FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly to a floorboard assembly for the saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Typically, vehicle layout design for a step-through type scooter type vehicle features a step-through frame and a flat surface called as a floorboard used for disposing legs of a rider when the rider puts his/her feet on the floorboard. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the vehicle aggregate systems. A seat assembly is disposed rearwardly to the front leg shield. A utility box is disposed under the seat assembly. The utility box provides storage space to the rider and the pillion for storing articles like helmets and other articles.
The floorboard assembly is situated at a front portion of the vehicle. The floorboard assembly is situated forwardly to the seat assembly in the vehicle. Present day scooters have a floorboard to rest the rider's foot. However, the floorboard is also the space for keeping luggage or goods which does not fit into the storage box.
BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to a saddle type two wheeled scooter along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical vehicle, for example a scooter type vehicle.
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the scooter type vehicle along with the retractable floorboard assembly.
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the scooter type vehicle with the one or more secondary floorboards in the horizontal position

[0008] Figure 4 Illustrates an enlarged view of the one or more secondary floorboards.
[0009] Figure 5 Illustrates an enlarged view of the one or more attaching members between the primary floorboard and the one or more secondary floorboards.
[00010] Fig. 6a illustrates a front view of the vehicle assembly.
[00011] Fig. 6b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the one or more secondary floorboards.
[00012] Figure 7 Illustrates an exploded view of the scooter type vehicle with a retractable floorboard assembly.
[00013] Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[00014] Fig. 9 illustrates a right-side view of a front portion of the vehicle.
[00015] Fig. 10 illustrates a graphical representation of the comfort experienced by the rider when supported by the one or more-foot support structures according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILEDDESCRIPTIONOFTHEINVENTION
[00016] Generally, the floorboards are designed for keeping the feet of the rider. The rider’s feet are supported by the floorboard irrespective of the usage condition of the floorboard assembly. Even under fully loaded condition, the floorboard assembly is used to also support the rider’s feet. Under this condition, the rider’s feet are improperly supported by the floorboard assembly
[00017] But the floorboards are usually meant for keeping foot irrespective of their usage conditions. Under conditions of a luggage or goods being loaded on the floorboard, it results in improper fit between luggage and rider's foot. The improper supporting of the rider’s feet on the floorboard results in cramping of the rider’s legs

[00018] Under certain conditions, the rider is required to carry certain kinds of luggage, that are long & flexible extending outwards on the scooter floorboard and hangs out precariously. Riding a scooter in this unbalanced situation is dangerous for the rider. Under such conditions, when the floorboard of the scooter is loaded with luggage, the rider will not be able to place his foot properly while riding. This is due to variation in distance between the legs of the rider and the floorboard depending on the load on the floorboard. Under this condition, the rider’s legs are disposed under non-comfortable distance between the seat and the floorboard assembly.
[00019] Hence typically in scooter type saddle vehicles, users report feedback that the rider's legs feel cramped. Therefore, most of the step-through vehicles with floorboards have the disadvantage of supporting both the rider’s feet and the luggage with proper balance particularly when large luggage is being carried.
[00020] In a known art, a set of motorcycle floor boards are provided to allow a motorcycle rider to place feet on the floorboard whenever the floorboards are deployed in horizontal configuration. In this case, the floor boards are pivotally mounted so that the floorboards will pivot upwardly to a vertically retracted position with the pivot axis being disposed in a lateral plane of the vehicle.
[00021] However, the floor boards can be folded only up to 80-90 degrees and stays in a vertical retracted position. After folding the floor boards, the rider is not left with any option for foot support. Such prior art still does not serve the purpose of being able to support both the load and the rider’s feet simultaneously.
[00022] Hence, an objective of the present invention is to have an improved floorboard assembly which is capable of supporting excess luggage loads in vehicles while overcoming all problems cited above and other problems of known art.
[00023] It is a second objective of the present invention to provide an auxiliary feet support for rider when the regular floorboard of the scooter is loaded with luggage.

[00024] Therefore, the present subject matter discloses a footrest assembly to overcome the problems as stated in the prior arts as explained above.
[00025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the footrest assembly includes a primary footrest and secondary footrest. The primary footrest includes a stationary floorboard. The stationary floorboard is fixedly attached to the vehicle.
[00026] In a first embodiment, the secondary footrest includes one or more secondary floorboards. The one or more secondary floorboards are configured to pivot about a rotational axis configured in a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The rotational axis is passing through one or more attaching members. The one or more attaching members for example, include one or more hinges. The rotational axis is parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis passing along the length of the vehicle.
[00027] The one or more secondary floorboards include flat surfaces capable of being pivotally mounted to at least a portion of the at least a lateral side of the primary floorboard through said one or more attaching members.
[00028] The one or more secondary floorboards are configured to pivot from a horizontal position to an unfolded position. The horizontal position and the unfolded position each include position of the one or more secondary floorboards being able to pivot at an angle (ɵ). The angle (ɵ) varying between 0 degree and 180 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane passing along the floorboard in the vehicle transverse direction.
[00029] The one or more attaching members enable pivoting of said one or more secondary floorboards from the unfolded position to the horizontal position. The unfolded position is a position of the one or more secondary floorboards away from the horizontal plane and the horizontal position is a position of the one or more secondary floorboards in-line with the horizontal plane.
[00030] According to the embodiment, the one or more secondary floorboards pivot from a horizontal position to a retracted position that is between zero and

180 degrees upwardly relative to a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane passes through the primary floorboard of the floorboard assembly.
[00031] The one or more secondary floor boards are attached to the primary floorboard through one or more attaching members. The one or more secondary floorboards have flat surfaces capable of being pivotally mounted to a mounting portion of the one or more attaching members. The one or more attaching members enable pivoting of the one or more secondary floorboards from the retracted position to the horizontal position.
[00032] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the retracted position is a position of the one or more secondary floorboards that are away from the horizontal plane and the horizontal position is a position of the one or more secondary floorboards that are in-line with the horizontal plane.
[00033] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more secondary floorboards are connected to the primary floorboard through one or more hinges. The one or more hinges enable opening of the one or more secondary floorboards by rotational movement. Thus, the one or more secondary floorboards provide additional luggage space that can be used to dispose additional luggage. The additional luggage space so created also is capable of supporting the rider’s feet simultaneously. Therefore, the one or more secondary floorboards also provide auxiliary support to the feet of the rider.
[00034] Further, to ensure that there is no interference or obstruction posed by the one or more secondary floorboards on to the primary function of the floorboard assembly, the one or more secondary floorboards in foldable condition are configured to functionally support the rider’s feet.
[00035] The riders can choose to open or close the one or more secondary floorboards of the floorboard assembly depending on the preference for seat to floorboard distance.

[00036] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.
[00037] This vertical distance between the seat & floorboard determines the hip joint angle as well as the pelvic tilt of the rider. This is critical since the common complaint of cramped felt as well as low back pain on saddle type vehicle riders is mostly dependent on this aspect and the present invention provides the choice for rider can help in increasing his comfort.
[00038] According to another embodiment, the secondary footrest includes one or more-foot support structures, said one or more-foot support structures are extending outwardly in a vehicle transverse direction and said one or more-foot support structures are extending away from said primary footrest.
[00039] The one or more-foot support structures are disposed on each of the right side and left side of the primary footrest.
[00040] The one or more-foot support structures are disposed rearwardly to said step-through space and in a space between a first plane and a second plane, said first plane is passing through a first seating portion and said second plane is passing through a second seating portion.
[00041] Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical vehicle, for example a scooter type vehicle. The vehicle has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevation view. The frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame and also may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 106, a rear

cover 116, a lower side cover 110, and a pair of side panel including a left-hand side panel 115.
[00042] A handlebar assembly 108 and a seat assembly 109 are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and an open area is defined there between known as a floorboard assembly 205, which functions as a step through space. The seat assembly 109 for a driver and a pillion is placed above a fuel tank assembly 118 and rear side of the floorboard assembly 205. A front fender 103 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 104 is placed between the fuel tank assembly 118 and the rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 102. The rear fender 104 inhibits rain water or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 102.
[00043] An engine assembly 112 is provided to drive the vehicle. Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly (not shown) is connected to a front fork 117. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight 107 in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight 114 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.
[00044] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the scooter type vehicle along with the retractable floorboard assembly. The floorboard assembly 200 is shown in folded condition is in the horizontal position Hp according to the present invention. The floorboard assembly 200 includes one or more secondary floorboards 205 mounted on one or more external edges of a primary floor board 302 including left flat surface 201 and a right flat surface 204 of the primary floor board respectively.
[00045] According to an embodiment, the one or more secondary floorboards are attached to the one or more external edges of the primary floorboard using one or more hinge mechanism with one portion of the hinge mechanism on the one or

more secondary floorboards 205 and the other portion of the hinge mechanism on the primary floorboard 204.
[00046] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the scooter type vehicle with the one or more secondary floorboards in the horizontal deployed position. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more secondary floorboards 205 are capable of being operated between a horizontal position and a retractable position. Under the horizontal position (Hp), the one or more secondary floorboards 205 are fully open and are in line with the horizontal plane passing through the primary floorboard 302. Under the unfolded position Up, the one or more secondary floorboards 205 are not in line with the primary floorboard. The one or more secondary floorboards are operable between any range of angle between 0 degrees to 180 degrees under the retractable position. The figure shown here illustrates the one or more secondary floorboards being operated under the horizontal position. According to the present embodiment, a rotatable hinge mechanism on left hand side, a left rotatable member 303 a rotatable hinge mechanism on a right-hand side, a right rotatable member 301 has been shown mounted on the flat surfaces of the primary floorboard 302 respectively.
[00047] Figure 4 Illustrates an enlarged view of the one or more secondary floorboards. The one or more secondary floorboards include left side secondary floorboard panel 205a, and right-side secondary floorboard panel 205b. The left side secondary floorboard panel 205a, and right-side secondary floorboard panel 205b are mounted on an inner edge 401 of the left flat surface 201 of the primary floorboard and on the inner edge 404 of right flat surface 204 of the primary floorboard. The external edge of the left side secondary floorboard panel 205a and the right-side secondary floorboard panel 205b marks the end of the one or more secondary floorboards once both the panels are unfolded and kept in their native orientation parallel to the ground.
[00048] Fig. 5. Illustrates an enlarged view of the one or more attaching members between the primary floorboard and the one or more secondary floorboards. In the present embodiment, the one or more attaching members is the hinge mechanism

501, on which the one or more secondary floorboards folds & unfolds. One portion of the hinge 502 attaches itself at one side onto the primary floorboard and at the other portion of the hinge mechanism on to the one or more sides of the secondary floorboards. The screw hole 505 ensures that the hinge mechanism is bolted in place through the means of screws. The pin 503 enables relative rotation motion between the two portions. The knuckle 504 ensures sufficient gap between the pin and the rotating portions of the hinge mechanism so as to provide smooth motion.
[00049] Fig. 6a illustrates a front view of the vehicle assembly. The vehicle illustrates the one or more secondary floorboards 205 in open condition. The overall width of the vehicle is configured to be in line within the width of the handlebar assembly. As a result, the vehicle even when loaded and with the one or more secondary floorboards 205 in open condition, does not hinder the movement of the other vehicles on the road and does not pose any dangerous issues while moving on the road with other vehicles.
[00050] Fig. 6b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the one or more secondary floorboards. According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the primary floorboard and the one or more secondary floorboards 205 are configured to include one or more strengthening members 205c to provide structural stability to the one or more secondary floorboards 205. The one or more strengthening members 205c also prevents structural deformation during loaded condition by providing sufficient support.
[00051] Fig. 7. Shows the exploded view of the vehicle assembly 100 showing the individual components such primary floorboard 302, one or more secondary floorboards 205 including the right-side secondary floorboard panel 205b, the left-side secondary floorboard panel 205a, the hinge mechanism rotating hinges 301. said one or more-foot support structures 702 are disposed on each of the right side RH and left side LH of said primary footrest 302.
[00052] Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. a step-through space 701 defined between a

handlebar assembly 108 and a seat assembly 109. The footrest assembly 205 is disposed in the step-through space 701. The footrest assembly 205 includes a primary footrest 302 and a secondary footrest 702. The secondary footrest 702 is extending along a vehicle transverse direction TV. The secondary footrest 702 is extending from at least a lateral side 201, 204 of said primary footrest 302. In the present embodiment, the secondary footrest includes one or more-foot support structures 702. The one or more-foot support structures 702 are disposed on each of the right-side RH and left side LH of said primary footrest 302.
[00053] Fig. 9 illustrates a right-side view of a front portion of the vehicle. The front portion of the vehicle illustrates the step-through space 701 between the handlebar assembly 108 and the seat assembly 109. The seat assembly 109 configured to provide seating support for the rider and the pillion includes a first seating portion 109a disposed at a proximity to the handlebar assembly 108 and includes a second seating portion 109b disposed away from the first seating portion 109a. The space between the first seating portion 109a and the second seating portion 109b is optimal for disposing the one or more-foot support structures 702. The first seating portion 109a lies in a first plane 801 and the second seating portion 109b lies in a second plane 802.
[00054] Fig. 10 illustrates a graphical representation of the comfort experienced by the rider when supported by the one or more-foot support structures according to another embodiment of the present invention. The graphical representation is plotted with two variables considering Distance ‘d’ and the score of the one or more-foot support structure score. Plotted along x-axis and y-axis respectively. The distance ‘d’ is the distance between the foot of the rider and the position of the one or more-foot support structure. The rider experiences minimum discomfort as depicted in the graphical representation if the distance ‘d’ is very less, for example, between 0-50mm and if the distance ‘d’ is high, for example, 150-200mm. The rider experiences maximum comfort in the ideal zone as indicated in the graphical representation between the 50-150mm distance.

[00055] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.

List of reference numerals
101- front wheel 25 205a- left side secondary floorboard
panel
102- rear wheel
205b- right-side secondary
103- front fender
floorboard panel
104- rear fender
302- primary footrest
106- front panel
30 501- hinge mechanism
107- headlight
502- One portion of the hinge
108- handlebar assembly
503- pin
109- seat assembly
504- knuckle
110- lower side cover
505- screw hole
112- engine assembly
35 701- step-through space
114- taillight
702- secondary footrest
115- left-hand side panel
109a- first seating portion
116- rear cover
109b- second seating portion 117 - front fork
801- first plane 118- fuel tank assembly
40 802- Second plane
200- floorboard assembly
201- left flat surface
204- right flat surface
205- one or more secondary
floorboards

I/We claim:
1. A step-through vehicle (100) comprising:
a step-through space (701) defined between a handlebar assembly (108) and a seat assembly (109);
a footrest assembly (205) disposed in said step-through space (701), said footrest assembly (205) comprising a primary footrest (302) and a secondary footrest (205a, 205b, 702), said secondary footrest (205a, 205b, 702) is extending along a vehicle transverse direction (TV), said secondary footrest (205a, 205b, 702) is extending from at least a lateral side (201, 204) of said primary footrest (302).
2. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outermost portion (205ax, 205bx) of said secondary footrest (205a, 205b, 702) lies in a plane (YY) passing through a handlebar end portion (108e) of said handlebar assembly (108).
3. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary footrest (302) includes a stationary floorboard.
4. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary footrest (205a, 205b, 702) includes one or more secondary floorboards (205a, 205b) configured to pivot about a rotational axis (LM), said rotational axis (LM) is passing through one or more attaching members (301).
5. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotational axis (LM) is parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis (LL`).
6. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said one or more secondary floorboards (205) include flat surfaces (401, 404), said flat surfaces (401, 404) and said one or more secondary

floorboards (205) are capable of being pivotally mounted to at least a portion of said at least a lateral side (201, 204) through said one or more attaching members (301).
7. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or
more secondary floorboards (205a, 205b) are configured to pivot from a
horizontal position (Hp) to an unfolded position (Up).
8. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said
horizontal position (Hp) and said unfolded position (Up) each include
position of the one or more secondary floorboards (205a, 205b) at an angle
(ɵ) including a range between 0 degree and 180 degrees with respect to a
horizontal plane (NP).
9. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or more attaching members (301) enable pivoting of said one or more secondary floorboards (205) from the unfolded position (Up) to the horizontal position (Hp).
10. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said unfolded position is a position of the one or more secondary floorboards (205) away from the horizontal plane (NP) and the horizontal position (Hp) is a position of the one or more secondary floorboards (205) in-line with the horizontal plane (NP).
11. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary footrest (205a, 205b, 702) include one or more-foot support structures (702), said one or more-foot support structures (702) are extending outwardly in a vehicle transverse direction (TV) and said one or more-foot support structures (702) are extending away from said primary footrest (302).
12. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said one or more-foot support structures (702) are disposed on each of the right side (RH) and left side (LH) of said primary footrest (302).
13. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 11, wherein said one or more-foot support structures (702) are disposed rearwardly to

said step-through space (701) and in a space (704) between a first plane (801) and a second plane (802), said first plane (801) is passing through a first seating portion (109a) and said second plane (802) is passing through a second seating portion (109b).