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

TITLE OF INVENTION
STAND ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

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

 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a stand assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, relates to aspects of improving assembling and disassembling of the stand assembly with the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Existing vehicles like two wheeled vehicles, typically, do not come with stand assembly, including, but not limited to a center stand assembly or a side stand. The stand assembly is provided with a retrofittable center stand as an accessory. Another requirement is, factually, on an assembly line, upon the center stand assembly, all the parts of the vehicle will be built up. For this reason, a pin-on / clip-able center stand is provided, so that once the vehicular parts are built, at the end of the assembly line, the center stand assembly can be removed.
[003] Further, the conventional center stand assembly has cumbersome assembling and disassembling process, which is made through various tools, where a spring member is mounted to one of the legs of the center stand assembly using the tools. The assembly of the spring to the pin on as engine crankcase in case of a scooter type of vehicle, a pin is however welded to the frame of the motorcycle. To the top portion of each leg, slots are provided, where pins will be inserted to mount it to the engine. This leads to additional child parts and the assembly cumbersome.
[004] As the existing few vehicles typically do not come with a factory fitted stand assembly either a center stand assembly or the side stand assembly, in such cases the users find it hard to assemble and disassemble the stand which is provided as an accessory. In particular, it is difficult to assemble and remove the spring as the preloading in the spring is high. The assembling of spring with a leg of the stand assembly would require a special tool and also takes a lot of effort. Thus, the assembling of spring member to the leg of the stand assembly is difficult and takes more time to assemble and disassemble.
[005] In a kind of existing main stand attaching / detaching structure for motorcycle, a pair of left and right forwardly projecting portions are formed by forwardly projecting left and right front portions of an engine. A bolt for connecting the engine to a link is provided at the distal end portion of each of the forwardly projecting portions. A connecting pin is attached for connecting a main stand to a portion of the link to the rear of the bolt through-holes, used when mounting or detaching the bolt, are formed on the extension line of the connecting pin and in the forwardly projecting portions. A stopper member having a flat surface is attached to the link. The main stand includes a central projecting end portion as a flat surface that abuts against the stopper member when held in an upright state. A spring is provided for holding a main stand in the lifted-up position.
[006] In yet another existing stand device for a vehicle, it includes a frame and a stand device pivotally coupled to the frame. The stand device comprises a first stand member, a second stand member, and a third stand member. The first stand member is pivotally coupled to the second stand member. The stand device also comprises a locking-unlocking mechanism. The locking-unlocking mechanism comprises a locking means, a spring member and a pulling means. The locking means is configured to restrict the backward rotation of the first stand member with respect to the second stand member. The locking means is configured to allow the forward rotation of the first stand member with respect to the second stand member.
[007] In yet another kind of existing stand device for a two-wheeled vehicle, it consists of a frame body having a first lock pin and a second lock pin, and a stand device. The stand device contains an independently movable leg assembly pivotally mounted to the frame body, which further includes a coupling clamp and a first lower lock pin. The stand device further includes a first spring member with an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end of the first spring member is hooked with the first lock pin and the lower end of first spring member is hooked with the first lower lock pin. The stand device further includes a dependently movable leg assembly pivotally mounted to the frame body, which further consists of a second coupling clamp, a second lower lock pin. The stand device further includes a second spring member comprising an upper end and a lower end, where the upper end of the second spring member is hooked with the second lock pin and the lower end of second spring member is hooked with the second lower lock pin. The two wheeled vehicle is adapted to be at least in a side stand configuration and a center stand configuration, such that for parking in the side stand configuration, the independently movable leg assembly alone is actuated to rotate from a retracted position to a parked position, and for parking the vehicle in a center stand configuration, the first coupling clamp engages with the second coupling clamp to couple the independently movable leg assembly and the dependently movable leg assembly, so that upon actuating the independently movable leg assembly, both the independently movable leg assembly and the dependently movable leg assembly rotates together from the retracted position to the extended position.
[008] In yet another kind of main stand holding structure for a motorcycle, it includes a front end of a link which is mounted to link supporting brackets on a vehicle body frame side, an engine mounted at the rear end of the link so as to be swingable, and the main stand mounted on the link so as to be swingable. In the main stand, one end of the tension coil spring is mounted to hold a jumping state or a standing state, and a spring hooking member for hooking the other end of the tension coil spring is projected to a side from an engine, more particularly, a front projecting part.
[009] In yet another kind of a main stand attaching and detaching structure for a motorcycle, it includes a pair of left and right front projecting parts and are formed by projecting left and right sides of a front part of an engine to the front. A bolt for connecting an engine to a link is provided at each tip of the front projecting parts. A connecting pin for connecting the main stand is mounted to the link on the rear side of the bolt. Through holes used when assembling a bolt or removing the bolt are formed in the front projecting part on the extension of the connecting pin.
[010] In yet another kind of motorcycle centre stand, the centre stand fits to the machine in a few seconds and clamps by means of a screw thread directly on the suspension pivot bolt. The motorcycle is lifted off the ground by operating a hand lever.
[011] The existing stand assemblies as discussed above includes one or more limitations, like, difficulty in attaching and detaching the main stand with the vehicle and effort required for the rider to put on the stand is more.
[012] Thus, there is a need in the art for a stand assembly for a vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[013] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a stand assembly for a vehicle. The stand assembly comprises a leg for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle, a spring member for snapping the stand assembly between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle, and a latch assembly connected to the leg of the stand assembly. The latch assembly being configured to mount the spring member with the leg.
[014] In an embodiment, the leg comprises a pivot portion, the pivot portion adapted to connect with a bottom portion of a frame member of the vehicle.
[015] In a further embodiment, the latch assembly comprises any one of a toggle latch mechanism and an arcuate bracket member.
[016] In a further embodiment, a first end of the toggle latch mechanism comprises a hook portion and a second end of the toggle latch mechanism is connected to the leg.
[017] In a further embodiment, a first end of the arcuate bracket member comprises a hook member and a second end of the arcuate bracket member is connected to the leg through a lever member.
[018] In a further embodiment, the spring member comprises a first hook at a first end and a second hook at a second end, the first hook being connected to the frame member of the vehicle and the second hook being connected to the hook portion of the toggle latch mechanism.
[019] In a further embodiment, the spring member comprises the first hook at the first end and the second hook at the second end, the first hook being connected to the frame member of the vehicle and the second hook being connected to the hook member of the arcuate bracket member.
[020] In a further embodiment, the toggle latch mechanism is adapted to extend the second end of the spring member from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg and locks the spring member in position.
[021] In a further embodiment, the arcuate bracket member is adapted to extend the second end of the spring member from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg and locks the spring member in position.
[022] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a center stand assembly for a vehicle. The center stand comprises a pair of main legs for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle, the pair of main legs having a left leg and a right leg; a spring member for snapping the center stand assembly between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle; a lever member for operating the center stand assembly by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position, the lever member being attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs; and a latch assembly connected to the lever member, the latch assembly being configured to mount the spring member with the leg attached with the lever member.
[023] In an embodiment, the pair of main legs comprises mounting pins, the mounting pins adapted to slide into holes in a powertrain casing during assembling the center stand assembly with the powertrain casing.
[024] In a further embodiment, the center stand assembly comprising at least one center bridge bar, the at least one center bridge bar being connected between the left leg and the right leg of the pair of main legs.
[025] In a further embodiment, a first end of the toggle latch mechanism comprises a hook portion and a second end of the toggle latch mechanism is connected to the lever member.
[026] In a further embodiment, a first end of the arcuate bracket member comprises a hook member and a second end of the arcuate bracket member is connected to the lever member.
[027] In a further embodiment, the spring member comprises a first hook at a first end and a second hook at a second end, the first hook being connected to a mounting hook at the powertrain casing of the vehicle and the second hook of the spring member being connected to the hook portion of the toggle latch mechanism.
[028] In a further embodiment, the spring member comprises the first hook at the first end and the second hook at the second end, the first hook being connected to the mounting hook at the powertrain casing of the vehicle and the second hook being connected to the hook member of the arcuate bracket member.
[029] In a further embodiment, the toggle latch mechanism is adapted to extend the second end of the spring member from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg and locks the spring member in position.
[030] In a further embodiment, the arcuate bracket member is adapted to extend the second end of the spring member from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg and locks the spring member in position.
[031] In a further embodiment, each leg of the pair of main legs comprises a first stopper member, the first stopper member disposed proximally below the corresponding mounting pins, each of the first stopper member being configured to contact a support portion on the powertrain casing during the ON-stand position of the vehicle.
[032] In a further embodiment, any one of leg of the pair of main legs comprises a second stopper member, the second stopper member disposed proximally to a lower portion of the leg, the second stopper member being configured to contact a bottom portion on the powertrain casing during the OFF-stand position of the vehicle.
[033] In a further embodiment, the lever member comprises a plate structure, the plate structure being adapted to secure the toggle latch mechanism with the lever member.
[034] In a further embodiment, one mounting pin is mounted from an outside of the powertrain casing and another mounting pin is mounted from an inside of the powertrain casing, whereby facilitating sliding of the mounting pins after positioning into an axis of the holes in the powertrain casing.
[035] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling or disassembling a spring member with a stand assembly, the spring member being adapted to snap the stand assembly between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle. The method comprises providing a leg for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle, and providing the latch assembly connected to the leg of the stand assembly, wherein the latch assembly being configured to mount the spring member with the leg.
[036] In an embodiment, a toggle latch mechanism of the latch assembly is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook of the spring member is connected to the frame member of the vehicle.
[037] In a further embodiment, the toggle latch mechanism of the latch assembly is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook of the spring member is disconnected from the frame member of the vehicle for disassembling the spring member from the stand assembly.
[038] In a further embodiment, an arcuate bracket member of the latch assembly is opened to a maximum position through a lever member such that the first hook of the spring member is connected to the frame member of the vehicle.
[039] In a further embodiment, the arcuate bracket member of the latch assembly is closed in an opposite direction through the lever member such that the first hook of the spring member is disconnected from the frame member of the vehicle for disassembling the spring member from the stand assembly.
[040] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of assembling or disassembling a spring member with a center stand assembly, the spring member being adapted for snapping the center stand assembly between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle, the method comprises providing a pair of main legs for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle, the pair of main legs having a left leg and a right leg; providing a lever member for operating the center stand assembly by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position, the lever member being attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs; providing a latch assembly connected to the lever member, the latch assembly being configured to mount the spring member with the leg attached with the lever member.
[041] In an embodiment, a toggle latch mechanism of the latch assembly is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook of the spring member is connected to the mounting hook at the powertrain casing of the vehicle.
[042] In a further embodiment, the toggle latch mechanism of the latch assembly is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook of the spring member is disconnected from the mounting hook at the powertrain casing of the vehicle for disassembling the spring member from the center stand assembly of the vehicle.
[043] In a further embodiment, an arcuate bracket member of the latch assembly is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook of the spring member is connected to the mounting hook at the powertrain casing of the vehicle.
[044] In a further embodiment, the arcuate bracket member of the latch assembly is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook of the spring member is disconnected from the mounting hook at the powertrain casing of the vehicle for disassembling the spring member from the center stand assembly of the vehicle.
[045] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle comprising a frame member; and a stand assembly connected to the frame member, comprising: a leg for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle; a spring member for snapping the stand assembly between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle; and a latch assembly connected to the leg of the stand assembly, the latch assembly being configured to mount the spring member with the leg.
[046] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle comprising a powertrain casing; and a center stand assembly connected to the powertrain casing, comprising: a pair of main legs for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle, the pair of main legs having a left leg and a right leg; a spring member for snapping the center stand assembly between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle; a lever member for operating the center stand assembly by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position, the lever member being attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs; and a latch assembly connected to the lever member, the latch mechanism being configured to mount the spring member with the leg attached with the lever member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[047] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figures 1a and 1b show exemplary vehicle having stand assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1c shows a perspective view of a side stand assembly having a latch assembly of a toggle latch mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1d shows a perspective view of the side stand assembly shown in Figure 1c, where the toggle latch mechanism is rotated or activated for assembling of a spring member with the side stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 1e shows a perspective view of the side stand assembly having the latch assembly of an arcuate bracket member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1f shows a perspective view of the side stand assembly shown in Figure 1e, where the arcuate bracket member is activated for assembling of the spring member with the side stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2 – 10 show various views of a center stand assembly having a latch assembly of a toggle latch mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 11 – 19 show various views of the center stand assembly shown in Figures 2 – 10, where the toggle latch mechanism is rotated or activated for assembling of a spring member with the center stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 20 – 28 show various view of the center stand assembly having the latch assembly of an arcuate bracket member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 29 – 37 show various view of the center stand assembly shown in Figures 20 – 28, where the arcuate bracket member is activated for assembling of the spring member with the center stand assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[048] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle like a saddle type two-wheeler. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any type of saddle type two-wheeled vehicle which may be driven by an Internal combustion engine and/or an electric batteries capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[049] The present invention relates to a stand assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, relates to an aspect of improving assembling and disassembling of the stand assembly with the vehicle.
[050] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate an exemplary vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It may be contemplated that the vehicle 10 may be, but not limited to, a “two-wheeled saddle type vehicle”. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (not shown) and/or a battery (not shown) for providing traction force for movement of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 26 and a rear wheel 36 which receives power from any one of the sources like the IC engine or the battery.
[051] The vehicle 10 further includes a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 40 (shown in Figure 1b) attached to the steering shaft. The two telescopic front suspensions 40 support the front wheel 26. An upper portion of the front wheel 26 is covered by a front fender 26A mounted to a lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 40 at an end of the steering shaft. The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 42 which is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10.
[052] Further, the vehicle 10 includes a taillight unit 46 that is disposed at an end of the vehicle 10 and at a rear portion of a seat assembly 18. A grab rail 18A is also provided towards the rear portion of the seat assembly 18 and above the taillight unit 46.
[053] The vehicle 10 further includes a frame 108 (shown in Figure 1b). The frame 108 of the vehicle 10 extends rearward in a vehicle front-rear direction “F-R”. The frame 108 comprises one or more frame elements including, but not limited to, a head pipe 108b and a main tube 108c.
[054] The vehicle 10 further comprises a stand assembly 100 connected to the frame member 108. In the illustrated embodiments as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the stand assembly 100 is a side stand. The term “stand assembly” and “side stand” are interchangeably used in the present disclosure. It should be understood that the said terms “stand assembly” and “side stand” are one and the same. The side stand 100 comprises a leg 102 for taking a load of the vehicle 10 during an ON-stand position of the vehicle 10. The side stand 100 further comprises a spring member 104 for snapping the side stand 100 between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle 10. The term “ON-stand position” as used herein is a position of the side stand when the side stand is operated to take the load of the vehicle during parking / stand still. Similarly, the term “OFF-stand position” as used herein is a position of the side stand when the side stand is not operated and not taking the load of the vehicle 10. In other words, the spring member 104 is used in the side stand 100 to keep the side stand 100 in position during static or dynamic conditions when it is in OFF-stand condition. It also aids in parking stability of the vehicle 10 in ON-stand condition.
[055] The stand assembly 100 further comprises a latch assembly 106. The latch assembly 106 is connected to the leg 102 of the stand assembly 100. The latch assembly 106 is configured to mount the spring member 104 with the leg 102. In an embodiment, the leg 102 of the side stand 100 comprises a pivot portion 102A and is adapted to connect with a bottom portion 108a of the frame member 108 of the vehicle 10.
[056] In an exemplary embodiment, the latch assembly 106 comprises any one of a toggle latch mechanism 110 and an arcuate bracket member 112.
[057] In an embodiment as shown in Figures 1c and 1d a first end 110A of the toggle latch mechanism 110 has a hook portion 110B and a second end 110C of the toggle latch mechanism 110 is connected to the leg 102. The spring member 104 has a first hook 104A at a first end 104B and a second hook 104C at a second end 104D. The first hook 104A of the spring member 104 is connected to the frame member 108 of the vehicle 10 through a mounting pin 108b and the second hook 104C of the spring member 104 is connected to the hook portion 110B of the toggle latch mechanism 110. The toggle latch mechanism 110 is adapted to extend the second end 104B of the spring member 104 from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg 102 and locks the spring member 104 in position with the hook member 102C in the leg 102. The term “initial position” of the spring member 104 is defined as the position of the spring member 104 when it is not assembled with the side stand 100 of the vehicle. Similarly, the term “extended position” of the spring member 104 is defined as the position of the spring member 104 when it is assembled with the side stand 100.
[058] In an exemplary embodiment, when the latch assembly 106 is the arcuate bracket member 112, a first end 112A of the arcuate bracket member 112 comprises a hook member 112B and a second end 112C of the arcuate bracket member 112 is connected to the leg 102. In an embodiment, the arcuate member 112 is in semi-circular plate. The spring member 104 has the first hook 104A at the first end 104B and the second hook 104C at the second end 104B. The first hook 104A is connected to the frame member 108 of the vehicle 10 and the second hook 104C is connected to the hook member 112B of the arcuate bracket member 112 swingably. The arcuate bracket member 112 is adapted to extend the second end 104B of the spring member 104 from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg 102 and locks the spring member 104 in position through a lever member 102B hingedly connected to the leg 102 of the side stand 100.
[059] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method 300 of assembling or disassembling the spring member 104 with the stand assembly 100, where the spring member 104 is adapted to snap the stand assembly 100 between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle 10. The method 300 comprises providing a leg 102 for taking a load of the vehicle 10 during an ON-stand position of the vehicle 10. The method 300 further comprises providing the latch assembly 106 connected to the leg 102 of the stand assembly 100, such that the latch assembly 106 is configured to mount the spring member 104 with the leg 102.
[060] In an exemplary embodiment for assembling the spring member 104 with the side stand 100, the toggle latch mechanism 110 of the latch assembly 106 is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook 104A of the spring member 104 is connected to the frame member 108 of the vehicle 10.
[061] In another exemplary embodiment for disassembling the spring member 104 from the side stand 100, the toggle latch mechanism 110 of the latch assembly 106 is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook 104A of the spring member 104 is disconnected from the frame member 108 of the vehicle 10 for disassembling the spring member 104 from the stand assembly 100.
[062] In an exemplary embodiment for assembling the spring member 104 with the side stand 100, the arcuate bracket member 112 of the latch assembly 106 is opened to a maximum position through the lever member 102B such that the first hook 104A of the spring member 104 is connected to the frame member 108 of the vehicle 10.
[063] In an exemplary embodiment for disassembling the spring member 104 from the side stand 100, the arcuate bracket member 112 of the latch assembly 106 is closed in an opposite direction through a lever member 102B such that the first hook 104A of the spring member 104 is disconnected from the frame member 108 of the vehicle 10 for disassembling the spring member 104 from the stand assembly 100.
[064] In an embodiment as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the vehicle 10 further comprises a powertrain casing 22 (more clearly shown in Figures 8 – 10 and 17 – 19) and a center stand assembly 200 (shown in Figures 2 – 37). The center stand assembly 200 is connected to the powertrain casing 22 of the vehicle 10.
[065] Referring now to Figures 2 – 37, the center stand assembly 200 for a vehicle 10 is disclosed. The center stand assembly 200 comprises a pair of main legs 202A, 202B for taking a load of the vehicle 10 during an ON-stand position of the vehicle 10. The pair of main legs 202A, 202B have a left leg 202A and a right leg 202B. In an embodiment, the left leg 202A and the right leg 202B may be made of metallic material and may be formed by a hollow or a solid tubular structure.
[066] The center stand assembly 200 further comprises a spring member 204 for snapping the center stand assembly 200 between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the spring member 204 as disclosed in the present invention is a helical spring. In other words, the spring member 204 is used in the center stand assembly 200 to keep the center stand assembly 200 in position during static or dynamic conditions when it is in OFF-stand condition. It also aids in parking stability of the vehicle 10 in ON-stand condition.
[067] The center stand assembly 200 further comprises a lever member 208 for operating the center stand assembly 200 by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position. In an embodiment, the lever member 208 is attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs 202A, 202B. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever member 208 is attached to the left leg 202B. It may be understood that the lever member 208 attached to the left leg 202B is not limiting the scope of the present invention. It may be contemplated that the lever member 208 may also be attached to the right leg 202A as well. In an exemplary embodiment, the lever member 208 is attached to the leg 202B by assembly of a mounting hole in the lever member 208 with the mounting pin provided at the leg 202B. In some embodiment, the lever member 208 may be connected to the leg through any other methods like welding.
[068] In an embodiment, the pair of main legs 202A, 202B comprises mounting pins 214. The mounting pins 214 are adapted to slide into holes 22A in a powertrain casing 22 during assembling the center stand assembly 200 with the powertrain casing 22. The center stand assembly 200 can then be locked in position with the help of a split/hitch pin (not shown).
[069] The center stand assembly 200 further comprises at least one center bridge bar 216. The center bridge bar 216 is connected between the left leg 202B and the right leg 202A of the pair of main legs 202A, 202B. In the illustrated embodiments, the center stand assembly 200 has two center bridge bars 216 and are welded to the left leg 202B and the right leg 202A.
[070] In an embodiment, each leg of the pair of main legs 202A, 202B comprises a first stopper member 220. The first stopper member 220 is disposed proximally below the corresponding mounting pins 214. Each of the first stopper member 220 is configured to contact a support portion 22C on the powertrain casing 22 during the ON-stand position of the vehicle 10.
[071] In an embodiment, any one of leg of the pair of main legs 202A, 202B comprises a second stopper member 222. The second stopper member 222 is disposed proximally to a lower portion 202C of the leg 202A, 202B. The second stopper member 222 is configured to contact a bottom portion 22D on the powertrain casing 22 during the OFF-stand position of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the second stopper member 222 is provided at the right leg 202A. In an exemplary embodiment, the second stopper member 222 may be made of rubber material. The second stopper member 222 is provided on the center stand assembly 200 to avoid any damage to powertrain casing 22 when the center stand assembly 200 is removed.
[072] In one embodiment, one mounting pin 214 is mounted from an outside 22E of the powertrain casing 22 and another mounting pin 214 is mounted from an inside 22F of the powertrain casing 22, whereby facilitating sliding of the mounting pins 214 after positioning into an axis of the holes 22A in the powertrain casing 22.
[073] The center stand assembly 200 further comprises a latch assembly 206 connected to the lever member 208. The latch assembly 206 is configured to mount the spring member 204 with the leg 202A, 202B attached with the lever member 208. In an embodiment, the latch assembly 206 comprises any one of a toggle latch mechanism 210 (shown in Figures 2 – 19) and an arcuate bracket member 212 (shown in Figure 20 – 37).
[074] In an embodiment, the lever member 208 comprises a plate structure 208A. The plate structure 208A is adapted to secure the toggle latch mechanism 210 with the lever member 208. In some embodiment, the toggle latch mechanism 210 is connected with the plate structure 208A of the lever member 208 through a stud (not shown) or any other means which allow pivotal connectivity between the toggle latch mechanism 210 and the plate structure 208A.
[075] In case the latch assembly 206 being the toggle latch mechanism 210, a first end 210A of the toggle latch mechanism 210 has a hook portion 210B and a second end 210C of the toggle latch mechanism 210 is connected to the lever member 208. The spring member 204 comprises a first hook 204A at a first end 204B and a second hook 204C at a second end 204D. The first hook 204A is connected to a mounting hook 22B at the powertrain casing 22 of the vehicle 10 and the second hook 204C of the spring member 204 is connected to the hook portion 210B of the toggle latch mechanism 210. The toggle latch mechanism 210 is adapted to extend the second end 204D of the spring member 204 from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg 202A, 202B and locks the spring member 204 in position.
[076] In case the latch assembly 206 being the arcuate bracket member 212, a first end 212A of the arcuate bracket member 212 comprises a hook member 212B and a second end 212C of the arcuate bracket member 212 is connected to the lever member 208. In an embodiment, the arcuate member 212 is in semi-circular plate. The spring member 204 comprises the first hook 204A at the first end 204B and the second hook 204C at the second end 204D. The first hook 204A is connected to the mounting hook 22B at the powertrain casing 12 of the vehicle 10 and the second hook 204C is connected to the hook member 212B of the arcuate bracket member 212 swingably. The arcuate bracket member 212 is adapted to extend the second end 204D of the spring member 204 from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg 202A, 202B and locks the spring member 204 in position.
[077] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method 400 of assembling or disassembling a spring member 204 with a center stand assembly 200, where the spring member 204 is adapted for snapping the center stand assembly 200 between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle 10.
[078] The method 400 comprises providing a pair of main legs 202A, 202B for taking a load of the vehicle 10 during an ON-stand position of the vehicle 10, the pair of main legs 202A, 202B have a left leg and a right leg. The method 400 further comprises providing a lever member 208 for operating the center stand assembly 200 by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position, the lever member 208 is attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs 202A, 202B. The method further includes providing a latch assembly 206 connected to the lever member 208, the latch assembly 206 is configured to mount the spring member 204 with the leg 202A, 202B attached with the lever member 208.
[079] In an embodiment, the toggle latch mechanism 210 of the latch assembly 206 is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook 204A of the spring member 204 is connected to the mounting hook 22B at the powertrain casing 22 of the vehicle 10.
[080] In an embodiment, the toggle latch mechanism 210 of the latch assembly 206 is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook 204A of the spring member 204 is disconnected from the mounting hook 22B at the powertrain casing 22 of the vehicle 10 for disassembling the spring member 204 from the center stand assembly 200 of the vehicle 10.
[081] In an embodiment when the latch assembly 206 is the arcuate bracket member 212, the arcuate bracket member 212 is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook 204A of the spring member 204 is connected to the mounting hook 22B at the powertrain casing 22 of the vehicle 10.
[082] In an embodiment, the arcuate bracket member 212 of the latch assembly 206 is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook 204A of the spring member 204 is disconnected from the mounting hook 22B at the powertrain casing 22 of the vehicle 10 for disassembling the spring member 204 from the center stand assembly 200 of the vehicle 10.
[083] Advantageously, in present invention the latch assembly (toggle latch mechanism or the arcuate bracket member) acts as a lever and helps in extending the spring member from its initial position to extended position to provide required tension for the stand assembly and locks the spring in position. Thus, the stand assembly can be used after the assembling. After the use of stand assembly during assembling or during servicing, the spring member can be removed by operating the latch assembly. Thus, the stand assembly (side stand or the center stand assembly) can then be removed easily, if required. Therefore, assembling and disassembling of the spring member with the side stand and the center stand assembly are both easy and time efficient.
[084] In other word, the latch assembly (toggle latch mechanism and the arcuate bracket member) is mounted on the lever member of the center stand assembly is helpful in assembling the spring member with the center stand assembly. The latch assembly (toggle latch mechanism and the arcuate bracket member) acts as a lever and helps in reducing the effort required to assemble the spring member, without requiring any extra tool. Once in closed position, it helps in securing the spring member and cannot be removed unless the latch assembly (toggle latch mechanism and the arcuate bracket member) is operated.
[085] The mounting pins are fixed to the center stand assembly and the mounting pins are designed in such a way that one pin is mounted from outside of the engine and one from the inside of the engine. This arrangement helps in mounting the center stand assembly just by sliding after positioning the mounting pins’ centre axis in line with the mounting hole axis of the engine / powertrain casing.
[086] The present invention further provides technical advantages of improving serviceability, manufacturability and ease of assembly.
[087] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference numerals and characters:
10: Vehicle
22: Powertrain casing
22B: Mounting hook at the powertrain casing
22A: Holes in the powertrain casing
22C: Support portion on the powertrain casing
22D: Bottom portion on the powertrain casing
22E: Outside of the powertrain casing
22F: Inside of the powertrain casing
100: Stand assembly
102: Leg
102A: Pivot portion
102B: Lever member
102C: Hook member in the leg
104: Spring member
104A: First hook of spring member
104B: First end of spring member
104C: Second hook of spring member
104D: Second end of spring member
106: Latch assembly
108: Frame member
108a: Bottom portion
108b: Mounting pin
110: Toggle latch mechanism
112: Arcuate bracket member
110A: First end of toggle latch mechanism
110B: Hook portion
110C: Second end of toggle latch mechanism
112A: First end of the arcuate bracket member
112B: Hook member
112C: Second end of the arcuate bracket member
200: Center stand assembly
202A: Right leg
202B: Left leg
202C: Lower portion of the leg
204: Spring member
204A: First hook of the spring member
204B: First end of the spring member
204C: Second hook of the spring member
204D: Second end of the spring member
206: Latch assembly
208: Lever member
208A: Plate structure
214: Mounting pins
216: Center bridge bar
210: Toggle latch mechanism
210A: First end of the toggle latch mechanism
210B: Hook portion of the toggle latch mechanism
210C: Second end of the toggle latch mechanism
212: Arcuate bracket member
212A: First end of the arcuate bracket member
212B: Hook member of the arcuate bracket member
212C: Second end of the arcuate bracket member
220: First stopper member
222: Second stopper member
300: Method
400: Method
“F-R”: Front - rear direction , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A stand assembly (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising:
a leg (102) for taking a load of the vehicle (10) during an ON-stand position of the vehicle (10);
a spring member (104) for snapping the stand assembly (100) between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle (10); and
a latch assembly (106) connected to the leg (102) of the stand assembly (100), the latch assembly (106) being configured to mount the spring member (104) with the leg (102).

2. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg (102) comprises a pivot portion (102A), the pivot portion (102A) adapted to connect with a bottom portion (108a) of a frame member (108) of the vehicle (10).

3. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latch assembly (106) comprises any one of a toggle latch mechanism (110) and an arcuate bracket member (112).

4. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first end (110A) of the toggle latch mechanism (110) comprises a hook portion (110B) and a second end (110C) of the toggle latch mechanism (110) is connected to the leg (102).

5. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first end (112A) of the arcuate bracket member (112) comprises a hook member (112B) and a second end (112C) of the arcuate bracket member (112) is connected to the leg (102) through a lever member (102B).

6. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the spring member (104) comprises a first hook (104A) at a first end (104B) and a second hook (104C) at a second end (104D), the first hook (104A) being connected to the frame member (108) of the vehicle (10) and the second hook (104C) being connected to the hook portion (110B) of the toggle latch mechanism (110).

7. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein the spring member (104) comprises the first hook (104A) at the first end (104B) and the second hook (104C) at the second end (104B), the first hook (104A) being connected to the frame member (108) of the vehicle (10) and the second hook (104C) being connected to the hook member (112B) of the arcuate bracket member (112).

8. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the toggle latch mechanism (110) is adapted to extend the second end (104B) of the spring member (104) from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg (102) and locks the spring member (104) in position.

9. The stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the arcuate bracket member (112) is adapted to extend the second end (104B) of the spring member (104) from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg (102) and locks the spring member (104) in position.

10. A center stand assembly (200) for a vehicle (10), comprising:
a pair of main legs (202A, 202B) for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle (10), the pair of main legs (202A, 202B) having a left leg (202B) and a right leg (202A);
a spring member (204) for snapping the center stand assembly (200) between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle (10);
a lever member (208) for operating the center stand assembly (200) by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position, the lever member (208) being attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs (202A, 202B); and
a latch assembly (206) connected to the lever member (208), the latch assembly (206) being configured to mount the spring member (204) with the leg (202A, 202B) attached with the lever member (208).

11. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pair of main legs (202A, 202B) comprises mounting pins (214), the mounting pins (214) adapted to slide into holes (22A) in a powertrain casing (22) during assembling the center stand assembly (200) with the powertrain casing (22).

12. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10 comprising at least one center bridge bar (216), the at least one center bridge bar (216) being connected between the left leg (202B) and the right leg (202A) of the pair of main legs (202A, 202B).

13. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the latch assembly (206) comprises any one of a toggle latch mechanism (210) and an arcuate bracket member (212).

14. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein a first end (210A) of the toggle latch mechanism (210) comprises a hook portion (210B) and a second end (210C) of the toggle latch mechanism (210) is connected to the lever member (208).

15. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein a first end (212A) of the arcuate bracket member (212) comprises a hook member (212B) and a second end (212C) of the arcuate bracket member (212) is connected to the lever member (208).

16. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the spring member (204) comprises a first hook (204A) at a first end (204B) and a second hook (204C) at a second end (204D), the first hook (204A) being connected to a mounting hook (22B) at the powertrain casing (22) of the vehicle (10) and the second hook (204C) of the spring member (204) being connected to the hook portion (210B) of the toggle latch mechanism (210).

17. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claims 10 and 15, wherein the spring member (204) comprises the first hook (204A) at the first end (204B) and the second hook (204C) at the second end (204D), the first hook (204A) being connected to the mounting hook (22B) at the powertrain casing (22) of the vehicle (10) and the second hook (204C) being connected to the hook member (212B) of the arcuate bracket member (212).

18. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the toggle latch mechanism (210) is adapted to extend the second end (204D) of the spring member (204) from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg (202A, 202B) and locks the spring member (204) in position.

19. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the arcuate bracket member (212) is adapted to extend the second end (204D) of the spring member (204) from an initial position to an extended position to provide a required tension for the leg (202A, 202B) and locks the spring member (204) in position.

20. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein each leg of the pair of main legs (202A, 202B) comprises a first stopper member (220), the first stopper member (220) disposed proximally below the corresponding mounting pins (214), each of the first stopper member (220) being configured to contact a support portion (22C) on the powertrain casing (22) during the ON-stand position of the vehicle (10).

21. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein any one of leg of the pair of main legs (202A, 202B) comprises a second stopper member (222), the second stopper member (222) disposed proximally to a lower portion (202C) of the leg (202A, 202B), the second stopper member (222) being configured to contact a bottom portion (22D) on the powertrain casing (22) during the OFF-stand position of the vehicle (10).

22. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lever member (208) comprises a plate structure (208A), the plate structure (208A) being adapted to secure the toggle latch mechanism (210) with the lever member (208).

23. The center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein one mounting pin (214) is mounted from an outside (22E) of the powertrain casing (22) and another mounting pin (214) is mounted from an inside (22F) of the powertrain casing (22), whereby facilitating sliding of the mounting pins (214) after positioning into an axis of the holes (22A) in the powertrain casing (22).

24. A method (300) of assembling or disassembling a spring member (104) with a stand assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the spring member (104) being adapted to snap the stand assembly (100) between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle (10), the method (300) comprising:
providing a leg (102) for taking a load of the vehicle (10) during an ON-stand position of the vehicle (10), and
providing the latch assembly (106) connected to the leg (102) of the stand assembly (100), wherein the latch assembly (106) being configured to mount the spring member (104) with the leg (102).

25. The method (300) as claimed in claim 24, wherein a toggle latch mechanism (110) of the latch assembly (106) is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook (104A) of the spring member (104) is connected to the frame member (108) of the vehicle (10).

26. The method (300) as claimed in claim 24, wherein the toggle latch mechanism (110) of the latch assembly (106) is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook (104A) of the spring member (104) is disconnected from the frame member (108) of the vehicle (10) for disassembling the spring member (104) from the stand assembly (100).

27. The method (300) as claimed in claim 24, wherein an arcuate bracket member (112) of the latch assembly (106) is opened to a maximum position through a lever member (102B) such that the first hook (104A) of the spring member (104) is connected to the frame member (108) of the vehicle (10).

28. The method (300) as claimed in claim 24, wherein the arcuate bracket member (112) of the latch assembly (106) is closed in an opposite direction through the lever member (102B) such that the first hook (104A) of the spring member (104) is disconnected from the frame member (108) of the vehicle (10) for disassembling the spring member (104) from the stand assembly (100).

29. A method (400) of assembling or disassembling a spring member (204) with a center stand assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, the spring member (204) being adapted for snapping the center stand assembly (200) between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle (10), the method (400) comprising:
providing a pair of main legs (202A, 202B) for taking a load of the vehicle (10) during an ON-stand position of the vehicle (10), the pair of main legs (202A, 202B) having a left leg and a right leg;
providing a lever member (208) for operating the center stand assembly (200) by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position, the lever member (208) being attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs (202A, 202B);
providing a latch assembly (206) connected to the lever member (208), the latch assembly (206) being configured to mount the spring member (204) with the leg (202A, 202B) attached with the lever member (208).

30. The method (400) as claimed in claim 29, wherein a toggle latch mechanism (210) of the latch assembly (206) is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook (204A) of the spring member (204) is connected to the mounting hook (22B) at the powertrain casing (22) of the vehicle (10).

31. The method (400) as claimed in claim 29, wherein the toggle latch mechanism (210) of the latch assembly (206) is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook (204A) of the spring member (204) is disconnected from the mounting hook (22B) at the powertrain casing (22) of the vehicle (10) for disassembling the spring member (204) from the center stand assembly (200) of the vehicle (10).

32. The method (400) as claimed in claim 29, wherein an arcuate bracket member (212) of the latch assembly (206) is opened to a maximum position such that the first hook (204A) of the spring member (204) is connected to the mounting hook (22B) at the powertrain casing (22) of the vehicle (10).

33. The method (400) as claimed in claim 29, wherein the arcuate bracket member (212) of the latch assembly (206) is closed in an opposite direction such that the first hook (204A) of the spring member (204) is disconnected from the mounting hook (22B) at the powertrain casing (22) of the vehicle (10) for disassembling the spring member (204) from the center stand assembly (200) of the vehicle (10).

34. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame member (108); and
a stand assembly (100) connected to the frame member (108), comprising:
a leg (102) for taking a load of the vehicle (10) during an ON-stand position of the vehicle (10);
a spring member (104) for snapping the stand assembly (100) between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle (10); and
a latch assembly (106) connected to the leg (102) of the stand assembly (100), the latch assembly (106) being configured to mount the spring member (104) with the leg (102).

35. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a powertrain casing (22); and
a center stand assembly (200) connected to the powertrain casing (22), comprising:
a pair of main legs (202A, 202B) for taking a load of the vehicle during an ON-stand position of the vehicle (10), the pair of main legs (202A, 202B) having a left leg (202B) and a right leg (202A);
a spring member (204) for snapping the center stand assembly (200) between the ON-stand position and the OFF-stand position of the vehicle (10);
a lever member (208) for operating the center stand assembly (200) by a user between the ON-stand position and an OFF-stand position, the lever member (208) being attached to any one of legs of the pair of main legs (202A, 202B); and
a latch assembly (206) connected to the lever member (208), the latch mechanism (206) being configured to mount the spring member (204) with the leg (202A, 202B) attached with the lever member (208).

Dated this 17th day of November 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471