Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a storage compartment for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the storage compartment for a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, vehicles such as saddle type vehicles, are provided with a storage compartment for storing utility items of a rider of the vehicle. The storage compartment is typically provided below a seat of the vehicle, for a larger storage volume.
[003] In recent past due to increase in safety measures brought in by local authorities to ride the vehicle, it has become a mandate for the rider to equip with safety devices such as a helmet. After use of the vehicle, the rider typically has to carry the helmet, which is cumbersome and inconvenient for the rider. Alternatively, the rider can store the helmet within the storage compartment. However, the storage compartment of conventional vehicle is incapable of storing the helmet or any other similarly larger item or device.
[004] To overcome the aforementioned problems in the conventional vehicles, volume of the storage compartment is increased. However, such an increase in volume or storage space of the storage compartment is associated with changes in tooling requirements for manufacturing the storage compartment. Thus, increasing overall manufacturing cost associated with the storage compartment. Consequently, increasing the costs associated with the vehicle. Additionally, an increase in the storage space of the storage compartment may alter mounting points on the vehicle. As such, mounting points on the vehicle are required to be altered corresponding to the changes in the storage compartment, making the process tedious, laborious and costly, which is undesirable. Moreover, it is a challenge in the conventional vehicle to increase the storage space without compromising the strength and stiffness of the storage compartment or any of the subsystem of the vehicle.
[005] Thus, there is a need for a storage compartment for a vehicle, which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, storage compartment for a vehicle is disclosed. The storage compartment comprises a main body mounted onto a frame member and disposed between a pair of sidetubes of the vehicle. The main body comprises a base member, a front wall, a left-side wall, a right-side wall and a rear wall. The base member, the front wall, the left-side wall, the right-side wall and the rear wall form a storage compartment below a seat of the vehicle. The storage compartment is provided with a first storage portion and a second storage portion. The first storage portion is provided at a front portion of the main body while the second storage portion extends from the first storage portion upto the rear wall. A front mounting member is provided to the base member and located below the first storage portion. The front mounting member is adapted to engage with a maintube of the frame member. A rear mounting member is provided on a rear extension member extending rearwardly from the rear wall in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The rear mounting member is adapted to engage with a rear end of the frame member.
[007] In an embodiment, at least one of the left-side wall and the right-side wall comprises an indentation portion for accommodating a supporting bracket of a pillion handle of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, a bulge portion is provided on an inner surface of at least one of the left-side wall and the right-side wall. The bulge portion is provided proximal to the front wall, wherein the bulge portion is a tapered portion with at least one draft angle.
[009] In an embodiment, the rear extension member comprises one or more rib members provided on a bottom surface of the rear extension member.
[010] In an embodiment, the first storage portion is a safety gear storage portion.
[011] In another aspect, a saddle type vehicle is provided. The saddle type vehicle comprising a frame member having a headtube, a maintube extending downwardly and rearwardly from the headtube in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and a pair of sidetubes extending upwardly and rearwardly from the maintube. Further, the storage compartment is provided. The storage compartment comprises a main body mounted onto the frame member and disposed between the pair of sidetubes. The main body comprises the base member, the front wall, the left-side wall, the right-side wall and the rear wall. The base member, the front wall, the left-side wall, the right-side wall and the rear wall form the storage compartment below the seat. The storage compartment is provided with the first storage portion and the second storage portion. The first storage portion is provided at the front portion of the main body while the second storage portion extends from the first storage portion upto the rear wall. A front mounting member is provided to the base member and located below the first storage portion and is adapted to engage with the maintube of the frame member. A rear mounting member is provided on the rear extension member extending rearwardly from the rear wall in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The rear mounting member is adapted to engage with the rear end of the frame member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a frame member of a vehicle comprising a storage compartment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a right perspective view of the frame member comprising the storage compartment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a left perspective view of the frame member comprising the storage compartment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the storage compartment of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a left-side view of the storage compartment of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a top view of the frame member comprising the storage compartment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a sectional view of the frame member comprising the storage compartment about a plane A-A of Figure 6, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of the frame member comprising the storage compartment about a plane B-B of Figure 6, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a sectional view of the frame member comprising the storage compartment about a plane C-C of Figure 6, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a portion D of Figure 9 depicting one or more rib members of the storage compartment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the frame member comprising the storage compartment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] The present invention relates to a storage compartment for a vehicle. The storage compartment is provided with a first storage portion and a second storage portion, wherein the first storage portion is adapted to store a safety gear or a safety device such as a helmet, while the second storage portion is adapted to store other utility devices of a rider of the vehicle. Accordingly, the storage compartment provides enhanced storage capacity without the need for major modifications in tooling and mounting points in a frame member of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle type vehicle.
[014] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a frame member 104 of a vehicle comprising a storage compartment 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle type vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a scooter type vehicle. The frame member 104 is adapted to support the storage compartment 100 that is adapted to support safety devices of the rider of the vehicle.
[015] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in conjunction with Figure 1, the frame member 104 comprises a headtube 140 and a maintube 124 extending downwardly from the headtube 140 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The headtube 140 is adapted to pivotally receive and support a steering stem (not shown) of the vehicle. The steering stem has an upper end (not shown) coupled to a handlebar (not shown) and a lower end (not shown) coupled to a front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle, such that actuation of the handlebar facilitates pivotal movement of the front wheel thereby enabling maneuverability of the vehicle.
[016] Further, the maintube 124 extends upto a center tube 142 that is adapted to support a side stand (not shown) or other peripheral components of the vehicle. A pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b are coupled to the maintube 124, and extend upwardly and rearwardly from the maintube 124. The pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b are inclined at an angle (not shown) during extension from the main tube 124. The pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b extend upto a rear end (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b are coupled to the maintube 124 through conventional coupling techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding and the like. The pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b comprises a left sidetube 106a and a right sidetube 106b. The left sidetube 106a and the right sidetube 106b are adapted to support a seat of the vehicle.
[017] Further, a pair of downtubes 144a, 144b are provided in the frame member 104. The pair of downtubes 144a, 144b are coupled to the center tube 142 and to the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b for enhancing structural rigidity of the frame member 104 and also to effectively transfer load added on the seat. The pair of downtubes 144a, 144b comprises a left downtube 144a and a right downtube 144b. The left downtube 144a connects the left sidetube 106a and the center tube 142, while the right downtube 144b connects the right sidetube 106b and the center tube 142.
[018] Referring to Figure 4 conjunction with Figures 1-3, the storage compartment 100 supported by the frame member 104 is depicted. The storage compartment 100 is adapted to store a safety device such as the helmet along with other utility devices of the rider of the vehicle. Accordingly, the storage compartment provides enhanced storage capacity without need for major modifications in tooling and mounting points in the frame member 104 of the vehicle.
[019] The storage compartment 100 comprises a main body 102 mounted onto the frame member 104. Particularly, the main body 102 is supported onto the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b of the vehicle. As such, the storage compartment 100 is disposed between the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b. The main body 102 comprises a base member 108 adapted to support the safety devices and/or utility devices stored within the storage compartment 100. The base member 108 is provided with an upwardly inclined profile (as shown in Figures 1-3 and 5), so that above the base member 108 the storage compartment 100 is provided, while below the base member 108 transmission components or other peripheral components of the vehicle are accommodated on the frame member 104. As such, contour of the base member 108 is selected such that the transmission components or other peripheral components of the vehicle are accommodated below the base member, without affecting space for the storage compartment 100. In an embodiment, the inclination of the base member 108 conforms to the inclination of the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b.
[020] The storage compartment 100 also comprises a front wall 110, a left-side wall 112, a right-side wall 114 and a rear wall 116 extending from the base member 108. The front wall 110, the left-side wall 112, the right-side wall 114 and the rear wall 116 along with the base member 108 form a storage portion. The front wall 110, the left-side wall 112, the right-side wall 114 and the rear wall 116 extend upto the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b. As such, the storage portion is provided below the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b. Accordingly, the storage portion of the storage compartment 100 is provided below the seat of the vehicle. As such, the seat of the vehicle is to be operated to an open position or may be removed for accessing the storage compartment 100. Due to the upward inclination of the base member 108, the left-side wall 112 and the right-side wall 114 tapers from the front wall 110 to the rear wall 116. Also, due to the taper construction of the front wall 110 to the rear wall 116, the front wall 100 is larger in height than the rear wall 116. As such, the storage volume nearer to the front wall 110 is maximum than that of the rear wall 116.
[021] In an embodiment, each of the left-side wall 112 and the right-side wall 114 comprises a rim member 150. The rim member 150 is adapted to be hooked or adapted to engage with the left sidetube 106a and the right sidetube 106b, thereby supporting the storage compartment 106 onto the frame member 104. In an embodiment, the rim member 150 is a flange member of the storage compartment 100.
[022] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figure 4, the storage portion is provided with a first storage portion 118 and a second storage portion 120. The first storage portion 118 is provided at a front portion 102a of the main body 102 while the second storage portion 120 extends from the first storage portion 118 upto the rear wall 116. As such, due to the construction of the front wall 110, the left-side wall 112, the right-side wall 114 and the rear wall 116, the storage space or volume of the first storage portion 118 is greater than the second storage portion 120. Accordingly, the first storage portion 118 is capable of accommodating larger sized safety device and/or utility devices than the second storage portion 120. In an embodiment, the first storage portion 118 is adapted to store the helmet.
[023] Further, the storage compartment comprises a front mounting member 122 provided to the base member 108 and located below the first storage portion 118. The front mounting member 122 is adapted to engage with a rear portion 124a (as shown in Figure 1) of the maintube 124. In an embodiment, the front mounting member 122 may be a protruded member that is adapted to engage with the rear portion 124a of the maintube 124. In an embodiment, the front mounting member 122 is engaged to the rear portion 124a of the maintube 124 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding, snap-fitting and the like. In an embodiment, a bracket 146 (as shown in Figure 1) is provided on the maintube 124 for engagement with the front mounting member 122.
[024] The storage compartment 100 also comprises a rear mounting member 126 provided on a rear extension member 128 (also shown in Figure 6). The rear extension member 128 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the rear wall 116 or the second storage portion 120. The rear extension member 128 engages with the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b through the rear mounting member 126 for securing the storage compartment 100 on the frame member 104. As such, the rear mounting member 126 is adapted to engage with a rear end 104a (as shown in Figure 1) of the frame member 104. In an embodiment, the rear mounting member 126 is a protruding member that engages with a cross member 148 (as shown in Figure 6) supported on the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b and located at the rear end 104a of the frame member 104. In an embodiment, the rear mounting member 126 is engaged to the rear end 104a of the frame member 104 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding, snap-fitting and the like.
[025] In an embodiment, the rear extension portion 126 comprises one or more rib members 138 (shown in Figures 9 and 10). The one or more rib members 138 is provided on a bottom surface 128a of the rear extension member 128. The one or more rib members 138 are adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the storage compartment 100 by improving the load bearing characteristics. Also, the one or more rib members 138 are adapted to engage with the cross member 148 for transferring the load to the frame member 104. Consequently, enhancing structural rigidity of the storage compartment 100.
[026] Referring to Figure 7 in conjunction with Figures 1-6, a sectional view of the frame member 104 about a plane A-A (shown in Figure 6) with the storage compartment 100 is depicted. The storage compartment 100 is provided with an indentation portion 130. The indentation portion 130 is provided on to at least one of the left-side wall 112 and the right-side wall 114, for accommodating a supporting bracket 132 (as shown in Figures 7, 9 and 11) of a pillion handle 134 (as shown in Figures 7, 9 and 11) of the vehicle. The supporting bracket 132 may be engaged to the cross member 148 and extending outwardly from the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b for supporting the pillion handle 134 of the vehicle. As such, the construction of the storage compartment 100 is made such that, the supporting bracket 132 is accommodated within a width (in a left-right direction of the vehicle) of the frame member 104, thereby preventing protruding of the supporting bracket 132 beyond the pair of sidetubes 106a, 106b. In an embodiment, the indentation portion 130 may be a dent portion provided on the left-side wall 112 and the right-side wall 114 for accommodating the supporting bracket 132. In the present embodiment, the indentation portion 130 is rectangular in shape. Alternatively, shape and dimensions of the indentation portion 130 is selected as per shape and dimensions of the supporting bracket 132.
[027] Referring to Figure 8 in conjunction with Figures 1-7, a sectional view of the frame member 104 about a plane B-B (shown in Figure 6) with the storage compartment 100 is depicted. As shown, a bulge portion 136 provided on an inner surface 112a, 114a of at least one of the left-side wall 112 and the right-side wall 114. In the present embodiment, the bulge portion 136 is provided on the inner surface 112a of the left-side wall 112 and the inner surface 114a of the right-side wall 114 of the main body 102. The bulge portion 126 is provided proximal to the front wall 110 or in the first storage portion 118. The bulge portion 126 is adapted to facilitate removal of the helmet from the first storage portion 118. In an embodiment, the bulge portion 126 is a tapered portion with at least one draft angle, wherein the draft angle is provided towards a top direction of the vehicle, for facilitating removal of the helmet. In other words, the bulge portion 126 with the at least one draft angle facilitates removal of helmet from the first storage portion 118. Additionally, the bulge portion 126 with the at least one draft angle eases manufacturability. In the present embodiment, two draft angles are provided to the bulge portion 126 in the top direction of the vehicle or in the direction of ejection of the safety device stored in the first storage portion 118. In an embodiment, the bulge portion 126 with the at least one draft angle is provided on the main body 102 of the storage compartment 100 in a direction which eases tool ejection during manufacturing of the storage compartment, thereby easing manufacturability. In an embodiment, the bulge portion 126 protrudes upto the rim member 150. In other words, a width of the bulge portion 126 is within the rim member 150 of the storage compartment 100.
[028] In an embodiment, the storage capacity of the storage compartment 100 of the present invention is 20 Litres, as compared to 8 Litres capacity of the storage compartment in conventional vehicle of identical dimensions.
[029] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the storage portion of the storage compartment comprising the first storage portion is capable of storing the safety device such as the helmet. Thus, mitigating the effort required for the rider to carry the helmet upon completion of use of the vehicle. Also, the second storage portion is capable of storing smaller utility devices and/or safety devices. Consequently, the storage capacity of the storage compartment is enhanced without requiring major alterations to the storage compartment for mounting on the frame member. Additionally, the storage compartment is provided with the bulge portion for easy egress of the helmet from the first storage portion. The bulge portion improves spacing of the helmet within the first storage portion. Also, one or more rib members are provided at the rear extension portion for enhancing structural rigidity of the storage compartment.
[030] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters
100 Storage compartment
102 Main body
104 Frame member
106a, 106b Pair of sidetubes
106a Left sidetube
106b Right sidetube
108 Base member
110 Front wall
112 Left-side wall
114 Right-side wall
116 Rear wall
118 First storage portion
120 Second storage portion
122 Front mounting member
124 Maintube
126 Rear mounting member
128 Rear extension member
130 Indentation portion
132 Supporting bracket
134 Pillion handle
136 Bulge portion
138 One or more rib members
140 Headtube
142 Center tube
144a, 144b Pair of downtubes
144a Left downtube
144b Right downtube
146 Bracket
148 Cross member
150 Rim member
 
, Claims:1. A storage compartment (100) for a vehicle, the storage compartment (100) comprising:
a main body (102) mounted onto a frame member (104) and disposed between a pair of sidetubes (106a, 106b) of the vehicle, the main body (102) comprising a base member (108), a front wall (110), a left-side wall (112), a right-side wall (114) and a rear wall (116), wherein the base member (108), the front wall (110), the left-side wall (112), the right-side wall (114) and the rear wall (116) form a storage portion below a seat of the vehicle,
the storage portion being provided with a first storage portion (118) and a second storage portion (120), the first storage portion (118) being provided at a front portion (102a) of the main body (102) while the second storage portion (120) extends from the first storage portion (118) upto the rear wall (116);
a front mounting member (122) provided to the base member (108) and located below the first storage portion (118), the front mounting member (122) being adapted to engage with a maintube (124) of the frame member (104); and
a rear mounting member (126) provided on a rear extension member (128), the rear extension member (128) being extending rearwardly from the rear wall (116) in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, the rear mounting member (126) being adapted to engage with a rear end (104a) of the frame member (104).

2. The storage compartment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the left-side wall (112) and the right-side wall (114) comprises an indentation portion (130), the indentation portion (130) being provided for accommodating a supporting bracket (132) of a pillion handle (134) of the vehicle.

3. The storage compartment (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a bulge portion (136) provided on an inner surface of at least one of the left-side wall (112) and the right-side wall (114), the bulge portion (126) being provided proximal to the front wall (110), wherein the bulge portion (136) is a tapered portion with at least one draft angle.

4. The storage compartment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear extension member (128) comprises one or more rib members (138), the one or more rib members (138) being provided on a bottom surface (128a) of the rear extension member (128).

5. The under-seat storage compartment (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first storage portion (118) is a safety gear storage portion.

6. A saddle type vehicle, comprising:
a frame member (104), comprising:
a headtube (140),
a maintube (124) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the headtube (140) in a front-rear direction of the vehicle,
a pair of sidetubes (106a, 106b) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the maintube (124); and
a storage compartment (100), comprising:
a main body (102) mounted onto the frame member (104) and disposed between the pair of sidetubes (106a, 106b), the main body (102) comprising a base member (108), a front wall (110), a left-side wall (112), a right-side wall (114) and a rear wall (116), wherein the base member (108), the front wall (110), the left-side wall (112), the right-side wall (114) and the rear wall (116) form a storage portion below a seat,
the storage portion being provided with a first storage portion (118) and a second storage portion (120), the first storage portion (118) being provided at a front portion (102a) of the main body (102) while the second storage portion (120) extends from the first storage portion (118) upto the rear wall (116);
a front mounting member (122) provided to the base member (108) and located below the first storage portion (118), the front mounting member (122) being adapted to engage with a maintube (124) of the frame member (104); and
a rear mounting member (126) provided on a rear extension member (128), the rear extension member (128) being extending rearwardly from the rear wall (116) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the rear mounting member (126) being adapted to engage with a rear end (104a) of the frame member (104).

7. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the left-side wall (112) and the right-side wall (114) comprises an indentation portion (130), the indentation portion (130) being provided for accommodating a supporting bracket (132) of a pillion handle (134) of the saddle type vehicle for ingress protection.

8. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 6, comprises a bulge portion (136) provided on an inner surface of at least one of the left-side wall (112) and the right-side wall (114), the bulge portion (126) being provided proximal to the front wall (110), wherein the bulge portion (136) is a tapered portion with at least one draft angle.

9. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rear extension member (128) comprises one or more rib members (138), the one or more rib members (138) being provided on a bottom surface (128a) of the rear extension member (128).

10. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first storage portion (118) is a safety gear storage portion.