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US 6,682,085 B2Granted
Step structure for vehicles
AssigneeHonda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorsHitoshi Furuhashi, Shinichi Karube
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AssigneeHonda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorsHitoshi Furuhashi, Shinichi Karube
Estimating the term…
A step includes a support member extending from a vehicle frame. A first wire rod frame extends from the distal end of the support member to the vehicle frame. A second wire rod frame suspends the first frame from the vehicle frame. Furthermore, a foot board is disposed over the first frame and the support member. The step structure is of high flexibility. The step is capable of flexibly handling loads applied from the ground, and is prevented from being plastically deformed by loads applied from the ground. The first and second frames are made of wire rods. Accordingly, the step structure is made lightweight. As a consequence, the vehicle is made lightweight.
A step structure in a vehicle, the vehicle having an engine mounted centrally in a vehicle frame, a seat disposed above the engine, and front and rear wheels mounted on front and rear regions on opposite sides of the vehicle frame, said step structure comprising:
A step structure in a vehicle, the vehicle having an engine mounted centrally in a vehicle frame, a seat disposed above the engine, and front and rear wheels mounted on front and rear regions on opposite sides of the vehicle frame, said step structure comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO
From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards: running boards
Foot-rests; Knee grips; Passenger hand-grips: floor-type foot rests
Vehicle fittings and parts
Cycle saddles or seats
Term ended 30 Jul 2022 (estimated)
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a step structure in a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a step structure in a vehicle having an engine mounted centrally in a vehicle frame, a saddle-shaped seat disposed above the engine, and front and rear wheels mounted on front and rear regions on opposite sides of the vehicle frame. Specifically, left and right steps are disposed between the front and rear wheels and below the saddle-shaped seat.
2. Description of Background Art
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a step structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle frame of the vehicle incorporating the step structure according to the present invention;
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” are used to refer to directions as viewed from the perspective of the rider of the vehicle. In addition, Fr represents a front side, Rr a rear side, L a left side, and R a right side of the vehicle from the perspective of the rider. The drawings should be viewed in the direction in which the reference characters are oriented.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a step structure according to the present invention. A saddle-type vehicle 10 includes, as its main components, a vehicle frame 11 and a power unit 14. The power unit 14 includes an engine 12 and a transmission 13 which are mounted centrally on the vehicle frame 11. A saddle-shaped seat 15 is disposed above the power unit 14. A fuel tank 16 is disposed forwardly of the saddle-shaped seat 15. Front wheels 18, 18 are rotatably mounted on front sides of the vehicle frame 11 by respective left and right suspension mechanisms 17, 17 (the suspension 17 on the remote side is not shown). A steering handle 19 is provided for steering the front wheels 18, 18. Rear wheels 22, 22 (the rear wheel 22 on the remote side is not shown) are rotatably mounted on rear sides of the vehicle frame 11 by respective left and right suspension mechanisms 21, 21 (the suspension 21 on the remote side is not shown). A front power transmitting mechanism 23 is provided for transmitting rotation of the engine 12 to the front wheels 18, 18. Furthermore, a rear power transmitting mechanism 24 is provided for transmitting rotation of the engine 12 to the rear wheels 22, 22.
The reference numeral 31 represents a front fender, 32 a head lamp, 33 a front bumper, 34 an undercover, 35 a mud guard, 36 a rear fender, 37 a muffler, and 60 a step incorporating the step structure according to the present invention. The step 60 is of a structure which is lightweight and flexible.