Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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KICKSTAND ASSEMBLY HAVING GEAR ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
[01] This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited
to) an
apparatus for a wheeled vehicle in which the apparatus includes a kickstand
assembly having a gear assembly.
BACKGROUND
[02] A kickstand is a device on a bicycle or motorcycle (a vehicle) that is
configured to allow the bike to be kept upright without leaning against
another
object or the aid of a person. The kickstand is usually a piece of metal that
flips
down from a vehicle frame of the vehicle (the bike), and makes contact with
the
ground. The kickstand is generally located in the middle of the bike or
towards the
rear of the bike. Some touring bikes have two instances of the kickstand: one
instance at the rear and a second instance at the front.
SUMMARY
[03] It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least
in part) at
least one problem associated with existing kickstands (also called existing
technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with
experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been
identified and is articulated as follows:
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[041 To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
existing
technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an
apparatus.
The apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a kickstand assembly having a
height-adjusting mechanism. A planetary gear assembly is operatively mounted
to
the height-adjusting mechanism of the kickstand assembly. The planetary gear
assembly is configured to adjust the height-adjusting mechanism in such a way
that a vertical height of the kickstand assembly is adjusted.
[05] To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with
existing
technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an
apparatus.
The apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a kickstand assembly having a
height-adjusting mechanism. A gear assembly is operatively mounted to the
height-adjusting mechanism of the kickstand assembly. The gear assembly
includes an input device configured to receive a height-adjustment force. An
intermediate device is configured to be coupled to the input device. The
intermediate device is configured to receive (at least in part) the height-
adjustment
force that was received (at least in part) by the input device. An output
device is
coupled to the intermediate device. The output device is also coupled to the
height-adjusting mechanism of the kickstand assembly. The output device is
configured to receive (at least in part) the height-adjustment force received,
at
least in part, by the intermediate device. The output device is also
configured to
transmit, at least in part, the height-adjustment force that was received from
the
intermediate device to the height-adjusting mechanism of the kickstand
assembly
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in such a way that the height-adjusting mechanism adjusts the vertical height
of
the kickstand assembly.
[06] Other aspects are identified in the claims.
[07] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed
description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[08] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by
reference to
the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken
in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[09] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D (SHEET 1 of 5 SHEETS) depict
views
of embodiments of an apparatus for a wheeled vehicle having a vehicle frame,
in
which the apparatus includes a kickstand assembly;
[010] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 20, FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E (SHEETS 2 to 4 of 5
SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 1B; and
[011] FIG. 3 (SHEET 5 of 5 SHEETS) depicts a side view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of FIG. 1B.
[012] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by
phantom
lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain
instances,
details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details
that
render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[013] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several
figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The
dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative
to
other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed
embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are
useful
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or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to
provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[014] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
100 apparatus
102 kickstand assembly
104 height-adjusting mechanism
108 gear assembly
112 housing assembly
114 input device
116 intermediate device
118 output device
120 planetary gear assembly
122 ring gear
124 sun gear
125 sun shaft
126 planet gear
128 planet carrier
129 carrier-extension member
130 mounting device
132 transferring device
134 transferring input gear
136 transferring output gear
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138 first threaded shaft member
140 second threaded shaft member
142 stationary housing
144 rotatable housing
900 wheeled vehicle
902 vehicle frame
904 height-adjustment force
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[015] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not
intended to
limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described
embodiments. As used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as
an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described as
"exemplary"
or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous
over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are
exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
make
or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the
scope
of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For
the
description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front,"
"vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented
in the
drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory
in
the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed
description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes
illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are
exemplary
embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the
embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least one" is
equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options,
variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding
the
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drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject
matter
provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the
particular
aspects depicted and described.
[016] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D depict views of embodiments of an
apparatus 100 for a wheeled vehicle 900 having a vehicle frame 902, in which
the
apparatus 100 includes a kickstand assembly 102. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1C depict
perspective views of embodiments of the apparatus 100. FIG. 1B depicts a
schematic view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 depicted in FIG. 1C. FIG.
1D depicts a front view of the embodiments of the apparatus 100 depicted in
FIG.
1C.
[017] The wheeled vehicle 900 may include any type of a vehicle, or any type
of a
two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, a motorbike, and any equivalent
thereof. It
will be appreciated that the apparatus 100 does not include the wheeled
vehicle
900 having the vehicle frame 902 (unless stated otherwise, for instance in the
claims).
[018] In accordance with a first major embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 1A,
FIG. 1B,
FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D), the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a
synergistic combination of a kickstand assembly 102 and a planetary gear
assembly 120. The kickstand assembly 102 has a height-adjusting mechanism
104. The planetary gear assembly 120 is operatively mounted (either directly
or
indirectly) to the height-adjusting mechanism 104 of the kickstand assembly
102.
The planetary gear assembly 120 is configured to adjust (either directly or
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indirectly) the height-adjusting mechanism 104 in such a way that a vertical
height
of the kickstand assembly 102 is adjusted (vertical height adjusted).
[019] In accordance with a second major embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 1A,
FIG.
1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D), the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a
synergistic combination of the kickstand assembly 102 and a gear assembly 108.
The kickstand assembly 102 has (includes) the height-adjusting mechanism 104.
The gear assembly 108 is operatively mounted (either directly or indirectly)
to the
height-adjusting mechanism 104 of the kickstand assembly 102. The gear
assembly 108 includes an input device 114 configured to receive (either
directly or
indirectly) a height-adjustment force 904. An intermediate device 116 is
configured
to be coupled (either directly or indirectly) to the input device 114. The
intermediate device 116 is configured to receive (at least in part, and either
directly
or indirectly), the height-adjustment force 904 that was received (at least in
part,
and either directly or indirectly) by the input device 114. An output device
118 is
coupled (either directly or indirectly) to the intermediate device 116. The
output
device 118 is also coupled (either directly or indirectly) to the height-
adjusting
mechanism 104 of the kickstand assembly 102. The output device 118 is
configured to receive (at least in part, and either directly or indirectly)
the height-
adjustment force 904 that was received (at least in part, and either directly
or
indirectly) by the intermediate device 116. The output device 118 is also
configured to transmit (at least in part, and either directly or indirectly)
the height-
adjustment force 904 that was received (at least in part, and either directly
or
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indirectly) from the intermediate device 116 to the height-adjusting mechanism
104 of the kickstand assembly 102. This is done in such a way that the height-
adjusting mechanism 104 adjusts (ad least in part) the vertical height of the
kickstand assembly 102.
[020] In accordance with a third major embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 1A,
FIG.
1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D), the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a
synergistic combination of the kickstand assembly 102 and the gear assembly
108.
[021] The kickstand assembly 102 is configured to be operatively mountable
(either
directly or indirectly) to the vehicle frame 902 of the wheeled vehicle 900.
The
kickstand assembly 102 has (includes) a height-adjusting mechanism 104. The
height-adjusting mechanism 104 is configured to adjust (either directly or
indirectly) a vertical height of the vehicle frame 902 of the wheeled vehicle
900
(that is, once the kickstand assembly 102 that is operatively mounted to the
vehicle frame 902 and the height-adjusting mechanism 104 is operated to do
just
so).
[022] The gear assembly 108 is operatively mounted (either directly or
indirectly) to
the height-adjusting mechanism 104 of the kickstand assembly 102. The gear
assembly 108 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of a
housing assembly 112, an input device 114, an intermediate device 116, and an
output device 118.
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[023] The housing assembly 112 is configured to be mounted (either directly or
indirectly) to the vehicle frame 902 of the wheeled vehicle 900.
[024] The input device 114 is mounted (either directly or indirectly) in the
housing
assembly 112. The input device 114 is configured to receive (either directly
or
indirectly) a height-adjustment force 904.
[025] The intermediate device 116 is mounted (either directly or indirectly)
in the
housing assembly 112. The intermediate device 116 is configured to be
coupled (either directly or indirectly) to the input device 114. The
intermediate
device 116 is configured to receive (at least in part, and either directly or
indirectly) the height-adjustment force 904 that was received, at least in
part,
by the input device 114.
[026] The output device 118 is mounted (either directly or indirectly) in the
housing
assembly 112. The output device 118 is coupled (either directly or indirectly)
to the
intermediate device 116. The output device 118 is coupled (either directly or
indirectly) to the height-adjusting mechanism 104 of the kickstand assembly
102.
The output device 118 is configured to receive (at least in part, and either
directly
or indirectly) the height-adjustment force 904 that was received, at least in
part, by
the intermediate device 116.
[027] The output device 118 is also configured to transmit (at least in part,
and
either directly or indirectly) the height-adjustment force 904 that was
received from
the intermediate device 116 to the height-adjusting mechanism 104 of the
kickstand assembly 102. This is done in such a way that the height-adjusting
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mechanism 104 adjusts (either directly or indirectly) the vertical height of
the
kickstand assembly 102. In response to height adjustment of the kickstand
assembly 102, the vehicle frame 902 of the wheeled vehicle 900, which is
mounted to the kickstand assembly 102, is height adjusted.
[028] In accordance with a preferred embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1C, the
input
device 114, the intermediate device 116 and the output device 118 are
configured
to be movable relative to each other.
[029] In accordance with a preferred embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 1D), the
gear
assembly 108 includes (and is not limited to) a planetary gear assembly 120.
The
planetary gear assembly 120 includes a synergistic combination of a ring gear
122, a sun gear 124 coupled to the ring gear 122, and a planet gear 126
coupled
to the ring gear 122. The ring gear 122, the sun gear 124 and the planet gear
126
are configured to be movable relative to each other. The planetary gear
assembly
120 also includes a planet carrier 128 (not depicted in FIG. 1D but is
depicted in
the remaining FIGS.). The planet carrier 128 operatively supports the ring
gear
122, the sun gear 124 and the planet gear 126.
[030] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1D, the gear
assembly 108 includes the planetary gear assembly 120 (depicted in FIG. 1D)
having the ring gear 122, the planet gear 126 and the sun gear 124. The input
device 114 includes the ring gear 122. The intermediate device 116 includes
the
planet gear 126. The output device 118 includes the sun gear 124. Generally,
the
planetary gear assembly 120 includes a combination of the ring gear 122, the
sun
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gear 124, the planet gear 126 and the planet carrier 128. The planet carrier
128 is
configured to position the ring gear 122, the sun gear 124 and the planet gear
126
relative to each other.
[031] In summary (in general terms), the apparatus 100 includes a telescopic
kickstand having a planetary gear assembly 120 configured to telescopically
move
the telescopic kickstand. The planetary gear assembly 120 is configured to
allow
up movement and down movement of the telescopic kickstand through the
transfer of forces via the gear assembly 108. It will be appreciated that
there are
many arrangements (embodiments) for the gear assembly 108, of which several
are further described below.
[032] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the gear assembly 108
includes
an epicyclical gear train (also called a planetary gear system) that includes
the sun
gear 124 and the planet gear 126 (one or more instances of the planet gear
126)
mounted in such a way that the center of the planet gear 126 revolves around
the
center of the sun gear 124. The planet carrier 128 connects the centers of the
planet gear 126 and the sun gear 124. The planet carrier 128 is configured to
carry, in use, the planet gear 126 around the sun gear 124. The planet gear
126
and the sun gear 124 mesh so that their pitch circles roll without slip. A
point on
the pitch circle of the planet gear 126 traces an epicycloid curve. In this
simplified
case, the sun gear 124 may be fixed and the planetary gear(s) 126 roll around
the
sun gear 124. The epicyclical gear train may be assembled so the planet gear
126
rolls on the inside of the pitch circle of the ring gear 122 (also called an
annular
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gear). In this case, the curve traced by a point on the pitch circle of the
planet gear
126 is a hypocycloid. The combination of epicycle gear trains with the planet
gear
126 engaging both the sun gear 124 and the ring gear 122 is called a planetary
gear train. The ring gear 122 may be fixed (in position) and the sun gear 124
may
be driven (and other options or arrangements are possible). A planetary gear
system (also referred to as an epicyclical gearing system) includes the sun
gear
124, the planet gear 126 and the ring gear 122. The sun gear 124 is located at
the
center, and is configured to transmit torque to the planet gear(s) 126
orbiting
around the sun gear 124. The sun gear 124 and the planet gear 126 are located
inside the ring gear 122. The sun gear 124 and the planet gear(s) 126
externally
mesh, and the ring gear 122 internally meshes.
[033] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E depict side views of the
embodiments of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1B.
[034] In accordance with the embodiments depicted in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG.
2C,
FIG. 20 and FIG. 2E, the planetary gear assembly 120 is arranged in such a way
that the planet carrier 128 is configured to be affixed (selectively attached
and
detached) to the vehicle frame 902 (such as, to an axle portion of the vehicle
frame 902, etc.). For instance, the planet carrier 128 includes a mounting
device
130 configured to directly connect the planet carrier 128 to the vehicle frame
902.
In this arrangement, the planet carrier 128 is held stationary (in a
relatively
stationary position) relative to the vehicle frame 902.
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[035] Referring to FIG. 2A, the planet carrier 128 includes a carrier-
extension
member 129, also called a shaft, that extends from the carrier-extension
member
129. The carrier-extension member 129 is configured to extend away from the
vehicle frame 902 once the planet carrier 128 is mounted (either directly or
indirectly) to the vehicle frame 902.
[036] Referring to FIG. 2B, the carrier-extension member 129 is configured to
receive the planet gear 126. The number of instances of the planet gear 126
may
vary as needed. As depicted in FIG. 1D, there are three instances of the
planet
gear 126 (evenly spaced apart from each other at 120 degree). As depicted in
FIGS. 2A to 2E, there are two instances of the planet gear 126 each spaced 180
degrees apart from each other.
[037] Referring to FIG. 2C, the sun gear 124 is operatively mounted to the
instances of the planet gear 126 (between the planet gears 126) in such a way
that the teeth of the sun gear 124 operatively mesh (interact) with the teeth
of the
planet gears 126. The sun gear 124 has a sun shaft 125 that extends from the
sun
gear 124 away from the vehicle frame 902 (once the sun gear 124 is mounted to
the planet gears 126, and the planet carrier 128 is mounted to the vehicle
frame
902).
[038] Referring to FIG. 2D, the ring gear 122 is operatively mounted to the
planet
gears 126 in such a way that the teeth of the ring gear 122 mesh with the
teeth of
the planet gears 126.
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[039] A transferring device 132 includes a transferring input gear 134 and a
transferring output gear 136. The transferring output gear 136 is configured
to
operatively mesh (interact) with the transferring input gear 134.
[040] The transferring device 132 is operatively connected (mounted) to the
sun
shaft 125 of the sun gear 124 in such a way that the sun shaft 125 turns
(rotates)
the transferring input gear 134, and, in response, the transferring input gear
134
rotates the transferring output gear 136. The transferring device 132 is
coupled to
the height-adjusting mechanism 104.
[041] The height-adjusting mechanism 104 includes a first threaded shaft
member
138 and a second threaded shaft member 140. The first threaded shaft member
138 is threadably coupled to the seaond threaded shaft member 140. The
transferring device 132 is coupled to the first threaded shaft member 138.
[042] Referring to FIG. 2D, in use (in operation), the ring gear 122 is
rotated (for
instance, manually by the user). This is done in such a way that the sun shaft
125
is rotated. In response to rotation of the sun shaft 125, the transferring
device 132
is activated to rotate the first threaded shaft member 138. Once the first
threaded
shaft member 138 is rotated, the second threaded shaft member 140 is rotated
relative to the first threaded shaft member 138. In this way, the second
threaded
shaft member 140 is linearly translated (up and down) along a substantially
vertical direction.
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[043] Referring to FIG. 2E, the housing assembly 112 includes a stationary
housing
142 and a rotatable housing 144. The rotatable housing 144 is configured to be
rotatable relative to the stationary housing 142.
[044] The ring gear 122 is operatively mounted in the rotatable housing 144.
The
rotatable housing 144 is rotated in such a way that the ring gear 122 is
rotated.
[045] In summary, the planet carrier 128 is affixed to, the vehicle frame 902.
The
ring gear 122 is rotatable (for instance, by the user) once the ring gear 122
receives the height-adjustment force 904. This action then urges the sun shaft
125
to be rotated, which then causes the height-adjusting mechanism 104 to become
linearly height adjusted. It will be appreciated that rotating the ring gear
122 in one
direction (such as clockwise) causes the height-adjusting mechanism 104 to
become vertically shorter. It will be appreciated that rotating the ring gear
122 in
another direction (such as counterclockwise) causes the height-adjusting
mechanism 104 to become vertically longer in height.
[046] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 of FIG.
1B.
[047] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3, the ring gear 122 is
affixed (in a stationary position) to the vehicle frame 902. For instance, the
mounting device 130 extends (radially) from the ring gear 122 toward the
vehicle
frame 902, and the mounting device 130 affixes the ring gear 122 to the
vehicle
frame 902.
[048] The planet carrier 128 is rotatable (for instance, by the user) once the
planet
carrier 128 receives the height-adjustment force 904. This action urges the
sun
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shaft 125 (in response) to be rotated, which then causes the height-adjusting
mechanism 104 to become linearly height adjusted.
[049] It will
be appreciated that- rotating the planet carrier 128 in one direction (such
as clockwise) causes the height-adjusting mechanism 104 to become vertically
shorter.
[050] It will be appreciated that rotating the planet carrier 128 in another
direction
(such as counterclockwise) causes the height-adjusting mechanism 104 to
become vertically longer in height.
[051] In accordance with an embodiment, the transferring device 132 may
include a
crown and pinion gear (by way of example).
[052] In accordance with an embodiment, the height-adjusting mechanism 104
includes a pulley that is operatively mounted to the sun gear 124. The height-
adjusting mechanism 104 also includes a cable that is operatively mounted to a
telescopic tubing device having a tube guide. The tube guide is configured to
prevent twisting (rotation) of the telescopic tubing.
[053] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the
best mode, and also to enabie any person skilled in the art to make and use
the
invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and
may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples
are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do
not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent
structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the
claims.
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[054] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above
may
be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and
tasks
within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and
permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms.
There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of
the
equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular
mode of
practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as
the
functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the
disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood
that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by
the
independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present
invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed
description of
the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v)
the
description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant
application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for
this
document, that the phrase "includes" is equivalent to the word "comprising."
The
foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The
description
is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood
that
the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.
