Description: FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 of 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10; Rule 13)

SIDE STAND FOR SADDLE-RIDE TYPE VEHICLE

ULTRAVIOLETTE AUTOMOTIVE PRIVATE LIMITED
529-530, Intermediate Ring Road, Amarjyoti Layout, Domlur,
Bangalore – 560071, Karnataka, India
An Indian Company

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the design of a side stand for saddle-ride type vehicle. More specifically, it relates to an improved design of side stand for two-wheelers.
BACKGROUND
In two-wheelers such as a saddle-ride type vehicle, the side stand plays a very important role in maintaining the static stability of the vehicle. Along with the two tyres, the side stand also contacts the ground in an open position so as to provide support to the vehicle, typically while parking. In typical saddle-ride type vehicles, while the vehicle is being driven, the side stand is retracted back to a closed position, typically by a spring, such that it does not make any contact with the ground. The opening and closing of the side-stand is usually carried out by the rider, using his/her leg to provide the force in the respective directions of opening and closing.
In a known construction of a side stand assembly, an extension spring is used to rotate the side stand between an open position and a closed position. However, in case of an extension spring the force and the angle of force required to operate the side stand assembly is high leading to discomfort of the rider while opening or closing the side stand. Moreover, if the rider has not applied sufficient force to retract the side stand to a closed position, it may so happen that during riding, the side stand opens out and contacts the grounds leading to high unstability of the vehicle in motion and cause an accident. Additionally, the extension spring is typically made up of steel wire, which is assembled in an exposed position. This makes the spring susceptible to water and dust during usage which further leads to rusting of the spring. As a result, the function of the spring to hold the side stand in a closed position is compromised. This again may lead to a highly unstable condition of the vehicle if the side stand comes to an open position during riding. This is undesirable from a safety point of view. Moreover, the visible side stand assembly leads to poor aesthetics as it is exposed outside in a vehicle side view.
Several inventions have been made to overcome the safety concern in side stand open condition while the vehicle is being driven. In order to notify the rider of the open position of the side stand, . In one such construction, as side stand sensor is used to notify the rider if the side stand is in an open condition,before the vehicle is started. In more sophisticated construction, if the side stand sensor notes that the side stand is open, it disables the power system of the vehicle until the side stand is closed. However, such construction has proven to be very expensive due to the costs associated with the sensor implementation. Moreover, since two-wheelers are supposed to be designed compactly, placement of such sensor occupies additional space leading to complexity in design. However, this still does not solve the problems associated with the requirement to apply high force by the rider in order to open or close the side-stand. It also does not solve the problem of damage in the side stand spring due to the water and dust entry.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
Considering the above failure modes in the prior art, it is an objective of the current invention to design a side-stand assembly that can be operated by the rider comfortably by using minimal force for opening and closing the side-stand assembly.
It is yet another objective of the current invention to design a side-stand assembly that has improved structural reliability and durability.
It is yet another objective of the current invention to design a side-stand assembly that looks aesthetically pleasant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A saddle-ride type vehicle comprises of a side stand assembly that is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The side stand assembly comprises of a side stand leg and a spring. The side stand leg has a first end portion, a second end portion and a spring mount portion that extends from the first end portion. The first end portion of the side stand leg is rotatably supported on a first frame mount portion of the vehicle. The second end portion of the side stand leg is configured to contact the ground in the open position of the side stand assembly. The spring mount portion extends from the first end portion of the side stand leg. The spring is provided for enabling easy retraction of the side stand assembly from the open position to a closed position. The spring comprises of a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of the spring is supported on the spring mount portion of the side stand leg. The first portion of the spring is rotatably supported on a second frame mount portion of the vehicle. The vertical height A of the first frame mounting portion from the ground is more than the vertical height B of the second frame mounting portion from the ground.
As per first embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is rearwardly of the second frame mount portion in a vehicle side view.
As per second embodiment of the current invention, the spring used is a compression type of spring. The compression spring is disposed between an outer tube and an inner tube, the outer tube mounted onto the first frame mount portion and the inner tube mounted onto the second frame mount portion. The diameter of the outer tube is more than the diameter of the inner tube.
As per third embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion and the second frame mount portion is formed on a single frame bracket welded onto a main frame of the saddle-ride type vehicle.
As per fourth embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion and the second frame mount portion is formed on a single frame bracket welded onto a main frame of the saddle-ride type vehicle.
As per fifth embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is a cylindrical rod extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
As per sixth embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is a cylindrical rod extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
As per seventh embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is a cylindrical rod extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
As per eighth embodiment of the current invention, the spring is disposed behind the side stand leg in a vehicle side view such that the spring and the side stand leg overlap with each other in a vehicle side view.
LIST OF FIGURES
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
Figure 1 presents a perspective view of the side stand leg as per the current invention
Figure 2 presents a perspective view of the frame bracket encompassing the first frame mounting portion and the second frame mounting portion as per the current invention
Figure 3 presents a perspective view of the side stand assembly with the first frame mount portion, second frame mount portion and the spring
Figure 4 presents an exploded view of the frame bracket encompassing the first frame mounting portion and the second frame mounting portion as per the current invention
Figure 5 presents Side view of the frame bracket encompassing the first frame mounting portion and the second frame mounting portion as per the current invention
Figure 6 presents Saddle-ride type vehicle as per the current invention showing side stand in an open position and an illustrated closed position as per the current invention
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled 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 figures and specific language will be used to describe them. 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 system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, members, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.
Figure 1 presents a perspective view of the side stand leg as per the current invention
Figure 2 presents a perspective view of the frame bracket encompassing the first frame mounting portion and the second frame mounting portion as per the current invention
Figure 3 presents a perspective view of the side stand assembly with the first frame mount portion, second frame mount portion and the spring
Figure 4 presents an exploded view of the frame bracket encompassing the first frame mounting portion and the second frame mounting portion as per the current invention
Figure 5 presents Side view of the frame bracket encompassing the first frame mounting portion and the second frame mounting portion as per the current invention
Figure 6 presents Saddle-ride type vehicle as per the current invention showing side stand in an open position and an illustrated closed position as per the current invention
As per the current invention, A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) comprises of a side stand assembly (10) that is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The side stand assembly (10) comprises of a side stand leg (11) and a spring (15). The side stand leg (11) has a first end portion (12), a second end portion (13) and a spring mount portion (14) that extends from the first end portion (12). The first end portion (12) of the side stand leg (11) is rotatably supported on a first frame mount portion (18) of the vehicle. The second end portion (13) of the side stand leg (11) is configured to contact the ground in the open position of the side stand assembly (10). The spring mount portion (14) extends from the first end portion (12) of the side stand leg (11). The spring (15) is provided for enabling easy retraction of the side stand assembly from the open position to a closed position. The spring (15) comprises of a first portion (16) and a second portion (17). The second portion (17) of the spring (15) is supported on the spring mount portion (14) of the side stand leg (11). The first portion (16) of the spring is rotatably supported on a second frame mount portion (19) of the vehicle. The vertical height A of the first frame mounting portion (18) from the ground is more than the vertical height B of the second frame mounting portion (19) from the ground.
As per first embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is rearwardly of the second frame mount portion in a vehicle side view.
As per second embodiment of the current invention, the spring used is a compression type of spring. The compression spring is disposed between an outer tube and an inner tube, the outer tube mounted onto the first frame mount portion and the inner tube mounted onto the second frame mount portion. The diameter of the outer tube is more than the diameter of the inner tube.
As per third embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion and the second frame mount portion is formed on a single frame bracket welded onto a main frame of the saddle-ride type vehicle.
As per fourth embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion and the second frame mount portion is formed on a single frame bracket welded onto a main frame of the saddle-ride type vehicle.
As per fifth embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is a cylindrical rod extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
As per sixth embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is a cylindrical rod extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
As per seventh embodiment of the current invention, the first frame mount portion is a cylindrical rod extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
As per eighth embodiment of the current invention, the spring is disposed behind the side stand leg in a vehicle side view such that the spring and the side stand leg overlap with each other in a vehicle side view.
While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled 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 foregoing 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. 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.
FURTHER ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
So, the current invention solves the problem of rider discomfort by configuring a compression spring on the side stand assembly of a vehicle in such a manner that it is easy for the rider to operate for closing and opening. By applying a minimal load, the spring contracts back to closed position from the open position and similarly by applying a minimal load it rotates from open position and closed position due to spring effect.
The current invention further solves the problem of dust and water entry into the spring by utilising a tube on tube configuration of the spring, i,e., by placing the spring between two co-axial tubes such that the spring is safely disposed off without external exposure. This also improves the aesthetics as the spring is not visible in a vehicle side view.

REFERENCES
Saddle-ride type vehicle - 1
Side stand assembly - 10
Side stand leg - 11
First end portion - 12
Second end portion - 13
Spring mount portion - 14
Spring - 15
First portion - 16
Second portion - 17
First frame mount portion - 18
Second frame mount portion – 19
Open position - 20
Closed position – 30 , Claims: CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) comprising:
a side stand assembly (10) configured to rotate between an open position (20) and a closed position (30), the side stand assembly (10) comprising
a side stand leg (11), the side stand leg (11) further comprising
a first end portion (12), the first end portion (12) of the side stand leg rotatably supported on a first frame mount portion (18) of the vehicle,
a second end portion (13), the second end portion of the side stand leg configured to contact the ground in the open position of the side stand assembly (10) and
a spring mount portion (14) extending from the first end portion (12) of the side stand leg (11); and
a spring (15) for enabling easy retraction of the side stand assembly from the open position to a closed position, the spring (15) comprising of a first portion (16) and a second portion (17), the second portion of the spring is supported on the spring mount portion (14) of the side stand leg (11),
the first portion (16) of the spring (15) is rotatably supported on a second frame mount portion (19) of the vehicle,
wherein
the first frame mount portion (18) is disposed at a vertical height A from the ground and
the second frame mount portion (19) is disposed at a vertical height B from the ground,
characterised in that:
the vertical height A of the first frame mounting portion from the ground is more than the vertical height B of the second frame mounting portion from the ground.
2. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the first frame mount portion (18) is disposed rearwardly of the second frame mount portion (19) in a vehicle side view.
3. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the spring (15) is a compression spring wherein the compression spring is disposed between an outer tube and an inner tube, the outer tube mounted onto the first frame mount portion (18) and the inner tube mounted onto the second frame mount portion (19) such that the diameter of the inner tube is less than the diameter of the outer tube.
4. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the first frame mounting portion (18) and the second frame mounting portion (19) is formed on a single frame bracket welded onto a main frame of the saddle-ride type vehicle (1).
5. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the spring (15) is made up of stainless steel.
6. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the frame bracket is made up of stainless steel.
7. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first frame mount portion (18) is a through hole extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
8. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the second frame mount portion is a through hole extending from a frame bracket on a main frame of the vehicle.
9. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the side stand leg (11) is made up of cylindrical tube of stainless steel.
10. 9. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the side stand leg (11) is made up of metal using a forging method.
11. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the spring (15) is disposed behind the side stand leg (11) in a vehicle side view such that the spring (15) and the side stand leg (11) overlap with each other in a vehicle side view.