[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and more particularly to a side stand unit for the two-wheeled motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. The frame assembly is a structural member and acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the frame assembly connects a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0003] Typically, a two wheeled vehicle is provided with a side stand unit which supports it in a standing state while the vehicle is parked. The side stand device is constructed by pivotally attaching a side stand bar through a pivot-bolt to a bracket on a vehicle body frame, and mounting a side stand switch through a securing bolt to the pivot-bolt.
[0004] Generally, the side stand switch is the lowest part of the vehicle and is prone to hitting the ground at any bump. The side stand switch in some cases becomes an integral part which needs additional protection due to the ECU units' circuits and sensors attached to it. Any kind of damage might lead to the engine assembly bring shut off. Therefore, additional provision is required to protect the side stand switch in most of the vehicles. In some embodiments an extra cover is added for protection of the switch from hitting the ground.
[0005] Henceforth, addition of an additional cover is an additional element being added to the system which means system turning out to be much heavier

and bulkier than a normal one. This also means addition of more provisions such as mounting holes or an extra additional attaching member so that the cover remains attached to the side stand unit. This also results in higher manufacturing cost, and the system turning out to be more complicated and bulkier. Additionally, there also exists a need for ease of access and convenience for the rider to be able to access the side stand even when in seated condition and ensure there is no fowling of the footwear with the side stand unit and its cover. The layout of the swing-arm pivot downstream of the side stand tends to increase the wheelbase of the vehicle which leads to adverse impact on the dynamic behavior of the vehicle and thus not desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with
reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the
drawings to reference like features and components.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled
vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of the frame of two-wheeled vehicle
depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a right side view of the frame of two-wheeled vehicle
depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates a left side view of the side stand unit connected to
the swing arm of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter
[00011] Fig. 5 illustrates a right side view of the side stand unit connected to
the swing arm of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00012] Fig. 6 illustrates a left side view of the side stand unit without the
swing arm of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 7 illustrates a right side view of the side stand unit without the
swing arm of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Fig. 8 illustrates an enlarged top view of the stand bracket for the
side stand unit of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00015] Typically, side stands for motorcycles have long been employed as a means for maintaining the vehicle substantially upright when left unattended or parked. To this end, devices have been developed which, through springs or other mechanisms, provide a plurality of established positions. Pivoted side stand legs typically are biased to the fully retracted position where they extend substantially rearwardly on the vehicle up the adjacent frame. A load bearing position is also provided where the leg extends downwardly and forwardly on the vehicle.
[00016] In a known art, the side stand unit is provided to the vehicle by pivotally attaching it to a bracket wherein the bracket is welded to a swing arm connected to the vehicle body frame. From the intermediate position, the operator can use a foot to kick the leg rearwardly on the vehicle unit and the biasing mechanism draws the leg into the storage position. A side stand switch is also generally attached to the side stand unit through on the bracket. It is generally located ahead of the side stand bar and is the lowest most portion of the unit as well as the vehicle.
[00017] Therefore, the side stand switch becomes the most prone element to hit the ground at any bumps or speed breakers. To protect it many other facilities have been provided on the side stand unit. One of such element is an additional cover or casing provided on the side stand unit to protect the side stand switch. But for attachment of such cover extra mounting space and holes need to be

provided. It makes the system heavier, complex and increases the manufacturing cost as well.
[00018] Thus the present system provides a side stand unit which protects the switch without making the system heavy or bulky. Addition of any extra element is refrained from and the manufacturing cost is also reduced.
[00019] Thus, the present subject matter provides a protection for the side stand switch embodied in the side stand and overcomes the problem stated in the prior art above. In an embodiment, the present subject matter provides a protection for the switch such that the unit does not become heavier nor is there an increase in the manufacturing cost.
[00020] In an embodiment, the side stand unit includes a swing arm attached to the vehicle frame at its one side. A stand bracket is welded on the swing arm bracket and a side stand arm is pivotally connected the stand bracket. The side stand unit also comprises of a stand spring attached to the swing arm which holds the side stand arm in a latitudinal uptight position when the vehicle is running or when the side stand unit is not being used.
[00021] In an embodiment, a side stand switch is attached on a pivot pin which pivotally connects the side stand arm to the stand bracket. The side stand switch is disposed in front of the side stand arm when seen from a side of the vehicle. In an embodiment a stand bracket extends in a downward direction such that it becomes the lowest part of the vehicle and hits the ground first at any bump or obstacle and in process protects the stand switch, thereby enhancing the safety of the rider. As per another embodiment of the present invention, the side stand bracket is integrated with the side stand unit to form a side stand system with integral protector.
[00022] In an embodiment, the stand bracket extends in a downward fashion and can said to be comprising of two portions. The first portion being a substantially stair case like structure which ends in a same plane as that of the side stand switch. The second portion being a substantially right angle triangle

shaped embodiment which extends downward from the first portion such that in case of an uneven surface the bottom most point of the second portion would hit the ground and protect the side stand switch from any damage.
[00023] The present subject matter is aimed at addressing the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art. The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[0001] In relation to the following description of embodiments), arrows as
and where provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. Also, an arrow with LH denotes a left side, and an arrow with RH denotes a right side. All aforementioned directions are with respect to the vehicle.
[00024] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein the arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denoted downward direction. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (105) that extends from a head tube (not shown), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100), towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The frame assembly (105) includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. The frame assembly (105) may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly (110) is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly (105). The engine assembly (110) acts as the power unit of the vehicle (100), wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front

portion of a swing arm assembly (115) is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly (105) and rear portion of the swing arm assembly (115) rotatably supports a rear wheel (120). The rear wheel (120) is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (110) through a transmission system. A rear fender (not shown) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (120) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (120). Further, the swing arm assembly (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 (185) connects the swing arm assembly (115) to the frame assembly. A pair of front forks 130 supports a front wheel (135) and is steerably supported by the head pipe. A handlebar assembly (140) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork (130). Further, a front fender assembly (145) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (135) and the front fender assembly (145) is mounted to the front forks (130).
[00025] A fuel tank (150) is mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly (105) and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (140). A seat assembly (155) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (150) and supported by the pair of rear tubes. A foot rest sub-assembly (160) mounted to the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle enable in supporting the rider foot and a side stand unit (175) is also mounted on the frame assembly used to support the vehicle during a parked condition. Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a fairing assembly (165) that is disposed forwardly of the head tube and extending sidewardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank (150) and at least a portion of the engine assembly (110). The fairing assembly (165) is mounted with one or more headlamp(s) (not shown) that are disposed in a front portion of the fairing assembly (165). Also, the vehicle (100) may include a bottom cowl assembly (170) that covers at least a portion of the engine assembly (110_ whereby the engine assembly (110) is protected from dust, dirt, and water splashing. The vehicle comprises of a tail cover assembly (180) that are disposed rearwardly of a side panel assembly and extend along the pair of rear tubes thereby covering at least a portion of the pair

of rear tubes. The tail cover assembly (180) extends towards a rear portion of the frame assembly (105) and the tail cover assembly (105) is adapted to accommodate a tail lamp (not shown).
[00026] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of the frame assembly (105) with the side stand unit (175) attached to it for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the side stand unit (175) is seen to be attached to the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle through a frame member (190). The side stand unit (175) is depicted in a position when the vehicle (100) isn't in a parked condition. In an embodiment the stand bracket (195) can be seen to be extending downwards form the side stand unit (175) such that the side stand switch (215) (shown in Fig. 5) is protected in case when vehicle hits the ground. Additionally, the rider footrest is disposed substantially above and downstream of the side stand unit. Also, the swing arm (115) pivot is disposed substantially above and upstream of the side stand. Owing to such a disposition, the side stand unit along with its protection provision is disposed optimally so as to enable convenience of access of side stand to the rider even while being seated on the vehicle as well as enable compact layout disposition of the swing-arm pivot.
[00027] Fig. 3 illustrates a right side view of the frame assembly (105) with the side stand unit (175) attached to it for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the side stand unit (175) is seen to be attached to the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle through a frame member (190). The side stand unit (175) is depicted in a position when the vehicle (100) isn't in a parked condition. In an embodiment the stand bracket (195) can be seen to be extending downwards form the side stand unit (175) such that the side stand switch (215) (shown in Fig. 5) is protected in case when vehicle hits the ground.
[00028] Fig. 4 illustrates a left side view of the side stand unit (175) connected to the frame member (190) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an

embodiment, the side stand unit (175) is seen in an upright condition when the vehicle (100) isn't parked. The side stand unit (175) comprises of a swing arm (190), a side stand arm (200), a stand spring (205), a side stand switch (215) and a stand bracket (195). The side stand unit (175) is connected to the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle through the swing arm (190), whereas the side stand arm (200) is pivotially connected to the swing arm bracket (195) through a pivot pin (210). In an embodiment, the side stand arm (200) is held in an upright horizontal position through a stand spring (205) such that it does not touches the ground and is held in a substantially parallel direction to the ground when the side stand unit (175) is not being used. The stand spring (205) comprises of a first end (205F) connected to the stand bracket (195) and a second end (205S) being connected to the stand arm (200). When the rider wants to park the vehicle (100) he pushes the side stand arm (200) down such that it touches ground and bears the load of the vehicle (100) in a parked condition. In an embodiment, the stand switch (215) is disposed in the stand bracket (195) mounted on the pivot pin (210) where the side stand arm (200) is connected to the stand bracket (195) and moves around it when the side stand unit (175) is being used. In an embodiment, the stand bracket (195) extends in a downward direction ahead of stand switch (215) such that the lowest point (195L) of the stand bracket (195) becomes the lowest element of the vehicle from the ground. In process the extension protects the side stand switch (215) in case when the vehicle touches the ground.
[00029] Fig. 5 illustrates a right side view of the side stand unit (175) connected to the frame member (190) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the side stand unit (175) is seen in an upright condition when the vehicle (100) isn't parked. The side stand unit (175) is connected to the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle through the frame member (190), whereas the side stand arm (200) is pivotially connected to the swing arm bracket (195) through a pivot pin (210). In an embodiment, the side stand arm (200) is held in an upright horizontal position through a stand spring (205) such that it does not touches the

ground and is held in a substantially parallel direction to the ground when the side stand unit (175) isn't being used. When the rider wants to park the vehicle (100) he pushes the side stand arm (200) down such that it touches ground and bears the load of the vehicle (100) in a parked condition. In an embodiment, the stand switch (215) is disposed in the stand bracket (195) mounted on the pivot pin (210) where the side stand arm (200) is connected to the stand bracket (195) and moves around it when the side stand unit (175) is being used. In an embodiment, the stand bracket (195) extends in a downward direction ahead of stand switch (215) such that the lowest point (195L) of the stand bracket (195) becomes the lowest element of the vehicle from the ground. In process the extension protects the side stand switch (215) in case when the vehicle touches the ground.
[00030] Fig. 6 illustrates a left side view of the side stand unit (175) without the frame member (190) attached for the two wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in according with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment the side stand arm (200) can be seen to be pivotially connected to the stand bracket (195), with the stand spring (205) attached to the stand bracket (195) and the side stand arm (200) to hold it in an uptight condition. The side stand switch (215) is mounted on the pivot pin (210) where the side stand arm (200) is pivotially connected to the stand bracket (195). In an embodiment, the stand bracket (195) can be seen to be extending in a downward direction such that the extension would hit the ground first in case vehicle touches the ground. In an embodiment, the stand bracket (195) extends in a downward direction ahead of stand switch (215) such that the lowest point (195L) of the stand bracket (195) becomes the lowest element of the vehicle from the ground. In process the right angle triangle shaped downward (195A) extension protects the side stand switch (215) from hitting the ground and being damaged.
[00031] Fig. 7 illustrates a right side view of the side stand unit (175) without the frame member (190) attached for the two wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in according with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment the side stand arm (200) can be seen to be pivotially connected to

the stand bracket (195), with the stand spring (205) attached to the stand bracket (195) and the side stand arm (200) to hold it in an uptight condition. The side stand switch (215) is mounted on the pivot pin (210) where the side stand arm (200) is pivotially connected to the stand bracket (195). In an embodiment, the stand bracket (195) extends in a downward direction ahead of stand switch (215) such that the lowest point (195L) of the stand bracket (195) becomes the lowest element of the vehicle from the ground. In process the right angle triangle shaped downward extension protects the side stand switch (215) from hitting the ground and being damaged.
[00032] Fig. 8 illustrates an enlarged top view of the stand bracket (195) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, stand bracket (195) can be seen to be comprising of openings (225 & 230) to allow the side stand arm (200) and spring (205) to be mounted upon it. The side stand switch (215) is also mounted on the pivot pin (210) through which the side stand arm (200) is connected to the stand bracket (195). The frame member (190) is welded to the stand bracket (195) on the depression (220) provided in the top portion. In an embodiment, the stand bracket (195) extends in a downward direction ahead of stand switch (215) such that the lowest point (195L) of the stand bracket (195) becomes the lowest element of the vehicle from the ground. In an embodiment, the stand switch (195) can be said to be comprising of two portions, wherein the first portion (235) is a substantial staircase shaped structure ending around the same plane as that of the opening (225) provided for the side stand arm (200) and side stand switch (215). The second portion (240) is a substantial right angle shaped triangle like structure which extends in a downward direction from the flat end of the first portion, adjacent to the opening (225) provided for the side stand arm (200) and switch (215). The second portion (240) extends downwards such that it would touch the ground first in case vehicle hits the ground, such that in process it would protect the side stand switch (215) from hitting the ground avoiding any kind of damage.

[00033] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.

Ve Claim:
1. A two wheeled vehicle (100) including a frame structure (105), said two
wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame member bracket (190) welded to said frame structure (105);
a side stand unit (175) including a side stand arm (200) pivotally connected to a stand bracket (195) through a pivot pin (210);
a stand spring (205) connected to said side stand arm (200) to hold and provide support thereto;
a stand switch (215) being disposed on one side of said stand bracket (195) being mounted on said pivot pin (210), and
a stand bracket (195) attached to said frame member bracket (190) and comprising of a lowest point (195 L), wherein said stand bracket (195) extends in a downward direction ahead of said stand switch (215) in said lowest point (195 L) of said stand bracket (195), said lowest point (195L) is the lowest element of said two wheeled vehicle (100) from ground.
2. The side stand unit (175) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stand bracket (195) is attached to said frame member bracket (190), rider footrest is disposed substantially above and downstream of the side stand unit (175) and the pivot point (210) is disposed substantially above and upstream of the pivot point (210).
3. The side stand unit (175) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stand bracket (195) is disposed ahead of said side stand arm (200).
4. The side stand unit (175) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stand bracket (195) extends in a downward direction along the vehicle (100) height.
5. The side stand unit (175) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side stand arm (200) is attached to said stand bracket (195) through a pivot pin (210).

6. The side stand unit (175) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lowest point (195L) of said stand bracket (195) is disposed substantially below the side stand pivot that it forms the lowest point of said vehicle (100) with respect to ground in a height wise direction of said vehicle (100).
7. The side stand unit (175) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said lowest point (195L) of said stand bracket (195) comprises of a substantially pointed like profile.
8. The side stand unit (175) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stand bracket (195) comprises of a substantial plate like profile.
9. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising a side stand unit (175) as claimed in any of the preceding claims.