Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having a storage compartment provided below a seat of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Saddle-type vehicles are most common and widely used for commuting. Unlike four wheelers which have a large storage capacity i.e., trunk space, commuters generally face storage problems in saddle-type vehicles. For example, scooter type vehicles have a utility storage box disposed under a seat for storing the articles. It has been observed that storage space of the utility storage box is limited due to its positioning with respect to power train of the vehicle and other design constraints.
[003] It has also been observed that due to existing storage box configuration, the riders are unable to store large size articles inside the utility storage box. Further, if modifications are to be carried out for storing various articles, the utility storage box is susceptible to lose on desired mechanical properties, for example-strength, temperature resistance, etc. Furthermore, it has also been observed that the existing design and mounting arrangements of the utility storage box increase complexities in assembling and disassembling the utility storage box from the vehicle.
[004] With the increasing utility requirements of the customers, the existing utility storage box is unable to provide a safe storage inside the storage space for storing valuable items, for example, electronic devices, ATM cards, documents etc., as they get affected or rendered unusable after coming in contact with other articles placed inside the utility storage box. It is also desired that for enhanced safety, these stored valuable items should not be apparently visible from outside.
[005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide storage compartments in a vehicle which overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one embodiment, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle comprises a head tube and a main tube extending rearwardly from the head tube in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle includes a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly from the main tube in the front-rear direction and a storage compartment disposed under a seat of the vehicle. The storage compartment has a front end and a rear end. The front end and the rear end of the storage compartment are mounted on the pair of seat rails. The storage compartment includes a base and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base to define a storage space. The plurality of walls includes a front wall, opposite side walls, and a rear wall. Further, the storage compartment includes a secondary storage compartment formed inside the storage space.
[007] In an embodiment, the base extends rearwardly from the front wall towards the rear wall in an inclined manner thereby increasing the storage space of the storage compartment. The base includes a first base portion extending rearwardly from the front wall and a stepped base portion extending rearwardly from the first base portion.
[008] In an embodiment, the storage compartment includes a front mounting portion disposed in proximity to the front end, and a rear mounting portion disposed in proximity to the rear end of the storage compartment.
[009] In an embodiment, the storage compartment includes a pair of support rib members formed on an outer surface of the storage compartment whereby each of the support rib members is adapted to receive concentrically a portion of one of the seat rails. The outer surface of the rear end of the storage compartment further includes a grooved portion adapted to receive a third mounting bracket of a pillion handle.
[010] In an embodiment, the front end of the storage compartment is fastened to a first mounting bracket disposed on the seat rails. The rear end of the storage compartment is fastened to a second mounting bracket disposed on a cross member joining rear ends of the seat rails.
[011] In an embodiment, the secondary storage compartment includes a lid having a release lock mechanism, the lid being adapted for covering the secondary storage compartment.
[012] In an embodiment, the storage compartment includes a light emitting source disposed inside the storage space and a switch operably connected to the light emitting source.
[013] In an embodiment, the storage compartment includes a charging socket disposed inside the storage space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] 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 perspective view of an exemplary vehicle having a storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the storage compartment mounted on seat rails of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the storage compartment of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cut section of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7a illustrates a top view of the storage compartment depicting a lid in a closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7b illustrates a top perspective view of the storage compartment depicting a lid in an opened state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the storage compartment in dismantled state from the seat rails of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a top view of the storage compartment of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the storage compartment of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13a illustrates a bottom perspective view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13b illustrates another bottom perspective view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 illustrates a rear view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having a storage compartment disposed beneath a seat. The storage compartment is having an increased storage space.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle (100) is a scooter type vehicle. The vehicle (100) has an internal combustion engine (130) as a prime mover, that is disposed below a seat assembly (not shown). In an embodiment, the vehicle includes an electric motor (not shown) or a combination of the electric motor and an internal combustion engine (not shown) as the prime mover as per design feasibility and requirement. The vehicle (100) has a front wheel (110), a rear wheel (140), a main tube (112) and a pair of seat rails (114). A head pipe (104) is attached to the main tube (112). The pair of seat rails (114) are attached to the main tube (112). The headpipe (104) supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension (108) attached to the steering shaft. The vehicle includes a front body cover (not shown) for covering a front portion of the headpipe (104) and a rear body cover (not shown) for covering a rear portion of the headpipe. The front suspension (108) supports the front wheel (110). The upper portion of the front wheel (110) is covered by a front fender (106) mounted to the front suspension (108). In an embodiment, the front fender (106) is movable along with the front wheel (110), during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar (102) is adapted to rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle (100). Further, a rear suspension (122) is provided to the rear wheel (140) for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle (100) over undulations on the road surface. The rear wheel (140) is arranged below the seat assembly (not shown) and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A pair of pillion handles (120) is disposed at the end of the vehicle (100).
[017] A transmission assembly (not shown) is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel (140) for driving the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the driving force of the internal combustion engine (130) or the electric motor is transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) or a belt drive (not shown).
[018] In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle (100) comprises the main tube (112) extending rearwardly from the headpipe (104) in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (100). The pair of seat rails (114) extending rearwardly from the main tube (112) in the front-rear direction. The saddle-type vehicle (100) comprises a storage compartment (200) disposed under the seat (not shown) of the vehicle (100). The storage compartment (200) is having a front end (200F) and a rear end (200R). The front end (200F) and the rear end (200R) are mounted on the pair of seat rails (114). The storage compartment has a base (202) and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base (202) to define a storage space. The base (202) extends rearwardly from a front wall (204) towards the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200) in an inclined manner thereby increasing the storage space of the storage compartment (200).
[019] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the storage compartment mounted on a seat rails of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pair of seat rails (114) are attached to the main tube (112) and are extending in front-rear direction of the vehicle (100) (shown in Figure 1). The vehicle (100) includes a pair of first mounting brackets (115) disposed on the seat rails (114). The pair of first mounting brackets (115) are disposed near front ends (114a) of the seat rails (114). The front ends (114a) of the seat rails (114) being welded to the main tube (112). A pair of down frame members (116) extends from the seat rails (114) towards an end of the main tube (112). A stud member (113) is mounted on down frame member (116) for supporting the base of the storage compartment (200).
[020] In accordance with an embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes a cross member (117) joining rear ends (114b) of the seat rails (114). A second mounting bracket (118) is disposed on the cross member (117). Further, a third mounting bracket (119) is adapted for mounting the pillion handles (120). The third mounting bracket (119) is disposed adjacent to the second mounting bracket (118).
[021] The storage compartment (200) includes a front wall (204); left and right side walls (206); and a rear wall (208). The base (202) (shown in Figure 1) further includes a first base portion (202a) extending rearwardly from the front wall (204). and a stepped base portion (202b) extending rearwardly from the first base portion (202a). In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the first base portion (202a) and a portion of the stepped base portion (202b) are received inside a frame housing formed between the down frame members (116) and the seat rails (114). Further, a bottom surface of the stepped base portion (202b) is extending rearwardly towards the rear wall (208) in substantially parallel relation to the seat rails (114).
[022] In accordance with the invention, the configuration of the first base portion (202a) and the stepped base portion (202b) enables a rider/user to store large articles inside the storage compartment (200). The storage compartment (200) includes a seat hinge (250) positioned on the front wall (204). The seat hinge (250) is adapted to mount a seat (not shown) above the storage compartment (200). In a closed position, the seat covers the storage space.
[023] In an embodiment, an outer surface of the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200) has a grooved portion (209) adapted to receive the third mounting bracket (119) of the pillion handle (120). The grooved portion (209) allows an easy assembling of the storage compartment (200) on the seat rails (114) along with the mounting of pillion handles (120).
[024] In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes a pair of fastening means (115a) and (118a) for fastening the storage compartment (200) with the first mounting bracket (115) and the second mounting bracket (118) respectively. The fastening means (115a,118a) include nuts, bolts, washers, rivets, screws etc. For insulation purposes, the fastening means (115a, 118a) are fastened with the mounting brackets (115,118) using cushioning means.
[025] Figure 3 shows a top view of the storage compartment (200) of the vehicle, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The storage compartment (200) comprises a pair of front mounting portions (216) and a pair of rear mounting portions (218). In accordance with the invention, the pair of the front mounting portions (216) are disposed in proximity to the front end (200F) of the storage compartment (200). In an embodiment, the front mounting portions (216) are recess formed on the surface of the first base portion (202a). The pair of rear mounting portions (218) are disposed in proximity to the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200). In an embodiment, the rear mounting portions (218) of the storage compartment (200) are recess formed on a surface of the storage compartment and are positioned between the rear wall (208) and the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200). The vehicle (100) further includes a left and right side rider footrest (134) and a left and right side pillion footrest (136).
[026] As shown in Figure 3, the front end (200F) of the storage compartment is mounted on the front ends (114a) (shown in Figure 2) of the seat rails (114) through the front mounting portions (216). The rear end (200R) is fastened to the rear ends (114b) (shown in Figure 2) of the seat rails (114) through the rear mounting portions (218). The vehicle (100) includes a seat latch mechanism (219) disposed in proximity to the rear mounting portions (218) of the storage compartment (200). The seat latch mechanism (219) is in connection with unlocking arrangement i.e., key and wire combination. The seat latch mechanism (219) being adapted for mechanically arresting the movement of the seat in locked state. When the seat is unlocked, the seat latch (219) releases the seat.
[027] In accordance with an embodiment, the storage compartment (200) has a secondary storage compartment (220) formed inside the storage space. The secondary storage compartment (220) is formed on the first base portion (202a) for storing valuable items such as documents, USB storage devices or other electronic devices etc.
[028] In an embodiment, the storage compartment (200) includes a light emitting source (222) disposed inside the storage space and a switch (226) (shown in Figure 4) operably connected to the light emitting source (222). In an embodiment, the light emitting source (222) is mounted on the front wall (204) of the storage compartment. The switch (226) is a non-contact type switch which is mechanically operated while opening the seat and switches ON the light emitting source to illuminate and provide clear vision to the user/rider in low light conditions. The light emitting source (222) is a LED light.
[029] In an embodiment, the storage compartment (200) includes a charging socket (224) disposed inside the storage space. The charging socket (224) is disposed on the first base portion (202a) and is adapted to charge an electronic device placed inside the storage compartment. The charging socket (224) is attached to the first base portion (202a) by forming a recess therein. The charging socket is in electrical connection with a power source of the vehicle (100). The charging socket (224) is mounted on the first base portion (202a) using fastening means.
[030] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The storage compartment (200) has the first base portion (202a) and the stepped base portion (202b) extending rearwardly from the first base portion (202a). The storage compartment (200) having the front mounting portion (216) being disposed in proximity to the front end (200F), and the rear mounting portion (218) being disposed in proximity to the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200). The storage compartment (200) further comprises a pair of support rib members (210) formed on an outer surface of the storage compartment (200). In an embodiment, the pair of support rib members (210) are formed at middle bottom of the storage compartment (200) thereof.
[031] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cut section of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, each of the support rib members (210) is adapted to receive concentrically a portion of each of the seat rails (114). Due to this configuration, the middle bottom portion of the storage compartment (200) rests on the seat rails (114) and an adequate support is provided to the storage compartment (200) thereof.
[032] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The storage compartment having the first base portion (202a) which extends rearwardly from the front wall (204) and the stepped base portion (202b) extends rearwardly from the first base portion (202a) towards the rear wall (208). The plurality of walls (204, 206, 208) extends upwardly from the first base portion (202a) and the stepped base portion (202b) to define a storage space. As shown, the stepped base portion (202b) extends rearwardly towards the rear wall (208) in the inclined manner. Due to this configuration, the storage space of the storage compartment (200) increases which allows the user/rider to store large articles. The storage compartment further includes the secondary storage compartment (220) formed inside the storage space. In an embodiment, the secondary storage compartment (220) is formed on the first base portion (202a). The storage compartment (200) has the charging socket (224) disposed opposite to the second storage compartment (220).
[033] Figure 7a illustrates a top view of the storage compartment depicting a lid in a closed state along section A-A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The secondary storage compartment (220) comprises a lid (230) having a release lock mechanism (235) which is in mechanical connection with the lock latch (225) (shown in Figure 6). The lid (230) is adapted for covering the secondary storage compartment (220) from above in such a manner that an isolated and safe storage is provided to the items stored inside the secondary storage (220). The stored items are substantially hidden and cannot be apparently viewed from outside once the lid is closed.
[034] Figure 7b illustrates a top perspective view of the storage compartment depicting a lid in an opened state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The release lock mechanism (235) is operated to lock/ unlock the lid (230) from the lock latch (225) disposed on the first base portion (202a). In an embodiment, the lid (230) comprises a hinge (232) mounted on an edge of the lid (230) in proximity to the front wall (204) such that the lid (230) is rotatably hinged about the first wall (204) of the storage compartment in an opened state.
[035] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the storage compartment along section B-B in dismantled state from the seat rails of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The storage compartment (200) mounted on the seat rails (114) via. the first mounting bracket (115) and the second mounting bracket (118) can easily be assembled or dismantled. In this configuration, an effective mounting mechanism is provided which require lesser number of fastening and mounting means for mounting the storage compartment (200) on the seat rails (114) of the vehicle (100). Due to lesser fasteners and mounting means, the storage compartment can be easily assembled or removed out of the vehicle whenever required.
[036] Figure 9 illustrates a top view of the storage compartment of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the light emitting source (222) is disposed on the front wall (204) of the storage compartment. The light emitting source (222) is turned ON when the seat is opened and illuminates light inside the storage space of the storage compartment (200). The combination of the first base portion (202a) and the stepped base portion (202b) increases the storage space inside the storage compartment without making any changes in size of the vehicle (100). The storage space [shown by dotted region (I)] formed above the first base portion (202a) is of a higher depth region which allows it to store the items which require higher depth storage whereas in combination with the storage space [shown by dotted region (II)] formed above the stepped base portion (202b), the storage compartment (200) enables the user/rider to store a variety of articles having a larger length or a non-uniform or an inclined base.
[037] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the storage compartment of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention along B-B section. The secondary storage compartment (220) comprises a lid (230) having a release lock mechanism (235). The lid (230) being adapted for covering the secondary storage compartment (220) from above.
[038] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The release lock mechanism (235) is slideably operated to lock/unlock the lid (230). The slidable movement of the release lock mechanism (235) causes the lock latch (225) to release the lid (230). In an embodiment, the lid (230) comprises a hinge shaft (234) disposed inside the front wall (204) to rotatably open the lid (230) when release lock is operated.
[039] Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom surface of the first base portion (202a) (as shown in Figure 2) includes a base support member (212) adapted to stay above the end portion of the main tube (112). In an embodiment, the main tube of the vehicle (100) includes a recess formed on the end portion of the main tube (112) which slidably receives the base support member (212). The storage compartment (200) further includes the rib members (210) formed on the outer surface of the storage compartment (200).
[040] Figure 13a and Figure 13b illustrates bottom perspective views of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The storage compartment (200) having support rib members (210) formed on the outer surface of the storage compartment (200) whereby each of the support rib members (210) is adapted to receive concentrically the portion of one of the seat rails (114). In an embodiment, the storage compartment (200) includes the base support member (212) formed at one side of the outer surface of the first base portion and is adapted to rest on the stud member (113) (shown in Figure 2) being mounted on down frame member (116).
[041] Figure 14 illustrates a rear view of the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The storage compartment (200) includes support rib members (210) formed on the bottom surface of the storage compartment (200) and the base support member (212) formed at one side of the base portion being adapted to provide support to the base portion from frame of the vehicle (100). The storage compartment (200) includes the grooved portion (209) adapted to receive the third mounting bracket (119) of a pillion handle (120) (shown in Figure 1).
[042] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle having a storage compartment. The structure of the storage compartment increases the storage space to a larger extent without altering or modifying the size of the vehicle. Further, the storage compartment comprises a secondary storage compartment for safely storing the valuable articles. The secondary storage compartment has a lid adapted to cover the storage space of the secondary storage compartment from above and thus providing a hidden storage space thereof. The present invention provides a storage compartment having a lower manufacturing cost and complex free structure which is mounted with the vehicle through two mounting brackets and two support rib members. The storage compartment can be easily assembled or dismantled with respect to the vehicle.
[043] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100 – Vehicle
102 – Handlebar
104 – Head pipe
106 – Front fender
108 – Front suspension
110 – Front wheel
112 – Main tube
113 – Stud member
114 – Pair of seat rails
114a – Front ends of seat rails
114b – Rear ends of seat rails
115 – Pair of first mounting brackets
115a, 118a – Fastening means
116 – Down frame members
117 – Cross member
118 – Second mounting bracket
119 – Third mounting bracket
120 – Pair of pillion handles
122 – Rear suspension
130 – Internal combustion engine
134 – Left and right side rider footrest
136 – Left and right side pillion footrest
140 – Rear wheel
200 – Storage compartment
200F – Front end of storage compartment
200R – Rear end of storage compartment
202 – Base
202a – First base portion
202b – Stepped base portion
204 – Front wall
206 – Left and right side walls
208 – Rear wall
209 – Grooved portion
210 – Support rib members
212 – Base support member
216 – Pair of front mounting portions
218 – Pair of second mounting portions
219 – Seat latch mechanism
220 – Secondary storage compartment
222 – Light emitting source
224 – Charging socket
225 – Lock latch
226 – Switch
230 – Lid
232 – Hinge
234 – Hinge shaft
235 – Release lock mechanism
250 – Seat hinge

, Claims:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a head tube (104);
a main tube (112) extending rearwardly from the head tube (104) in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (100);
a pair of seat rails (114) extending rearwardly from the main tube (112) in the front-rear direction; and
a storage compartment (200) disposed under a seat of the vehicle (100),
the storage compartment (200) having a front end (200F), a rear end (200R), the front end (200F) and the rear end (200R) being mounted on the pair of seat rails (114), a base (202), a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base (202) to define a storage space; and a secondary storage compartment (220) formed inside the storage space.

2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of walls comprises: a front wall (204); opposite side walls (206); and a rear wall (208).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base (202) extends rearwardly from the front wall (204) towards the rear wall (208) in an inclined manner thereby increasing the storage space of the storage compartment (200).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base (202) comprises: a first base portion (202a) extending rearwardly from the front wall (204); and a stepped base portion (202b) extending rearwardly from the first base portion (202a).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment (200) comprises: a front mounting portion (216) disposed in proximity to the front end (200F); and a rear mounting portion (218) disposed in proximity to the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment (200) comprises: a pair of support rib members (210) formed on an outer surface of the storage compartment (200), each of the support rib members (210) is adapted to receive concentrically a portion of one of the seat rails (114).
7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front end (200F) of the storage compartment (200) is fastened to a first mounting bracket (115) disposed on the seat rails (114).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200) is fastened to a second mounting bracket (118) disposed on a cross member (117) joining rear ends (114b) of the seat rails (114).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the rear end (200R) of the storage compartment (200) comprises a grooved portion (209) adapted to receive a third mounting bracket (119) of a pillion handle (120).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary storage compartment (220) comprises a lid (230) having a release lock mechanism (235), the lid (230) adapted for covering the secondary storage compartment (220).

11. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment (200) comprises: a light emitting source (222) disposed inside the storage space; and a switch (226) operably connected to the light emitting source (222).
12. The saddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment (200) comprises a charging socket (224) disposed inside the storage space.

Dated this 30th day of September 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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