Claims:
1. A variable rake apparatus (104) for a vehicle (100), the variable rake apparatus (104) comprising;
a spur gear (206);
a worm gear (208) operatively coupled to the spur gear (206) and configured to rotate the spur gear (206);
a lead screw (210) having a proximal end (210B) such that the spur gear (206) is rigidly coupled to the proximal end (210B) of the lead screw (210); and
a sleeve (212) provided with a cylindrical cavity to operatively receive the lead screw (210) such that the lead screw (210) translates within the cylindrical cavity in one of, an inward direction and an outward direction with respect to the sleeve (212) upon rotation of the spur gear (206) to adjust a rake angle of the vehicle (100).

2. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a motor (214) that is operatively coupled to the worm gear (208) and configured to rotate the worm gear (208) in one of, a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction.

3. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first bearing block (204A) and a second bearing block (204B) such that the first bearing block (204A) and the second bearing block (204B) rotatably holds the spur gear (206) therebetween.

4. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal end (210B) of the lead screw (210) passes through an aperture provided on the second bearing block (204B) and wherein the lead screw (210) further comprises a distal end (210C) that is received within the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve (212).

5. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve (212) comprises a fastening hole (212A) that facilitate to fasten the sleeve (212) to a rear wheel frame (106) of the vehicle (100).

6. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first connector (203) and a second connector (205) extending outwardly from the first bearing block (204A) such that the first connector (203) and the second connector (205) facilitate to couple the variable rake apparatus (104) to a steering column (102B) of a front wheel frame (104) of the vehicle (100).

7. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rear wheel frame (106) further comprising a flexible chassis (107) such that a plurality of flexible points (109) of the flexible chassis (107) facilitate to adjust the rake angle of the vehicle (100).

8. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 6 and 7, wherein the front wheel frame (102) of the vehicle (100) further comprises a bar (102C) that is pivotally coupled to the flexible chassis (107) of the rear wheel frame (106) through a first pivot (108).

9. The variable rake apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flexible chassis (107) further comprising:
a first link (107A) and a second link (107B) pivotally coupled to each other and to the bar (102C) of the front wheel frame (102) through the first pivot (108);
a third link (107C) pivotally coupled to the first link (107A) through a first flexible point (109A) at one end and to the variable rake apparatus (104) through the third pivot (112) at another end;
a fourth link (107D) pivotally coupled to the variable rake apparatus (104) through the third pivot (112) at one end and to a suspension strut (106B) of the rear wheel frame (106) through a second flexible point (109B) at another end;
a fifth link (107E) pivotally coupled to the fourth link (107D) through the second flexible point (109B) at one end and to a support rod (106C) of the rear wheel frame (106) through a third flexible point (109C) at another end; and
a sixth link (107F) pivotally coupled to the fifth link (107E) through the third flexible point (109C) at one end and to the second link (107B) through a fourth flexible point (109D) at another end.

10. A vehicle (100) comprising;
a front wheel frame (102) and a rear wheel frame (106), wherein the front wheel frame (102) further comprises a bar (102C) and the rear wheel frame (106) further comprises a flexible chassis (107) such that the bar (102C) of the front wheel frame (102) is pivotally coupled to the flexible chassis (107) of the rear wheel frame (106) to facilitate adjustment of a rake angle of the vehicle (100);
a variable rake apparatus (104) coupled to the front wheel frame (102) and the rear wheel frame (106), the variable rake apparatus (104) comprising;
a spur gear (206);
a worm gear (208) operatively coupled to the spur gear (206) and configured to rotate the spur gear (206);
a lead screw (210) having a proximal end (210B) such that the spur gear (206) is rigidly coupled to the proximal end (210B) of the lead screw (210); and
a sleeve (212) provided with a cylindrical cavity to operatively receive the lead screw (210) such that the lead screw (210) translates within the cylindrical cavity in one of, an inward direction and an outward direction with respect to the sleeve (212) upon rotation of the spur gear (206) to adjust a rake angle of the vehicle (100).

11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rear wheel frame (106) further comprising a flexible chassis (107) such that a plurality of flexible points (109) of the flexible chassis (107) facilitate to adjust the rake angle of the vehicle (100).

12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the front wheel frame (102) of the vehicle (100) further comprises a bar (102C) that is pivotally coupled to the flexible chassis (107) of the rear wheel frame (106) through a first pivot (108).

13. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flexible chassis (107) further comprising:
a first link (107A) and a second link (107B) pivotally coupled to each other and to the bar (102C) of the front wheel frame (102) through the first pivot (108);
a third link (107C) pivotally coupled to the first link (107A) through a first flexible point (109A) at one end and to the variable rake apparatus (104) through the third pivot (112) at another end;
a fourth link (107D) pivotally coupled to the variable rake apparatus (104) through the third pivot (112) at one end and to a suspension strut (106B) of the rear wheel frame (106) through a second flexible point (109B) at another end;
a fifth link (107E) pivotally coupled to the fourth link (107D) through the second flexible point (109B) at one end and to a support rod (106C) of the rear wheel frame (106) through a third flexible point (109C) at another end; and
a sixth link (107F) pivotally coupled to the fifth link (107E) through the third flexible point (109C) at one end and to the second link (107B) through a fourth flexible point (109D) at another end.

14. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a motor (214) that is operatively coupled to the worm gear (208) and configured to rotate the worm gear (208) in one of, a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction.

15. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a first bearing block (204A) and a second bearing block (204B) such that the first bearing block (204A) and the second bearing block (204B) rotatably holds the spur gear (206) therebetween.

16. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the proximal end (210B) of the lead screw (210) passes through an aperture provided on the second bearing block (204B) and wherein the lead screw (210) comprises a distal end (210C) that is received within the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve (212).

17. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sleeve (212) comprises a fastening hole (212A) that facilitate to fasten the sleeve (212) to a rear wheel frame (106) of the vehicle (100).

18. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a first connector (203) and a second connector (205) extending outwardly from the first bearing block (204A) such that the first connector (203) and the second connector (205) facilitate to couple the variable rake apparatus (104) to a steering column (102B) of a front wheel frame (104) of the vehicle (100). , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to vehicles such as motor-bikes and more particularly relates to a variable rake apparatus for the vehicles.

BACKGROUND
While riding the motor-bikes or other such vehicles, the riding characteristics of the motor-bike majorly depends on rake angle and trail length of the bike. The rake angle is defined as the angle between steering axis that is passing through the steering column of the bike and vertical axis that is perpendicular to the ground. The trail length is defined as the horizontal distance from the point where the wheel of the bike touches the ground to the point at which the steering axis intersects with the ground.
The vehicles come up with a fixed rake angle and trail length values. For instance, cruiser mode type vehicles have greater values of rake angle and trail length that imparts stability to the vehicle at high speeds i.e. while cruising on a straight road. However, steering of these vehicles becomes difficult on crooked roads as they require much upper body strength to manoeuvre the vehicle. On the other hand, the vehicles with smaller rake angles have more steering sensitivity, but cannot exhibit cruising mode as the vehicle becomes less stable at high speeds. Further, the vehicles with smaller rake angles does not cater long distance riding as the rider is positioned in a more upright position than on a cruiser type motorcycle. This points out a need for changing rake angle of a vehicle.
There are various mechanisms of adjusting rake angles of a vehicle known in the art. The mechanism of the prior art ropes in a number of components to realize rake angle adjustment and thereby making the overall mechanism complex. Further, the prior art mechanism requires disassembly of the vehicle or the mechanism itself to facilitate rake adjustments for a vehicle. Sometimes, to enable adjustments in the rake angles require additional components to be deployed or replacement of components to hold the vehicle at a set value of rake angle. Rake angle adjustments for the vehicles by employing the prior-art adjusting means consumes a lot of time in altering such a simple characteristic of the vehicle, which is cringe-worthy for the drivers in the events, when they need to adjust the rake angles quickly.
Thus, there is a need for a technical solution that overcomes the aforementioned problems of conventional rake angle adjustment apparatuses.

SUMMARY
In view of the foregoing, a variable rake apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The variable rake apparatus including a spur gear, a worm gear operatively coupled to the spur gear and configured to rotate the spur gear. A lead screw having a proximal end such that the spur gear is rigidly coupled to the proximal end of the lead screw and a sleeve provided with a cylindrical cavity to operatively receive the lead screw such that the lead screw translates within the cylindrical cavity in one of, an inward direction and an outward direction with respect to the sleeve upon rotation of the spur gear to adjust a rake angle of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the variable rake apparatus further includes a motor that is operatively coupled to the worm gear and configured to rotate the worm gear in one of, a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction.
In some embodiments, the variable rake apparatus further includes a first bearing block and a second bearing block such that the first bearing block and the second bearing block rotatably holds the spur gear therebetween.
In some embodiments, the proximal end of the lead screw passes through an aperture provided on the second bearing block and the lead screw having a distal end that is received within the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve.
In some embodiments, the sleeve having a fastening hole that facilitate to fasten the sleeve to a rear wheel frame of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the variable rake apparatus further includes a first connector and a second connector extending outwardly from the first bearing block such that the first connector and the second connector facilitate to couple the variable rake apparatus to a steering column of a front wheel frame of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the rear wheel frame further includes a flexible chassis such that a plurality of flexible points of the flexible chassis facilitate to adjust the rake angle of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the front wheel frame of the vehicle further includes a bar that is pivotally coupled to the flexible chassis of the rear wheel frame through a first pivot.
In some embodiments, the flexible chassis further including: a first link and a second link pivotally coupled to each other and to the bar of the front wheel frame through the first pivot, a third link pivotally coupled to the first link through a first flexible point at one end and to the variable rake apparatus through the third pivot at another end. A fourth link pivotally coupled to the variable rake apparatus through the third pivot at one end and to a suspension strut of the rear wheel frame through a second flexible point at another end. A fifth link pivotally coupled to the fourth link through the second flexible point at one end and to a support rod of the rear wheel frame through a third flexible point at another end; and a sixth link pivotally coupled to the fifth link through the third flexible point at one end and to the second link through a fourth flexible point at another end.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a front wheel frame and a rear wheel frame. The front wheel frame further includes a bar and the rear wheel frame further includes a flexible chassis such that the bar of the front wheel frame is pivotally coupled to the flexible chassis of the rear wheel frame to facilitate adjustment of a rake angle of the vehicle. A variable rake apparatus coupled to the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame and including; a spur gear, worm gear operatively coupled to the spur gear and configured to rotate the spur gear. A lead screw having a proximal end such that the spur gear is rigidly coupled to the proximal end of the lead screw and a sleeve provided with a cylindrical cavity to operatively receive the lead screw such that the lead screw translates within the cylindrical cavity in one of, an inward direction and an outward direction with respect to the sleeve upon rotation of the spur gear to adjust a rake angle of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention becomes apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a vehicle incorporating a variable rake apparatus, according to an embodiment herein; and
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate isometric views of the variable rake apparatus incorporated in the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment herein.
To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various embodiment of the present invention provides a variable rake apparatus for a vehicle. The following description provides specific details of certain embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. It should be recognized, however, that the present invention can be reflected in additional embodiments and the invention may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
The various embodiments including the example embodiments are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Spatially relative terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is to be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
Embodiments described herein refer to plan views and/or cross-sectional views by way of ideal schematic views. Accordingly, the views may be modified depending on simplistic assembling or manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views but include modifications in configurations formed on basis of assembling process. Therefore, regions exemplified in the figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in the figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements, and do not limit the various embodiments including the example embodiments.
The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to variable rake apparatus for a vehicle.
The term “effective length of worm gear” as used herein the description is the length of the worm gear that is provided with a spiral thread pattern, which is in mesh with other such arrangement of thread and/or teeth provided on any other component.
The term “rake angle” or “rake angles” as used herein the context of the present disclosure is defined as the angle between a steering axis that is passing through a steering column of a bike and a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the ground on which the bike is traversing.
As mentioned there remains a need for providing a variable rake apparatus for a vehicle that is capable to adjust the rake angles with a great ease. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a variable rake apparatus for a vehicle.
FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) includes a front wheel frame (102), a variable rake apparatus (104), a rear wheel frame (106), a first pivot (108), a second pivot (110), and a third pivot (112).
The front wheel frame (102) includes a front wheel (102A), a steering column (102B), and a bar (102C). The rear wheel frame (106) includes a rear wheel (106A), a suspension strut (106B), a support rod (106C), and a flexible chassis (107).
The flexible chassis (107) of the rear wheel frame (106) further includes a first link (107A), a second link (107B), a third link (107C), a fourth link (107D), a fifth link (107E), a sixth link (107F), a first flexible point (109A), a second flexible point (109B), a third flexible point (109C), and a fourth flexible point (109D).
The front wheel frame (102) is pivotally coupled to the rear wheel frame (106) through the first pivot (108). The front wheel frame (102) is pivotally coupled to the variable rake apparatus (104) through the second pivot (110) and the rear wheel frame (106) is pivotally coupled to the variable rake apparatus (104) through the third pivot (112).
The bar (102C) of the front wheel frame (102) is pivotally coupled to the first link (107A) and the second link (107B) through the first pivot (108). The first link (107A) of the flexible chassis (107) is pivotally coupled to the second link (107B) through the first pivot (108). The third link (107C) is pivotally coupled to the first link (107A) through the first flexible point (109A) from one end and pivotally coupled to the sleeve (212) of the variable rake apparatus (104) through the third pivot (112) from another end. The fourth link (107D) of the flexible chassis (107) is pivotally coupled to the sleeve (212) of the variable rake apparatus (104) through the third pivot (112) from one end and pivotally coupled to the suspension strut (106B) through the second flexible point (109B) from another end. The fifth link (107E) of the flexible chassis (107) is pivotally coupled to the fourth link (107D) through the second flexible point (109B) at one end and pivotally coupled to the support rod (106C) of the rear wheel frame (106) through the third flexible point (109C) from another end. The sixth link (107F) of the flexible chassis (107) is pivotally coupled to the fifth link (107E) through the third flexible point (109C) from one end and pivotally coupled to the second link (107B) through the fourth flexible point (109D) from another end.
The variable rake apparatus (104) is configured to adjust a rake angle for the vehicle (100). The first pivot (108), the second pivot (110), the third pivot (112) and the flexible chassis (107) altogether impart flexibility, between the front wheel frame (102) and the rear wheel frame (106) of the vehicle (100), while adjusting the rake angle for the vehicle (100).
FIG. 2A and 2B illustrates the variable rake apparatus (104). The variable rake apparatus (104) includes a first connector (203), a second connector (205), a first bearing block (204A), a second bearing block (204B), a spur gear (206), a worm gear (208), a lead screw (210), a sleeve (212), and a motor (214).
The first connector (203) and the second connector (205) further include a slot (201). The spur gear (206) further includes a number of teeth (206A). The second bearing block (204B) further includes an aperture (not shown) for allowing the lead screw (210) to pass through the second bearing block (204B). The worm gear (208) further includes a spiral thread pattern (208A). The lead screw (210) further includes a first thread pattern (210A), a proximal end (210B), and a distal end (210C) as can be seen through FIG. 2B. The sleeve (212) further includes a fastening hole (212A), a proximal end (212B), a distal end (212C), a second thread pattern (not shown) and a cylindrical cavity (not shown).
The first bearing block (204A) is arranged such that the first bearing block (204A) faces the front wheel frame (102) of the vehicle (100) and the second bearing block (204B) is arranged such that the second bearing block (204B) faces the rear wheel frame (106) of the vehicle (100). The number of teeth (206A) are provided on the entire circumference of the spur gear (206). The spiral thread pattern (208A) is provided on an effective length of the worm gear (208). The first thread pattern (210A) extends throughout the length of the lead screw (210). The second thread pattern is provided on the internal circumference of the sleeve (212) extending throughout the length of the sleeve (212). The fastening hole (212A) is provided at the distal end (212C) of the sleeve (212) i.e., towards the rear wheel frame (106) of the vehicle (100).
The first connector (203) and the second connector (205) substantially extend outwardly from the first bearing block (204A) i.e., towards the front wheel frame (102) of the vehicle (100). The first connector (203) and the second connector (205) of the variable rake apparatus (104) is configured to couple the steering column (102B) of the front wheel frame (102) of the vehicle (100) through the second pivot (110). A fastener is adapted to pass through the slot (201) of the first connector (203) and the second connector (205) and thereby forming the second pivot (110) to facilitate to couple the variable rake apparatus (104) to the steering column (102B) of the front wheel frame (104) of the vehicle (100).
The worm gear (208) is operatively coupled to a shaft (not shown) of the motor (214) such that the longitudinal axis of the worm gear (208) is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the motor (214). The spur gear (206) is rotatably arranged between the first bearing block (204A) and the second bearing block (204B). The first bearing block (204A) and the second bearing block (204B) thereby enables smooth rotation of the spur gear (206). The spiral thread pattern (208A) of the worm gear (208) meshes with the number of teeth (206A) of the spur gear (206). The lead screw (210) is operatively received within the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve (212) such that the first thread pattern (210A) of the lead screw engages with the second thread pattern of the sleeve (212). The distal end (210C) of the lead screw (210) is received within the sleeve (212) such that the lead screw (210) is configured to exhibit relative rotation with respect to the sleeve (212) due to which the lead screw (210) translates within the sleeve (212) in one of, an inward direction and an outward direction with respect to the sleeve (212). The spur gear (206) is rigidly coupled to the proximal end (210B) of the lead screw (210) such that rotation of the spur gear (206) causes rotation of the lead screw (210). The sleeve (212) is connected to the rear wheel frame (106) of the vehicle (100) through the fastening hole (212A) of the sleeve (212) that forms the third pivot (112). The fastening hole (212A) allows the fastener to pass through and thereby fastening the sleeve (212) to the rear wheel frame (106) and thereby forming the third pivot (112). The sleeve (212) is, therefore: pivotally coupled to the third link (107C) and the fourth link (107D) of the flexible chassis (107) of the rear wheel frame (106) through the third pivot (112). This way the variable rake apparatus (104) is deployed in the vehicle (100).
In an embodiment, the fastener can include any or the combination of a nut, a bolt, a rivet, a pin, and any other suitable fastener known in the art.
In another embodiment, a washer can be used along-with the fastener to facilitate proper fastening of the variable rake apparatus (104) in the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the number of washer and the number of fasteners can be varied to provide proper fastening of the variable rake apparatus (104) in the vehicle (100).
In operation, the variable rake apparatus (104) is configured to adjust the rake angle for the vehicle (100). The adjustment of the rake angle for the vehicle (100) is realized by actuation of the motor (214). The motor (214) when actuated, rotates the motor shaft which in turn provides rotation to the worm gear (208). The rotation of the worm gear (208) causes rotation of the spur gear (206) by virtue of the meshing of the spiral thread pattern (208A) of the worm gear (208) with the number of teeth (206A) of the spur gear (206). Since, the spur gear (206) is rigidly coupled to the proximal end (210B) of the lead screw (210), therefore: rotation of the spur gear (206) causes rotation of the lead screw (210). Upon rotation of the lead screw (210), the lead screw (210) either advances outwardly from the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve (212) or retracts within the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve (212) depending upon the rotational direction of the spur gear (206). The translation of the lead screw (210) within the sleeve (212) is realized by virtue of the first thread pattern (210A) of the lead screw (210) and the second thread pattern of the sleeve (212). During advancing out of the lead screw (210) from the sleeve (212), the first bearing block (204A), the second bearing block (204B) and the motor (214) altogether move forwardly i.e., towards the front wheel frame (102) of the vehicle (100). Since, the first connector (203) and the second connector (205) are coupled to the steering column (102B), therefore the forward movement of the first bearing block (204A), the motor (214) and the second bearing block (204B) causes the front wheel frame (102) to displace away from the rear wheel frame (106) by pivoting about the first pivot (108), the second pivot (110) and the third pivot (112).
The front wheel frame (102) displaces away from the rear wheel frame (106) such that the rake angle of the vehicle (100) is decreased. This displacement of the front wheel frame (102) is sustained continuously by the motor (214) until desired value of the rake angle is achieved. Similarly, during retraction of the lead screw (210) within the sleeve (212), the first bearing block (204A), the second bearing block (204B) and the motor (214) altogether moves backwardly i.e., towards the rear wheel frame (106) of the vehicle (100). This backward movement of the first bearing block (204A), the motor (214) and the second bearing block (204B) causes the front wheel frame (102) to displace towards the rear wheel frame (106) by pivoting about the first pivot (108), the second pivot (110) and the third pivot (112). The front wheel frame (102) displaces toward the rear wheel frame (106) such that the rake angle of the vehicle (100) is increased. This displacement of the front wheel frame (102) is sustained continuously by the motor (214) until desired rake angle for the vehicle (100) is achieved. The plurality of flexible points (109) of the rear wheel frame (106) enables relative motion (pivotal motion) between the front wheel frame (102) and the rear wheel frame (106) while displacing the front wheel frame (102) away from the rear wheel frame (106) during rake angle adjustment of the vehicle (100).
In an exemplary embodiment, the motor (214) may be adapted to rotate the worm gear (208) in a clockwise direction, when seen from the top of the worm gear (208), in the longitudinal axis of the worm gear (208). The clock-wise rotation of the worm gear (208) may enable clockwise rotation of the spur gear (206), when seen from the first bearing block (204A) of the variable rake apparatus (104). The clockwise rotation of the spur gear (206) may cause clockwise rotation of the lead screw (210). The clockwise rotation of the lead screw (210) may translate the lead screw (210) outwardly from the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve (212), that may reduce the rake angle of the vehicle (100). Similarly, the motor (214) may be adapted to rotate the worm gear (208) in an anticlockwise direction, when seen from the top of the worm gear (208), in the longitudinal axis of the worm gear (208). The anti-clockwise rotation of the worm gear (208) may enable anti-clockwise rotation of the spur gear (206), when seen from the first bearing block (204A) of the variable rake apparatus (104). The anti-clockwise rotation of the spur gear (206) may cause anti-clockwise rotation of the lead screw (210). The anti-clockwise rotation of the lead screw (210) may translate the lead screw (210) into the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve (212), that increases the rake angle of the vehicle (100).
In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) may be a four wheeled bike, a desert bike, a three-wheeler, or the like.
In another embodiment, a lock is provided in the variable rake apparatus (104) that is configured to lock or hold the extension or retraction of the lead screw with respect to the sleeve. The lock thus stays the positioning of the advancement and retraction of the lead screw (210) with respect to the sleeve (212) at the achieved fixed values of the rake angle in the vehicle (100).
In another embodiment, the spur gear (206) held between the first bearing block (204A) and the second bearing block (204B) is lubricated for facilitating smooth rotation of the spur gear (206).
Certain advantages of the variable rake apparatus (104) of the present disclosure are listed hereinbelow: -
- The variable rake apparatus (104) is simple to use and thereby allowing a driver of the vehicle (100) to vary/adjust the rake angle very easily.
- The variable rake apparatus (104) requires much less components for enabling rake angle adjustment of the vehicle (100).
- The variable rake apparatus (104) allows rake angle adjustment of the vehicle (100) efficiently in very less time and making the overall rake angle adjustment much quicker.
- The variable rake apparatus (104) allows to exhibit multiple driving modes in the vehicle (100).
- Multiple driving modes may be desired by the driver of the vehicle (100) depending upon the terrain on which the vehicle (100) is traversing, which can be easily attained by the variable rake apparatus (104).
The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.
Moreover, though the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.