BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a supporting apparatus installing on a vehicle, and particularly a stand for supporting and resting a vehicle on a ground.

Description of the Related Art

Vehicles such as scooters, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) typically include a frame encapsulating a motor, a seat disposed on the frame for a rider and passengers seating thereon, and a supporting mechanism attached to a bottom of the frame for supporting and parking the vehicle on the ground on demand. Generally, the supporting mechanism comprises a pair of stems protruding from two sides of the vehicle, a pivot coupled with an end of each stem, and a pedal for receiving a stepping force from a rider and pivoting the pair of stems about the pivot. Initially, the pair of stems is biased towards the frame of the vehicle by a spring, without interference of a movement of the vehicle. When a rider steps on the pedal, the stems are pivoted away from the frame of the vehicle about the pivot. As a result, another end of each stem abuts against the ground to support the vehicle on the ground.

However, the vehicle is supported against the ground by two end points of the stems. An entire weight of the vehicle is supported only by two end points of the stems. As such, such supporting mechanism may not provide a well and even support to the vehicle. Therefore, there is a continuous need to improve the structure and configuration of the supporting mechanism and solve the above deficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An improved supporting apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus for supporting a vehicle includes a frame member including a first portion, a second portion disposed opposite to the first portion, a first elongated portion extended between the first portion and the second portion, and a second elongated portion disposed opposite to the first elongated portion and extended between the first portion and the second portion; and a bar protruded from the first portion and disposed proximal to the second elongated portion.

In some implementations, the second elongated portion is configured for contacting a ground when the vehicle is supported against the ground. In some embodiments, the second elongated portion includes a protrusion for contacting a ground when the vehicle is supported by the frame member against the ground. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion respectively include a curvature disposed between the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion. In some embodiments, the second elongated portion is coupled with the first portion and the second portion.

In some embodiments, the bar is detachable from or attachable to the first portion of the frame member. In some embodiments, the bar is protruded substantially horizontal to the first elongated portion or the second elongated portion. In some embodiments, a central part of the first elongated portion is attached to a lower portion of a frame of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus further includes a biasing member disposed on the first elongated portion and configured for biasing the supporting apparatus and retaining the supporting apparatus at a retracted position, the vehicle is movable and operable when the supporting apparatus is in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus is pivotable between a retracted position and a supporting position, the vehicle is movable and operable when the supporting apparatus is in the retracted position, the vehicle is supported and tilted by the frame member when the supporting apparatus is in the supporting position. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus is pivoted from the retracted position to the supporting position upon an application of a force on the bar. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus is retainable at the supporting position by a whole or partial weight of the vehicle. Further, a stand for resting a vehicle is provided. The stand includes a loop body including a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion opposite to the first elongated portion and a fulcrum disposed at the first elongated portion, a bar extended from the loop body, disposed proximal to the second elongated portion and disposed distal to the first elongated portion and the fulcrum, the stand is pivotable between a retracted position and a supporting position about the fulcrum, the vehicle is supported by the second elongated portion when the stand is in the supporting position .

In some embodiments, the stand is pivoted from the retracted position to the supporting position upon an application of a force on the bar. In some embodiments, an angle between the retracted position and the supporting position is about 20° to about 140°. In some embodiments, the fulcrum is disposed at a center of the first elongated portion. In some embodiments, the bar includes a foot pedal disposed at an end of the bar distal to the loop body and configured to be stepped by a user to pivot the loop body.

In some implementations, the loop body is initially urged to the retracted position. In some embodiments, the stand further includes a biasing system disposed at the fulcrum, connecting the loop body and a lower portion of a frame of the vehicle, configured for pivoting the stand between the retracted position and the supporting position about the fulcrum. In some embodiments, the biasing system includes a first bracket, a second bracket and a spring coil, the first bracket is hinged with the second bracket, the spring coil is encapsulated by the first bracket and the second bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example a supporting apparatus in a supporting position, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an example a supporting apparatus in a retracted position, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an example a vehicle installed with a supporting apparatus in a retracted position, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of an example a vehicle installed with a supporting apparatus pivoting from a retracted position to a supporting position, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a supporting apparatus of Figure 1, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of a supporting apparatus, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 6B is a left side view of a supporting apparatus of Figure 6A, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 6C is a right side view of a supporting apparatus of Figure 6A, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a supporting apparatus including a biasing member, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of an example a stand in a supporting position, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 9 is a schematic view of an example a stand in a retracted position, according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with switches, sensors, controllers, and communications systems and structures and networks have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to."

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The use of ordinals such as first, second and third does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or structure.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

In some embodiments, a supporting apparatus with an improved structural is provided. The supporting apparatus is configured for supporting the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus includes an elongated portion which can contact a ground when the vehicle is supported by the supporting apparatus. Since the elongated portion contacts the ground upon supporting the vehicle, a force (e.g., a weight of the vehicle) can be evenly distributed over the elongated portion. The weight would not concentrate at a point or a small region. Thus, fracture or damage of the supporting apparatus could be minimized or even avoided.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an embodiment of a supporting apparatus 100 according to one illustrated embodiment. In some implementations, the supporting apparatus 100 is installed on a vehicle 200, for example a scooter, a motorcycle, a bicycle or etc. In some embodiments, the vehicle 200 includes a frame 201, and the supporting apparatus 100 is attached to a lower portion 201a of the frame 201. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 is attached to the frame 201 by any suitable attachment means.

The supporting apparatus 100 is configured for supporting a parked vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 includes a frame member 101 and a bar 102. Figure 1 shows that the vehicle 200 is supported by the supporting apparatus 100. When the frame member 101 is positioned against a ground or a surface, the vehicle 200 can be supported on the ground. In addition, when the frame member 101 is positioned against the ground or the surface, a rear wheel 200a of the vehicle 200 can be partially raised off the ground, while a front wheel 200b of the vehicle 200 and the frame member 101 contact the ground simultaneously to support the vehicle 200. The supporting apparatus 200 facilitates the vehicle 200 standing upright and prevents the same from swaying from side to side or from positioning in an unbalanced status of any form.

Figure 2 shows a vehicle 200 being released from a support of the supporting apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. In Figure 2, the supporting apparatus 100 is in an inoperative position. The vehicle 200 is released from the support when the frame member 101 departs from the ground. In some embodiments, the frame member 101 can be moved away from the ground by biasing the frame member 101 towards the lower portion 201a of the frame 201 of the vehicle 200, and as such, the rear wheel 200a of the vehicle 200 raised by the supporting apparatus 100 as in Figure 1 is lowered to contact the ground as in Figure 2. After the vehicle 200 is taken off the supporting apparatus 100, the frame member 101 no longer contacts the ground and thus the supporting apparatus 100 would not interfere with the movement of the vehicle 200.

In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 is pivotable between a supporting position as shown in Figure 1 and a retracted position as shown in Figure 2. The vehicle 200 is supported and partially lifted by the supporting apparatus 100 when the supporting apparatus 100 is in the supporting position, and the vehicle 200 is movable and operable when the supporting apparatus 100 is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, when the supporting apparatus 100 is in the supporting or operative position, the rear wheel or the rear portion of the vehicle 200 is lift or raised from the ground.

When the supporting apparatus 100 is in the retracted position, the vehicle 200 is not interfered by the supporting apparatus 100, and thereby the vehicle 200 is operable and a user can ride on the vehicle 200 as shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 is retainable at the retracted position by any suitable mechanism such as locking means, biasing means such as a spring, etc.

In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 can be pivoted from the retracted position shown in Figure 2 to the supporting position as shown in Figure 1 by an application of a force on the bar 102. For example, as shown in Figure 4, a user can step on the bar 102, and pull and lift the vehicle 200 up and backwards to pivot the supporting apparatus 100 from the retracted position to the supporting position and move the vehicle 200 onto the supporting apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 is retainable at the supporting position by a whole or partial weight of the vehicle 200 and a reaction force from the ground. The weight of the vehicle 200 and the reaction force from the ground act on the frame member 101, such that the supporting apparatus 100 would not pivot to the retracted position when the supporting apparatus 100 is at the supporting position. In some embodiments, the weight of the vehicle 200 and the reaction force from the ground are substantially greater than a biasing force provided by the mechanism (such as spring) and retaining the supporting apparatus 100 at the retracted position. Thus, the supporting apparatus 100 can retain at the supporting position as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the supporting apparatus 100 of

Figure 1. In some embodiments, the frame member 101 and the bar 102 respectively include a metal (such as iron, copper, aluminum, etc.) or an alloy thereof. In some embodiments, the frame member 101 includes same material as the bar 102. In some embodiments, the frame member 101 is in a closed configuration. Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the frame member 101 includes a first portion 101a, a second portion 101b, a first elongated portion 101c and a second elongated portion lOld. The first portion 101a is coupled with the second portion 101b through the first elongated portion 101c and the second elongated portion lOld. The second elongated portion lOld is coupled with the first portion 101a and the second portion 101b. In some embodiments, the first portion 101a, the second portion 101b, the first elongated portion 101c and the second elongated portion lOld are in a loop-like configuration. In some implementations, the first portion 101a, the second portion 101b, the first elongated portion 101c and the second elongated portion lOld are integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the first elongated portion 101c and the second elongated portion lOld are substantially orthogonal to the first portion 101a and the second portion 101b. In some embodiments, a central part lOlg of the first elongated portion 101c is attached to the lower portion 201a of the frame 201 of the vehicle 200.

Figure 6 A shows only the supporting apparatus 100 of Figure 1. The second portion 101b is disposed opposite to the first portion 101a. In some embodiments, the first portion 101a is substantially parallel to the second portion 101b. In some embodiments, the first portion 101a is in similar size, shape and configuration to the second portion 101b. Figure 6B is a left side view of the supporting apparatus 100, and Figure 6C is a right side view of the supporting apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the first portion 101a and the second portion 101b respectively include a curvature (lOle, lOlf) disposed between the first elongated portion 101c and the second elongated portion lOld.

Referring to Figures 6B and 6C, in some embodiments, the first portion 101a and the second portion 101b are curved at their free end sections connecting to the second elongated portion lOld. In some embodiments, when the supporting apparatus 100 in the supporting position, the free end section of the first portion 101a or the second portion 101b is curved forward. In some embodiments, the first portion 101a or the second portion 101b extends, from the first elongated portion 101c, downward and backward, then is curved forward, and finally connects with the second elongated portion lOld.

Referring back to Figure 6 A, the first elongated portion 101c extends between the first portion 101a and the second portion 101b. Further, the second elongated portion lOld is disposed opposite to the first elongated portion 101c and extends between the first portion 101a and the second portion 101b. In some embodiments, an end of the first portion 101a and an end of the second portion 101b are respectively coupled with ends of the first elongated portion 101c. Another end of the first portion 101a and another end of the second portion 101b are respectively coupled with ends of the second elongated portion lOld. In some embodiments, the first elongated portion 101c is substantially parallel to the second elongated portion lOld. In some embodiments, the first elongated portion 101c is in similar size, shape and configuration to the second elongated portion lOld.

In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 includes the bar 102 protruding from the first portion 101a or the second portion 101b. In some implementations, the bar 102 is disposed proximal to the second elongated portion lOld. In some embodiments, the bar 102 may protrude substantially horizontal to the first elongated portion 101c or the second elongated portion lOld. In some embodiments, the bar 102 is detachable from or attachable to the first portion 101a or the second portion 101b. In some embodiments, a pedal 102a is disposed at an end of the bar 102. The pedal 102a is configured for receiving a force, for example a stepping force by a foot of a user. The user can step on the pedal 102a to bias and move the supporting apparatus 100.

The second elongated portion lOld of the frame member 101 is configured for contacting the ground when the vehicle 200 is supported against the ground. When the supporting apparatus 100 is in the supporting position, the second elongated portion lOld contacts and abuts against the ground. The second elongated portion lOld is in cooperation with the front wheel 200b in order to support the vehicle 200. As the second elongated portion lOld is in an elongated configuration, an entire or partial weight of the vehicle 200 can be evenly distributed on the second elongated portion lOld so that the second elongated portion lOld and the whole frame member 101 can be protected from being damaged when the vehicle 200 is supported by the supporting apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 100 includes a protrusion lOlh. The protrusion lOlh can be disposed on the second elongated portion lOld and is configured for contacting the ground when the vehicle 200 is supported by the frame member 101 against the ground. The protrusion lOlh can increase friction between the second elongated portion lOld and the ground so that the vehicle 200 can be more stably supported by the supporting apparatus 100 when the supporting apparatus 100 is in the supporting position.

Figure 7 shows a supporting apparatus 100 further including a biasing member 103 according to one embodiment. The biasing member 103 is configured for biasing the frame member 101 and retaining the supporting apparatus 100 at the retracted position. In some embodiments, the biasing member 103 can retain at the retracted position by a mechanism such as a spring or a biasing force. The mechanism or the biasing force can pivot the supporting apparatus 100 about the biasing member 103 from the supporting position to the retracted position, and then supporting apparatus 100 can retain at the retracted position as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the biasing member 103 is disposed on the first elongated portion 101c. In some embodiments, the frame member 101 is attached to the lower portion 201a of the frame 201 of the vehicle 200 by the biasing member 103. In some embodiments, the biasing member 103 is disposed at the central part lOlg of the first elongated portion 101c. As such, the supporting apparatus 100 is pivotable about an axis 103a of the biasing member 103 between the supporting position and the retracted position

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of a supporting apparatus 300. In some embodiments, the supporting apparatus 300 is a stand 300, for example a center stand, for resting a vehicle. In some implementations, the stand 300 includes a metal or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the stand 300 includes a loop body 301, a bar 302 and a fulcrum 303. In some embodiments, the loop body 301 includes a first elongated portion 301c and a second elongated portion 30 Id. The second elongated portion 30 Id is opposite to the first elongated portion 301c. In some embodiments, the first elongated portion 301c and the second elongated portion 30 Id are coupled by two portions (301a, 301b). In some embodiments, the first elongated portion 301c and the second elongated portion 301d are substantially orthogonal to the two portions (301a, 301b).

In some embodiments, several protrusions 301h are disposed on the second elongated portion 30 Id. In some embodiments, the protrusion 30 lh partially surrounds an outer surface of the second elongated portion 30 Id. The protrusion 30 lh is configured for increasing friction between the second elongated portion 301d and ground when the stand 300 is at the supporting position and the vehicle is supported on the ground.

In some embodiments, the fulcrum 303 is disposed at the first elongated portion 301c. In some embodiments, the fulcrum 303 is at a center 30 lg of the first elongated portion 301c. The stand 300 is pivotable between a supporting position as in Figure 8 and a retracted position as in Figure 9 about the fulcrum 303. The vehicle is supported by the second elongated portion 301d when the stand 300 is in the supporting position as in Figure 8. In some embodiments, an angle between the retracted position and the supporting position is about 20° to about 140°.

In some embodiments, the bar 302 is extended from the loop body 301. In some embodiments, the bar 302 is disposed proximal to the second elongated portion 301d and disposed distal to the first elongated portion 301c and the fulcrum 303. In some embodiments, the bar 302 is substantially orthogonal to the first elongated portion 301c or the second elongated portion 30 Id. In addition, the bar 302 further includes a foot pedal 302a disposed at an end of the bar 302 and distal to the loop body 301. The foot pedal 302a is configured to be stepped by a user in order to pivot the loop body 301 about the fulcrum 303 between the retracted position and the supporting position.

In some embodiments, the stand 300 is initially urged to the retracted position as in Figure 9. The stand 300 is initially biased towards the retracted position by any suitable means such as locking means or biasing means. In some embodiments, the stand 300 is pivoted from the retracted position to the supporting position upon an application of a force on the bar 302.

The stand 300 further includes a biasing system 304 disposed at the fulcrum 303. In some embodiments, the biasing system 304 connects the loop body 301 with a lower portion of a frame of the vehicle. The biasing system 304 is configured for pivoting the stand 300 between the retracted position and the supporting position about the fulcrum 303. In some embodiments, the biasing system 304 initially biases the stand 300 towards the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the biasing system 304 includes a first bracket

304a, a second bracket 304b and a spring coil (not shown). The first bracket 304a is hinged with the second bracket 304b. In some embodiments, the first bracket 304a is attached to the lower portion of the frame of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the spring coil is disposed between the first bracket 304a and the second bracket 304b.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. To the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications.

Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

While generally discussed in the environment and context of collection, charging and distribution of portable electrical energy storage devices for use with personal transportation vehicle such as all-electric scooters and/or motorbikes, the teachings herein can be applied in a wide variety of other environments, including other vehicular as well as non-vehicular environments.

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract of the Disclosure, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.