Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (22);
a pair of seat rails (60) extending rearwardly from the main frame (24), the pair of seat rails (60) having a left seat rail (60A) and a right seat rail (60B);
a left tail cover (70A) extending longitudinally along the left seat rail (60A) thereby defining a space between the left seat rail (60A) and the left tail cover (70A);
a right tail cover (70B) extending longitudinally along the right seat rail (60B) thereby defining a space between the right seat rail (60B) and the right tail cover (70B); and
at least one box (80) disposed in the space defined between the left seat rail (60A) and the left tail cover (70A) or the right seat rail (60B) and the right tail cover (70B).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first box (80A) is disposed between the left seat rail (60A) and the left tail cover (70A), and a second box is disposed between the right seat rail (60B) and the right tail cover (70B).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the box (80) comprises a front face (82), a rear face (84), an inner face (86) configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left seat rail (60A) or the right seat rail (60B), and an outer face (88) configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left tail cover (70A) or the right tail cover (70B).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the box (80) comprises a first mounting flange (90) protruding outwardly from the outer face (88) for mounting the box (80) to the left tail cover (70A) or the right tail cover (70B).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the box (80) comprises a second mounting flange (92) protruding outwardly from the front face (82) for mounting the box (80) to the left tail cover (70A) or the right tail cover (70B).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the box (80) comprises a first mounting flange (90) protruding outwardly from the inner face (86) for mounting the box (80) to the left seat rail (60A) or the right seat rail (60B).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the box (80) comprises a second mounting flange (92) protruding outwardly from the front face (82) for mounting the box (80) to the left seat rail (60A) or the right seat rail (60B).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 4 or 5, comprising a plurality of self-tapping screws (96) for mounting the first mounting flange (90) and the second mounting flange (92) to the left tail cover (70A) or the right tail cover (70B).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the box (80) comprises a bracket (94) on the inner face (86), the bracket (94) configured to be supported on the left seat rail (60A) or the right seat rail (60B) thereby supporting the box (80).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the outer face (88) of the box (80) has a profile conforming to shape of the left tail cover (70A) or the right tail cover (70B), in a vehicle front view.

Dated this 14th day of July 2021
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional saddle type vehicles, especially motorcycle type saddle type vehicles, a toolbox is located below the seat assembly. The toolbox may be located between the seat rails and below the pillion seat, or can be mounted on the side of the saddle type vehicle as an external vehicle component.
[003] To accommodate the toolbox below the pillion seat, appropriate space to fit the toolbox underneath the seat assembly needs to be made available. The seat assembly and the surrounding parts have to be designed and fabricated accordingly to accommodate the toolbox. An example of this is the side tail covers of the motorcycle having to be fabricated in wider configuration, which is not only unesthetic, but also causes discomfort to the pillion rider. Generally, the space below the seat is occupied by electrical components and ancillary electrical components such as fuse box, spare fuse storage, TCI unit etc. Hence, providing a toolbox in this location causes packaging constraint for other components of the vehicle, especially the electrical components. As a result, provision of the toolbox below the pillion seat results in the height of the pillion seat. The pillion seat is required to be raised by up to 35mm to 55 mm to accommodate the toolbox. The raised height of the pillion seat reduces rider comfort and ground reach of the pillion rider.
[004] Further, in case of motorcycles with split construction of the rider seat and the pillion seat, if the toolbox extends under both the rider seat and the pillion seat, accessing the toolbox by opening of only either the rider seat and the pillion seat becomes difficult.
[005] On the other hand, when the toolbox is provided on the side of the vehicle as an external vehicle component, the toolbox is easily accessible to unauthorised users which makes the tool box theft prone and is detrimental to the safety of the objects stored inside the toolbox.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In an aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle having a main frame extending rearwardly from a head pipe. A pair of seat rails extend rearwardly from the main frame, and the pair of seat rails have a left seat rail and a right seat rail. A left tail cover extends longitudinally along the left seat rail thereby defining a space between the left seat rail and the left tail cover. A right tail cover extends longitudinally along the right seat rail thereby defining a space between the right seat rail and the right tail cover. At least one box is disposed in the space defined between the left seat rail and the left tail cover or the right seat rail and the right tail cover.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, a first box is disposed between the left seat rail and the left tail cover, and a second box is disposed between the right seat rail and the right tail cover.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the box has a front face, a rear face, an inner face configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left seat rail or the right seat rail, and an outer face configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left tail cover or the right tail cover.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the box has a first mounting flange protruding outwardly from the outer face for mounting the box to the left tail cover or the right tail cover. In an alternative embodiment, the box has a first mounting flange protruding outwardly from the inner face for mounting the box to the left seat rail or the right seat rail.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the box has a second mounting flange protruding outwardly from the front face for mounting the box to the left tail cover or the right tail cover. In an alternative embodiment, the box has a second mounting flange protruding outwardly from the front face for mounting the box to the left seat rail or the right seat rail.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a plurality of self-tapping screws for mounting the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange to the left tail cover or the right tail cover.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the box has a bracket on the inner face. The bracket is configured to be supported on the left seat rail or the right seat rail thereby supporting the box.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the outer face of the box has a profile conforming to shape of the left tail cover or the right tail cover, in a vehicle front view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] 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 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a right perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates another right perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a box of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the box of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the box of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the box of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a left side view of the vehicle along with an axis A-A’ and axis B-B’, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a front sectional view of the box in the saddle type vehicle along the axis A-A’, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a front sectional view of the box in the saddle type vehicle along the axis B-B’, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle with a box for storage.
[017] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary motor vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises an Internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the Internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type Internal combustion engine. The motor vehicle 10 comprises a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 20. The frame member includes a head pipe 22, a main tube 24, a down tube (not shown), and a pair of seat rails 60 (shown in Figure 2). The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is fixed to upper bracket not shown and can rotate to both sides. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown) and an instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The down tube is located in front of the Internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 22. The main tube 24 of the frame member is located above the Internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from head pipe 22. The Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main tube 24. In an embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[018] The fuel tank 20 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main tube 24. The pair of seat rails 60 are joined to main tube 24 and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. Rear swing arms 34 (only one shown) are connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arms 34. Generally, the rear swing arms 34 are supported by a mono rear suspension 36 (as illustrated in the present embodiment) or through two suspensions on either side of the motor vehicle 10. A taillight unit 33 is disposed at the end of the motor vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail 35 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the Internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[019] Further, an exhaust pipe 40 of the vehicle extends vertically downward from the Internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the Internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler 42. The muffler 42 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[020] Figure 2 illustrates a right perspective view of a part of the saddle-type vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, the pair of seat rails 60 that are extending rearwardly of the main frame 24, has a left seat rail 60A (shown in Figure 4) and a right seat rail 60B (shown in Figure 4). Further, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a left tail cover 70A that extends longitudinally along the left seat rail 60A. A space is thereby defined between the left seat rail 60A and the left tail cover 70A. Similarly, a right tail cover 70B extends longitudinally along the right seat rail 60B and a space is thereby defined between the right seat rail 60B and the right tail cover 70B.
[021] As illustrated in Figure 2, and referenced in Figure 3 and Figure 4, at least one box 80 is disposed in the space defined between the left seat rail 60A and the left tail cover 70A or the right seat rail 60B and the right tail cover 70B. In the specific embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the box 80 is disposed in the space defined between the left seat rail 60A and the left tail cover 70A. The box 80 is configured for storing tools and other ancillary vehicle instruments, thereby acting as a toolbox.
[022] In an embodiment, a first box 80A (shown in Figure 4) is disposed between the left seat rail 60A and the left tail cover 70A, and a second box (not shown) is disposed between the right seat rail 60B and the right tail cover 70B, hence providing two separate boxes disposed in the saddle type vehicle.
[023] Figure 5 illustrates the side view of the saddle type vehicle. As illustrated in the Figure, profile of the left tail cover 70A is configured such that the left rail cover 70A can accommodate the box 80 between the left tail cover 70A and the left seat rail 60A. Similarly, profile of the right tail cover 70B is configured such that the right rail cover 70B can accommodate the box 80 between the right tail cover 70B and the right seat rail 60B. This, in addition to accommodating the box 80 within the vehicle trim lines, also prevents unauthorised access to the box 80 from the side. The seat assembly 18 sits atop the seat rails 60 and needs to be removed with a vehicle key to access the box, thereby preventing unauthorised access to the box from the top.
[024] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the box 80 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 6, the box 80 has a front face 82 (shown in Figure 7), a rear face 84 (shown in Figure 7), an inner face 86 that is configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left seat rail 60A or the right seat rail 60B, and an outer face 88 that is configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left tail cover 70A or the right tail cover 70B. In the specific embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the inner face 86 is configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left seat rail 60A, and the outer face 88 is configured to be disposed longitudinally along the left tail cover 70A.
[025] Figure 8 illustrates that the box 80 has a first mounting flange 90. The first mounting flange 90 protrudes outwardly from the outer face 88 for mounting the box 80 to the left tail cover 70A or the right tail cover 70B. The first mounting flange 90 has at least one through hole, through which a fastener can pass on to the left tail cover 70A or the right tail cover 70B, thereby mounting the box on the left tail cover 70A of the right tail cover 70B. In the specific embodiment depicted in Figure 8, the first mounting flange 90 is configured for mounting the box 80 on the left tail cover 70A. In an alternative embodiment, the first mounting flange 90 protrudes from the inner face 86 of the box 80 for mounting the box 80 on the left seat rail 60A or the right seat rail 60B.
[026] As further illustrated in Figure 8, the box 80 has a second mounting flange 92. The second mounting flange 92 protrudes outwardly from the front face 82 for mounting the box 80 to the left tail cover 70A or the right tail cover 70B. The second mounting flange 92 has at least one through hole, through which a fastener can pass on to the left tail cover 70A or the right tail cover 70B, thereby mounting the box on the left tail cover 70A of the right tail cover 70B. In the specific embodiment depicted in Figure 8, the second mounting flange 92 is configured for mounting the box 80 on the left tail cover 70A. In an alternative embodiment, the second mounting flange 92 protrudes from the front face 82 of the box 80 for mounting the box 80 on the left seat rail 60A or the right seat rail 60B.
[027] As further illustrated in Figure 8, and referenced in Figure 4, the box 80 has a bracket 94 on the inner face 86. The bracket 94 protrudes outwardly from the inner face 86. The bracket 94 is configured to be supported on the left seat rail 60A or the right seat rail 60B thereby supporting the box 80. The shape of the bracket 94 is such that it conforms with the shape of the seat rails 60, which allows for the bracket 94 to sit atop the left seat rail 60A or the right seat rail 60B, thereby providing additional support to the box 80 in addition to the mounting of the box 80 at the first mounting flange 90 and the second mounting flange 92.
[028] Figure 11 illustrates a front sectional view of the box 80 mounted on the left tail cover 70A, sectioned along the axis A-A’ (shown in Figure 10). Figure 12 illustrates a front sectional view of the box 80 mounted on the left tail cover 70A, sectioned along the axis B-B’ (shown in Figure 10). As illustrated in Figure 11, the outer face 88 of the box 80 has a profile conforming to shape of the left tail cover 70A, in a vehicle front view, such that the box 80 is completely accommodated in the space defined between the left seat rail 60A and the left tail cover 70A. Similarly, in another embodiment, the outer face 88 of the box 80 has a profile conforming to shape of the right tail cover 70B, in a vehicle front view, such that the box 80 is completely accommodated in the space defined between the right seat rail 60B and the right tail cover 70B.
[029] As also illustrated in Figure 11 and Figure 12, the saddle type vehicle 10 further has a plurality of self-tapping screws 96 for mounting the box 80 at the first mounting flange 90 and the second mounting flange 92 to the left tail cover 70A or the right tail cover 70B. Corresponding flanges are provided on the left tail cover 70A and/or the right tail cover 70B for receiving the self-tapping screws 96.
[030] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle type vehicle wherein the box is provided between the left tail cover and the left seat rail and/or the right tail cover and the right seat rail. This not only allows for the dead space between the tail cover and the seat rail to be utilized, but also frees up the space between the seat rails to be used for other vehicle and ancillary components, leading to fewer packaging constraints. The provision of the box as in the present invention also eliminates the need of raising of the height of the pillion seat to accommodate the toolbox.
[031] Further, since the profile of the outer face of the box conforms with the shape of the tail cover, the tail covers need to be fabricated in a wider configuration to accommodate the box in the saddle type vehicle of the present invention. This not only improves the comfort of the pillion rider, but also provides for better aesthetics.
[032] Furthermore, provision of the toolbox under the seat also ensures that the tool box is theft proof, while being easily accessible to authorized users. In addition, as a self-tapping screw each at the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange is provided to mount the box, the need for a large fasteners at multiple positions to mount the tool box is eliminated.
[033] 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.