Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a utility box in the saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, saddle-type vehicles such as scooters are provided with utility boxes or storage compartments for storing items of a user. Utility boxes provide a range of benefits, including convenience, comfort, and safety. Unlike in the scooters and/or mopeds, application of utility box in motorcycle is not implemented due to packaging constraints due to location of a prime mover such as an engine or an electric motor, a frame mounting, a battery pack, a transmission and the like.
[003] Conventionally, the utility box or the storage compartment is mounted on a left or right of a rear side of the saddle-type vehicle. However, in this construction, mounting of additional storage containers would disrupt the weight distribution in the vehicle, with the vehicle leaning angle being modified or manipulated owing to additional weight. The non-uniform weight distribution across the vehicle length further disrupts vehicle stability, which is inadmissible under safety norms required in the vehicle.
[004] Alternatively, the utility box can also be mounted in pillion handle area. However, in this construction, weight distribution in the vehicle is disrupted or is non-uniform. In other words, a front axle weight (FAW) against a rear axle weight (RAW) gets disrupted which again adversely affects the stability of the vehicle.
[005] In another alternative, the utility box is provided below a rider or pillion seat in scooters. However, in this construction, location of the utility box is ergonomically not pleasant to the user since the access to the storage space is accorded only when the vehicle dismounts the vehicle.
[006] In view of the above, there is a need for a saddle-type vehicle that addresses at least some of the limitations mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle comprises a frame assembly having a headtube, a maintube extending rearwardly from the headtube and a utility box mounted on the maintube of the frame assembly. The utility box is adapted to store one or more items on the maintube.
[008] In an embodiment, the utility box comprises a bottom panel adapted to engage with the maintube. The bottom panel is provided with one or more brackets adapted to engage with the maintube to mount the utility box on the maintube.
[009] In an embodiment, the bottom panel is parallel to a top surface of the maintube.
[010] In an embodiment, the bottom panel is provided with an insulative layer. The insulative layer is adapted to engage with the maintube.
[011] In an embodiment, the maintube is provided with one or more mounting units for engagement with the utility box.
[012] In an embodiment, the utility box is positioned in front of a seat member in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The utility box is positioned above a battery pack in a top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The battery pack is mounted below a top surface of the maintube of the frame assembly.
[013] In an embodiment, the frame assembly is a backbone-type frame assembly.
[014] In an embodiment, the utility box is mounted proximally to a center of gravity location of the saddle-type vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the utility box is located proximally in a middle portion of the saddle-type vehicle.
[016] In another aspect, the frame assembly for the saddle-type vehicle is depicted. The frame assembly comprises the headtube, the maintube extending rearwardly from the headtube. The one or more mounting units are provided on the top surface of the maintube. The one or more mounting units are adapted to support the utility box on the maintube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMAPNYING DRAWINGS
[017] 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 a front perspective view of a portion of a saddle-type vehicle depicting a utility box, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the saddle-type vehicle depicting mounting of the utility box on a maintube, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a left-side view of a portion of the saddle-type vehicle depicting the utility box, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] Present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a utility box in the saddle-type vehicle. In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle is a motorcycle. The utility box is mounted on a frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle. Particularly, the utility box is mounted or positioned on a maintube of the frame assembly and in front of a seat member of the saddle-type vehicle. Such a disposition of the utility box in the saddle-type vehicle, enhances storage space in the vehicle, while ensuring ease of assembly and serviceability of the utility box. Additionally, as the number of components required for assembly of the utility box is minimal, vehicle dynamics and performance characteristics are maintained.
[019] In the present disclosure, arrow indications provided in Figures pertain to directional indications of the saddle-type vehicle. As such, the terms “top side”, “bottom side”, “left side” and “right side” respectively correspond to top, bottom, left and right sides of the vehicle, until and unless specified otherwise.
[020] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a portion of a saddle-type vehicle 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle 100’) is capable of accommodating a utility box 108. The utility box 108 is mounted in the vehicle 100 such that, storage space available for storing items of a user (not shown) of the vehicle 100 is increased, while maintaining vehicle dynamics and performance characteristics of the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a motorcycle.
[021] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the vehicle 100 comprises a frame assembly 102 adapted to acts as a structure for supporting components of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the frame assembly 102 can be one of a backbone-type frame assembly, a trellis-type frame assembly, a double cradle frame assembly, a twin spar frame assembly and the like that is capable of being adapted as the frame assembly 102 for the vehicle 100.
[022] The frame assembly 102 comprises a headtube 104 that is adapted to support a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension assembly (not shown) attached to the steering shaft through a bracket (not shown). A front wheel (not shown) is connected to the steering shaft and to the front suspension assembly. Further, a handlebar 120 is fixed to an upper bracket 122 (shown in Figure 2) and can rotate about the steering shaft or a steering axis (not shown) of the vehicle 100.
[023] The frame assembly 102 further comprises a maintube 106 extending rearwardly from the headtube 104 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the maintube 106 may be a single tube member that extends from the headtube 104. In another embodiment, the maintube 106 may be a dual tube member (in case of the trellis frame assembly). Alternatively, the maintube 106 may be a beam type member as per feasibility and requirement in riding dynamics of the vehicle 100. From the maintube 106, a seat tube (not shown) extends rearwardly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. The seat tube is adapted to support a seat member 124 (shown in Figure 2) of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the seat tube may be an integral part of the maintube 106. In other words, the maintube 106 may extend from the headtube 104 upto a rear end (not shown) and may also act as the seat tube for supporting the seat member 124 of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the seat tube may be mounted to the maintube 106 through conventional mounting techniques known in that art.
[024] Further, a downtube (not shown) may extend downwardly and rearwardly from the headtube 104. Also, a center tube (not shown) may extend downwardly from a junction portion (not shown) or an intersecting portion (not shown) of the maintube 106 and the seat tube. A prime mover (not shown) such as an Internal Combustion (IC) engine or an electric motor is disposed on the frame assembly 102. The prime mover may be mounted on the center tube (not shown) and/or the downtube as per requirement. As such, the prime mover may be mounted below the maintube 106. In the present embodiment, the IC engine can be a gasoline engine or a spark-ignition type engine. The prime mover is adapted to provide the motive force required for operation of the vehicle 100. Also, the prime mover may be coupled to a rear wheel (not shown) or the front wheel, through an endless transmission drive such as a chain drive or a belt drive. Accordingly, the prime mover can transmit motive force to the rear wheel or the front wheel for moving the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the prime mover is the electric motor that is coupled to a battery pack 118. The battery pack 118 may be mounted to the center tube and/or the downtube. In an embodiment, the battery pack 118 may be mounted to the maintube 106 and may be positioned below a top surface 106a of the maintube 106.
[025] In an embodiment, the maintube 106 may be a beam-type member which may be provided with extensions corresponding to the downtube and/or the center tube for supporting the prime mover. In other words, the prime mover may be mounted to the maintube 106 directly and positioned below the maintube 106.
[026] Referring to the Figure 2, the vehicle 100 comprises the utility box 108 that is mounted on the maintube 106. Particularly, the utility box 108 is mounted on the top surface 106a of the maintube 106. Such a construction ensures that the utility box 108 is positioned in front of the user seated on the seat member 124 the vehicle 100. Accordingly, the utility box 108 enhances convenience to the user for accessing or storing one or more items, without the need for the user to dismount the vehicle 100.
[027] The utility box 108 comprises a bottom panel 110, a left side panel 126, a right side panel 128, a front panel 130 and a rear panel 132. The left side panel 126 extends upwardly from a left rim surface (not shown) of the bottom panel 110, and is also positioned on a left side (not shown) or a left direction of the vehicle 100. The right side panel 128 extends upwardly from a right rim surface (not shown) of the bottom panel 110 and is also positioned on a right side (not shown) or a right direction of the vehicle 100. The front panel 130 extends upwardly from a front rim surface (not shown) of the bottom panel 110 and is also positioned on a front side (not shown) or a front direction of the vehicle 100. Additionally, the rear panel 132 extends upwardly from a rear rim surface (not shown) of the bottom panel 110 and is also positioned on a rear side (not shown) or a rear direction of the vehicle 100. As such, the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 126, the right side panel 128, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132 define a storage space or a utility space. On top peripheral surface of each of the left side panel 126, the right side panel 128, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132, a lid member (not shown) may be provided for defining an enclosed space for storing items. In an embodiment, the lid member may be hingedly mounted to one of the left side panel 126, the right side panel 128, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132. Such a construction enables the user to conveniently access the storage space in the utility box 108, without the need for dismounting the vehicle 100.
[028] In an embodiment, dimensions of the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 126, the right side panel 128, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132 are considered based on the storage space requirement in the vehicle 100. As an example, the dimensions of the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 126, the right side panel 128, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132 may be considered suitably for defining the storage space in the range of 5 litres to 30 litres, as per requirement.
[029] In an embodiment, the left side panel 126 and the right side panel 128 may be panel members with a curved shape in order to match or resemble the shape of the utility box 108 to be a fuel tank (not shown) provided in the motorcycle. Accordingly, the left side panel 126 and the right side panel 128 may be provided with outward curved panel members, when viewed in a top view of the vehicle 100. The shape of the lid member matches with the left side panel 126, the right side panel 128, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132, to obtain the enclosed spaced in the utility box 108. In an embodiment, each of the bottom panel 110, the left side panel 126, the right side panel 128, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132 may be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material or a composite material.
[030] In an embodiment, the dimensions of the front panel 130 may be larger than the rear panel 132. Accordingly, the dimensions of the left side panel 126, and the right side panel 128 alter suitably proximal to the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132 to form the enclosure. Such a construction ensures that the shape of the utility box 108 resembles that of the fuel tank that is provided on the motorcycle.
[031] Further, the utility box 108 is mounted onto the maintube 106, particularly, on the top surface 106a of the maintube 106. Such a mounting ensures that, the storage space is provided above the maintube 106, thereby enhancing accessibility of the utility box 108 to the user of the vehicle 100. The bottom panel 110 maybe provided with one or more brackets 112. The one or more brackets 112 may extend downwardly from the bottom panel 110 (i.e. integrally) or may be mounted to the bottom panel 110 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art. The one or more brackets 112 are adapted to engage with one or more mounting units 114 provided on the maintube 106. Thus, enable mounting of the utility box 108 on the maintube 106 through the one or more brackets 112 and the one or more mounting units 114.
[032] In an embodiment, the utility box 108 is mounted centrally about a longitudinal axis (not shown) about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. In other words, the utility box 108 is mounted to be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, in a front or a rear view of the vehicle. Thus, the extension of the utility box 108 on the right side is equal to the left side of the vehicle 100.
[033] In an embodiment, the utility box 108 is fixed to a left maintube (not shown) and a right maintube (not shown), when the maintube 106 is provided with plurality of tubes or when the frame assembly 110 is the trellis frame assembly.
[034] In an embodiment, the one or more brackets 112 may be mounting brackets, wherein each mounting bracket has a first end (not shown) integrated or mounted to the bottom panel 110, and a second end (not shown) capable of engaging with the one or more mounting units 114. The second end may be provided with apertures for engaging with the one or more mounting units 114. The one or more mounting units 114 in the present embodiment are slots provided on the maintube 106. In an embodiment, the one or more mounting units 114 are provided on the top surface 106a of the maintube 106. In an embodiment, the one or more mounting units 114 may be mounting brackets which are capable of engagement with the one or more brackets 112 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art. As such, for mounting the utility box 108, the bottom panel 110 is aligned with the one or more mounting units 114 and fastened through one or more fasteners (not referenced in Figures). Such a construction eases the process of assembly and dismantling of the utility box 108 from the maintube 106. In an embodiment, two brackets 112 may extend downwardly from the bottom panel 110 that engage with two slots or mounting units 114 provided on the maintube 106.
[035] In an embodiment, the bottom panel 110 is mounted on the maintube 106 such that, the bottom panel 110 is parallel or substantially parallel to the top surface 106 of the maintube 106, when viewed in a side view of the vehicle 100 (as shown in Figure 3. In other words, a longitudinal plane (not shown) of the bottom panel 110 in a top view of the vehicle 100, is parallel to the top surface 106a of the maintube 106 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. Such a construction may ensure a levelled assembly on the maintube 106, thereby minimizing rattling noise or vibrations that may be associated with misalignment between the bottom panel 110 and the top surface 106a of the maintube 106.
[036] In an embodiment, an insulative layer (not shown) is provided between the top surface 106a and the bottom panel 110 during assembly of the utility box 108 on the maintube 106. The insulative layer is adapted to minimize heat or vibration transfer to the utility box 108. In an embodiment, the insulative layer is provided with one or more openings (not shown) for allowing the fastener to pass through for engage with the one or more mounting units 114. As such, the insulative layer is firstly placed on the top surface 106a and thereafter, the bottom panel 110 is aligned with the one or more mounting units 114 for fastening. Such a construction ensures sandwich construction of the bottom panel 110 with the insulative layer.
[037] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the utility box 108 is positioned above the battery pack 118 along a top-down direction of the vehicle 100. Also, the utility box 108 is mounted proximally to a center of gravity location of the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the center of gravity location of the vehicle 100 is provided at a middle portion 116 of the vehicle. The term “middle portion 116” may correspond to portion of the vehicle 100 between the headtube 104 and the seat member 124 of the vehicle 100 in a side view of the vehicle 100. Such a disposition ensures that the vehicle dynamics is maintained, even upon addition of weight through storing of the items in the utility box 108.
[038] In an embodiment, the center of gravity location may be provided midway between the front wheel and the rear wheel in a side view of the vehicle 100. Accordingly, the utility box 108 is mounted between the front wheel and the rear wheel in a side view of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the center of gravity location may be located towards the front wheel or a front portion of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the center gravity may be located below the seat member 124 of the vehicle 100.
[039] 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 providing the utility box in the such as the motorcycle, enhances storage space, while easing serviceability of the utility box. Additionally, as the utility box is mounted in the center of gravity location of the vehicle, vehicle dynamics and performance characteristics of the vehicle is maintained. Additionally, the one or more brackets provided on the bottom panel, eases the process of assembly and dismantling of the utility box from the maintube. Moreover, as the utility box is positioned in front of the seat member, the utility box is positioned in front of the user seated on the seat member. Thus, mitigating the need for dismounting the vehicle for accessing the utility box.
[040] 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.

Reference Numerals and Characters
100 – Saddle-type Vehicle
102 – Frame assembly
104 – Headtube
106 – Maintube
106a – Top surface of the maintube
108 – Utility box
110 – Bottom panel
112 – One or more brackets
114 – One or more mounting units
116 – Middle portion
118 – Battery pack
120 – Handlebar
122 – Upper bracket
124 - Seat member
126 – Left side panel
128 – Right side panel
130 – Front panel
132 – Rear panel , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (100), comprising:
a frame assembly (102), comprising:
a headtube (104),
a maintube (106) extending rearwardly from the headtube (104); and
a utility box (108) mounted on the maintube (106) of the frame assembly (102), the utility box (108) being adapted to store one or more items on the maintube (106).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility box (108) comprises a bottom panel (110), the bottom panel (110) being adapted to engage with the maintube (106),
wherein the bottom panel (110) being provided with one or more brackets (112), the one or more brackets (112) being adapted to engage with the maintube (106) to mount the utility box (108) on the maintube (106).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bottom panel (110) being parallel to a top surface (106a) of the maintube (106).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom panel (110) being provided with an insulative layer, the insulative layer being adapted to be engage with the maintube (106).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the maintube (106) being provided with one or more mounting units (114) for engagement with the utility box (108).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility box (108) being positioned in front of a seat member (124) in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100), and
the utility box (108) being positioned above a battery pack (118) in a top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100), the battery pack (118) being mounted below a top surface (106a) of the maintube (106) of the frame assembly (102).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame assembly (102) is a backbone-type frame assembly.

8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility box (108) is mounted proximally to a center of gravity location of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility box being located proximally in a middle portion (116) of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

10. A frame assembly (102) for a saddle-type vehicle (100), the frame assembly (102) comprising:
a headtube (104),
a maintube (106) extending rearwardly from the headtube (104); and
one or more mounting units (114) provided on a top surface (106a) of the maintube (106), the one or more mounting units (114) being adapted to support a utility box (108) on the maintube (106).

Dated this 19th day of March 2024
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471