PILLION STEP APPARATUS FOR STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLES
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0001] The present invention relates to straddle-type vehicles, and more
particularly, to a pillion step apparatus for the straddle-type vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In some exemplary scenarios, straddle type vehicles, such as two-wheeled
vehicles, include a step for pillion passengers. The step (also referred to as pillion
step) facilitates an ease of mounting a leg of a pillion passenger. In some scenarios,
the pillion step may be provided on both sides of the straddle-type vehicle.
[0003] Typically, at the time of assembly, the pillion steps are assembled
separately onto the straddle-type vehicle. A mounting of the pillion steps may
increase assembly time at mass production level. The mounting of the pillion steps
may also be associated with increase in routine maintenance time. Further, electrical
components, such as a tail-light, winker (for example, flashing direction indictor), etc.
are also separately assembled, directly or indirectly, onto the straddle-type vehicle.
[0004] During maintenance or for any such other reason necessitating dismantling
of the components from the straddle-type vehicle, all the components such as,
electrical components, pillion steps, etc. may need to be dismounted and mounted
separately. Such an activity may involve considerably higher time and, moreover, be
cumbersome for a user.
SUMMARY
[0005] 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.
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[0006] In one embodiment, a pillion step apparatus for a straddle-type vehicle is
provided. The pillion step apparatus comprises a left pillion step member, a right
pillion step member and at least one electrical component. The at least one electrical
component is removably coupled with the left pillion step member at one end and the
right pillion step member at an opposite end to define a substantially U-shaped
structure.
[0007] In another embodiment, a pillion step apparatus for a straddle-type vehicle
is disclosed. The pillion step apparatus comprises a left pillion step member, a right
pillion step member, and at least one electrical component. The at least one electrical
component and at least one of the left pillion step member and the right pillion step
member are moulded together.
[0008] Other aspects and exemplary embodiments are provided in the drawings
and the detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention itself, together with further features and attended
advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more
embodiments of the present invention are now described, with reference to a twowheeled
vehicle by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent
like elements and in which:
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a two-wheeled vehicle
employing a pillion step apparatus according to an embodiment;
[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of an assembled pillion step apparatus of
figure 1 adapted to be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle of figure 1 according to
an embodiment;
[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the pillion step apparatus of figure
2 according to an embodiment;
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[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic side view of a left pillion step member
according to an embodiment;
[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic top view of a left pillion step member
according to an embodiment;
[0015] Figure 6 illustrates the sectional view along A-A, B-B, C-C of the left
pillion step member as depicted in the Figure 2 according to an embodiment;
[0016] Figure 7 illustrates a scheme of mounting the electrical components onto
the pillion step members according to an embodiment; and
[0017] Figure 8 illustrates a scheme of mounting the electrical components onto
the pillion step members according to another embodiment.
[0018] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as
being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only
exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS AND THE
PREFFERED EMBODIMENT
[0019] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that
it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the
contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative
falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[0020] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, apparatus or method
that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components
or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to
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^ ^ such setup or apparatus or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system
or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints,
preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or
apparatus. It is noted that terms such as "straddle type vehicle" and "vehicle" are
interchangeably used throughout the description. Further, it is noted that the terms
"pillion step apparatus for straddle type vehicle" and "pillion step assembly" are
interchangeably used throughout the description." The term "straddle type vehicle"
includes straddle type two or three wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle, a scooter,
snowmobile and the like.
[0021] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be
made to the embodiment illustrated in greater depth in the accompanying figures and
description below, further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are
used to identify the same components in various views.
[0022] The terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" 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 drawing figures.
Accordingly, component numerals in the figures are suffixed with letters "r" and "1"
to denote their appropriate location (for example, on right side or left side of the
straddle-type vehicle).
[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a straddle-type vehicle (100)
employing a pillion step apparatus (06) according to an embodiment. It is noted that
the straddle-type vehicle (100) is depicted as scooter in figure 1 for illustrative
purposes. The pillion step apparatus (06) may be provisioned for other two-wheeled
vehicles, such as motorcycles, racing bikes, mopeds and even vehicles like
snowmobiles. As shown in figure 1, the straddle-type vehicle (100), comprises one or
more parts, interalia, a vehicle seat (02), floor board (03), front fairing (04), left side
fairing (051), handle (07), front wheel (08) and rear wheel (09).
[0024] In an embodiment, the pillion step apparatus (06) comprises a left pillion
step member (061), a right pillion step member (06r) (061,06r are depicted in figures 2
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^ ^ and 3) and at least one electrical component. An electrical component, such as the
tail-light (10), is removably coupled with the left pillion step member (061) at one end
and the right pillion step member (06r) at an opposite end to define a substantially Ushaped
structure. Other examples of the electrical components may include, but are
not limited, to a license plate light, a brake light, tail-light assembly and the like. In an
embodiment, the pillion step apparatus (06) comprises one or more auxiliary electrical
components removably coupled to at least one of the left pillion step member (061)
and the right pillion step member (06r). Examples of the auxiliary electrical
components may include direction indicators, such as left and right winkers (left
winker /direction indicator (111) is depicted in figure 1) and the like. In an
embodiment, the at least one electrical component and at least one of the left pillion
step member (061) and the right pillion step member (06r)may be moulded together .
In an embodiment, the pillion step apparatus (06) is adapted to be removably mounted
on the straddle-type vehicle (100). An exemplary embodiment of the pillion step
apparatus (06) is further explained with reference to figures 2 and 3.
[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of an assembled pillion step apparatus (06)
of figure 1 adapted to be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle (100) according to an
embodiment. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the pillion step apparatus (06)
of figure 2 according to an embodiment. The pillion step apparatus (06) is a English
alphabet "U" shaped structure, where the substantially parallel sections of the Ushaped
structure are defined by the left pillion step member (061) and right pillion step
member (06r), and, the arc of the U-shaped structure is substantially defined by at
least one electrical component. In an embodiment, the arc of the U-shaped structure
may be substantially defined by integration of electrical components, such as the taillight
(10), a license plate light and/or a brake light or any combination thereof. In an
embodiment, a side fairing (051, 05r) is sandwiched in-between a pillion step member
(061, 06r) and a respective side frame member of the straddle-type vehicle (100) upon ;
mounting the pillion step apparatus (06) on the straddle-type vehicle (100).
[0026] In an embodiment, upon mounting the pillion step apparatus (06) on the
straddle-type vehicle (100), the left pillion step member (061) is adapted to be
disposed in a flush relation with a left side portion (for example, a portion on left side
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^ ^ fairing (051)) of the straddle-type vehicle (100). In an embodiment, upon mounting the
pillion step apparatus (06) on the straddle-type vehicle (100), the right pillion step
member is adapted to be disposed in a flush relation with a right side portion (for
example, a portion on right side fairing (05r)) of the straddle-type vehicle (100). In an
embodiment, each of the left pillion step member (061) and the right pillion step
member (06r) comprises at least one mounting provision adapted to mount the pillion
step apparatus (06) on the straddle-type vehicle (100) and/or frame member of the
straddle-type vehicle (100). The mounting provision is further explained with
reference to figure 6.
[0027] In an embodiment, the at least one electrical component is adapted to be
disposed in a flush relation with a rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle (100) upon
mounting the pillion step apparatus (06) onto the straddle-type vehicle (100). For
example, the tail-light (10) may be adapted to be disposed in a flush relation with the
rear side of the vehicle. As explained with reference to figure 1, one or more auxiliary
electrical components are removably coupled to at least one of the left pillion step
member (061) and the right pillion step member (06r). An example of such a
component may include a direction indicator. As depicted in figures 2 and 3, the left
winker/direction indicator (111) is mounted on the left pillion step member (061) and
the right winker/direction indicator (1 lr) is mounted on the right pillion step member
(06r). In an embodiment, the one or more auxiliary electrical components are snugly
fitted onto the left pillion step member (061) and the right pillion step member (06r).
In an embodiment, the one or more auxiliary electrical components are fitted onto the
left pillion step member (061) and the right pillion step member (06r) by using
fastening means, such as screws etc.
[0028] Both the left pillion step member (061) and right pillion step member (06r)
have substantially the similar structure and mounting steps and hence description
would now be made as to the left pillion step member (061) alone. It is noted that the
description is applicable to the right pillion step member (06r) with appropriate
modifications, wherever required.
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^ ^ [0029] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a schematic side view and a top view,
respectively, of a left pillion step member (061) according to an embodiment. In an
embodiment, the left pillion step member (061) is a single mould. The left pillion step
member (061) comprises a front end portion (12f), a rear end portion (12r) adapted to
be engaged with the at least one electrical component, and a central portion (12c)
disposed in-between the front end portion (12f) and the rear end portion (12r). As
explained with reference to figures 2 and 3, the electrical component may be a taillight
(10). One end of the tail-light (10) may be coupled to the rear end portion (12r)
of the left pillion step member (061) and the opposite end of tail-light (10) may be
coupled to the right pillion step member (06r) to form a substantive U-shaped
structure. Alternatively, the left pillion step member (061) and right pillion step
member (06r) and the electrical components, such as tail-light (10) may be moulded
as a substantially U-shaped structure as explained with reference to figures 1 to 3.
[0030] The central portion (12c) comprises a substantially flat surface (18)
adapted to provide leg support to a pillion rider. The central portion (12c) has wider
surface area as compared to the front end portion (12f) and rear end portion (12r). In
another embodiment, the substantially flat surface (18) comprises a non-skid top
surface formed thereupon. For example, the central portion (12c) may have a rubber
cover on its top surface. The central portion (12c) in the top view further narrows
frontwards in the width direction of the vehicle (100) to define a front end portion
(12f), which is adapted to fall in flush relation with the floor board (03) of the
straddle-type vehicle (100) so that when pillion step apparatus (06) is mounted, the
left pillion step member (061) and the right pillion step member (06r) appears to be a
continuous surface with the floor board (03), which may help in enhancing an
appearance of the straddle-type vehicle (100). The central portion (12c) in the top
view also narrows rearwards in the width direction of the vehicle (100) to define a
rear end portion (12r) which is adapted to receive the left winker / direction indicator
(111). In an embodiment, each of the left pillion step member (061) and the right
pillion step member (06r) comprises a plurality of ribs disposed thereupon. In an
embodiment, the plurality of ribs may be disposed near a location of the mounting
provision (17) for each the left pillion step member (061) and the right pillion step
member (06r).
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[0031] In an embodiment, each of the left pillion step member (061) and the right
pillion step member (06r) comprises at least one inner peripheral edge having a
curvature adapted to conform to the profile of a side portion of the straddle-type
vehicle and adapted to be disposed in a flush relationship thereto. For example, as
depicted in figure 6, the curvature of inner peripheral edges (14a) & (15a) of Ushaped
structure conforms to the profile of the side fairings (051) and (05r) of the
straddle type vehicle (100) and adapted to be disposed in a contiguous and flush
relationship with the surface of the side fairings of the straddle-type vehicle (100).
Further, in an embodiment, at least one electrical component comprises at least one
inner peripheral edge having a curvature adapted to conform to the profile of rear
portion of the straddle-type vehicle (100) and adapted to be disposed in a flush
relationship thereto. For example, the arc of the "U" shape is substantially defined by
the tail light (10) matching with the shape of the rear portion of the straddle-type
vehicle (100).
[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a simplified sectional view along A-A, B-B, C-C of the
left pillion step member (061) of the Figure 2 according to an embodiment. As
depicted, left pillion step member (061) is an English alphabet "V" like structure
wherein vertex is formed towards the left side of the vehicle and end of the leaves
(14) and (15) define the peripheral edges (14a) & (15a) of the left pillion step member
(061) which are adapted to be flush connected with the side fairing (051) of the
straddle-type vehicle (100). These leaves (14) and (15) can be interconnected by
plurality of ribs to strengthen the left pillion step member (061) structure. There are
also provided mounting provisions (17) having a mounting hole (19) therein adapted
to receive the fastening means such as screws, etc. At the time of mounting of the
pillion step apparatus (06) onto the straddle-type vehicle (100), more particularly onto
the side fairing (051), the fastening means such as screws are initially inserted through
the opening provided on the side fairing (051) then tightened to the mounting holes
(19) of the mounting provisions (17). In an embodiment, the pillion step apparatus j
(06) can act as a structure, which can be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle (100)
from the rear portion of the straddle-type vehicle (100) in a single action. Further, the
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^ ^ pillion step apparatus (06) may be tightened to straddle-type vehicle (100) by
tightening screws to the mounting hole (19) and the vehicle frame body.
[0033] In one of the embodiment, the side fairing (051) is supported by the
structure member of the straddle-type vehicle (100) at the point where the pillion step
apparatus (06) is mounted such that the load on the pillion step apparatus (06) is
transferred to such structural member. Also, preferably the pillion step apparatus (06)
is mounted directly onto the structural member such as frame body or some bracket
sandwiching the side fairing (051) in-between the left/right pillion step member (061,
06r) and the corresponding left/right frame member. In another embodiment,
optionally, the front end portion (12f) of the left pillion step member (061) and the
front end portion (12f) of right pillion step member (06r) may be joined together by a
fix structure on the floor body (03) of the straddle-type vehicle (100) that may provide
strength to the pillion step apparatus (06) when mounted on the straddle-type vehicle
(100). Such an arrangement may assist in fast mounting of the pillion step assembly
(06) as front end portions (12f) are insertedly fitted on the protruded provisions of the
floor body (03) in addition to providing better strengthening of the structure.
[0034] The pillion step apparatus (06) is mounted at such location on the side
fairing (051) of the vehicle (100) so that the tail light (10) is in flush relation with the
rear portion of the vehicle (100). The left winker / direction indicator (111) can be
mounted on the left pillion step member (061) using fastening means such as screws,
etc. as illustrated in the Figure 7 or can be snugly fitted onto it as illustrated in the
Figure 8.
[0035] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the
claims appearing below, advantages of one or more of the exemplary embodiments
disclosed include providing a pillion step apparatus that facilitates a mounting a leg of
a pillion passenger from both sides of a straddle-type vehicle is provided. The pillion
step apparatus can be separately mounted / retrofitted to the straddle-type vehicle.
Further, the pillion step apparatus is adapted to mount the electrical components, such
as winkers / direction indicators, brake light, license plate light or similar electrical
components etc., thereto. In some exemplary scenarios, the electrical components are
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^ r packaged into one unit. Moreover, the pillion steps and the electrical components may
be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle as one unit, thereby reducing assembly time.
In some embodiments, the electrical components may include the winkers/ direction
indicators.
[0036] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular
features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be
made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without
departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the
nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the
foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention
and not as a limitation.
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" CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A pillion step apparatus for a straddle-type vehicle, comprising:
a left pillion step member;
a right pillion step member; and
at least one electrical component removably coupled with the left pillion
step member at one end and the right pillion step member at an opposite end to
define a substantially U-shaped structure.
2. The pillion step apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pillion step apparatus is
adapted to be removably mounted on the straddle-type vehicle.
3. The pillion step apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein, upon mounting the
pillion step apparatus on the straddle-type vehicle, the left pillion step member
is adapted to be disposed in a flush relation with a left side portion of the
straddle-type vehicle.
4. The pillion step apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein, upon mounting the
pillion step apparatus on the straddle-type vehicle, the right pillion step member
is adapted to be disposed in a flush relation with a right side portion of the
straddle-type vehicle.
5. The pillion step apparatus of claims 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, wherein each of the
left pillion step member and the right pillion step member comprises at least one
mounting provision adapted to mount the pillion step apparatus on the straddletype
vehicle.
6. The pillion step apparatus of claim 1, wherein the straddle-type vehicle is
one of a motorcycle, a scooter, a bike, a moped and a snowmobile.
7. The pillion step apparatus of claim 1, wherein an electrical component
from among the at least one electrical component is one of a tail light, a tail
light assembly, a brake light and a license plate light.
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8. The pillion step apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one
electrical component is adapted to be disposed in a flush relation with a rear
portion of the straddle-type vehicle upon mounting the pillion step apparatus
onto the straddle-type vehicle.
9. The pillion step apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more
auxiliary electrical components removably coupled to at least one of the left
pillion step member and the right pillion step member.
10. The pillion step apparatus of claim 9, w^herein an auxiliary electrical
component of the one or more auxiliary electrical components is a direction
indicator.
11. The pillion step apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more auxiliary
electrical components are snugly fitted onto the left pillion step member and the
right pillion step member.
12. The pillion step apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more auxiliary
electrical components are fitted onto the left pillion step member and the right
pillion step member by using fastening means.
13. The pillion step appm-atus of claim 1, wiierein each of the left pillion step
member and the right step member comprise a plurality of ribs disposed
thereupon.
14. The pillion step apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one electrical
component and the one or more auxiliary electrical components are packaged
into one unit.
15. The pillion step apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the left
pillion step member and the right pillion step member comprises:
a front end portion;

a rear end portion adapted to be engaged with the at least one electrical
component; and
a central portion disposed in-between the front end portion and the rear
end portion, the central portion comprising a substantially flat surface adapted
to provide leg support to a pillion rider.
16. The pillion step apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
substantially flat surface comprises a non-skid top surface formed thereupon.
17. The pillion step apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the front end
portion of each of the left pillion step member and the right pillion step member
is adapted to be disposed in a flush relation with a floor board of the straddletype
vehicle.
18. The pillion step apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the left
pillion step member and the right pillion step member comprises at least one
inner peripheral edge having a curvature adapted to conform to the profile of a
side portion of the straddle-type vehicle and adapted to be disposed in a flush
relationship thereto.
19. The pillion step apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
electrical component comprises at least one inner peripheral edge having a
curvature adapted to conform to the profile of rear portion of the straddle-type
vehicle and adapted to be disposed in a flush relationship thereto.
20. A pillion step apparatus for a straddle-type vehicle, comprising:
a left pillion step member;
a right pillion step member; and
at least one electrical component and at least one of the left pillion step
member and the right pillion step member are moulded together.