Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Utility Box for a Vehicle

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to saddle type vehicles and more particularly to a utility box for such vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] There is an ever-growing demand for higher capacity batteries for vehicles especially electric vehicles such as two wheelers to add to the range. At the same time, the location and installation of the battery is becoming more and more important with regard to the thermal management and the limited space available in two-wheelers. Further, it is also necessary to effectively cool down the battery with minimum components. For example, in saddle type vehicles such as conventional EV (Electric Vehicle) scooters, a traction battery is fixed to the frame with the help of brackets and a battery box. This battery cannot be removed from the vehicle without disassembling surrounding body panels. This makes the process cumbersome.
[003] Similarly in IC (Internal Combustion) scooters, when there is a service requirement for the engine, a utility box as well as side panels need to be removed to get access to the engine. This makes the process time consuming and cumbersome.
[004] Hence there is a need for easier accessibility to components such as the batteries, engine etc. below the utility box.
[005] Furthermore, current design and construction known in the art do not provide for easy access to the electronic components. Also, safe proof features such as fuses and the like are not replaceable easily. Besides, assembly and disassembly of the battery connector is also a challenge.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a utility box for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed at a utility box for a saddle type vehicle. The utility box is located under a seat of the vehicle. The utility box includes a bottom floor portion and a plurality of box walls forming sides of the utility box. The bottom floor portion includes a bottom floor and a detachable utility lid. The bottom floor includes a cut-out portion, and the detachable utility lid is provided over the cut-out portion.
[008] In an embodiment, the detachable utility lid includes a plurality of hooks on a rear side of the detachable utility lid and a plurality of snaps on a front side of the detachable utility lid. The hooks enable mating of the detachable utility lid for covering at least part of the cut-out portion of the utility box. The utility box includes a locking mechanism such as a groove and lock fit mechanism for interlocking the detachable utility lid with the utility box. The utility box includes a U-shaped groove on a periphery of the bottom floor. The locking mechanism includes the U-shaped groove and the plurality of snaps.
[009] In an embodiment, the cut-out portion is configured to provide access to at least one component of the vehicle that includes one or more batteries of the vehicle, a transmission, parts of an engine of the vehicle and the like.
[010] In an embodiment, one or more batteries of the vehicle are housed under the utility box and the cut-out portion is configured to provide access to the one or more batteries.
[011] In an embodiment, the utility box includes one or more mounting provisions provided on the bottom floor portion.
[012] In another aspect, the present invention is directed at a saddle type vehicle that includes the utility box, wherein a pair of seat rails of the vehicle extend upwards and rearwards for housing the utility box.
[013] In another embodiment, the detachable lid is a partial portion of the bottom floor portion. Further, a remaining portion of the bottom floor portion is an integral part of the bottom floor portion of the utility box. The detachable lid is disposed directly above the one or more batteries.

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 schematic side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2A and 2AB illustrate a utility box of the saddle type vehicle in a perspective view.
Figure 2B illustrates the utility box to be mounted in the saddle type vehicle in another perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2C illustrates the utility box to be mounted in the saddle type vehicle in a front view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2D illustrates the utility box to be mounted in the saddle type vehicle in another perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 3A, and 3B illustrate the detachable utility lid, wherein Figure 3A is a top perspective view and Figure 3B is bottom perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the detachable utility lid, wherein Figure 4A is a side view and Figure 4B is top view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a part of the vehicle including the utility box 110, wherein Figure 5A is a top view and Figure 5B is a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery pack for a two-wheeler vehicle.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a saddle type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 is a two-wheeler vehicle. For example, the vehicle 100 is a two-wheeler type vehicle, a step-through scooter type vehicle, a saddle type vehicle, a straddle type vehicle, and the like. The vehicle 100 has a front wheel 190FW and a rear wheel 190RW. The vehicle 100 has a transmission system (not shown), a floorboard 145 and a seat assembly 192. In an embodiment, the transmission system includes an electric motor (not shown) or a combination of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine as the prime mover as per design feasibility and requirement. A front suspension supports the front wheel 190FW. The upper portion of the front wheel 190FW is covered by a front fender 120 mounted to the front suspension. In an embodiment, the front fender 120 is movable along with the front wheel 190FW, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar 105 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a headlight 128 arranged on an upper portion of a head pipe and a brake lever 132 mounted on the handle bar 105. The head pipe is located in the space between a front panel (190FP) and rear panel (190RP). A main tube frame (190FT) extends downward from the head pipe to a horizontal member bridge frame tube (190FH) extending width ward. Four members, two from each side extend from bridge frame tube (190FH) towards a rear of the vehicle (100) to cross tube floor board (145).
[017] Further, a rear suspension (not shown) is provided to the rear wheel 190RW for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 100 over undulations on the road surface. A taillight unit 170 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 100 and at the rear of the seat assembly 192. A grab rail 165 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to a rider/pillion on the vehicle 100 during movement. The rear wheel 190RW is arranged below the seat assembly 192 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission assembly is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 190RW for driving the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the driving force of the prime mover is transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) or a belt drive (not shown). A rear fender 180 is disposed above the rear wheel 190RW.
Figures 2A and 2AB illustrates a utility box 110 in a perspective view for the vehicle (100), and Figure 2B illustrates the utility box 110 about to be mounted on the vehicle 100 in a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2C illustrates the utility box 110 to be mounted in the saddle type vehicle 100 in a front view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2D illustrates the utility box 110 to be mounted in the saddle type vehicle 100 in another perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The utility box (110) is located under the seat assembly (192) of the vehicle (100). The utility box (110) comprises a bottom floor portion (110F) and a plurality of box walls (110W) forming sides of the utility box (110). The bottom floor portion (110F) comprises a bottom floor (110B) and a detachable utility lid (110L). The bottom floor (110B) includes a cut-out portion (110C) and the detachable utility lid (110L) is provided over the cut-out portion (110C). Figure 2C illustrates the mounting of the utility box 110 on a frame bracket of the saddle type vehicle 100. In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 2D, the utility box 110 has locators (110LO) provided on the bottom floor portion (110F) for locating the utility box 110 on desired location above the batteries (196B).
[018] In another embodiment, the detachable utility lid (110L) is a partial portion of the bottom floor portion (110F). Further, a remaining portion of the bottom floor portion (110F) is an integral part of the bottom floor portion (110F) of the utility box (110). The detachable lid (110L) is disposed directly above the one or more batteries (196B).
[019] Figures 3A and 3B illustrates the detachable utility lid (110L), wherein Figure 3A is a top perspective view and Figure 3B is bottom perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The detachable utility lid (110L) includes a plurality of hooks (110MH) on a rear side of the detachable utility lid (110L) and a plurality of snaps (110MS) on a front side of the detachable utility lid (110L). The hooks (110MH) enable mating of the detachable utility lid (110L) for covering at least part of the cut-out portion (110C) of the utility box (110). The utility box (110) comprises a locking mechanism (110m) such as a groove and lock fit mechanism for interlocking the detachable utility lid (110L) with the utility box (110).
[020] Figure 4 illustrates the detachable utility lid (110L), wherein Figure 4A is a side view and Figure 4B is top view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The utility box (110) includes a U-shaped groove (110U) on a periphery of the bottom floor (110B). The locking mechanism (110m) comprises the U-shaped groove (110U) and the plurality of snaps (110MS).
[021] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a part of the vehicle 100 including the utility box 110, wherein Figure 5A is a top view and Figure 5B is a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the cut-out portion (110C) is configured to provide access to at least one component (196) of the vehicle (100) including one or more batteries (196B) of the vehicle, a transmission, parts of an engine of the vehicle (100) and the like.
[022] In various embodiments, the cut-out portion (110C) on the utility box 110 is provided based on the components housed below it. The cut-out portion (110C) may be shaped and designed based upon the access required for the components housed below it. For example, in case of an EV vehicle, the cut-out portion (110C) should facilitate the removal of the one or more batteries such as the traction battery and the like and in an IC vehicle, the engine may be accessible.
[023] In an embodiment, one or more batteries (196B) of the vehicle (100) are housed under the utility box (110) and the cut-out portion (110C) is configured to provide access to the one or more batteries (196B). In an embodiment, the utility box (110) includes one or more mounting provisions provided on the bottom floor portion (110F).
[024] In an embodiment, a pair of seat rails 198 (only one right seat rail of the pair of seat rails 198 being visible in Figure 5A) of the vehicle (100) extend upwards and rearwards for housing the utility box (110). The pair of seat rails 198 extend upward and rearward to form a gap in which the utility box (110) is housed.
[025] Advantageously, the utility box and the vehicle including the utility box of the invention enable easy and quick access to the vehicle components and parts housed under the utility box. The interlocking mechanism for the lid over the cut-out portion enables quicker access and saves time for servicing and maintenance. The proposed design gives better accessibility of components underneath the utility box. In case of EV scooters, the battery removability is facilitated through this cut-out, while for IC scooters the engine/ transmission components can be serviced through this cut-out.
[026] The lid construction in the proposed design has interlocking provision with the utility box. This ensures that the there is no un-intended removal of the lid utility box. It also reduces the need for additional components such as conventional lock with a key.
[027] The groove and lock fit provided on the utility lid and utility box also provides greater water sealing relative to a simple planar lid. This protects the electrical components under the utility box from water damage, while at the same time keeping the area clean from external debris entry. The invention also enables the easy removability of utility lid without additional components, while at the same time providing protection from water and dust entry.
[028] 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: Saddle type vehicle
105: Handlebar
110: Utility box
110B: Bottom floor
110C: Cut-out portion
110F: Bottom floor portion
110L: Utility lid
110MH: Hooks
110MS: Snaps
110m: Locking mechanism
110U: U-shaped groove
110W: Box walls
110LO: Locators
112: Fuse
120: Front fender
128: Headlight
132: Brake lever
145: Floorboard
165: Grabrail
170: Taillight unit
180: Rear fender
190FW: Front wheel
190RW: Rear wheel
190FP: Front panel
190RP: Rear panel
190FH: Horizontal member bridge frame tube
190FT: Main tube frame
192: Seat assembly
196: Component
196B: Batteries
198: pair of Seat Rails , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100), the utility box (110) being located under a seat (192) of the vehicle (100), the utility box (110) comprising a bottom floor portion (110F) and a plurality of box walls (110W) forming sides of the utility box (110), the bottom floor portion (110F) comprising a bottom floor (110B) and a detachable utility lid (110L), the bottom floor (110B) including a cut-out portion (110C), the detachable utility lid (110L) being provided over the cut-out portion (110C).

2. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable utility lid (110L) includes a plurality of hooks (110MH) on a rear side of the detachable utility lid (110L) and a plurality of snaps (110MS) on a front side of the detachable utility lid (110L), the hooks (110MH) enabling mating of the detachable utility lid (110L) for covering at least part of the cut-out portion (110C) of the utility box (110).

3. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, the utility box (110) comprising a locking mechanism (110m) for interlocking the detachable utility lid (110L) with the utility box (110), the locking mechanism (110m) being a groove and lock fit.

4. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the utility box (110) includes a U-shaped groove (110U) on a periphery of the bottom floor (110B).

5. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism (110m) comprises the U-shaped groove (110U) and the plurality of snaps (110MS).

6. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cut-out portion (110C) is configured to provide access to at least one component (196) of the vehicle (100), the at least one component (196) including one or more batteries (196B) of the vehicle, a transmission and parts of an engine of the vehicle (100).

7. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more batteries (196B) of the vehicle (100) are housed under the utility box (110), the cut-out portion (110C) being configured to provide access to the one or more batteries (196B).

8. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the utility box (110) includes one or more mounting provisions, the one or more mounting provisions being provided on the bottom floor portion (110F).

9. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising the utility box of claim 1, wherein a pair of seat rails of the vehicle (100) extend upwards and rearwards for housing the utility box (110).

10. The utility box (110) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable lid (110L) is a partial portion of the bottom floor portion (110F), and a remaining portion of the bottom floor portion (110F) is an integral part of the bottom floor portion (110F) of the utility box (110), the detachable lid (110) being disposed directly above the one or more batteries (196B).

Dated this 31st day of October 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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