Claims:We Claim:
1. A step-through vehicle (100) comprising:
a body frame (101) defining a step-through region (106);
a auxiliary space (200) formed in the step-through region (106) and bordered on four sides by a floorboard (107);
the auxiliary space (200) is covered by an external lid member (201), wherein a locking member (205) of the external lid member (201) is actuated from a portion beneath a seat (130) of the step-through vehicle, for unlocking the external lid member (201).
2. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portion beneath seat (130) includes a primary storage unit (221).
3. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein on actuation of the locking member (205), an integrated spring cap member (503) effects an upward displacement of the external lid member (201).
4. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the integrated spring cap member (503) is press-fitted into a stepped slot (600) formed in the floorboard (107).
5. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floorboard (107) includes two lateral sides (107a, 107b) extending laterally inwards towards a centre of the auxiliary space (200) from respective inner peripheral lateral surfaces of the floorboard (107).
6. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external lid member (201) is detachably attached to the floorboard (107).
7. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the external lid member (201) comprises two or more floorboard mounting lugs (202) for attachment to the floorboard (107), wherein the two or more mounting lugs (202) are formed along a first side (203) of the external lid member (203).
8. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the two or more floorboard mounting lugs (202) are snap fitted to corresponding mounting slots (502) formed in one lateral side (107a) of the two or more lateral sides (107a, 107b) of the floorboard (107), wherein said one lateral side (107a) juxtaposes with the first side (203) of the external lid member.
9. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking member (205) is integrally provided on a second side (204) of the external lid member (201).
10. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking member (205) engages with a corresponding engagement slot (507) formed in another lateral side (107b) of two lateral sides (107a, 107b) of a floorboard (107), wherein the other lateral side (107b) juxtaposes with the second side (204) of the external lid member (201).
11. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stepped slot (600) is formed in another lateral side (107b) of the floorboard (107).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a step-through vehicle and particularly but not exclusively relates to step-through vehicle having a secondary utility space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles of the step-through type typically comprise a frame structure that defines a step-through region in a front portion of the vehicle. The step-through region is typically formed in front of the seat and behind a rear panel/leg shield provided to cover a front frame portion of the frame structure. A floorboard is typically disposed in the step-through region and enables the rider to rest his/her feet thereon. The frame structure of the step-through type vehicle also defines an under-seat storage space in a rear portion thereof.
[0003] The under-seat storage space enables a rider to store a helmet and other utility items therein. The under-seat storage space is covered from the top by the seat. However, since the helmet occupies a significant amount of space in the utility box or the primary storage unit, there is little space left for the rider to place other utility articles. In order to overcome the above drawback, a secondary storage space is typically provided in rear panel/ leg shield formed in a front portion of the step-through vehicle, wherein the storage space is covered by a lid hinged to a portion of the rear panel/leg shield. Such space is also referred to as glove box space. Certain step-through vehicles contain a storage space in the step-through region formed below the floorboard and covered by the floorboard. In order to ensure that the items disposed in the storage space formed below the floorboard are theft-proof, a lock is typically provided in the floorboard itself. However, while easy accessibility of the storage space is ensured, security of the items disposed therein is not, as the lock provided in the floorboard can be easily tampered with. In order to enhance the utility value of a saddle type vehicle, manufacturers face an increasing challenge of designing vehicle aggregate systems to be as small as possible & package them within substantially a similar compact layout of the vehicle so that more & more utility space can be provided as an attractive feature for the vehicle. While storage spaces are being added, it is equally important to have them easily accessible for the user while also being safe from theft. Poor accessibility for any given storage space can defeat the very purpose of enhancing utility value proposition of the vehicle as a whole & render the storage feature redundant. Therefore, there is a need to improve the accessibility of a storage space formed in the step-through region, while ensuring no compromise in security of the storage space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers have been used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig.1 is a side view of the step-through vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig.2a is an enlarged top perspective view of the step-through vehicle depicting a auxiliary space formed in the step through region in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig.2b is a top perspective view of the step-through vehicle depicting an external lid provided for covering the auxiliary space in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig.3 is a rear perspective view depicting the external lid member to be attached to the floorboard of the step-through vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig.4 is a detailed enlarged view depicting the floorboard with the lid attachment provisions formed therein as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig.5a is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A shown in Fig.4 depicting an integrated spring cap member provided in the floorboard as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig.5b is a cross-sectional view depicting a stepped slot formed in the floorboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig.6 is a side view of the step-through vehicle depicting cable routing from the lock member as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00013] Typically, all step-through vehicles include a step-through region formed in a front portion of the vehicle, in front of the seat and behind the leg shield or rear panel. Some of the step-through vehicles include a storage space formed in the step-through region and covered at least partially by the floorboard. Further, in order to ensure that the items stored in the storage space formed below the floorboard are secure, a lock is provided in the floorboard itself. However, the lock provided in the floorboard if not tamper-proof will not be theft-proof either. There is therefore, a need to ensure no compromise in security of the storage space formed in the step-through region, while also ensuring that the storage space is easily accessible. Therefore, there is also a need to ensure that accessing the storage space is convenient and easy to open for the customer or authorized user & at the same time not easy to open or tamper for any un-authorised user. In the known art, vehicles typically provisioned with at least storage space have at least one lock & key system to access the lockable space. The lock & key system can be electronic fob type remote key or any other form of digital solution like a finger print identification lock system or a proximity sensor system. However, when accessing each of the independent storage spaces, the user needs to use either a dedicated key for each space or single key for each space. This makes the known art designs vulnerable for additional problems like potential theft from all storage spaces if an un-authorised person is able to crack or break open the single key. In case, separate keys are configured for each lockable storage area, the user faces the undesirable burden of carrying along & keeping multiple keys to access each storage space. For example, theft of tool kit from the motorcycle side cover storage space is a commonly faced problem. Typically, the key for the fuel tank disposed between the rider & the steering head pipe is same as that used for ignition as well as the side cover storage unit or any additional storage unit below the seat or on the fuel storage tank area etc. Unlike in digital storage solutions which typically provide multi stage authentication process to provide access to authorised personal e.g. ban transactions, digital lockers etc., for physical mobile storage spaces on open vehicles like 2 & 3 wheeled vehicles, there exists a challenge of providing a multi-stage or multi-level security system. The fact that the vehicular storage spaces are mobile in nature & vehicle can be parked in multiple public places makes the challenge further difficult to provide a secure anti-theft solution. From a theft scenario for a saddle type vehicle, the chances are theft are higher if it is possible for the un-authorised person to access the locked storage space without being conspicuously visible in the parked space of the vehicle. For example, the conspicuity of a thief while stealing something from the glove box is low as compared to stealing something from the under seat storage compartment since the entire seat may have to be swiveled open to adequate access items to be stolen making it easily conspicuous from a distance for any passerby & alert the authorities of the situation. Therefore, there also exists a challenge of providing a solution by which, the possibility of theft from any auxiliary storage areas, which may have lower conspicuity, is thwarted or deterred. Overall, there exists a challenge for any two or three wheeled vehicle (including personal transport or public transport vehicles) which when provisioned with a primary storage space & at least one or more secondary storage space, to have a more safer lock system which deters theft while overcoming all the above problems as well as other problems known in the art.
[00014] With the above objectives in view, the present subject matter is explained with an embodiment for a two-wheeled step through type vehicle which is configured with an auxiliary storage unit formed in a step-through region and that is covered by an external lid member. Particularly, the external lid member is designed to be unlocked through a lock set installed in a rear portion of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the external lid member covers the auxiliary storage unit from the top and is enclosed on four sides by the floorboard.
[00015] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the external lid member is detachably attached to the floorboard. The external lid member in its rear surface includes two or more attachment provisions for attachment to the floorboard. In addition to the two or more attachment provisions, the external lid member is also provided with a locking member for enabling locking to the floorboard. The external lid member is unlocked by disengaging the locking member engaged with the floorboard.
[00016] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the locking member is disengaged through the lock set installed in the rear portion of the step-through vehicle. In one embodiment, the lock set is installed in a portion of a primary storage space of the step-through vehicle. The locking member is disengaged by rotating a key inserted in the lock set. Since the lock set is disposed in the primary storage unit of the step-through vehicle, accessing the lock set is easy as it involves single authorized opening of the seat covering the primary storage unit using an authorized key. Thus, the external lid member of the auxiliary storage unit is accessed through the lock set disposed in the primary storage unit. Moreover, providing the lock set in the primary storage unit also ensures that a locking mechanism of the auxiliary storage unit cannot be tampered with. As a result, it is ensured that the external lid member is not easily tampered with and the safety of the items stored in the auxiliary space covered by the external lid member is ensured. As the primary storage unit is disposed under the seat, the opening of the primary storage unit requires entire seat unit to be swiveled making it easily conspicuous if an intruder attempts to access the items secured in the primary storage unit and / or subsequently attempts to access the items in the auxiliary storage unit. The conspicuity further deters & thwarts the possibility of ease of theft for any un-authorised person.
[00017] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the locking member of the external lid is disengaged from a slot in the floorboard on actuation due to unlocking of the lock set. The actuation of the locking member effects or enables an upward displacement of the external lid member. As per an embodiment, the upward displacement of the external lid member is effected by an integrated spring cap member fixed in the floorboard. Spring force exerted by the integrated spring cap member ensures that the external lid member is thrust upwards instantly when the locking member is disengaged from the floorboard. The automatic upward displacement of the external lid member enables a customer to easily lift the external lid member without much effort once the locking member is disengaged. Moreover, the spring force exerted is optimal to ensure that the external lid member is merely pushed open upwards and not completely swivelled opened. Additionally, the presence of the integrated spring cap member also ensures that the external lid does not close automatically but requires external force for locking, thereby ensuring positive locking of the external lid member with the floorboard.
[00018] As per another embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit lock unit may be a finger print based on remote fob-based lock unit which further increases the comfort & convenience of opening the auxiliary storage unit for the authorised user. Also, in case of theft from the primary storage unit, the auxiliary storage unit can still remain secure making it further difficult for an unauthorised person to crack open the auxiliary storage unit. This feature augments the security level of the auxiliary storage unit such that more valuables can now be confidently & securely placed by the user in the auxiliary storage unit giving it a two-level security protection i.e. un-authorised person having to break into the primary storage unit before having any chance to break into the auxiliary storage unit.
[00019] Various other features and advantages of the invention have been described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein an embodiment for a two-wheeled scooter-type vehicle has been explained. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
[00020] With reference to FIG.1, a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a step-through vehicle 100. The step-through vehicle 100 comprises a body frame 101 extending from a front end to a rear end. The body frame 101 includes a head tube 102, a down tube 103 extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube 101, a pair of left and right tubes 104 extending sidewardly from the down tube 103, and a rear tube 105 extending upwardly and rearwardly from a bridge tube (not shown) joining the pair of left and right tubes 104. The pair of left and right tubes 104 extending sidewardly from the down tube and joined at their rear ends by the bridge tube define the step-through region 106 of the step-through vehicle 100. A floorboard 107 is disposed in the step-through region 106 so that the rider can rest his feet. A leg shield 108 is disposed to cover the head tube 102 and the down tube 103 from a rear side. Further, an under-seat cover 109 is disposed to cover a front portion of the rear tube 105. Thus, the step-through region 106 is defined between the leg shield 108 and the under-seat cover 109. The leg shield 108 protects the rider’s legs rested on the floorboard 107 from running wind.
[00021] Further, the body frame 101 supports a steering assembly including a steering shaft (not shown), and a handlebar assembly 110 in a front portion of the step-through vehicle 100. A front fork assembly 121 is rotatably supported to the steering shaft through an upper bracket and a lower bracket (not shown). The handlebar assembly 110 provided above the front fork assembly 121 allows steering of a front wheel 125. The front wheel 125 is covered by a front fender 136 to prevent water and mud from splashing on parts lying sidewardly and rearwardly of the front wheel 125.
[00022] A front portion of the step-through vehicle 100 comprises two or more front panel members including a top front panel member 127 and a bottom front panel member 128. Further, a front cowl member 129 is provided to enclose the handlebar assembly 110. As per an embodiment, a headlamp unit 115 is disposed in the front cowl member 129. In the present embodiment, and as may be seen in Fig.1, the left and right turn signal lamps 116 are housed in the top front panel member 127. However, in another embodiment, the headlamp unit 115 is housed centrally in the top front panel member 127, with the left and right turn signal lamps being disposed on either sides of the headlamp unit 115.
[00023] For safety of the rider the step-through vehicle 100 is provided with braking systems, for example a linked type braking system which controls braking operation of a front brake device (not shown) and a rear brake device (not shown) of the front wheel 125 and the rear wheel 135 respectively. The braking system includes a front brake lever 132 and a rear brake lever (not shown) to be operated by the rider and connected to said front brake device and said rear brake device respectively through one or more cables including a front brake cable (not shown) and a rear brake cable (not shown).
[00024] For comfortable riding, suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of said vehicle 100 on the road. The front fork assembly 121, which forms the front suspension system, serves as rigidity component just like the body frame. The front fork assembly 121 clamped to the head tube 102 through an upper bracket (not shown) and a lower bracket (not shown) is capable of being moved/steered to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension (not shown), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the body frame at a rear portion thereof. Particularly, at the rear portion of the body frame 101, the rear wheel 135 is suspended by the rear suspension (not shown).
[00025] To enhance the overall aesthetics of said vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of said vehicle 100, left and right side covers 150 are disposed to cover left and right side surfaces of a rear portion of the body frame. A rear fender 155 is also provided for preventing mud/water splashed by the rear wheel 135 from entering other parts of said vehicle 100.
[00026] Figs.2a illustrates an enlarged top perspective view of the step-through vehicle. In particular, Fig.2a illustrates a auxiliary space 200 formed in the step-through region 106 of the step-through vehicle 100. As may be seen, a box-like auxiliary space 200 is formed in the step-through region 106 for storing utility items. For example, in one embodiment, a battery unit (not shown) of the step-through vehicle 100 is disposed in the auxiliary space 200. The auxiliary space 200 is disposed between the leg shield 107 and the under-seat cover 109 and is bordered on four sides by the floorboard 107.
[00027] Fig.2b illustrates a top perspective view of the step-through vehicle 100, depicting a primary storage space 220 formed in a rear portion of the vehicle. In particular, the primary storage space 220 is formed in the primary storage unit 221 of the step-through vehicle 100. The primary storage space formed in the primary storage unit 221 is typically used for storing utility items such as a helmet, and the customers personal items such as wallet, documents etc. The primary storage unit 221 is covered by the seat 130 (shown in Fig.1). Thus, the primary storage space 220 containing the utility items is secured by the seat 130. Further, as may be seen in Fig.2b, the auxiliary space 200 (shown in Fig.2a) is covered by an external lid member 201. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the external lid member 201 is detachably attached to the floorboard 107.
[00028] Fig.3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the external lid member 201 as per an embodiment of the present subject matter. On its rear surface 202, the external lid member 201 is integrally provided with two or more floorboard mounting lugs 202 on one side thereof. As per an embodiment and as may be seen in Fig.3, the two or more floorboard mounting lugs 202 are L shaped and are designed to be snap-fitted to the floorboard 107. The two or more floorboard mounting lugs 202 are provided on a first side 203 of the external lid member 201, especially on its rear surface. On a second side 204, facing the first side 203, the external lid member is integrally provided with a locking member 205 that is designed to engage with a corresponding engagement slot 507 (shown in Fig.4) formed in the floorboard 107.
[00029] Fig.4 illustrates a detailed top view of the floorboard 107. As may be seen, two lateral sides (107a, 107b) of the floorboard 107 corresponding to the first side 203 (shown in Fig.3) and the second side 204 (shown in Fig.3) respectively is extended laterally inwards towards a centre of the auxiliary space 200. Particularly, the floorboard 107 extends locally from two of its inner peripheral lateral surfaces. Each of said two lateral sides (107a, 107b) of the floorboard 107 is integrally provided with corresponding lid attachment provisions. For example, the lateral side 107a of the floorboard 107 that overlaps with the first side 203 of the external lid member 201 is integrally provided with two or more corresponding mounting slots 502 to receive the two or more floorboard mounting lugs 202 provided in the external lid member 201. The two or more floorboard mounting lugs 202 are slid into the two or more corresponding mounting slots 502 to get snap-fitted to said mounting slots 502. Thus, the first side 203 of the external lid member 201 is detachably attached to the floorboard 107 on one side.
[00030] Further, the second side 204 of the floorboard 107 is provided with the corresponding engagement slot 507 to receive the locking member 205. The locking member 205 is provided in the form of a hook that gets engaged in the corresponding engagement slot 507 formed in the second side 204 of the floorboard 107. The locking member 205 gets engaged in the corresponding engagement slot 507 when force is manually exerted on the external lid member 201. Thus, the external lid member 201 gets locked to the floorboard 107 only when force is manually exerted on the external lid member 201. In particular, the force has to be manually exerted on a locking zone identified on the external lid member 201. The locking zone is identified by a stand-alone marking (not shown) provided on an upper surface of the external lid member 201. Particularly, the stand-alone marking is provided in a region of the first side of the external lid member 201, on the upper surface that overlaps an integrated spring cap member 503.
[00031] As may be seen in Fig.4, the integrated spring cap member 503 is provided on the lateral side 107b of the floorboard 107 that corresponds to the second side 204 of the external lid member 201.As may be seen in Fig.5a, the integrated spring cap member 503 that integrally includes a spring and a cap is inserted in a slot formed in the floorboard 107 on the same lateral side 107b. Particularly, as may be seen in Fig.5b. a stepped slot 600 is formed in the floorboard, into which the integrated spring cap member 503 is inserted and press fitted therein. Thus, the locking zone identified on the external lid member 201 is maintained just above the integrated spring cap member 503, so that when the customer exerts adequate force on the locking zone, the integrated spring cap member 503 compresses. At the same time, the locking member 205 gets engaged in the corresponding engagement slot 507. Thus, manual interference is required to ensure that the external lid member 201 is locked, which in turn always ensures positive locking. Moreover, the tension of the integrated spring cap member 503 also ensures that the external lid member 201 remains in an uplifted condition when not subjected to external force, thereby making the user aware of the external lid member’s unlocked condition.
[00032] The external lid member 201 thus secured to the floorboard 107 is unlocked by actuating the locking member 205 from the corresponding engagement slot 507, so that the locking member 205 is disengaged from the corresponding engagement slot 507. Particularly, as may be seen in Fig.6, the locking member 205 is actuated through a lock set 700 disposed in a rear portion of the step-through vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the lock set 700 is disposed in a rear portion of the primary storage unit 221. As may be seen, a cable 701 emerging from the lock set 700 is connected to the locking member 205. Unlocking the lock set 700 results in pulling of the cable 701, which in turn pulls the locking member 205, thereby disengaging the locking member 205 from the corresponding engagement slot 507 in the floorboard 107. The lock set 700 is accessed by swivel opening the seat 130. Thus, the lock set 700 is thus secured by the seat 130 and is tamper proof and also conspicuous when opened. The lock set 700 is unlocked using a key (not shown). The same key that is used for unlocking the seat 130 may be used for unlocking the lock set 700, thereby improving the convenience of handling a single key. Thus, the external lid member 201 used for covering the auxiliary space 200 formed in the step-through region is accessed through a lock set 700 disposed in the primary storage unit located at the rear portion of the step-through vehicle. The present invention is thus configured with a multi-level security access system for the auxiliary storage unit enabled through 1st access to a conspicuous primary storage unit making it very secure from an intruder or any un-authorised person & theft free. The present subject matter overcomes all the problems cited earlier & has advantages over known arts in form of a enhanced security locking system for a mobile storage unit which is also made convenient to access & use for the authorised person while making in difficult for any un-authorised person
[00033] As can be made out from the teachings of the present subject matter, the auxiliary space formed in the step-through region can be easily accessed through the lock set provided in the rear portion of the step-through vehicle, while also ensuring the safety of the items stored therein
[00034] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Reference Numerals:
100 – Step-through vehicle 155 – Rear fender
101 – Body frame 200 – Auxiliary space
102 – Head tube 201 – External lid member
103 – Down tube 202 – Two or more floorboard mounting lugs
104 – Pair of left and right tubes 203 – First side
105 – Rear tube 204 – Second side
106 – Step-through region 205 – Locking member
107 – Floorboard 220 – Primary storage space
108 – Leg shield 221 – Primary storage unit
109 – Under-seat cover 502 – Corresponding mounting slots
110 – Handlebar assembly 503 – Integrated spring cap member
115 – Headlamp unit 600 – Stepped slot
116 – Left and right turn signal 700 – Lock set
lamps 701 - Cable
121 – Front fork assembly 507 – Corresponding engagement slot
125 – Front wheel
127 – Top front panel member
128 – Bottom front panel member
129 – Front cowl member
130 – Seat
132 – Front brake lever
135 – Rear wheel
136 – Front fender
150 – Left and right side covers