FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a saddle riding type vehicle and, more particularly to, a stand device for the saddle riding type vehicle.
BACKGROUND

[002] Generally, a saddle riding type vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle is provided with a centre stand. When the two-wheeled vehicle is not being driven by an operator, it can be supported on the ground surface using the centre stand. The centre stand is mounted to the two-wheeled vehicle and is swivelable about an axis extending in the transverse direction of the two-wheeled vehicle. The centre stand is adapted to swing to or from a backward position (as retracted or stored position where centre stand is in in-operative position) or to a forward position (as a service or operative position where the two-wheeled vehicle can be parked or rested when not in use).
[003] However, parking the two-wheeled vehicle on the centre stand requires more effort by the operator, particularly if the two-wheeled vehicle is heavy. So, there is a need for a centre stand in the saddle riding type vehicle which is easy to use and convenient for the operator.
SUMMARY
[004] In an embodiment, a stand device for a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The stand device includes a left leg, a right leg and a foot lever. Both the left leg and the right leg are swivellably coupled with a lower body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle. The left leg and the right leg are configured to swivel together about a transverse axis between a retracted position and a parked position of the stand device. Each of the left leg and right includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a curved portion extending from an end of the upper portion and a linear portion extending from an end of the curved portion. The upper portions of the left leg and the right leg are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame. The foot lever is attached to at least one of the left leg and the right leg. Upon pressing the foot lever to bring the stand device from the retracted position to the parked position, at an intermediate position where at least one of the ends come into contact with a ground surface and the stand device rotates along length of at least one of the curved portions until at least one of the linear portions is substantially parallel to the ground surface to assume the parked position.
[005] In an embodiment, the left leg and the right leg are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame through a pivot joint. A locus of the pivot joint follows an arc when the stand device moves from the intermediate position to the parked position. The arc created by the locus of the pivot joint is in an upward rearward direction of the two-wheeled vehicle. In an embodiment, the upper portion includes a width section and an elongated section extending outwards and downwards from the width section. The upper portion includes a width section and an elongated section extending outward and downwards from the width section. The width sections are along width of the two-wheeled vehicle when the legs are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame.
[006] In an embodiment, the stand device further includes a bracket member. The bracket member includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is fixed to the width section of the upper portion and the second arm fixed to the width section of the upper portion. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one hole for mounting to the lower body frame. In an embodiment, the stand device further includes a centre connector fixed to the width section of the upper portion of the right leg and the left leg. The centre connector restricts a forward movement of the stand device in the parked position.
[007] In an embodiment, the stand device further includes a left reinforcement member fixed to the elongated section of the upper portion at one end and fixed to the lower portion of the left leg at other end. In an embodiment, the stand device further includes a right reinforcement member fixed to the elongated section of upper portion at one end and to the lower portion of the right leg at the other end. In an embodiment, the foot lever is fixed to at least one of the lower portion of the left leg and the right leg.
[008] In an embodiment, a two wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The two wheel vehicle includes a lower body frame and a stand device. The stand device includes a left leg, a right leg and a foot lever. Both the left leg and the right leg are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle. The left leg and the right leg are configured to swivel together about a transverse axis between a retracted position and a parked position. Each of the left leg and right leg includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a curved portion extending from an end of the upper portion and a linear portion extending from an end of the curved portion. The upper portions of the left leg and the right leg are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame. The foot lever is attached to at least one of the left leg and the right leg. Upon pressing the foot lever to bring the stand device from the retracted position to the parked position, at an intermediate position where at least one of the ends come into contact with a ground surface and the stand device rotates along length of at least one of the curved portions until at least one of the linear portions is substantially parallel to the ground surface to assume the parked position.
[009] In an embodiment, the left leg and the right leg are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame through a pivot joint. A locus of the pivot joint follows an arc when the stand device moves from the intermediate position to the parked position. The arc created by the locus of the pivot joint is in an upward rearward direction of the two-wheeled vehicle
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0010] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a portion of a two-wheeled vehicle fitted with a stand device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the stand device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates another schematic view of the stand device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates another view of the stand device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 5 illustrates multiple positions of the stand device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] Figure 6 describes a side view illustrating a position of a conventional stand device vis-a-vis the stand device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[0019] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0020] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures and description here below, further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[0021] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a saddle riding type vehicle, however, centre stand and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “saddle riding type vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “two-wheeled vehicle” includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[0022] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / upward”, “down / downward / lower / lower ward” that may be used therein represent the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr in the drawing. Further, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” that may be used herein represent the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.
[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a saddle riding type vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle (21) fitted with a stand device (22) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stand device (22) is pivotally fixed to a lower body frame (23) of the two-wheeled vehicle (21) at a pivot joint (24) (refer Figure 5 for better clarity). The stand device (22) lifts a rear wheel (26) above a ground surface (29) for parking the vehicle (21) on the stand device (22). In the parked position, the vehicle (21) is supported in upright position on a front wheel (27) and the stand device (22). The conventional parts of the two-wheeled vehicle (21) are known to a person skilled in the art and hence related description is omitted here.
[0024] Figure 1 depicts three different positions of the stand device (22). The backward position (as a retracted or stored position) of the stand device (22) is referred by S1. S1 is the first position of the stand device (22) when the vehicle (21) is either moving or is stopped for parking on the stand device (22). For parking the vehicle (21) on the stand device (22), the stand device (22) is rotated about the pivot joint (24) till the stand device (22) touches the ground surface (29). The position when the stand device (22) touches the ground is the second position of the stand device (22) and is depicted as S2 in the Figure 1 and is also termed as an 'intermediate position'. When the stand device (22) is in S2 position, the point P2 of the stand device (22) (either only on a left leg (1L) or a right leg (1R) or the both) comes in contact with ground surface (29). Once the stand device (22) is in S2 position (i.e. the intermediate position), effort is required to be applied by the operator on the stand device (22) so as to bring the stand device (22) in a forward position (as a service or operative position where the vehicle (21) can be parked or brought to rest). The forward position of the stand device (22) is referred to as S3 position. In S3 position, the foremost point P3 of the stand device (22) (either only on the left leg (1L) or the right leg (1R) or the both) makes contact with the ground surface (29).
[0025] Figure 2, illustrates the stand device (22) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated the stand device (22) comprises the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R). In an embodiment, the left leg (1L) and right leg (1R) are different elements which are assembled together. In an embodiment, the stand device (22) is a single integrated body including two portions as the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R).
[0026] The left leg (1L) is an elongated tube including a first end (14) and a second end (15). In an embodiment, the elongated tube is a metal body. In an embodiment, the cross section of the left leg (1L) is either circular or oval or any suitable shape. The left leg (1L) along its length includes an upper portion (10L) and a lower portion (11L) integral to each other. The portion of the left leg (1L) from the first end (14) to the point P2 on the left leg (1L) forms the upper portion (10L) of the left leg (1L) and the portion of the left leg (1L) from the point P2 to the second end (15) of the left leg (1L) forms the lower portion (11L). Similarly, the right leg (1R) along its length integrally includes an upper portion (10R) and a lower portion (11R).
[0027] The left leg (1L) at the upper portion (10L) and the right leg (1R) at the upper portion (10R) are mounted to the lower body frame (23) of the vehicle (21) through the pivot joint (24). As can be seen in Figure 2, the left leg (1L) extends in a width direction of the vehicle (21) at the first end (14) and then turns downward towards the ground surface (29). Further, the lower portion (11L) of the left leg (1L) is contoured from the point P2 till the point P3 (as can be seen the point P3 is rearward of the point P2) and thereafter extends substantially horizontal to the ground surface (29).
[0028] In an embodiment, the upper portion (10L) of the left leg (1L) extends outwards (see, a width section (10LW) in Figure 3) in the width direction of the vehicle (21) and then outwards and downwards in the width direction (see, elongated section (10LE) in Figure 3). Similarly, the upper portion (10R) of the right leg (1R) extends outwards (see, width section (10RW) in Figure 3) in the width direction of the vehicle (21) and then outwards and downwards in the width direction (see, elongated section (10RE) in Figure 3). In an embodiment, the lower portion (11L) of the left leg (1L) extends outwards in the width direction of the vehicle (21) (i.e. it extends rearward and outwards). In an embodiment, both the upper portion (10L) and the lower portion (11L) of the left leg (1L) extend outwards in the width direction of the vehicle (21).
[0029] In one of the implementations as depicted in the Figure 2 and Figure 3, the second end (15) on the lower portion (11L) of the left leg (1L) is provided with a leg pad (3). The leg pad (3) is welded to the left leg (1L). Similarly, the right leg (1R) can also be provided with a leg pad similar to the leg pad (3). In an embodiment, the left leg (1L) has a foot lever (4) fixedly attached to the lower portion (11L). The foot lever (4) forms the part whereupon the user can apply the force to put the stand device (22) in the forward position (as the service or operative position where the vehicle (21) can be parked or brought to rest when not in use). In an embodiment, the foot lever (4) can be provided on the left leg (1L) and / or right leg (1R) of the stand device (22). Further, in an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the left leg (1L) is provided with a left reinforcement member (2L) configured to provide strength to the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R) is provided with a right reinforcement member (2R) configured to provide strength to the right leg (1R). The left reinforcement member (2L) is fixed to the elongated section (10LE) of the upper portion (10L) at one end and to the lower portion (11L) at the other end. The left reinforcement member (2L) is fixed to the top surface of the lower portion (11L) of the left leg (1L), which is opposite to the surface in contact with the ground surface (29). In an embodiment, the left reinforcement member (2L) is a bracket. In an embodiment, the left reinforcement member (2L) can be a cylindrical rod. Similarly, the right reinforcement member (2R) is fixed to the elongated section (10RE) of the upper portion (10R) at one end and to the lower portion (11R) at the other end of the right leg (1R).
[0030] In an embodiment, a bracket member is used to mount the legs (1L and 1R) to the lower body frame (23). For example, the bracket member has two arms i.e. a first arm (6L) fixed to the width section (10LW) of the upper portion (10L) of the left leg (1L), and a second arm (6R) fixed to the width section (10RW) of the upper portion (10R) of the right leg (1R). In an embodiment, the first arm (6L) and the second arm (6R) are welded on the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R), respectively. In an embodiment, each of the arms (6L) and (6R) have at least one hole (7) that is used for mounting the arms (6L) and (6R) to the lower body frame (23) of the vehicle (21).
[0031] In an embodiment, a centre connector (5) is provided. The centre connector (5) is fixed to the width section (10LW) of the upper portion (10L) and the width section (10RW) of the upper portion (10R) of the stand device (22). If the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R) are integrated members then the centre connector (5) is fixed on the portion of the stand device (22) which is extending in the width direction of the vehicle (21).
[0032] In an embodiment, a cross bar (8) is attached to the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R). The cross bar (8) is attached at an intermediate portion along the length of both the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R). In an embodiment, the cross bar (8) is fixed at the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R) by welding.
[0033] In an embodiment, the left leg (1L) is having a lock pin (9) welded thereto, where the lock pin (9) is adapted to receive one end of the stand device (22) spring (not shown). It should be understood that the lock pin (9) can be provided on the left leg (1L) and / or right leg (1R) of the stand device (22).
[0034] When the stand device (22) is in forward position (as a service or operative position) the centre connector (5) abuts against the lower body frame (23) of the vehicle (21) and acts as a stopper, so as to restrict the stand device (22) to rotate further in forward direction.
[0035] With reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4, in an embodiment, each of the lower portions (11L,11R) of the legs (1L, 1R) includes a curved portion (12L,12R) and a linear portion (13L,13R), respectively. The curved portion (12L) of the left leg (1L) extends from the point P2 i.e. an end (16L) of the upper portion (10L). The linear portion (13L) of the left leg (1L) is the portion extending from the point P3 i.e. an end (17L) of the curved portion (12L) to the second end (15) of the left leg (1L). Similarly, the curved portion (12R) of the right leg (1R) is the portion extending from an end (16R) of the upper portion (10R). The linear portion (13R) of the right leg (1R) is the portion extending from an end (17R) of the curved portion (12R). In an embodiment, the linear portion (13L) of the left leg (1L) can be turned to either inward or outward, towards the end of the linear portion (13L), in the width direction of the vehicle (21) and remain substantially parallel to the ground surface (29).
[0036] Structural details are defined herein above with respect to the left leg (1L) and any one or multiple embodiments in suitable combinations may be applicable to the right leg (1R) as well, and corresponding description is avoided for brevity.
[0037] For moving the stand device (22) from the backward position (as a retracted or stored position) S1 to a forward position (as a service or operative position) S3, the operator of the vehicle (21) has to place his foot on the foot lever (4) and thereby turn the stand device (22) about a transverse axis (Tv) of the vehicle (21) through the pivot joint (24). At the S2 position (i.e. intermediate position), the point P2 of the curved portion (12L) of the left leg (1L) touches the ground surface (29). S2 position onwards, the vehicle (21) moves about the point P2 of the stand device (22). Since the portion of the left leg (1L) after the point P2 is curved, the point of contact of the left leg (1L) and the ground changes continuously. Further when the vehicle (21) moves about the point P2 of the stand device (22), the pivot joint (24) travels rearward, during this phenomenon the vehicle (21) can rotate about the pivot joint (24).
[0038] As continuous effort is applied by the operator, the stand device (22) will start moving on the curved portion (12L) of the left leg (1L). The motion is continued over the entire length of the curved portion (12L) of the left leg (1L), and will proceed up to the point P3 where it reaches the parked position (S3). In the parked position (S3), the left linear portion (13L) will be substantially parallel to the ground surface (29). It is understood that in the parked position (S3), the right linear portion (13R) of the right leg (1R) will also be substantially parallel to the ground surface (29).
[0039] With reference to Figure 5, the locus of the pivot joint (24) will follow an arc when the stand device (22) will move from the S2 position to the parked position S3. This arc created by the locus of the pivot joint (24) will rise in upward rearward direction of the vehicle (21). The lower frame body (23) of the vehicle (21) will be lifted during this transition.
[0040] Figure 6 illustrates the comparison of a conventional stand device (122) depicted by phantom lines vis-a-vis stand device (22) according to the inventions depicted by the continuous lines.
[0041] The effort by the operator for parking the vehicle (21) on the stand device (22) depends upon the distance of the point P2 of the stand device (22) with respect to a reference point P4. The reference point P4 is the point of intersection of vertical line through the pivot joint (24) with the ground surface (29), in the position S2. In S2 position, the distance ‘x1’ of the point P2 of the stand device (22) from the reference point P4 is less as compared to the distance ‘x2’ of the point (P2C) of the conventional stand device (122) from the reference point P4. This leads to lesser effort on the free end of the foot lever (4). Further, the tire clearance of the rear wheel (26) (i.e. the height of the tire above the ground surface (29)) when the vehicle (21) is parked on the stand device (22), or in S3 position, in the conventional system and present invention is same.
[0042] Further, the point (P3) on the stand device (22) as per the present invention is outwards as compared to the conventional stand device (122) (see, P3C) this provides better stability to the vehicle (21).
[0043] Various embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide stand device that requires less effort from the rider to park the vehicle. Furthermore, its advantageously designed stand device provides better stability to the vehicle. It should also be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the existing saddle riding type vehicle.
[0044] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0045] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. A stand device (22) for a two-wheeled vehicle (21), the stand device (22) comprising:
a left leg (1L) and a right leg (1R), both legs swivellably coupled with a lower body frame (23) of the two-wheeled vehicle (21), the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R) configured to swivel together about a transverse axis between a retracted position and a parked position,
the left leg (1L) comprising
an upper portion (10L), and
a lower portion (11L) comprising a curved portion (12L) extending from an end (16L) of the upper portion (10L) and a linear portion (13L) extending from an end (17L) of the curved portion (12L),
the right leg (1R) comprising
an upper portion (10R), and
a lower portion (11R) comprising a curved portion (12R) extending from an end (16R) of the upper portion (10R) and a linear portion (13R) extending from an end (17R) of the curved portion (12R),
wherein the upper portion (10L) and the upper portion (10R) are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame (23); and
a foot lever (4) attached to at least one of the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R), wherein upon pressing the foot lever (4) to bring the stand device (22) from the retracted position to the parked position, at an intermediate position where at least one of the ends (16L) and 16 (R) comes into contact with a ground surface (29) and the stand device (22) rotates along length of at least one of the curved portions (12L) and (12R) until at least one of the linear portions (13L) and (13R) is substantially parallel to the ground surface (29) to assume the parked position.

2. The stand device (22) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R) are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame (23) through a pivot joint (24), wherein a locus of the pivot joint (24) follows an arc when the stand device (22) moves from the intermediate position to the parked position, the arc created by the locus of the pivot joint (24) being in an upward rearward direction of the two-wheeled vehicle (21).
3. The stand device (22) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the upper portion (10L) comprises a width section (10LW) and an elongated section (10LE) extending outwards and downwards from the width section (10LW),
wherein the upper portion (10R) comprises a width section (10RW) and an elongated section (10RE) extending outward and downwards from the width section (10RW), and
wherein the width sections (10LW, 10 RW) are along width of the two-wheeled vehicle (21) when the legs (1L) and (1R) are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame (23).

4. The stand device (22) as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a bracket member comprising a first arm (6L) and a second arm (6R), the first arm (6L) fixed to the width section (10LW) of the upper portion (10L) and the second arm (6R) fixed to the width section (10RW) of the upper portion (10R), each of the first arm (6L) and the second arm (6R) comprising at least one hole (7) for mounting to the lower body frame (23).

5. The stand device (22) as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a centre connector (5) fixed to the width section (10LW) of the upper portion (10L) and the width section (10RW) of the upper portion (10R), wherein the centre connector (5) restricts a forward movement of the stand device (22) in the parked position.

6. The stand device (22) as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a left reinforcement member (2L) fixed to the elongated section (10LE) of the upper portion (10L) at one end and fixed to the lower portion (11L) at other end.

7. The stand device (22) as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a right reinforcement member (2R) fixed to the elongated section (10RE) of upper portion (10R) at one end and to the lower portion (11R) at the other end.

8. The stand device (22) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot lever (4) is fixed to at least one of the lower portion (11L) and the lower portion (11R).

9. A two wheeled vehicle (21), comprising:
a lower body frame (23); and
a stand device (22) comprising:
a left leg (1L) and a right leg (1R), both legs swivellably coupled with the lower body frame (23) of the two-wheeled vehicle (21), the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R) configured to swivel together about a transverse axis between a retracted position and a parked position,
the left leg (1L) comprising
an upper portion (10L), and
a lower portion (11L) comprising a curved portion (12L) extending from an end (16L) of the upper portion (10L) and a linear portion (13L) extending from an end (17L) of the curved portion (12L),
the right leg (1R) comprising
an upper portion (10R), and
a lower portion (11R) comprising a curved portion (12R) extending from an end (16R) of the upper portion (10R) and a linear portion (13R) extending from an end (17R) of the curved portion (12R),
wherein the upper portion (10L) and the upper portion (10R) are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame (23); and
a foot lever (4) attached to at least one of the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R), wherein upon pressing the foot lever (4) to bring the stand device (22) from the retracted position to the parked position, at an intermediate position where at least one of the ends (16L) and (16R) comes into contact with a ground surface (29) and the stand device (22) rotates along length of at least one of the curved portions (12L) and (12R) until at least one of the linear portions (13L) and (13R) is substantially parallel to the ground surface (29) to assume the parked position.

10. The two-wheeled vehicle (21) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the left leg (1L) and the right leg (1R) are swivellably coupled with the lower body frame (23) through a pivot joint (24), wherein a locus of the pivot joint (24) follows an arc when the stand device (22) moves from the intermediate position to the parked position, the arc created by the locus of the pivot joint (24) is in an upward rearward direction of the two-wheeled vehicle (21).