). In a non-limiting example of the invention, the holding mechanism (104) can be pivotable about the axis of the handlebar (106) between an activated position and a deactivated position. In particular, the annular portion (114) is located around the handlebar (106) so as to allow be pivoting movement of the holding mechanism (104) about the axis of the handlebar (106) between the activated position and the deactivated position.

Referring to Figure 6, the retaining arm (112) selectively engages with an aperture (116) provided in the hand brake lever (102). In a non-limiting example of the invention, the aperture (116) may be formed on an underside of the hand brake lever (102).

Referring back to Figure 3, the parking brake actuator (100) further comprises a resilient member (132) co-operating with the holding mechanism (104) to keep the holding mechanism (104) in a disengaged / deactivated position. Referring to Figure 7, the resilient member (132) comprises a first arm portion (134) and a second arm portion (136). In an embodiment of the invention, as best illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 6, the first arm portion (134) is linked with the holding mechanism (104) and the second arm portion (136) is linked to the handlebar (106). Although not illustrated, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second arm portion (136) may be linked to a handlebar switch assembly (138).

Referring to Figure 8, the force receiving arm (110) is located in an accessible region (118). The “accessible region (118)” is a region that can be accessed by the thumb of the rider’s hand based on movements that comprise one or more of radial movement, palmer movement, and opposing movement. In terms of the vehicle, the accessible region (118) is located between a lower front region (120) and an upper front region (122) with respect to the handlebar (106).

In a non-limiting example of the invention, the accessible region (118) has an included angle (ß) in the range of 20 to 30 degrees, with respect to the handlebar (106). In another non-limiting example of the invention, the accessible region (118) has a first end (124) located at an angle (?) in the range of 98 to 120 degrees, as measured from a first end (126) of the lower front region (120) and a second end (128) located at an angle (a) in the range of 30 to 62 degrees, as measured from a second end (130) of the upper front region (122).

For example, to activate the parking brake, the hand brake lever (102) must first be depressed in excess of a first predetermined angular position to engage the vehicle's brakes. The holding mechanism (104) can then be moved and more particularly, pivoted into an engaged state wherein the holding mechanism (104) is engaged with the hand brake lever (102). In the engaged state, the holding mechanism (104) prevents the hand brake lever (102) from moving out of the engaged position and into the disengaged position.

To disengage the parking brake actuator (100), the hand brake lever (102) can be urged towards the handgrip (108) and the parking brake actuator (100) can be pivoted into a disengaged position. The hand brake lever (102) can then return to the disengaged position, thereby disengaging the vehicle's braking system.

In one embodiment, the resilient member (132) biases the holding mechanism (104) into the disengaged position. In such an embodiment, when the holding mechanism (104) is in the activated position and the hand brake lever (102) is urged towards the hand grip (108), the resilient member (132) can facilitate automatic pivoting of the parking brake actuator (100) to the deactivated position.

Thus, the hand brake lever (102) and the parking brake actuator (100), have to be operated so as to attain the engaged state. Mere depressing the hand brake lever (102) in excess of a first predetermined angular position does not bring the hand brake lever (102) into engagement with the parking brake actuator (100).

Also, automatic disengagement of the hand brake lever (102) and the parking brake actuator (100) is not allowed. The disengagement of the hand brake lever (102) and the parking brake actuator (100) happens only when the hand brake lever (102) is urged towards the handgrip (108). In particular, to disengage the parking brake actuator (100), the hand brake lever (102) has to be depressed in excess of a second predetermined angular position. In an embodiment of the invention, the second predetermined angular position may be in excess of the first predetermined angular position. In another embodiment of the invention, the second predetermined angular position may be equal to the first predetermined angular position.

In particular, since the hand brake lever (102) experiences restoration force, disengagement of the hand brake lever (102) and the parking brake actuator (100) happens only when the hand brake lever (102) is urged towards the handgrip (108) and in excess of the second predetermined angular position.

As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, in an embodiment of the invention, the parking brake actuator (100) is integrated with the handgrip (108). In this embodiment, the parking brake actuator (100) is disposed on the handlebar (106) so as to be sandwiched between the handgrip (108) and the handlebar switch assembly (138). Although not illustrated, the parking brake actuator (100) may be integrated with the handlebar switch assembly (138).

Referring to Figure 9, in an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a stopper (152) on the handlebar (106) that co-operates with the parking brake actuator (100) and restricts an angular movement of the parking brake actuator (100). In particular the stopper (152) may co-operate with the force receiving arm (110) and defines the second end of the accessible region (128). Thus, the stopper (152) ensures that the force receiving arm (110) is not moved beyond the second end of the accessible region (128) by the restoration force applied by the resilient member (132).

Since the parking brake actuator (100) and more particularly the holding mechanism (104) is disposed on the handlebar (106) of the vehicle (10) at a distance from the handgrip (108) which is substantially within the range of action of a finger of a rider of the vehicle (10) without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108), the parking brake actuator (100) can be actuated by a single hand of the rider of the vehicle.

Additionally, since the parking brake actuator (100) merely comprises two parts namely the holding mechanism (104) and the resilient member (132), the parking brake actuator is constructed using a minimum number of components. Because the parking brake actuator comprises a minimum number of components, yet another advantage of the invention is that the time period required for manufacturing / assembling of the device is substantially less. Because the parking brake actuator comprises a minimum number of components, still another advantage of the invention is that the size of the parking brake actuator is substantially small. Because the parking brake actuator comprises a minimum number of components and the time period required for manufacturing / assembling of the device is substantially less, the cost of the parking brake actuator as well as the cost of the vehicle incorporating the same is substantially reduced.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Brief Description of the reference numeral used in the figures:
10 – Vehicle
12 – Front end structure (Done)
14 – Rear end structure
16 – Footboard
18 – Front ground engaging member
20 – Steering mechanism
22 – Leg shield
24 – Inner leg shield
26 – Outer leg shield
28 – Dash assembly
30 – Seat
32 – Rear ground engaging member
34 – Power unit
36 – Body frame
38 – Transmission unit
40 – Head tube
42 – First frame member
44 – First cross member
46 – Set of seat rail members
48 – Second cross member
50 – Set of side covers
52 – Front Brake
54 – Rear Brake
100 – Parking brake Actuator
102 – Hand Brake Lever
104 – Holding mechanism
106 – Handlebar
108 – Hand grip
110 – Force receiving arm
112 – Retaining arm
114 – Annular Portion
116 – Aperture in the handbrake lever
118 – Accessible region
120 – Lower front region
122 – Upper front region
124 – First end of the accessible region
126 – First end of the lower front region
128 – Second end of the accessible region
130 – Second end of the upper front region
132 – Resilient member
134 – First arm of the resilient member
136 – Second arm of the resilient member
138 – Handlebar switch assembly
140 – Right handgrip
142 – Additional hand brake lever
144 – Clutch Lever
146 – Brake Perch
148 – Bolt
150 – Brake Cable
152 – Stopper
, C , C , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A parking brake actuator (100) of a vehicle (10) adapted to selectively engage a hand brake lever (102), the parking brake actuator (100) comprising:
a. a holding mechanism (104) disposed on a handlebar (106) of the vehicle (10) at a distance from a handgrip (108) substantially within a range of action of a finger of a rider of the vehicle (10) without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108).

2. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding mechanism (104) is disposed on the handlebar (106) of the vehicle at a distance from the handgrip (108) approximately within the range of action of a thumb of the rider of the vehicle without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108).

3. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding mechanism (104) comprises a force receiving arm (110), a retaining arm (112), and an annular portion (114).

4. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the retaining arm (112) selectively engages with an aperture (116) provided in the hand brake lever (102).

5. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the force receiving arm (110) is located in an accessible region (118) located between a lower front region (120) and an upper front region (122) with respect to the handlebar (106).

6. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the accessible region (118) has an included angle (ß) in the range of 20 to 30 degrees, with respect to the handlebar (106).

7. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the accessible region (118) has a first end (124) located at an angle (?) in the range of 98 to 120 degrees, as measured from a first end (126) of the lower front region (120) and a second end (128) located at an angle (a) in the range of 30 to 62 degrees, as measured from a second end (130) of the upper front region (122).

8. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 1, comprising a resilient member (132) co-operating with the holding mechanism (104) to keep the holding mechanism (104) in a disengaged state.

9. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the resilient member (132) comprises a first arm portion (134) linked with the holding mechanism (104) and a second arm portion (136) linked to the handlebar (106) or a handlebar switch assembly (138).

10. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parking brake actuator (100) comes into an engaged state with the hand brake lever (102) upon:
(a) the hand brake lever (102) being depressed in excess of a first predetermined angular position; and
(b) the holding mechanism (104) is moved to an engaged state.

11. The parking brake actuator as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein parking brake actuator (100) is brought from an engaged state to a disengaged state upon the hand brake lever (102) being depressed in excess of a second predetermined angular position.

12. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parking brake actuator (100) is integrated with the handgrip (108).

13. The parking brake actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parking brake actuator (100) is integrated with a handlebar switch assembly (138).

14. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a body frame (36);
a pair of ground engaging members (18, 32) rotatably supported with respect to the body frame (36);
a brake (52 and/or 54) associated with at least one of the ground engaging members (18, 32);
a hand brake lever (102) operably coupled to the brake (52 and/or 54); and
a parking brake actuator (100) acting to selectively engage the hand brake lever (102), the parking brake actuator (100) comprising: a holding mechanism (104) disposed on a handlebar (106) of the vehicle (10) at a distance from a handgrip (108) substantially within a range of action of a finger of a rider of the vehicle (10) without removing his/her hands from the handgrip (108).