DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to two-wheeled vehicle and more particularly to a storage structure for a two-wheeled vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled saddle-ride type vehicle a frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. Moreover, in a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly, a step-through space is provided. The step-though space provided may be used for carrying loads or for the rider to rest feet. Typically, the frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member that supports the vehicle loads. Also, a front wheel and a rear wheel are mounted to a frame assembly of the vehicle. The front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). A rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The engine is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle components. The vehicle components include electrical and electronic components including an electric starter system. Also, some of the vehicles have an anti-lock braking system, a synchronous braking system, or a vehicle control unit. The electrical and electronic components are powered by an on-board auxiliary power source or a magneto setup coupled to the engine assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 depicts a left side perspective view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 3 (a) illustrates a top view of a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a rear view of the vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a).
[0008] Fig. 3 (c) depicts another left side view of the vehicle.
[0009] Fig. 4 depicts a left side view of a vehicle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly, a tubular structure extends rearwardly downward from the head tube forming the step-through space and extends inclinedly rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle. Further, vehicle components that include a power unit, a fuel tank, and a seat assembly are mounted to the frame assembly. Generally, the vehicle has a compact layout and is conventionally known to have naked appearance. Moreover, majority of the vehicle components are exposed to atmosphere.
[00011] Moreover, vehicles are provided with an electric start system that includes a battery. The battery is to be securely mounted to the vehicle. At the same time, it should be easily accessible by the user. In addition, an electronic control unit is provided in the vehicle that is used for controlling various vehicle sub-systems such as an ignition system, a cooling system, an anti-lock braking system, or any other sub-system. The control unit is also to be securely mounted to the vehicle, as it is essential for operation one or more sub-systems of the vehicle. Moreover, user requires storage space for storing any documents or service tools or the like. Therefore, in a vehicle with a compact layout, especially vehicles with frame assembly having single tubular frame and having a step-through space, mounting of the battery or controller and other vehicle components results in shortage of storage space on the vehicle.
[00012] Thus, there is need for providing a storage space on the vehicle. However, the provision of the storage space should not interfere with the existing vehicle layout. In addition, the storage space should not be interfering with the utility space of the vehicle.
[00013] Hence, the present subject matter is aimed at overcoming the aforementioned problems. Further, it is an object of the present subject matter, to provide a two-wheeled vehicle with an auxiliary storage unit.
[00014] The auxiliary storage unit is disposed below an imaginary horizontal plane passing through a lower portion of said pillion seat assembly. The auxiliary storage unit includes at least a top portion in proximity to said horizontal plane. The auxiliary storage unit is disposed at a lateral offset from vehicle lateral center with at least one face of the auxiliary storage unit being laterally outward. The pillion seat assembly substantially overlaps with the auxiliary storage unit when viewed from top of said two-wheeled vehicle.
[00015] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the auxiliary storage unit is provided without comprising on utility space of the vehicle.
[00016] It is another aspect that the existing frame layout and vehicle layout are retained.
[00017] It is yet another aspect that the auxiliary storage unit of the vehicle provides a secure storage space that is easily accessible by authorize user.
[00018] It is a feature of the present subject matter that the auxiliary storage unit disposed downwardly of a pillion seat. It is an advantage that the auxiliary storage unit does not interfere with seating posture of pillion rider.
[00019] It is another feature of the present subject matter that the auxiliary storage unit is rigidly affixed to the body frame of the vehicle.
[00020] It is additional feature that the auxiliary storage unit provides a safety function as it acts as a guard that protects the user body or apparel/clothes from coming in contact with the moving parts of the vehicle including the rear wheel.
[00021] It is another advantage of the present subject matter that the width of the vehicle is retained thereby providing comfortable seating and riding layout for the vehicle.
[00022] In one embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle is provided with an auxiliary storage unit disposed below the pillion seat assembly and adjoiningly to the body frame. The pillion seat assembly substantially overlaps with the auxiliary storage unit when viewed from vehicle top.
[00023] In one embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit is disposed adjacent to the rear wheel and rearward to a rear suspension of the two-wheeled vehicle. The rear suspension functionally connects the rear wheel to the frame member whereby the rear wheel is swingable with respect to the body frame.
[00024] The two-wheeled vehicle is powered by a power unit that includes at least one of an internal combustion (IC) or a traction motor fixedly mounted to the frame member. The IC engine is powered by air-fuel mixture and the traction motor is powered by an auxiliary power source like battery, fuel cell or the like. The power unit is functionally connected to the rear wheel through a transmission system disposed on at least one lateral side of the two-wheeled vehicle. The auxiliary storage unit is disposed substantially upward of the transmission system.
[00025] In one embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit is disposed at a portion defined by the rear suspension from front, the pillion seat assembly from top, a transmission system from bottom, and a rear fender from the rear whereby the auxiliary storage unit covers at least a lateral side portion of the rear wheel acting as an apparel guard of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00026] In one embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle includes a pillion foot rest disposed below the pillion seat assembly, wherein the auxiliary storage unit is disposed between the pillion seat assembly and the pillion foot rest covering the exposed rear wheel portion therebetween from pillion foot.
[00027] In a preferred implementation, the auxiliary storage unit is having a length extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a width provided to fit substantially below the pillion seat assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00028] In another embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit includes an outer peripheral portion substantially inward with respect to an outer most portion of the vehicle.
[00029] In yet another embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle includes a mounting bracket disposed below the pillion seat assembly for supporting the auxiliary storage unit. The mounting bracket is secured to a rear suspension mounting at one end and to the pillion seat assembly on other end thereby requiring no additional mounting points retaining the compact layout of the vehicle.
[00030] The auxiliary storage unit includes a body portion and a lid that is hinged to one body portion thereof, wherein the lid is openable outward in the lateral direction of the two-wheeled vehicle with ease.
[00031] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00032] In the following embodiment, the arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein a direction F denotes front direction, a direction R indicated rear direction, a direction UP denotes upward direction, a direction DW denotes downward direction, a direction RH denotes right hand side, and a direction LH denotes left hand side of the vehicle.
[00033] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a two-wheeled type vehicle 100 employed with an auxiliary storage unit 200, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. Fig. 1 (b) depicts a left side view of a body frame 105 of the vehicle 100. The body frame 105 includes a head tube 105A and the body frame extends rearward from the head tube 105A. In the present embodiment, the body frame 105 has a single tubular structure and the body frame define a step-through space ST. A power unit 110 is mounted to the body frame 105 and is disposed downwardly of the step-through space ST. In the present embodiment, the power unit 110 includes an IC engine that is forwardly disposed. In another embodiment, the IC engine is swingably mounted to the body frame 105. In yet another embodiment, the power unit 110 includes an electric traction motor.
[00034] A fuel tank 115 is mounted to the body frame and is disposed in a front portion of the step-through space ST. Further, the fuel tank 115 is functionally connected to the engine assembly 110, for supplying fuel. A rear wheel 125 is rotatably supported by a swing arm 130, which is swingably connected to the body frame 105. Power generated by the power unit 110 is transferred to the rear wheel 125 through a transmission system 135. The transmission system 135 extends from the power unit 110 towards axle of the rear wheel 125 thereby enclosing at least a portion of the transmission system 135. For example, the transmission system 135 includes a chain drive connected to an engine sprocket and a rear wheel sprocket, a continuously variable transmission or an automatic transmission system.
[00035] A handle bar assembly 140 is connected to a front wheel 145 through one or more front suspension(s) 150. A steering shaft (not shown) connects the handle bar assembly 140 to the front suspension 150 and the steering is rotatably disposed about the head tube 105A enabling steering of the vehicle 100 by user. A front fender 155 is disposed above the front wheel 145 covering at least a portion of the front wheel 145. A rear fender 160 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 125. One or more rear suspension(s) 165, which are connecting the swing arm 140, to sustain both the radial and axial forces occurring due to wheel reaction, to the body frame 105. A seat assembly 170 is disposed rearwardly of the step-through space ST. In an embodiment, the seat assembly 170 includes a rider seat 170A, and a pillion seat assembly 170B. The pillion seat assembly 170B is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel 125. A floorboard 175 is mounted to the body frame 105 and is disposed at the step-through portion ST.
[00036] Further, the engine assembly 110 includes an air intake system (not shown), an exhaust assembly, and a starter system (not shown). The starter system is powered by a battery (not shown), for cranking the engine 110. Generally, the starter system is mounted to the power unit 110. Further, the vehicle 100 may include electrical and electronic components including the battery, a head lamp, a tail lamp, a vehicle control system, an anti-lock braking system, and a synchronous braking system that provide improved and safe riding. In an embodiment, the battery is disposed below the rider seat 170A. In one embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle 100 includes a power unit 110 including at least one of an internal combustion or a traction motor fixedly mounted to the frame member 105.
[00037] Fig. 2 depicts a left side perspective view of the vehicle 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 comprises the pillion seat assembly 170B mounted to the body frame 105 made of single tubular member. The auxiliary storage unit 200 is disposed downwardly of the pillion seat assembly 170B. In an embodiment, the rider seat assembly 170A (shown in Fig. 1) and the pillion seat assembly 170B are integrally formed, wherein the pillion seat assembly 1709B is disposed rearward to the rider seat assembly 170A. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 200 is disposed adjacently rearwardly of the rear suspension 165. One end of the rear suspension 165 is mounted to the body frame 105 at a suspension mounting potion 165A and another end of the rear suspension 165 is mounted to the swing arm 130. Further, a pillion footrest 180 is mounted to the swing arm 130 and is disposed symmetrically on either lateral side RH-LH of the vehicle 100. The auxiliary storage unit 200 is disposed below an imaginary horizontal plane PI passing through a lower portion 170BL of the pillion seat assembly 170B. The auxiliary storage unit 200 being disposed below the plane PI is mounted to the body frame 105 through a mounting bracket 205 and is secured through one or more fasteners, wherein the auxiliary storage unit 200 is disposed substantially upward of the transmission system 130. The auxiliary storage unit 200 includes at least a top portion 206 in proximity to said horizontal plane PI, whereby the auxiliary storage unit 200 is compactly packaged. The mounting bracket 205 extends in a longitudinal direction F-R, preferably from the suspension mounting 165A to a second mounting portion (not shown) on the body frame 105. Also, the auxiliary storage unit 200 is disposed at a lateral offset (as shown in Fig. 3 (a)) from vehicle lateral center VC with at least one face LF laterally outward. The auxiliary storage unit 200 is disposed adjacent to the body frame 105. The mounting bracket 205 supports the auxiliary storage unit 200 and use of common mounting portions, which is the suspension mounting 165A, eliminates provision of additional mounting points. The auxiliary storage unit 200 is made of a rigid material including polymer or metal. The mounting bracket 205 is made of a rigid material to hold the weight of the auxiliary storage unit 200 and the contents disposed therein. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 205 is made of metal.
[00038] The auxiliary storage unit 200 is rigidly affixed to the body frame 105 and is easily accessible by the user as it is disposed right below the imaginary horizontal plane PI that is a substantial height from the ground. The auxiliary storage unit 200 is disposed adjacent to the rear wheel 125, and rearward to a rear suspension 165 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100, wherein the rear suspension 165 functionally connects the rear wheel 125 to the frame member 105. The pillion seat assembly 170B substantially overlaps with the auxiliary storage unit 200 when viewed from top of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 providing a compact vehicle layout. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 200 acts as an apparel guard for protecting user legs or apparel/clothes from coming in contact with the rear wheel 125, which is a rotating part. Furthermore, the probability of user clothes being entangled in the rear wheel 125 is also reduced. Thus, the auxiliary storage unit 200 also acts as the apparel guard.
[00039] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a top view of a two-wheeled vehicle 101 employed with auxiliary storage unit 300, 301, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 3 (b) depicts a rear view of the two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a). In the present embodiment, a first auxiliary storage unit 300 is mounted to the body frame 105 (as shown in Fig. 1) of the vehicle 101 and is disposed below the pillion seat assembly 170B at the right hand side RH. A second auxiliary storage unit 301 is mounted to the body frame 105 of the vehicle 101 and is disposed below the pillion seat assembly 170B at the left hand side LH. The auxiliary storage units 300, 301 are disposed below an imaginary horizontal plane PI passing through a lower portion 170BL of the pillion seat assembly 170B. The auxiliary storage units 300, 301 includes at least a top portion 306 in proximity to said horizontal plane PI. A first pillion footrest 180A and a second pillion footrest 180B are disposed on the right hand side RH and left hand side LH, respectively. The first pillion footrest 180A and the second pillion footrest 180B are collectively referred to as pillion footrest(s) 180. The pillion foot rest(s) 180 are mounted to the swing arm (as shown in Fig. 1) and are positioned downwardly of a front portion of the pillion seat assembly 170B. The auxiliary storage units 300, 301 are disposed between the pillion seat assembly 170B and the pillion foot rest 180A, 180B thereby covering the lateral portion of the rear wheel 125 thereby protecting user feet and apparel from coming in contact with pillion user/rider.
[00040] Further, in top view the pillion seat assembly 170B substantially overlaps the first auxiliary storage unit 300 and the second auxiliary storage unit 301, as depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The auxiliary storage units 300, 301 are disposed at a lateral offset from vehicle lateral center VC with at least one face LF laterally outward Further, the auxiliary storage unit 300, 301 are disposed adjacently to the rear wheel 125 and are positioned substantially within the width W of the vehicle 101. The auxiliary storage unit is having a length extending in a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100, and a width W2 of the auxiliary storage unit 300 is provided to fit substantially below the pillion seat assembly 170B of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 whereby the auxiliary storage unit does not interfere with the sitting posture of pillion rider.
[00041] In addition, the auxiliary storage units 300, 301 includes an outer peripheral portion PA of the laterally outward facing face LF, which is typically lateral side surface of the storage unit 300, 301 substantially inward with respect to an outer most portion PV of the vehicle 101. In the present implementation, the outer most portion PV of the vehicle is lateral tip of the handle bar assembly. Thus, it is a feature that the auxiliary storage units 300, 301 are substantially within the width of the vehicle 101, whereby the compact layout of the vehicle is retained.
[00042] Fig. 3 (c) depicts another left side perspective view of the vehicle 101, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The auxiliary storage unit 301 comprises a body 301A and a lid 301B that encloses the body 301A. Further, a lock assembly 301C is provided on the lid 301B that securely locks the lid 301B to the body 301A. In the present embodiment, the lid 310B is hinged to a lower portion of the body 301A wherein the lid 301B is openable outward in the lateral direction RH-LH of said two-wheeled vehicle 101. The lid 301B opens downward through the hinged portion. In addition, the body 301A is provided with a pocket having an opening and the pocket is accessible from upward. In another embodiment, the lid 301B is hinged to any other side of the body 301A.The pocket holds the contents of the auxiliary storage unit 301 even in open condition of the lid 301A.
[00043] Fig. 4 depicts a left side view of the vehicle 102, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter. The auxiliary storage unit 400 is mounted to a body frame 105 (as shown in Fig. 1) of the vehicle. The auxiliary storage unit 400 is disposed below an imaginary horizontal plane PI passing through a lower portion 170BL of the pillion seat assembly 170B. The auxiliary storage unit 400 is mounted to the body frame 105. The auxiliary storage unit 400 includes at least a top portion 406 in proximity to said horizontal plane PI. Also, the auxiliary storage unit 400 is disposed at a lateral offset (as shown in Fig. 3 (a)) from vehicle lateral center VC (shown in Fig. 3 (a)) with at least one face LF laterally outward. The auxiliary storage unit 400 is disposed at a portion defined by the rear suspension 165 from front, the pillion seat assembly 170B from top, a transmission system 130 from bottom 130, and a rear fender 160 from the rear whereby the auxiliary storage unit 400 acts an apparel guard of the two-wheeled vehicle 102. Thus, in a side view the auxiliary storage unit 400 is surrounded by rear suspension 165 in the front F, a pillion seat assembly 170B in the top, at least a portion of the transmission casing 135 from the bottom, and at least a portion of the rear fender 160 in the rear. The auxiliary storage unit acts as guard for the pillion rider’s leg. The storage box 400 is disposed to adjacent to a portion of the rear wheel 125 that is exposed at region where the pillion rider’s leg is positioned thereby acting guard eliminating the user body/leg/clothes to come in contact with the pillion rider’s leg. Thus, the auxiliary storage unit 400 provides a safety function.
[00044] The term “two-wheeled vehicle” used herein is not limiting the scope of the present subject matter. As the present subject matter is applicable to all the vehicles having a layout similar to the layout of the two-wheeled vehicle as depicted in the embodiment, wherein the vehicles include a step-through type vehicle, a step-over type vehicle, or a trike.
[00045] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. ,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101, 102) comprising:
a body frame (105) having a single tubular structure;
a rear wheel (125) connected to said body frame (105); and
a seat assembly (170) including a pillion seat assembly (170B) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (125) and being supported by the body frame (105),
wherein,
an auxiliary storage unit (200, 300, 301, 400) disposed below an imaginary horizontal plane (PI) passing through a lower portion (170BL) of said pillion seat assembly (170B), said auxiliary storage unit (200, 300, 301, 400) includes at least a top portion (206, 306, 406) in proximity to said horizontal plane (PI), said auxiliary storage unit (200, 300, 301, 400) disposed at a lateral offset (OS1, OS2) from vehicle lateral center (VC) with at least one face (LF) laterally outward, and said pillion seat assembly (170B) substantially overlaps with the auxiliary storage unit (200, 300, 301, 400) when viewed from top of said two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101, 102).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary storage unit (200, 300, 301, 400) is disposed adjacent to said rear wheel (125), and rearward to a rear suspension (165) of said two-wheeled vehicle (100), wherein said rear suspension (165) functionally connects said rear wheel (125) to said frame member (105).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two-wheeled vehicle (100) includes a power unit (110) including at least one of an internal combustion or a traction motor fixedly mounted to said frame member (105), said power unit (110) is functionally connected to said rear wheel (125) through a transmission system (135) disposed on lateral side (RH-LH) of said two-wheeled vehicle (100), wherein said auxiliary storage unit (200) is disposed substantially upward of said transmission system (135).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101, 102) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said auxiliary storage unit (200, 301, 400) is disposed at a portion defined by the rear suspension (165) from front, the pillion seat assembly (170B) from top, a transmission system (130) from bottom (130), and a rear fender (160) from the rear whereby said auxiliary storage unit (200, 301, 400) acts an apparel guard of said two-wheeled vehicle (100, 101, 102).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two-wheeled vehicle (101) includes a pillion foot rest (180A, 180B) disposed below said pillion seat assembly (170B), wherein said auxiliary storage unit (200) is disposed between the pillion seat assembly (170B) and the pillion foot rest (180A, 180B).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary storage unit (301) is having a length extending in a longitudinal direction (F-R) of said vehicle (100), and a width (W2) provided to fit substantially below said pillion seat assembly (170B) of said two-wheeled vehicle (101).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein said auxiliary storage unit (300) includes an outer peripheral portion (PA) substantially inward with respect to an outer most portion (PV) of said vehicle (100).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein body frame (105) includes a mounting bracket (205) disposed on lateral side of said body frame (105) for supporting the auxiliary storage unit (200).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein said mounting bracket (205) is secured to a rear suspension mounting (130A) at one end and to the pillion seat assembly (170B) on other end.
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary storage unit (301) includes a body portion (301A) and a lid (301B) hinged to one body portion (301A) thereof, wherein the lid (301B) is openable outward in the lateral direction (RH-LH) of said two-wheeled vehicle (101).