Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to seat design of a saddle-type vehicle to provide comfort to a rider while riding the saddle-type vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to the design of a seat base to accommodate high-volume articles in an under-seat storage container of the saddle-type vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A vehicle layout design for a saddle-type vehicle including a two or three-wheeled type vehicle features a vehicle body frame, a pair of front wheels, a seat assembly, a linkage, a lock, and a controller. The seat assembly is a part of the vehicle seating structure that provides a comfortable posture to a rider and comfort in terms of a vehicle's dynamic/static condition.
[0003] The seat assembly is designed to provide comfort and posture for different percentile people along with high packaging volume in a utility box. The utility box is generally provided under the seat assembly and is used to store the articles inside it. The interference is created when the height of the article is high, and the article is difficult to adjust inside the utility box. In this case, it is difficult to lock the seat assembly and it also provides discomfort to the rider while driving. Further, the high volume of articles stored in the utility box by bending the seat structure which may lead to breakage of the seat structure that causes serious damage to the surrounding vehicular parts like a powertrain assembly that is disposed underneath the utility box.
[0004] Further, during vehicle riding conditions, when the vehicle moves on rough roads, the stored articles come in close contact with the seat assembly that faces a lot of vibrations and other unwanted effects. During such conditions, the stored articles might be subject to unexpected or accidental damages due to overloading, or oversized parts being forced into the utility box. Such unexpected damages may lead to improper support of a seat structure above the utility box. The unevenly laid seat on the damaged articles and utility box may subject the rider of the vehicle to undesirable discomfort and may also lead to fatigue/stress for the rider if ridden on the vehicle for a long distance and for a long duration of time.
[0005] Many solutions are available in the market to provide comfort to the rider for putting the high-volume articles inside the utility box in the saddle-type vehicle. Some system's design reduces a cushion foam thickness of a seat base that leads to discomfort and a storage volume is also compromised (with a higher volume shell).
[0006] In the conventional technique, a cushioning property of the seat is provided by the deformation of the cushion member. Therefore, to secure the sufficient cushioning property of the seat, the thickness of the cushion member is increased, and thus, a seat height becomes large.
[0007] For example, WO2022208217A1 discloses a seat assembly for a two wheeled vehicle. The seat assembly comprises a three-part seat that includes a hollow seat foam, a seat cover covering the seat foam and a stiffener inserted in the hollow of the seat foam. A base is configured to be secured to the stiffener. The base and the seat foam define an enclosure. A wireframe bracket assembly is configured to be fitted in the enclosure between said base and the stiffener. The wireframe bracket assembly further comprising a wireframe bracket and a resilient mounting assembly to support the three-part seat.
[0008] The above solution discloses the seat cover and the foam that provides comfort to the rider while sitting on the vehicle.
[0009] The above patent only focuses to a seat assembly for the two-wheeled vehicle that is comfortable while manually pedaling as well as during riding a motorcycle for long-distance journeys. But the above patent fails to solve the storage issues of the high-volume articles.
[0010] Further, conventionally, the seat assembly of the saddle-type vehicle in locked position is bent to gain undesirable access to the utility box disposed below the seat assembly. This is of concern to a user who stores valuable belongings inside the utility box. However, there does not exist a solution that prevents such access to the utility box.
[0011] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a need to provide a novel saddle-type vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle that provides comfort to a rider by accommodating an article placed in an under-seat storage container without deflecting a seat base of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide the saddle-type vehicle with the seat bases comprising a plurality of flaps that flexes outward to accommodate the article within the under-seat storage container when the article comes in contact with the plurality of flaps.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide the saddle-type vehicle with the seat bases that comprises a plurality of ribs on the plurality of flaps to provide rigidity and prevent flexure of the seat base.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide the saddle-type vehicle with the seat base that comprises a flange along each of its long side to prevent any undesirable access to the under-seat storage container.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide the saddle-type vehicle with the seat base that is easy to assemble, ergonomic, and cost-effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle that provides comfort to a rider and a pillion rider while riding. The saddle-type vehicle accommodates high-volume article in an under-seat storage container without compromising on the comfort.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is the saddle-type vehicle. The saddle-type vehicle comprises an under-seat storage container, an outer frame, and a seat assembly. In one general aspect, the under-seat storage container is installed for receiving an article. Further, the under-seat storage container includes the outer frame. Further, the seat assembly is configured to form an openable lid over the under-seat storage container. The seat assembly comprises a seat cushion that is disposed on top of a seat base. The seat base defines an upper face and a lower face in which the upper face comprises a plurality of ribs disposed in matrix form to provide rigidity and prevent the flexure of the seat base. Further, the plurality of ribs is provided on the plurality of flaps. Further, the seat base comprises a first part pivotably connected to a front portion of the outer frame of the under-seat storage container to pivot the seat assembly between an open position and a closed position, a second part integral to the first part, and a third part integral to the second part. Further, the second part is configured to cover the under-seat storage container when the seat assembly is in the closed position. Further, the third part is configured to lock the seat assembly to a rear portion of the outer frame of the under-seat storage container.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second part comprises a top face and a bottom face. The top face defines a bulge at a centre protruding away from the under-seat storage container when the seat assembly is in the closed position. Further, the bulge comprises a plurality of flaps forming a crest of the bulge in which the plurality of flaps flexes away from the under-seat storage container when the article disposed within the under-seat storage container and comes in contact with the plurality of flaps to accommodate the article within the under-seat storage container, when the seat assembly is in the closed position. Further, the plurality of flaps along with a width direction of the seat base is longer in length compared to the other plurality of flaps. The plurality of flaps is flexible and provided in a rider and a pillion transition area.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of flexes defines a free end and a connecting end. Further, the free end of the plurality of flaps converges toward the centre of the crest to define a centre hole that is oval in shape, and the connecting end of the plurality of flaps is connected to each other to form a perimeter of the crest. Further, major axis of the oval shape is along a seat length direction and minor axis of the oval shape is along a seat breadth direction. Further, the connecting ends of the plurality of flaps form a groove that is any one of a circular groove or an oval groove.
[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further implementations may comprise the bottom face of the second part that comprises a flange along each length side of the second part. The flange is disposed inside the under-seat storage container when the seat assembly is in the closed position and extends along an outer edge of the second part. Further, the bottom face of the second part defines a plurality of ridges extending away from the bulge to the edge of the second part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a seat assembly 102, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the seat assembly 102, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Fig. 4 illustrates an attachment of a seat base 202 with an under-seat storage container 106, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the seat base 202 with an exposed bracket 304, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a top face 616 of a second part 504 of the seat base 202, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0030] Fig. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a bottom face 704 of the second part 504 of the seat base 202, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0032] Some embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
[0033] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred systems and methods are now described.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 100 comprises an under-seat storage container 106, and a seat assembly 102. The under-seat storage container 106 is configured to receive an article (not shown). The article is an object stored within the under-seat storage container 106. The article is any one of a helmet, bag, gloves, and the like. Further, the seat assembly 102 comprises a seat cushion 104 and a seat base 202 (refer Fig. 2). The under-seat storage container 106 comprises an outer frame (not shown).
[0035] In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle 100 comprises a vehicle body frame 108. The seat assembly 102, and the under-seat storage container 106 are connected with each other with help of the vehicle body frame 108.
[0036] In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a Fuel Cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a two-wheeler electric bike, a three-wheeler electric vehicle, an IC engine two-wheeler vehicle, ac IC engine three-wheeler vehicle, among others.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the seat assembly 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The seat assembly 102 is configured to form an openable lid over the under-seat storage container 106. The seat assembly 102 further comprises at least one hook 210, at least two bushes 212, a plurality of nuts 206, a pivot bracket 204, and a seat seal 208. Further, a flange 214 is attached to the seat base 202. The seat cushion 104 is disposed on top of the seat base 202. The seat cushion 104 acts as a lumbar rest for a rider and a pillion rider. The seat cushion 104 may be made of any one of a variable density or a low-density polyurethane (PU) foam, and a urethane foam. The seat base 202 material may be Polypropylene Glass Filled, carbon fiber or made from a moulded piece of plastic, such as nylon, among others.
[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one hook 210 is configured to fix the seat base 202 with the under-seat storage container 106. The outer frame of the under-seat storage container 106 is configured to receive the at least one hook 210. The pivot bracket 204 is configured to releasably lock the seat base 202 to the seat assembly 102 by using the plurality of nuts 206. The seat seal 208 is interfaced between the seat base 202 and the under-seat storage container 106. The seat seal 208 helps in avoiding water entry inside the under-seat storage container 106. Further, the at least two bushes 212 and the seat seal 208 are configured to transfer the rider and pillion rider load to the vehicle body frame 108.
[0039] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the seat assembly 102, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The seat assembly 102 is part of the saddle-type vehicle that comprises a rider area and a pillion area in the seat base 202. The seat assembly 102 provides a comfortable posture and comfort to the rider and the pillion rider.
[0040] In an embodiment, the pivot bracket 204 (refer Fig. 2) is fixed to an exposed bracket 304. Further, the exposed bracket 304 is fixed with the vehicle body frame 108 (refer Fig. 1). Further, a lock assembly 302 is attached to the outer frame of the under-seat storage container 106 to receive the at least one hook 210. The lock assembly 302 is configured to lock the seat assembly 102 to the outer frame of the under-seat storage container 106.
[0041] Fig. 4 illustrates an attachment of the seat base 202 with the under-seat storage container 106, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The seat base 202 comprises an upper face 402 and a lower face. Reference numeral 404 denotes an X-axis direction, and reference numeral 406 denotes a Y-axis direction. The X-axis direction 404 is along a seat length direction. The Y-axis direction 406 is along a seat breadth direction. Z-direction (not shown) may correspond to a seat height direction. In an embodiment, the seat base 202 is attached to the under-seat storage container 106 using the seat seal 208.
[0042] Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the seat base 202 with the exposed bracket 304, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The seat base 202 comprises a first part 502 pivotably connected to a front portion of the outer frame of the under-seat storage container 106 (refer Fig. 1) to pivot the seat assembly 102 between an open position and a closed position, a second part 504 integral to the first part 502, and a third part 506 integral to the second part 504. The first part 502, the second part 504 and the third part 506 together form the seat base 202. Further, the pivot bracket 204 (refer Fig. 2) is fixed between the seat base 202 and the exposed bracket 304.
[0043] In an embodiment, the closed position is a position when the seat assembly 102 is closed over the under-seat storage container 106 to lock the seat assembly 102 to the outer frame and direct access to the under-seat storage container 106 is restricted. The open position is a position when the seat assembly 102 is opened and not locked to the outer frame so that there is direct access to the under-seat storage container 106.
[0044] In an embodiment, the second part 504 is configured to cover the under-seat storage container 106 when the seat assembly 102 is in the closed position. The third part 506 is configured to lock the seat assembly 102 to a rear portion of the outer frame of the under-seat storage container 106.
[0045] Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a top face 616 of the second part 504 of the seat base 202, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The second part 504 comprises the top face 616 and a bottom face 704 (refer fig.7). The top face 616 of the second part 504 is part of the upper face 402. The top face 616 defines a bulge 602 at a centre protruding away from the under-seat storage container 106 (refer Fig. 1) when the seat assembly 102 is in the closed position. Further, the bulge 602 comprises a plurality of flaps 604 forming a crest 606 of the bulge 602.
[0046] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of flaps 604 defines a free end 608 and a connecting end 610. The free end 608 of the plurality of flaps 604 converges toward the centre of the crest 606 to define a centre hole 614. The connecting end 610 of the plurality of flaps 604 are connected to each other to form a perimeter of the crest 606. The connecting ends 610 of the plurality of flaps 604 form a groove, wherein the groove defines the perimeter of the crest 606. In an embodiment, the groove is configured to restrict the propagation of the flex beyond the plurality of the flaps 604 to the rest of the seat base 202. Thus, the flexing is restricted to the plurality of the flaps 604 and do not propagate beyond the groove. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of the flaps 604 comprise a plurality of ribs 612 that extend from the free end 608 to the connecting end 610. The plurality of ribs 612 strength to the plurality of flaps 604 and increase its durability.
[0047] In an embodiment, the centre hole 614 is oval in shape. Major axis of the oval shape is along the seat length direction (X-axis direction 404) and minor axis of the oval shape is along the seat breadth direction (Y-axis direction 406). In another embodiment, the centre hole 614 may be of other geometric shape such as circular, rectangular, among others.
[0048] In an embodiment, the groove may be any one of a circular groove or an oval groove.
[0049] In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps 604 along a width direction (Y-axis direction 406) of the seat base 202 is longer in length compared to the other plurality of flaps 604.
[0050] In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps 604 is flexible and provided in the rider and the pillion transition area of the seat cushion 104. The thickness and stiffness of the plurality of flaps 604 helps the rider to get a comfortable ride. In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps 604 are six in number.
[0051] In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps 604 flexes away from the under-seat storage container 106 when the article disposed within the under-seat storage container 106 comes in contact with the plurality of flaps 604 when the seat assembly 102 is in the closed position.
[0052] In an embodiment, the upper face 402 comprises the plurality of ribs 612 disposed in matrix form to provide rigidity and prevent the flexure of the seat base 202 (refer fig.2). Further, the plurality of ribs 612 is provided on the plurality of flaps 604.
[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, the plurality of flaps 604 ensures that deflection happens only in one direction, i.e., in the positive Z-axis direction towards the seat base 202 and not away from it. Thus, this solution is a technical advantage over the other known solutions, which provides locally formed flexible deflecting members on the lower surface of the seat base 202 that deteriorates the strength of the seat base 202.
[0054] Fig. 7 illustrates the bottom face 704 of the second part 504 of the seat base 202, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The bottom face 704 of the second part 504 is part of the lower face. The bottom face 704 of the second part 504 comprises the flange 214 (refer Fig. 2) along each length side of the second part 504. The flange 214 is disposed inside the under-seat storage container 106 when the seat assembly 102 is in the closed position and extends along an outer edge of the second part 504. Further, the bottom face 704 of the second part 504 defines a plurality of ridges 702 extending away from the bulge 602 to the edge of the second part 504.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the article that is disposed in the under-seat storage container 106 may be a helmet. This seat assembly 102 of the saddle-type vehicle 100 helps the rider to comfortably store the helmet of varying shapes and sizes in the under-seat storage container 106 without affecting the comfort of the rider. When the rider places a full-size helmet in the under-seat storage container 106 then the plurality of flaps 604 deflects along the positive z-axis direction to accommodate the helmet without affecting the comfort of the rider and the pillion rider. In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps 604 may deflect by 7mm in the positive z-axis direction. Elongated slot which separates the plurality of flaps 604 is provided according to a top surface of the full-size helmet to restrict the movement of the helmet along the X-axis direction 404 and the Y-axis direction 406. In an embodiment, the size of the crest 606 perimeter is 15 mm which resembles a helmet shell shape to accommodate the helmet. An intermediate part of the helmet and the flange 214 has 8 mm interference to ensure the thickness of the seat cushion 104 that is required to meet the comfort of the rider.
[0056] In another advantageous embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle 100 helps the rider to accommodate many articles of different sizes in the under-seat storage container 106 without causing failure to the seat base 202. The present invention also ensures that the overall height of the seat base 202 is not increased, such that the rider is able to comfortably maneuver the saddle-type vehicle 100 in low-speed conditions and during stand-still conditions. Further, the present invention also ensures that the thickness of the seat cushion 104 is not reduced or compromised for the sake of accommodating the bigger size articles inside the under-seat storage container 106.
[0057] In another advantageous embodiment, the plurality of ribs 612 on the plurality of flaps 604 that interfaces with the articles stored in the under-seat storage container 106 provide good strength to avoid more deflection of the seat base 202 while riding the saddle-type vehicle 100 and improves durability, so the deflection happens only on positive Z-axis direction.
[0058] In another advantageous embodiment, the flange 214 is provided along the outer edge of the seat base 202 to prevent access to the under-seat storage container 106. As an example, when the seat assembly 102 is locked over the under-seat storage container 106 and a person flexes the seat base 202 from the side to and gain undesirable access to the under-seat storage container 106, the flange 214 restricts the access.
[0059] Moreover, although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
, C , Claims:We Claim,
1. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
an under-seat storage container (106) configured to receive an article, wherein the under-seat storage container (106) comprises an outer frame; and
a seat assembly (102) configured to form an openable lid over the under-seat storage container (106), wherein the seat assembly (102) comprises a seat cushion (104) and a seat base (202), wherein the seat base (202) comprises:
a first part (502) pivotably connected to a front portion of the outer frame of the under-seat storage container (106) to pivot the seat assembly (102) between an open position and a closed position;
a second part (504) integral to the first part (502), wherein the second part (504) is configured to cover the under-seat storage container (106) when the seat assembly (102) is in the closed position, wherein the second part (504) comprises a top face (616) and a bottom face (704), wherein,
the top face (616) defines a bulge (602) at a centre protruding away from the under-seat storage container (106) when the seat assembly (102) is in the closed position, wherein the bulge (602) comprises a plurality of flaps (604) forming a crest (606) of the bulge (602), wherein each of the plurality of flaps (604) defines a free end (608) and a connecting end (610), wherein,
the free end (608) of the plurality of flaps (604) converges toward the centre of the crest (606) to define a centre hole (614); and
the connecting end (610) of the plurality of flaps (604) are connected to each other to form a perimeter of the crest (606); and
the bottom face (704) comprises a flange (214) along each length side of the second part (504); and
a third part (506) integral to the second part (504), wherein the third part (506) is configured to lock the seat assembly (102) to a rear portion of the outer frame of the under-seat storage container (106).
2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat cushion (104) is disposed on top of the seat base (202).
3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the article is an object stored within the under-seat storage container (106).
4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flaps (604) flexes away from the under-seat storage container (106) when the article disposed within the under-seat storage container (106) comes in contact with the plurality of flaps (604) to accommodate the article within the under-seat storage container (106) when the seat assembly (102) is in the closed position.
5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein shape of the centre hole (614) is oval.
6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a major axis (404) of the oval shape is along a seat length direction and a minor axis (406) of the oval shape is along a seat breadth direction.
7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flaps (604) along a width direction of the seat base (202) are longer in length compared to the other plurality of flaps (604).
8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting ends (610) of the plurality of flaps (604) form a groove.
9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the groove is any one of a circular groove or an oval groove.
10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flaps (604) is flexible and provided in a rider and a pillion transition area of the seat cushion (104).
11. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange (214) is disposed inside the under-seat storage container (106) when the seat assembly (102) is in the closed position.
12. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange (214) extends along an outer edge of the second part (504).
13. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat base (202) defines an upper face (402) and a lower face, wherein the upper face (402) comprises a plurality of ribs (612) disposed in matrix form to provide rigidity and prevent the flexure of the seat base (202).
14. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom face (704) of the second part (504) defines a plurality of ridges (702) extending away from the bulge (602) to the edge of the second part (504).
15. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs (612) is provided on the plurality of flaps (604) to provide rigidity and prevent the flexure of the seat base (202).