Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

A STORAGE BOX

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a storage box. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compartment with a lower portion and an upper portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In various types of vehicles, storage boxes are commonly situated where the fuel tank would traditionally be placed in gasoline-powered vehicles. These storage compartments offer a convenient solution for organizing and securing items within the vehicle's interior. However, current storage box designs suffer from several limitations.

[003] Firstly, the storage boxes typically have limited volume due to a single compartment design, restricting accessibility to the internal space. This configuration often makes it challenging for users to reach items stored towards the rear or bottom of the box.

[004] Moreover, servicing the internal components of existing storage boxes is cumbersome due to the restricted space inside. This lack of operational room complicates maintenance and repairs. Additionally, traditional vehicle storage compartments often lack organizational features, leading to clutter and difficulty in locating specific items. Furthermore, these compartments are not adequately waterproofed, as their individual parts are sealed separately.

[005] In various types of vehicle, the storage boxes in the electric vehicle are typically given at the place of fuel tank. The storage box utilized within vehicles, providing a convenient solution for organizing and securing items within the vehicle's interiors. However, the existing storage boxes have some limitations. For instance, typically the storage box has less volume because of the single compartment member that limit accessibility to the internal space of the storage box. Users may find it challenging to reach items stored in the box, especially if they are located towards the back or bottom.

[006] Overall, the current storage box designs fail to maximize volume, accessibility, and ease of servicing. Addressing these shortcomings necessitates the development of storage solutions with larger internal compartments, improved accessibility, ease of servicing, and enhanced water resistance.

[007] Therefore, the existing storage boxes are not feasible to get maximum volume. To overcome the above problems there should be provided a storage box which has a compartment with more internal space easy to service and water resistant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[009] In an aspect of the invention, storage box of a vehicle, said storage box comprises a compartment that further comprises a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion includes an aperture providing access to an internal space defined by the compartment, the lower portion and the upper portion are detachably attached to the storage box, a lid member pivotally attached to the upper portion of the compartment, the lid member restricting access to the internal space in a closed state and providing access to the internal space in a open state and a coupling element attached to a underside of the upper portion of the compartment, the coupling element being located proximate to the aperture and pivotally attaching the lid member to the upper portion.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the storage box comprises a cover attached to the lid member.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the first underside of the upper portion comprises a first flanged portion projecting beyond the aperture, the first flanged portion being opposite to the coupling element in the vehicle length direction.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the first flanged portion of the upper portion comprises a latching member for holding the lid member in the closed state, the latching member being provided proximate to the aperture.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the first flanged portion of upper portion comprises at least one electrical component mounting provision, located proximate to the aperture.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first flanged portion of upper portion comprises a switch member, the lid member actuating the switch member in the closed state, the switch member upon actuation operating a light element to illuminate at least a part of the internal space.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, a lower surface of the lid member comprises a first arm and a second arm spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction, the first arm and the second arm traversing through the aperture and being connected to the coupling element.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the lower portion comprises a second flanged portion and the upper portion comprises a third flanged portion, the second flanged portion and the third flanged portions are coupled via a plurality of fastening members.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a frame structure rotatably supporting at least a front ground engaging member, the front ground engaging member being coupled to a handlebar vide a front fork; the frame structure comprising a head pipe rotatably receiving the handlebar, a seat unit supported by the frame structure and providing a seat for a rider of the vehicle, a storage box mounted to the frame structure and located between the handlebar and the seat unit in a vehicle length direction and said storage box comprising: a compartment comprising a lower portion and a upper portion, the upper portion includes an aperture providing access to an internal space defined by the compartment, the lower portion and the upper portion are detachably attached to the storage box; a lid member pivotally attached to the upper portion of the compartment, the lid member restricting access to the internal space in a closed state and providing access to the internal space in a open state; and a coupling element attached to a underside of the upper portion of the compartment, the coupling element being located proximate to the aperture and pivotally attaching the lid member to the upper portion.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion comprises a second flanged portion and the upper portion comprises a third flanged portion, the second flanged portion and the third flanged portion are coupled via a plurality of fastening members, the fastening members being covered by at least one side cover of the fastening member in at least one side view.

[0019] One of the advantages of the invention is the limited storage options. The traditional vehicles often lack dedicated storage solutions like the compartment described. This can lead to cluttered interiors and difficulties in organizing and accessing items while traveling.

[0020] Another advantage of the invention is that traditional storage options in vehicles may not come with additional features such as USB charger mounting provisions or integrated lighting systems like those described in the invention.

[0021] Still another advantage of the invention is that the storage box is water resistance.

[0022] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the users can assemble the storage box efficiently without requiring specialized tools or expertise, reducing assembly time and complexity.

[0023] Another advantage of the invention is that the upper portion and bottom portion are made Injection molding.

[0024] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0025] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a storage box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a closed state of a storage box in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a open state of a storage box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom side of the upper portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates a fastening member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0034] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0035] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0036] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0038] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0039] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0042] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0045] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front ground engaging member (12), a rear ground engaging member (14), rotatably supported by a frame structure (16). The front ground engaging member (12) is coupled to a handlebar (18) vide a front fork (20). The handlebar (18) is rotatably received by a head pipe (22), which forms part of the frame structure (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (24) positioned above the front ground engaging member (12) and a tail light (26) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one battery (28) supported by the frame structure (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one powering unit (30) receiving electrical energy from the at least one battery (28) and supplying driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (12) and the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises a seat unit seat (32) supported by the frame structure (16), the seat unit (32) providing a seating provision for a driver and/or a pillion rider and a side cover (34). The vehicle (10) further comprises a storage box (100) mounted to the frame structure (16) and located between the handlebar (18) and the seat unit (32) in a vehicle length direction. The vehicle (10) may comprise other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a storage box (100). The present invention describes a storage box (100) that comprises a compartment (102) and a lid member (110). The compartment has an upper portion (106) and a lower portion (104). The lid member (110) covers the upper portion (106). The upper portion (106) features an aperture (108), as shown in Figure 3 that grants access to the internal space of the compartment (102). A pivotal attachment is established between the upper portion (106) and a lid member (110), enabling the lid's movement. The lid member (110) serves the purpose of both restricting access to the internal space when in a closed state and allowing access when open state. The storage box (100) may further comprises a cover (118) that is attached to the lid member (110) to enhance the aesthetic beauty of the storage box (100).

[0048] To facilitate pivotal connection of the lid member (110) to the upper portion (106), there is provided a coupling element (112) affixed to an underside (114) of the upper portion (106). The coupling element (112) is positioned near the aperture (108) and more particularly near a first edge (116) of the aperture (108).

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, a lower surface (132) of the lid member (110) features a first arm (134) and a second arm (136), positioned at intervals along the vehicle width direction. The first arm (134) and a second arm (136) traversing through the aperture (108) in the upper portion (106) of the compartment (102) and gets coupled to the coupling element (112) thereby permitting the lid member (110) to serve pivot with respect to the upper portion (106) between a closed state when the lid member covers the compartment as particularly shown in Figure 4 and an open state when the lid member do not covers the compartment as particularly shown in Figure 5.

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm (134) and the second arm (136) are intricately connected to the coupling element (112), facilitating their coordinated movement. This connection ensures that when the lid member (110) is operated, both arms move in harmony, effectively controlling the lid member’s (110) position. Additionally, the spacing between the first arm (134) and the second arm (136) allows for stable and balanced movement, ensuring smooth operation without any undue strain on the mechanism.

[0051] Furthermore, the coupling element (112) serves as the central point of connection between the first arm (134) and the second arm (136) and the compartment (102). The attachment to the first underside (114) of the upper portion (106) positions it proximate to the aperture (108), enabling efficient transmission of motion from the arms to the lid member (110). The cohesive arrangement ensures that the lid member (110) operates seamlessly, smoothly transitioning between states to either restrict or provide access to the internal space of the compartment (102).

[0052] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 together, wherein Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of the upper portion (106) closed with the lid member (110) and cover (118), in an embodiment of the invention the underside (114) of the upper portion (106) comprises a first flanged portion (120) projecting beyond the aperture (108). In particular, the first flanged portion (120) being opposite to the coupling element (112) in the vehicle length direction. More particularly, the first flanged portion (120) is proximate to a second edge (122). The first flanged portion (120) comprises a latching member (124) for holding the lid member (110) in the closed state. Thus the latching member (124) is provided proximate to the aperture (108).

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the first flanged portion (120) of upper portion (106) further comprises at least one electrical component mounting provision (126), located proximate to the aperture (108). By way of non limiting example, the electrical mounting provision may be one of a ….

[0054] The first flanged portion (120) of upper portion (106) further comprises a switch member (128). The switch member may be oriented such that the lid member (110) actuates the switch member (128) in the closed state. The switch member (128) may be adapted to, upon actuation, operate a light element (130) to illuminate at least a part of the internal space. The light element (130) may be provided on the first flanged portion (120) or at any other location.

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom portion (104) comprises a second flanged portion (138) and the top portion (106) comprises a third flanged portion (140). The second flanged portion and the third flanged portion is coupled via a plurality of fastening members (142). The fastening members (142) are typically physical components such as screws, bolts, or rivets, etc.

[0056] Referring back to Figure 1 in an embodiment of the invention, the side cover (34) covers the fastening members (142) and hence the same are not visible in Figure 1.

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the upper portion (106) and bottom portion (104) are made of but not limited to Injection molding.

[0058] One of the advantages of the invention is the limited storage options. The traditional vehicles often lack dedicated storage solutions like the compartment described. This can lead to cluttered interiors and difficulties in organizing and accessing items while traveling.

[0059] Another advantage of the invention is that traditional storage options in vehicles may not come with additional features such as USB charger mounting provisions or integrated lighting systems like those described in the invention.

[0060] Still another advantage of the invention is that the storage box is water resistance.

[0061] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the users can assemble the storage box efficiently without requiring specialized tools or expertise, reducing assembly time and complexity.

[0062] Another advantage of the invention is that the upper portion and bottom portion are made Injection molding.

[0063] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0064] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A storage box (100) of a vehicle (10), said storage box (100) comprising:
a compartment (102) comprising a lower portion (104) and a upper portion (106), the upper portion includes an aperture (108) providing access to an internal space defined by the compartment (102), the lower portion (104) and the upper portion (106) are detachably attached to the storage box (100);
a lid member (110) pivotally attached to the upper portion (106) of the compartment (102), the lid member (110) restricting access to the internal space in a closed state and providing access to the internal space in a open state; and
a coupling element (112) attached to an underside (114) of the upper portion (106) of the compartment (102), the coupling element (112) pivotally attaching the lid member (110) to the upper portion (106).

2. The storage box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage box (100) comprising a cover (118) attached to the lid member (110).

3. The storage box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside (114) of the upper portion comprises a first flanged portion (120) projecting beyond the aperture (108), the first flanged portion (120) being opposite to the coupling element (112) in the vehicle length direction.

4. The storage box as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first flanged portion (120) of the upper portion (106) comprises a latching member (124) for holding the lid member (110) in the closed state, the latching member (124) being provided proximate to the aperture (108).

5. The storage box as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first flanged portion (120) of upper portion (106) comprises at least one electrical component mounting provision (126), located proximate to the aperture (108).

6. The storage box as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first flanged portion (120) of upper portion (106) comprises a switch member (128), the lid member (110) actuating the switch member (128) in the closed state, the switch member (128) upon actuation operating a light element (130) to illuminate at least a part of the internal space.

7. The storage box as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lower surface (132) of the lid member (110) comprises a first arm (134) and a second arm (136) spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction, the first arm and the second arm traversing through the aperture (108) and being connected to the coupling element (112).

8. The storage box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower portion (104) comprises a second flanged portion (138) and the upper portion (106) comprises a third flanged portion (140), the second flanged portion and the third flanged portion are coupled via a plurality of fastening members (142).

9. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (16) rotatably supporting at least a front ground engaging member (12), the front ground engaging member (12) being coupled to a handlebar (18) vide a front fork (20); the frame structure (16) comprising a head pipe (22) rotatably receiving the handlebar (18);
a seat unit (32) supported by the frame structure (16) and providing a seat for a rider of the vehicle (10);
a storage box(100) mounted to the frame structure (16) and located between the handlebar (18) and the seat unit (32) in a vehicle length direction and said storage box comprising:
a compartment (102) comprising a lower portion (104) and a upper portion (106), the upper portion includes an aperture (108) providing access to an internal space defined by the compartment (102);
a lid member(110) pivotally attached to the upper portion (106) of the compartment (102), the lid member(110) restricting access to the internal space in a closed state and providing access to the internal space in a open state; and
a coupling element (112) attached to a first underside (114) of the upper portion (106) of the compartment (102), the coupling element (112) being located proximate to the aperture (108) and pivotally attaching the lid member(110) to the upper portion (106).

10. A vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lower portion (104) comprises a second flanged portion (138) and the upper portion (106) comprises a third flanged portion (140), the second flanged portion and the third flanged portion are coupled via a plurality of fastening members (142), the fastening members (142) being covered by at least one side cover of the fastening member in at least one side view.