TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to a braking system, and in particular relates to a braking system for a motor vehicle capable of actuating wheel brake on one or more wheels.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, considering motor vehicles like two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, a braking system is provided to slow the vehicle or to bring the vehicle to a stop. Typically, the motor vehicles are provided with a mechanically operated drum brakes or a hydraulically operated disc brake. In some applications, a combination of mechanical and hydraulic actuation is used for drum brakes and disc brakes. Depending upon the application of the motor vehicle, it is installed with drum brakes, disc brakes, or a combination of both. Generally, in some motor vehicles like motorcycles or scooters, the one or more front wheel(s) is provided with a disc brake(s) and the one or more rear wheel(s) is provided with a drum brake(s). As the disc brake system is capable of offering better braking performance when compared to the drum brake system, the disc brake is preferred to be installed on front wheel(s). The above installation when operated together i.e. operation of both the front wheel brake(s) and the rear wheel brake(s) provides better stopping distance. In some applications, disc brakes are also installed one or more rear wheels.

[0003] However, due to the inherent practice of applying only the rear wheel brake, due to the confrontation of applying front wheel brake because of the reason that the vehicle might skid or other reasons, effective braking is not achieved. Therefore, in order to offer better stopping distance even by application of one brake lever, a braking system capable of applying braking force on at least two wheel(s) by application of single wheel brake/lever had obtained prominence. Moreover, with the improving road infrastructure and with the demand for performance commuter vehicles, there is a need for providing the aforementioned braking system in the motor vehicles. Also, the two-wheeled or three-wheeled motor vehicles, which are considered to be less stable & need efficient braking for safety, compared to the four-wheeled vehicles, are in dire need of such braking systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0005] Fig. 1 depicts a right-side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a top view of a portion of the braking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 2 (b) illustrates a sectional view and Fig. 2 (c) is a detailed sectional view of the braking system taken along actuator axis and across the pivot axis of the independent brake lever, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[0008] Fig. 2 (d) depicts another sectional view of the braking system taken orthogonal to the actuator axis, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (a).

[0009] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a top view of the secondary brake lever and a rear perspective view, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00010]

[00011] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a top isometric view of the connector member, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00012] Fig. 3 (c) depicts a rear perspective view and a top view of the independent brake lever, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00013] Fig. 3 (d) depicts another top view of the braking system, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a).

[00014] Fig. 3 (e) depicts a top perspective view of the fluid dispensing member, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3 (d).

[00015] Fig. 4 depicts a side view of the vehicle with selected parts thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00016] Conventionally, motor vehicles like two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles are provided with a front wheel braking system and a rear wheel braking system, which can be either a drum braking system or a disc braking system, for a front wheel and a rear wheel, respectively. Generally, the front wheel braking system and the rear wheel braking system is connected to respective brake levers for actuation by the user. The levers can both be either completely hand-operated type for both the front wheel brake or the rear wheel brake or includes a combination of hand-operated and foot-operated type. In the latter case, generally, the front wheel brake(s) are hand-operated and include a front brake lever mounted on a handlebar of the motor vehicle for actuation, whereas the rear wheel brake(s) can be foot-operated, or sometimes hand operated according to the type of the vehicle. Especially, certain type of vehicles, which have a clutch lever disposed in the left side of the handlebar or without any lever on the left side of the handlebar (automatic clutch actuation systems), are installed with the foot- operated systems.

[00017] Generally, during brake operation, there is a transfer of weight towards the front portion of the vehicle. Thus, there is a need for effective operation of the front wheel(s). Especially, vehicles with the power unit disposed in the mid portion or disposed towards a front portion of the vehicle have higher center of gravity towards the front portion of the vehicle as the power unit that is one of the heavy systems of the vehicle is disposed in the front portion. In such vehicles, weight transfer towards the front portion is higher, when compared to the vehicles having the power unit disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle. For example, the motorcycle type of vehicles those have the power unit fixedly mounted to the frame and positioned behind the front wheel, experience greater weight shifts towards the front. Especially, two- wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles that are less stable, compared to the four-wheeled vehicles, require optimum brake operation. Therefore, during braking, the front wheel brake is vital for achieving optimum stopping distance. Moreover, the braking force applied to rear wheel brake has to be limited to prevent skidding of the vehicle. As a result of this, the deceleration of the vehicle may also be limited and subsequently, the stopping distance of the vehicle may be significantly long. At the same time, excessive braking of the front wheel brake will result in nose-diving, which is also to be avoided. [00018] Conventionally, in order to address the above-mentioned concerns, brake assemblies that allow simultaneous actuation of a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake by application of a single brake lever have been developed. Further, in such braking system with front wheel braking system being a disc brake type, a master cylinder is mounted in the vicinity of the front brake lever for actuating a hydraulically operated disc brake by the front brake lever. Also, another master cylinder is provided that enables actuation of the front wheel brake using a rear brake lever. Accommodation of two fluid dispensing members populates the handlebar assembly or complicates accommodation of such fluid dispensing member in the vicinity of the foot rest, particularly in two-wheeled vehicle, which is typically having multiple systems like the head lamp assembly, switch assembly, brake/clutch levers and electrical cable etc. that are mounted and/or routed near the handlebar assembly and various system like power unit, panel assembly, and exhaust system in the vicinity of the foot pedal. This increases the number of components; for example, two master cylinders and also two brake hoses are required for connection with each master cylinder. Moreover, the front brake caliper should be essentially multi-pot type so that one master cylinder is connected to one set of pots and other master cylinder is connected to other pots. Such systems are not cost effective due to multiple master cylinder, larger caliper assembly, multiple hoses and actuation fluids, and consequently are not preferred due to assembly complexity and time-consuming process.

[00019] Moreover, there exists another type of braking system, in which a single fluid dispensing member is used with either multiple pistons or with a single piston for actuation by different levers that are pressing with one another to operate the front wheel brake. Use of multiple pistons complicates and makes the assembly bulkier to be capable of being accommodated on the compact two wheeled or three- wheeled vehicle, especially in the vicinity of the handlebar that accommodates various switch assemblies, cables, head lamp assembly including instrument cluster and electrical components. Moreover, different levers that are pressing with one another would result in wear and tear due to interaction therebetween and makes dependency between the levers essential. Also, such dependent levers offer poor brake feel. [00020] An intermediate member is also used in the art that enables in transfer of brake force from the lever to the master cylinder. For example, the intermediate can be bell-crank lever that is pivoted to frame and to which the cables/ hoses are connected. However, the intermediate member is additionally to be accommodated on the vehicle and also such intermediate members cause loss of brake force. Thus, the aforementioned mechanism is not effective, especially in applications that require higher braking force to the front wheel.

[00021] Furthermore, a lever acting as an intermediate lever is also proposed in the art. This intermediate lever that could provide a lever ratio close to 1. However, this is having certain limitations as the effort and the load lines, which are input and output lines, of the lever are made offset from each other along the lever pivot axis to avoid any interference of input cable with the master cylinder body. For example, the intermediate lever is provided with effort and load lines at vertical offsets. Thus, it is subjected to force couple that would result in tilting of the lever. This would further cause digging and wear of the pivot pin that supports the lever. As the brake lever is repeatedly used, the digging and wear would cause early failure of the parts. In order to reduce the effect of force couple, the lever with greater width may be used. However, this makes the system bulkier as the lever elongated in vertical direction takes ample space. Moreover, such a system would require the components like switch assembly or other ancillary components to be shifted away from the lateral end causing access issues. Besides, in order to support this intermediate lever which is vertically elongated, the support member is to be substantially reinforced increasing the dimension, weight and cost. This affects the aesthetics especially in motorcycle type of vehicles having a naked handlebar.

[00022] Additionally, the braking system should be capable of providing higher lever ratio for effective braking. However, the aforementioned braking systems could not attain the higher lever ratio. As the lever would create a cantilever effect in vertical direction when requiring higher forces thereby affecting the structural integrity of the part. In order to strengthen the part, the lever is to be reinforced to achieve the strength yet again compromising on the weight, and cost. The cable that gets connected to the intermediate is also passing in proximity to the handlebar that may interfere with the handlebar and causing poor aesthetics from the user point of view.

[00023] Additional challenge is to accommodate multiple components on the handlebar of the vehicle. For example, multiple springs are to be provided for each of the lever, for retracting to the normal condition, which increases the number of components and also the assembly time. Also, the challenge is to avoid any interference between the multiple components that are disposed in a compact space on the handlebar. In vehicles like motorcycles, the handlebar is significantly exposed making the brake assembly also to be exposed to the environment. Thus, parts like the return springs are to be protected from the atmosphere and the surroundings.

[00024] Besides, such assembly disposed towards one end of the handlebar provides poor aesthetics as the handlebar gets populated with the lever(s), the switch assembly, mirror mounting, and other ancillary components like cables. Consequently, the components like switch assembly and mirror mounting are to be moved away from the brake assembly which requires major design and layout modification that is not preferred.

[00025] Thus, the aforementioned and other limitations of the braking system known in art not only offer poor performance and poor life of the parts but also require design modifications. Thus, there is a need for a braking system that addresses the aforementioned and other short comings.

[00026] Hence, the present subject matter provides a motor vehicle and a braking system for a motor vehicle. The braking system comprises a synchronous brake lever, which is a single control means capable of actuating at least two brakes on different wheels. A single fluid dispending member is mounted to a handlebar of the motor vehicle, which is used to actuate an independent brake, which is preferably a front wheel brake.

[00027] The braking system of the present subject matter provides a reliable and effective braking operation with the desired lever ratio to be used in a motor vehicle with the power unit disposed in the center of the vehicle and at the same time the braking system is capable of being compactly packaged in the vehicle without affecting any ancillary parts. Also, the present subject matter will be capable of providing improved braking performance and braking feel with the same effort from the user.

[00028] The braking system comprises a fluid dispensing member comprising a reservoir and an actuation member disposed therein. An independent brake lever is hinged/ pivoted to the fluid dispensing member or in the vicinity of the fluid dispensing member at a first fixed pivot and the independent brake lever is capable of operating/actuating the actuation member during application of independent brake lever. Further, a secondary brake lever is mounted to the fluid dispensing member or in the vicinity thereof at a second fixed pivot for actuating the actuator member during application of a synchronous brake lever.

[00029] In one embodiment, the synchronous brake lever is mounted to the handlebar on one end and the independent brake lever is disposed on other end thereof. In another embodiment, the synchronous brake lever is disposed in the vicinity to the rider foot rest.

[00030] The first fixed pivot of the independent brake lever is disposed on one side of an actuator axis of the actuator member and the second fixed pivot of the secondary brake lever is disposed on other side of the actuator axis. The actuator axis is the axis along which the actuator member is movable. The secondary brake lever is connected to a secondary cable that functionally connects the synchronous brake lever to the secondary brake lever for transmitting braking force, wherein a connector member is provided for connection between the secondary cable and the secondary brake lever. The independent brake lever and the secondary brake lever are configured to move independent of each other to actuate the fluid dispensing member.

[00031] In one embodiment, the connector member is having a hinge connection with the secondary brake lever, wherein the hinge connection enables the connector member to rotate during secondary brake lever rotation adjusting to the secondary cable to the orientation change in the secondary brake lever. This aspect prevents the rigid secondary brake cable from undergoing bending thereby reducing or eliminating breakage of the secondary cable due to bending. Moreover, the pivotal connection forms a dynamic pivot/point that is not fixed and moves depending on the position of the secondary brake lever. [00032] Also, the dynamic pivot/axis is provided on the one side of the actuator axis, the side towards which the first pivot axis is provided. The secondary brake lever comprises a secondary lever-arm for actuating the actuator member of the fluid dispensing member and the secondary lever-arm is provided at a mid-portion between the second fixed pivot and the dynamic pivot. This enables the secondary brake lever to have an elongated profile to provide sufficient lever ratio. The present subject matter provides the lever ratio of the secondary lever in the range of 1.5 to 3. Thus, the braking force required for application of front wheel brake(s), for even a motor vehicle having the power unit at a front portion of the vehicle, during application of the synchronous brake lever. At the same time, the secondary brake lever is compact that can even be supported by the fluid dispensing member without the need for any additional members.

[00033] It is another feature that the secondary brake lever has the input force point that is at the dynamic pivot, the output point that is at the secondary lever- arm, and the pivot point that is the second fixed pivot that are all disposed substantially in the same plane, which is an imaginary plane extending substantially horizontally. It is an aspect that the secondary brake lever can be compactly accommodated on the handlebar without any disproportionate expansion in the vertical direction. Thus, the braking system with the fluid dispensing member, the independent brake lever, and the secondary brake lever can be compactly accommodated on one end of a handlebar assembly without affecting the accommodation space of a switch assembly on the handlebar, the accommodation of headlamp assembly on the handlebar, and accommodation of any other components thereon.

[00034] In one embodiment, the secondary lever-arm, the pivot point that is the second fixed pivot, and the dynamic pivot may be disposed in a different plane. As independent brake lever is mounted on the handle bar and the handlebar support multiple parts like the switch assembly, head lamp assembly and cables/wires which require a pre-determined routing or orientation. This may require the pivot points and secondary lever- arm to be in different plane to avoid interference with the aforementioned parts. [00035] It is yet additional feature that the secondary brake lever is having the effort point (dynamic pivot), the load point (secondary lever-arm), and the pivot point (second fixed pivot) disposed substantially in the same plane whereby a force couple would not be acting at the second fixed pivot. This creates uniform contact of the secondary brake lever with the pivot pin of the second fixed pivot. Due to the uniform contact, digging or excessive wear and tear is eliminated.

[00036] It is further aspect, in accordance with one embodiment, that the secondary brake lever is having L- shaped profile and is having a planar shape that can be compactly accommodated near the handlebar itself. Near the dynamic pivot, the secondary brake lever comprises an extended arm that extends at angle with respect to the second fixed pivot.

[00037] It is a feature that the braking system comprises a single floating elastic member that is connected between the independent brake lever and the secondary brake lever. The floating elastic member is having one end secured to the extended arm of the secondary brake lever and other end of the floating elastic member is secured to the independent brake lever. The single floating elastic member reduces excessive braking during simultaneous operation of the independent brake lever and the synchronous brake lever.

[00038] It is a feature that the independent brake lever rotates in a first direction of rotation and the secondary brake lever rotates in a second direction of rotation, during operation of respective brakes, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation. Thus, when the synchronous brake lever is applied, the secondary brake lever is rotated bringing the floating elastic member in operation. Simultaneously, if the user tries to apply the independent brake lever, the floating elastic member which is in operation restrict full rotation/operation of the independent brake lever thereby reducing excessive brake force application to the front wheel brake. Thus, the baking system provides safety feature eliminating excessive braking to the front wheel brake that otherwise would cause nose-dive of the motor vehicle.

[00039] It is yet another feature that in an embodiment the connector member is having two arms that are spaced apart to accommodate at least a portion of the extended arm thereat. One end of the connector member is provided with apertures to enable rotatable connection of the secondary brake lever thereat and other end of the connector member is provided with a cut-portion to enable mounting of the inner cable of the secondary cable.

[00040] It is additional feature that a first gap is provided in proximity to the cut- portion, which is greater compared to a second gap provided away from the cut- portion. The first gap enables movement of the extended arm of the secondary brake lever and also movement of the floating elastic member during operation of the secondary brake lever thereat. Also, the first gap and the second gap provide stepped profile for the connector member offering structural rigidity to withstand input and reaction forces acting on the connector member.

[00041] The independent brake lever is provided with a first lever arm for actuating the actuator member. In a preferred implementation, the first lever arm comprises two sub-arms with a gap therebetween. The secondary brake lever is having at least a portion, especially the secondary lever-arm that is movable at the gap without interfering with the independent brake lever.

[00042] In one embodiment, the independent brake lever comprises a scooped portion that is provided between the first fixed pivot and first lever arm. The scooped portion enables movement of the independent brake lever in the first direction of rotation without interfering with the secondary brake lever even when the secondary brake lever is moving in the second direction of rotation. This also reduces the weight of the independent brake lever thereby reducing the force acting on the fluid dispensing member.

[00043] It is a feature that the fluid dispensing member is an integrated member that is capable of supporting the independent brake lever, the secondary brake lever, a cable abutment portion. Thus, the functional accuracy between elements is achieved as all the elements are supported only by the fluid dispensing member reducing assembly variations.

[00044] The fluid dispensing member is provided with a mirror mounting portion that is integrally formed. The fluid dispenser member comprises a body portion that enables supporting the levers. The mirror mounting portion is preferably provided in proximity to the handlebar whereby a mirror mounted to the mirror mounting portion exerts force that is substantially transferred to the handlebar. [00045] In one implementation, the secondary brake cable is establishing connection between the synchronous brake lever mounted to one end of the handlebar and the secondary brake lever disposed on other side of the handlebar.

[00046] In one another implementation, the secondary cable extends along the frame member upward towards the handlebar. The secondary cable may undergo one or more smooth bends that enable in routing the cable towards the handlebar eliminating any additional intermediate members.

[00047] The present subject matter is not limited to two-wheeled vehicle. As the present subject matter in essence is applicable to a motor vehicle with one or more front wheels and one or more rear wheels. Therefore, the motor vehicles include a scooter type vehicle, a motorcycle type vehicle, a trike, or an auto-rickshaw.

[00048] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00049] Fig. 1 depicts a right-side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 100 with selective parts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 comprises a frame member 105 supporting a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 115. The front wheel 110 and the rear wheel 115 are rotatably supported by front suspension system 140 and the rear suspension system 125. In one embodiment, the rear wheel 115 is additionally supported by a swing arm (not shown). The front wheel 110 is provided with a front wheel brake 130 and the rear wheel 115 is provided with a rear wheel brake 135. The terms front wheel and the front wheel brake are not limiting to singular elements and may include more than one front wheel or more than one front wheel brake as and where applicable. Similarly, the terms rear wheel and the rear wheel brake are not limiting and comprises more than one rear wheel or more than one rear wheel brake as and where applicable. In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake 130 is a hydraulically operated disc brake that comprises a disc that is connected to the wheel and a caliper assembly that is functionally connected to the disc.

[00050] A braking system 200 comprises a synchronous brake lever 270 of a rear braking system (not shown) for actuating both the front wheel brake 130 and the rear wheel brake 135. An independent brake lever 202 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) of the braking system 200 is capable of actuating only the front wheel brake 130. In one implementation, the independent brake lever 202 and the synchronous brake lever 270 (shown in Fig. 1) may be disposed on one end and other end of a handlebar 201 of the vehicle 100, respectively. In the depicted implementation, the independent brake lever 202 is mounted to the handlebar 201 that can be operated by hand and the synchronous brake lever 270 is disposed near a rider footrest 150 in order to be operable using leg. The handlebar 201 is functionally connected to the front wheel 110 through the front suspension system 140 and is rotatably supported by the frame member 105 for steering the vehicle 100.

[00051] In another implementation (not shown), the independent brake lever 202 may be used for applying the front wheel brake 130 jointly/synchronously with the rear wheel brake 135, while other brake lever 270 is used to independently apply the rear wheel brake 135.

[00052] The vehicle 100 comprises a power unit 145 that comprises an internal combustion engine, traction motor or both that is functionally connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle 100. The power unit 145, in the present embodiment, is mounted to the frame member 105 and is disposed immediately rearward of the front wheel 110, which is at a front portion or substantially a mid-portion of the vehicle.

[00053] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates an enlarged top view of a portion the braking system 200, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 (b) depicts a cross- sectional view, as viewed from top, of the braking system 200, the section taken along the master cylinder actuator axis and the independent brake lever 202, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). Fig. 2 (c) depicts another detailed sectional view, as viewed from top, of the braking system, the section taken along the master cylinder actuator axis and the secondary brake lever, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the present implementation, a portion of the braking system 200 is mounted to a column handlebar 201. The handlebar 201 may include a tubular type single piece design, a split type design, or any other known type of handlebar.

[00054] The braking system 200 comprises a fluid dispensing member 215, which is a master cylinder that is mounted to the handlebar 201. The fluid dispensing member 215 comprises a reservoir 216 and an actuation member 217 disposed therein. Herein, the terms‘master cylinder’ and‘fluid dispensing member’ are interchangeably used. The fluid dispensing member 215 is configured to store hydraulic brake fluid and the actuation member 217 is movable along an actuator axis P-P’ to displace the brake fluid for engaging or disengaging the wheel brake, which is the front wheel brake 130 in the present subject implementation. The fluid dispensing member 215 is connected to the front wheel brake 130 through an independent brake cable 155 (shown in Fig. 4), which is a brake hose in the present implementation. The term‘brake cable’ is not limiting and comprises brake force transfer means like mechanical brake cable, hydraulic brake hose, or a combination.

[00055] The independent brake lever 202 is hinged/ pivoted to the fluid dispensing member 215 at a first fixed pivot PI and the independent brake lever 202 is capable of operating/actuating the actuation member 217 during application of independent brake lever 202. Further, the secondary brake lever 210 is also mounted to the fluid dispensing member 215 at a second fixed pivot P2. The secondary brake lever 210 is having the fixed pivot P2 abut which it can rotate. The fluid dispensing member 215 is secured to the handlebar 201 through a holder member 220. In other words, the holder member 220 securely mounts the fluid dispensing member 215 to the handlebar 201 by using fasteners.

[00056] In the present embodiment, the first fixed pivot Pl of the independent brake lever 202 is disposed ahead of the actuator axis P-P’ (in the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100) and the independent brake lever 202 extends away, in an outward lateral direction, from the first fixed pivot Pl. The independent brake lever 202 comprises a first lever arm 206 that is extending towards an outer side surface of the actuation member 217. Thus, upon operation of the independent brake lever 202, the actuation member 217 gets operated through the first lever arm 206. During actuation of the independent brake lever 202 in a first direction of rotation Dl, which is towards the handlebar 201, it rotates about the first fixed pivot Pl in a clockwise direction when viewed from the top. [00057] Further, the fluid dispensing member 215 supports a secondary brake lever 210 that is capable of actuating/operating the actuation member 217 independent of the independent brake lever 202. A secondary cable 225 functionally connects the synchronous brake lever 270 to the secondary brake lever. Further, at the synchronous brake lever 270 a force distribution mechanism may be used, which enables in transmitting braking forces to the rear wheel brake 135 through a brake rod (not shown) and to the front wheel brake 130 through the secondary cable 225. In the present implementation, the secondary cable 225 comprises an inner cable 226 that is having one end connected to the secondary brake lever 210 and other end connected functionally connected to the synchronous brake lever 270. The independent brake lever 202 and the secondary brake lever 210 are configured to move independent of each other to actuate the fluid dispensing member. Further, in an embodiment, the secondary cable 225 comprises an outer sheath 227 that supports the inner cable 226 slidably and the outer sheath 227 is secured between the support point provided near the synchronous brake lever 270 and the fluid dispensing member 215. In the present implementation, the outer sheath 227 is secured to the abutment portion 221 of the fluid dispensing member 215.

[00058] In one embodiment, the abutment portion 221 is integrally formed with the fluid dispensing member 215. Thus, the outer sheath 227 is a fixed member and the inner cable 226 is slidable therein. By the actuation of the synchronous brake lever 270, the secondary cable 225 gets pulled, that results in rotation of the secondary brake lever 210, in a second direction of rotation D2, which is in an anti-clockwise direction, when viewed from top. The secondary brake lever 210 comprises a secondary lever- arm 211 (shown in Fig. 2 (b)) that is capable of actuating of the actuation member 217 due to the rotation operation of the secondary brake lever 210. The second direction of rotation D2 is opposite to the first direction of rotation Dl. The first fixed pivot PI and the second fixed pivot P2 are provided towards outer lateral side of the fluid dispensing member 215, when viewed from top. The fluid dispensing member 215 securely supports the independent brake lever 202 and the secondary brake lever 210 being disposed on one side of handlebar 201 away from the user, when viewed from top. [00059] In a preferred implementation, the independent brake lever 202 comprises the first lever arm 206 that is formed by two sub-arms 207, 208 (shown in 3 (c)) provided with a gap 235 therebetween. The sub-arms 207, 208 are spaced apart in a direction substantially along the direction of the first pivot axis Pl. The secondary brake lever 210, in the assembled condition, is at least partially disposed at the gap 235 and the secondary brake lever 210 is movable at the gap 235 without interfering with the independent brake lever 202.

[00060] In one implementation, a single floating elastic member 230 is provided that is functionally connected to the independent brake lever 202 and the secondary brake lever 210. For example, the floating elastic member 230 is an expansion type spring. Thus, in normal condition, the floating elastic member 230 is in a compressed state and upon application of any one of the brake levers 202, 210, the floating elastic member 230 is subjected to expansion whereby it provides return force on the respective lever. For instance, during application of the independent brake lever 202, it rotates in a first direction of rotation Dl (clockwise) resulting in expansion of the floating elastic member 230 because of which the elastic member 230 provides return force to the independent brake lever 202 due to which the independent brake lever 202 returns to the normal condition.

[00061] The sectional view as shown in Fig. 2 (b) depicts the sub-arm 208, which is the lower sub-arm and the secondary brake lever 210 is disposed above the sub-arm 208. The secondary brake lever 210 is connected to the secondary cable 225 at a dynamic pivot P3

[00062] The secondary brake lever 210, in the depicted implementation, is having an extended arm 212 that is extending away from the dynamic pivot P3 substantially towards inner lateral direction. One end of the floating elastic member 230 is connected to the extended arm 212 and other end of the floating elastic member 230 is connected to the independent brake lever 202. Further, the inner cable 227 of the secondary cable 225 is connected to a connector member 240. One end of the connector member 240 is rigidly connected to the inner cable 227 and other end of the connector member 240 comprises an aperture that enables in pivoting the connector member 240 to the secondary brake lever 210. Thus, during rotation of the secondary brake lever 210 in the second direction of rotation D2, there occurs a change in orientation and the change in orientation is compensated by the connector member 240 due to the pivotal connection at the dynamic pivot P3. In one embodiment, the connector member 240 is made of spring steel to withstand the force acting thereon.

[00063] Fig. 2 (d) depicts another sectional view of the braking system taken along axis S-S’, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The actuation member 217 is having the actuator axis P-P’ (as shown in Fig. 2 (a)) and the first fixed pivot Pl of the independent brake lever 202 is disposed on one side of the actuation member 2l7/actuator axis P-P’. The second fixed pivot P2 is disposed on other side of the actuation member 217/ actuator axis P-P’. The dynamic pivot P3 of the secondary brake lever 210, at which the force from the secondary cable is applied, is towards the one side, the side at which the first fixed pivot Pl is provided. Further, the secondary brake lever 210 is disposed substantially in/along a single plane that is orthogonal to the second fixed pivot P2 of the secondary brake lever 210. In other words, pivot portion forming the second fixed pivot, the secondary lever- arm 211, and the portion forming the dynamic pivot P3 are all in the same plane. As can be seen in the Fig. 3 (a), the secondary brake lever 210 is having a substantially flat profile. Also, the first pivot axis Pl, the second pivot axis P2, and the dynamic pivot P3 are substantially parallel to each other. Moreover, all the three pivot axes Pl, P2, and P3 are compactly provided in the vicinity of the actuation member 217 and ahead of the handlebar 201.

[00064] Fig. 3 (a) shows the top view of the secondary brake lever 210 and a rear perspective view of the secondary brake lever 210, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The secondary brake lever 210 comprises a body portion 210B and a secondary lever- arm 211 protruding from the body portion 210B. A second fixed pivot P2 disposed at one end portion of the body portion 210B. A dynamic pivot P3 disposed at other end of the body portion 210B. An extended arm 212 extending orthogonal to the body portion 210. In the present embodiment, the secondary brake lever 210 is having substantially an L-shaped profile, wherein at a vertex portion 214 that houses the dynamic pivot function is the portion at which the secondary brake lever 210 changes orientation. The extended arm 21) is extending substantially orthogonally with respect to an imaginary line passing through the second fixed pivot P2 and the dynamic pivot P3. The dynamic pivot \axis P3 is at a fixed distance form the second fixed pivot\axis P2. However, due to the rotational motion of the secondary brake lever 210, the position of the dynamic pivot P3 is varying. Further, considering the second fixed pivot P2 and the dynamic pivot P3, the dynamic pivot P3 is at a lateral offset 219 with respect to the second fixed pivot P2. This enables in provision of delayed operation or free play of the front wheel brake 130 when the synchronous brake lever 270 is actuated.

[00065] The extended arm 212 is provided with a second mounting portion 213 that enables in connection of the floating elastic member 230 thereat. The portion forming the second fixed pivot P2 is provided with maximum cross-sectional area to withstand the forces and the reaction forces acting on the secondary brake lever 210, especially at the second fixed pivot P2. The secondary lever-arm 211 is a protrusion, similar to a tear drop that is capable of operating the actuation member 217.

[00066] The secondary brake lever 210 is having the dynamic pivot P3 at which the input force is applied and the dynamic pivot P3 is at a distance Ll from the second fixed pivot P2. The secondary lever-arm 211 at which the output force gets applied onto the actuator member 217 is at a distance L2 form the second fixed pivot P2. Thus, the secondary brake lever 210 offers a lever ratio of L1/L2 that is substantially in the range of 1.5 to 3 that enables in effective front wheel brake 130 operations.

[00067] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a top perspective view of the connector member 240 that connects the secondary cable 225 to the secondary brake lever 210. The connector member 240 in the present embodiment is a U-shaped member that is having the open end provided with apertures (not shown) that enable in rotatably connecting the connector member 240 to the secondary brake lever 210. The connector member 240 is having two arms 241, 242 that are spaced apart to accommodate at least a portion of the extended arm 212 thereat. One end, which is the open end, of the connector member 240 is provided with apertures to enable rotatable connections of the secondary brake lever 210 at the dynamic pivot P3. Closed end, which is the other end, of the connector member 240 is provided with a cut-portion 245 to enable mounting of the inner cable of the secondary cable 225.

[00068] Further, the connector member 240 is provided with variable spacing between the at least two arms 241, 242. The at least two arms (241, 242) spaced apart with one end thereof connected and other end open. The one or more apertures 246 are provided on the at least two arms 241, 242. The one end is provided with a cut-portion 245. A first gap 243 that is provided in proximity to the cut-portion 245 is greater compared to a second gap 244 away from the cut- portion 245. The first gap 243 enables movement of the extended arm 212 of the secondary brake lever 210 and also the floating elastic member 230 during operation of the secondary brake lever 210. In one implementation, the connector member 240 and the secondary brake lever 210 are connected to each other using a rivet pin (not shown) that is secured by riveting thereby occupying minimal space in the compact area.

[00069] Fig. 3 (c) depicts a rear perspective view and a top view of the independent brake lever 202, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The independent brake lever 202 is provided with a holding portion 203 that is elongated portion away from the first fixed pivot Pl thereof. The first lever arm 206 having two sub-arms 207, 208, with a gap 209 therebetween, is extending substantially in a direction opposite to the direction to the holding portion 203. The independent brake lever 202 also comprises a first mounting portion 204 at which the floating elastic member 230 is mounted. Thus, the floating elastic member 230 gets connected to the first mounting portion 204 of the independent brake lever 202 and to the second mounting portion 213 of the secondary brake lever 210. Further, the independent brake lever 202 may also include a brake lamp switch actuating means, like an arm, that enables in operating the switch during operation of the independent brake lever 202.

[00070] The independent brake lever 202 comprises a scooped portion 205 that is provided between the first fixed pivot Pl and first lever arm 206. The scooped portion 205 enables movement of the independent brake lever 202 in the first direction of rotation Dl without interfering with the secondary brake lever 210 (shown in Fig. 3 (d)), especially the vertex portion 214 of the secondary brake lever.

[00071] Fig. 3 (d) top view of the braking system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 3 (e) depicts a top perspective view of the fluid dispensing member 215, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3 (d). The fluid dispensing member 215 is an integrated member that is capable of supporting the independent brake lever 202, the secondary brake lever 210, the cable abutment portion 221 (shown in Fig. 2 (a), and also a mirror mounting portion 250. The fluid dispenser member 215 is provided with a body portion 255 that enables in supporting the levers 205, 210 and the mirror mounting portion 250. The body portion 255 is extending from the reservoir 216 in a forward-laterally outward direction forming a substantially triangular profile to support the independent brake lever 202. The second fixed pivot P2 is provided substantially adjacent to outward facing lateral side of the reservoir 216. Further, the mirror mounting portion 250 is provided on the body portion 255 at the downward facing side of the reservoir 216. The body portion 255 substantially is provided in the lateral outward side of reservoir 216 extending in front direction and in the rear direction. As shown in Fig. 2 (c), the mirror mounting portion 250 is provided in proximity to the handlebar 201 whereby a mirror (not shown) mounted to the mirror mounting portion 250 acts on the handlebar 201. Further, the mirror mounting portion 250 disposed downward of the reservoir 216 provides space for the secondary brake lever 210 to attain the length that can provide effective lever ratio for application of front wheel brake 130.

[00072] The body portion 255 is covering at least a portion of the secondary brake lever 210, the connector member 240, and other ancillary parts. Thus, the body portion 255 protects the essential parts of the braking system from direct exposure. Further, in another embodiment, the body portion is further expanded to cover the floating elastic member 230 also to protect from atmosphere and any impacts. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3 (e), the body portion 255 comprises a pair of support members 256, 257 to rigidly support the independent brake lever 202. Similarly, in one implementation, the secondary brake lever 210 comprises another pair of support member (not shown) that can rigidly support the secondary brake lever 210.

[00073] Fig. 4 depicts a side view of the vehicle with selected parts thereon in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2 (a). The synchronous brake lever 270 provided adjacent to the footrest 150 is connected to the rear wheel brake 135 through a brake rod 260. The secondary cable 225 extends along the frame member 105 upward towards the handlebar 201. The frame member 105 comprises a head tube 105A, and a main tube 105B. The main tube 105B extends rearward form the head tube 105A in a rearward direction and then in a downward direction. The secondary cable 225 extends substantially along the main frame 105B extending in an upward direction and then in a forward direction taking a first bend 265 and takes a second bend 266 towards the independent brake lever 202. The secondary cable 225 of the present subject matter gets directly connected to the secondary brake lever 210 eliminating any intermediate members thereby reducing/preventing any loss of force due to the direct connection. Further, the first bend 265 and the second bend 266 are provided forming smooth bends eliminating any sharp changes in orientation of the secondary cable 225 thereby reducing any losses.

[00074] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

List of reference signs:

100 vehicle 220 holder member

105 frame member 221 cable abutment portion

105 A head tube 35 225 secondary cable

105B main tube 226 inner cable

110 front wheel 227 outer sheath

115 rear wheel 230 elastic member

125 rear suspension system 235 gap (independent brake lever)

130 front wheel brake 40 240 connector member

135 rear wheel brake 241/242 arms (connector member)

140 front suspension system 243 first gap

145 power unit 244 second gap

150 footrest 245 cut-portion

155 independent brake cable 45 246 aperture

200 braking system 250 mirror mounting portion

201 handlebar 255 body portion (fluid

202 independent brake lever dispensing member)

204 first mounting portion 256/257 support member

205 scooped portion 50 260 brake rod

206 first lever arm 265 first bend

207/208 sub-arm 266 second bend

209 gap (first lever arm) 270 synchronous brake lever Dl

210 secondary brake lever first direction of rotation

210B body portion 55 D2 second direction of rotation 211 secondary lever- arm L1/L2 distance

212 extended arm P-P’ actuator axis

213 Second mounting portion Pl fixed pivot (independent

214 vertex portion brake lever)

215 fluid dispensing member 60 P2 fixed pivot (secondary brake 216 reservoir lever)

217 actuation member P3 dynamic pivot

219 lateral offset