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 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 a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a removable storage or utility box for a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in conventional electric vehicles including, but not limited to, scooter, one or more traction batteries are fixed to a frame of the vehicle with the help of brackets and/or a battery box. The one or more batteries cannot be removed from the vehicle without disassembling surrounding body panels. Thus, making the process of removing and inserting the batteries from the vehicle a cumbersome process.
[003] Similarly in the conventional internal combustion vehicle like, scooters, when there is a service requirement for the engine, a utility box as well as side panels have to be removed to access the engine. Hence, there is a need for easier accessibility to components below the utility box of the vehicle.
[004] Traditionally, the utility boxes are fixed to the vehicle, which makes it necessary for the user to carry an additional carry bag.
[005] In one kind of an existing saddled riding-type electric vehicle, the electric vehicle has approximately rectangular parallelepiped batteries, a battery case in which the batteries are housed, and a side stand, wherein the battery case is arranged below a seat. A pivot of the side stand is arranged within a front-rear length of the batteries housed in the battery case in a vehicle body side view. The pivot is provided at a part where a vehicle body frame swells outward in the vehicle width direction. The battery case is sandwiched and supported between a pair of left and right rising frames rising upward and rearward from rear ends of underframes for supporting the low floor from below, and the pivot is provided at a position closer to a lower side of the rising frames.
[006] Another kind of an existing electric two-wheeled vehicle includes an electric motor that drives a driving wheel, a battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor; and a drive control device composed of an EV controller part that outputs a control signal on the basis of an operation amount of an accelerator device and an inverter part that increases and decreases an amount of electric power to be supplied to the electric motor on the basis of the control signal of the EV controller part, wherein the EV controller part and the inverter part of the drive control device are formed in a divided manner, and wherein a vehicle body below a seating seat is covered with a body cover, a storage box integrally molded of a synthetic resin that has an upper opening to be freely opened and closed by the seating seat is arranged below the seating seat, and the EV controller part is attached and supported on an outer periphery of a side wall of the storage box.
[007] A yet another existing vehicle, which is an electrically-driven vehicle includes a battery which is used as a power source so that it has a good appearance without causing any obstruction. An internal space of a footing supporting a seat is a battery installation chamber. The in-vehicle battery used as the power source of the electric vehicle is installed in the battery installation chamber.
[008] In yet another kind of vehicle, an integrated tubular chassis with a three-dimensional bend and a two-dimensional bend for a two wheeler vehicle is provided. The integrated tubular chassis includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section carries front portion of the two-wheeler vehicle. The second section carries middle portion of the two-wheeler vehicle. The middle portion of the two-wheeler vehicle includes a fixed battery, a relay box, a motor controller, DC-DC converter, a side stand, and a floorboard. The third section carries back portion of the two-wheeler vehicle. The back portion includes a storage box, a portable battery, grab handle, seat assembly, suspension and motor frame. The three-dimensional bend and the two-dimensional bend provides shape factor of outer aesthetics to the two-wheeler vehicle.
[009] In yet another kind of existing electric vehicle, such as an electric scooter, it includes a seat that is adjustable for riding in a seated or leaning riding position. The electric vehicle also includes a removable battery pack that includes the controls for the vehicle. The electric vehicle also includes a storage tub with an expandable storage area depending upon the position of the seat.
[010] The existing vehicles as discussed above include one or more limitations in their utility or storage box. The limitations are cumbersome accessibility for component under utility box, higher service time, no locking mechanism for lid with the utility box, and lower storage volume.
[011] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle with a storage member or a utility box which address the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[012] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a head pipe and a main tube that extends downward from the head pipe. Further, the vehicle includes a pair of side tubes extending upward and rearward in a vehicle front-rear direction, each side tube of the pair of side tubes being spaced apart in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle further includes an under seat storage compartment disposed between the pair of side tubes, wherein a portion of the under seat storage compartment is detachable. The said portion is a utility box lid, wherein the utility box lid is removably mounted on the under seat storage compartment.
[013] In an embodiment, each side tube of the pair of side tubes being spaced apart in the vehicle width direction forms a gap.
[014] In a further embodiment, the under seat storage compartment is disposed between the pair of side tubes and at the gap.
[015] In a further embodiment, the under seat storage compartment comprises a cut-out for accommodating the utility box lid.
[016] In a further embodiment, the cut-out of the under seat storage compartment enables an access to one or more parts of the vehicle disposed under the utility box lid when the utility box lid is lifted from the under seat storage compartment.
[017] In a further embodiment, the one or more parts of the vehicle disposed under the utility box lid includes batteries.
[018] In a further embodiment, the utility box lid is disposed against an overlapping flange on the under seat storage compartment.
[019] In a further embodiment, the under seat storage compartment includes one or more locators, for guiding the utility box lid when inserted into the under seat storage compartment.
[020] In a further embodiment, the utility box lid includes outer side faces, the outer side faces being configured to match with inner side faces of the under seat storage compartment, providing a snug fit connection between the utility box lid and the under seat storage compartment.
[021] In a further embodiment, the utility box lid is made of a flexible material for expanding volume of the utility box lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[022] 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 illustrate a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary vehicle shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a magnified view of a rear portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the exemplary vehicle shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a magnified view of a rear portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary vehicle shown in Figure 1, where the utility box lid is lifted from a storage compartment of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate magnified views of a rear portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates sectional view (C-C) of vehicle shown in Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates sectional view (D-D) of vehicle shown in Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the exemplary vehicle, where the utility box lid is removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary vehicle shown in Figure 11, where batteries are lifted from the storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates a magnified view of a rear portion of vehicle shown in Figure 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 14 - 16 illustrate perspective, top and side views of an assembly of an under seat storage compartment and the utility box lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 illustrate a side view of the assembly, showing the connection of under seat storage compartment with frame of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[023] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle like a saddle type two-wheeler. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any type of saddle type two-wheeled vehicle which may be driven by an Internal combustion engine or an electric batteries capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[024] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a removable storage or utility box for a two-wheeled vehicle.
[025] Figure 1illustrate an exemplary vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It may be contemplated that the vehicle 10 may be, but not limited to, a “two-wheeled saddle type vehicle”. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (not shown) for providing traction force for movement of the vehicle 10. In some other embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include one or more chargeable batteries 20 (shown in Figures 9 - 13) for providing traction force for movement of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 26 and a rear wheel 36 which receives power from any one of the sources like the IC engine or the batteries 20. The vehicle 10 further includes a seat assembly 22 and a frame 24. The frame 24 comprises one or more frame elements including, but not limited to, a head pipe 12 and a main tube 14. In an embodiment, the head pipe 12 is located in a space between a panel front 28 and a panel rear 30 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the main tube 14 in the vehicle 10 extends downward from the head pipe 12. Further, the main tube 14 extends downward from the head pipe 12 to a horizontal member bridge frame tube front 32 (shown in Figure 4) extending in a vehicle width wise direction “W”.
[026] The vehicle 10 further includes four side frame members 34 (shown in Figure 4), wherein two from each side of the vehicle 10 extend from the horizontal member bridge frame tube front 32 towards a rear of the vehicle 10 to a cross tube 32A (shown in Figure 4) at a floorboard 38.
[027] The head pipe 12 of the vehicle 10 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 40 (shown in Figure 1) attached to the steering shaft. The two telescopic front suspensions 40 support the front wheel 26. An upper portion of the front wheel 26 is covered by a front fender 26A mounted to a lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 40 at an end of the steering shaft. The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 42 which is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10.
[028] The frame 24 of the vehicle 10 further includes a pair of side tubes 16A, 16B (shown in Figures 9 and 10) which extends upward and rearward in a vehicle front-rear direction “F-R”. In an embodiment, each side tube of the pair of side tubes 16A, 16B are spaced apart in a vehicle width direction “W”. In an embodiment, each side tube of the pair of side tubes 16A, 16B being spaced apart in the vehicle width direction “W” forms a gap “G” (shown in Figure 13).
[029] Further, the vehicle 10 includes a taillight unit 46 (shown in Figure 11) that is disposed at an end of the vehicle 10 and at a rear portion of the seat assembly 22. A grab rail 22A is also provided towards the rear portion of the seat assembly 22 and above the taillight unit 46. In an embodiment, below the seat assembly 22 of the vehicle 10, an under seat storage compartment 18 (shown in Figures 2 - 11) is disposed. That is to say, the seat assembly 22 rests on the under seat storage compartment 18.
[030] Referring again to Figures 2 – 11, the under seat storage compartment 18 is disposed between the pair of side tubes 16A, 16B. That is to say, the under seat storage compartment 18 is disposed between the pair of side tubes 16A, 16B and at the gap G. As shown in Figures 6 - 10, a portion of the under seat storage compartment 18 is configured to be detachable from the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the portion which is detachable is a utility box lid 100. The utility box lid 100 is removably mounted on the under seat storage compartment 18. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 7, the under seat storage compartment 18 comprises a cut-out 18D for accommodating the utility box lid 100. In an embodiment, the cut-out 18D of the under seat storage compartment 18 enables an access to one or more parts of the vehicle 10 disposed under the utility box lid 100 when the utility box lid 100 is lifted from the under seat storage compartment 18.
[031] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more parts of the vehicle 10 disposed under the utility box lid 100 comprises batteries 20. The batteries may include, but not limited to, lithium-ion batteries that may be chargeable when needed. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more parts of the vehicle 10 may include engine components of the vehicle 10.
[032] In an embodiment, the utility box lid 100 is disposed against an overlapping flange 18B (shown in Figure 8) on the under seat storage compartment 18. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 17, a rim portion of the under seat storage compartment 19 remains mounted to the frame of the vehicle 10.
[033] As shown in Figure 14, the under seat storage compartment 18 comprises one or more locators 18F. The locators 18F guide the utility box lid 100 when the utility box lid 100 is inserted into the under seat storage compartment 18. The utility box lid 100 comprises outer side faces 102, wherein the outer side faces 102 are configured to match with inner side faces 18C of the under seat storage compartment 18. As a result, a snug fit connection between the utility box lid 100 and the under seat storage compartment 18 is achieved.
[034] In an embodiment, the utility box lid 100 is made of a flexible material, which provides an advantage of a storage volume expansion, USB and OBD packaging, when the vehicle is in stationary condition. The flexible material can be including, but not limited to, PU, PVC and Nylon.
[035] Referring to Figures 6 – 10 and in conjunction with the Figures 11 – 13, when there is a need for servicing / accessing components under the utility box lid 100, the utility box lid 100 may be removed vertically upwards. In the assembled condition, the utility box lid 100 acts as a storage box, while the under seat storage compartment 18 acts as a structure for bearing seat load on a beading profile 18A (shown in Figure 4). The utility box lid 100 in the assembled condition rests on the under seat storage compartment 18 with the help of the overlapping flange 18B to locate the utility box lid 100. The utility box lid 100 may be removed from the vehicle by pulling it vertically upwards. Once the utility box lid 100 is removed from the vehicle 10, the utility box lid 100 can be used as a basket / tray to carry things around. Assembly of the utility box lid 100 is in the same way by placing it vertically downwards in the under seat storage compartment 18.
[036] Advantageously, in present invention the utility box lid can be completely removed from the vehicle and be used as a carry tray. The present invention provides easy accessibility to components under the utility box lid. The present invention provides convenience of using the utility box lid as a tray. The present invention provides a larger storage volume relative to a split piece utility box construction. The utility box lid in the present invention is made of a flexible material which provides an advantage of a storage volume expansion, USB and OBD packaging, when the vehicle is in stationary condition. The present invention provides better accessibility of components underneath the utility box lid. In case of EV scooters, the battery removability is facilitated through the cut-out made in the under seat storage compartment. While for IC scooters the engine/ transmission components may be serviced through the cut-out. The utility box lid can be used as a carry basket / tray when taken out of the vehicle. Present invention further provides a cost reduction, comfort, market attractiveness, flexible and collapsible utility box lid.
[037] Present invention solves the technical problems like, cumbersome accessibility for component under utility box, higher service time, no locking mechanism for utility box lid with the under seat storage compartment, and lower storage volume.
[038] 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 and characters:
10: Vehicle
12: Head pipe
14: Main tube
16A, 16B: side tubes
18: Under seat storage compartment
18A: Beading profile
18B: Overlapping flange
18C: Inner side faces of the under seat storage compartment
18D: Cut-out
18E: Rim portion of the under seat storage compartment
18F: Locators
20: Batteries
22: Seat assembly
22A: Grab rail
24: Frame
26: Front wheel
26A: Front fender
28: Panel front
30: Panel rear
32: Horizontal member bridge frame tube front
32A: Cross tube
34: Side frame members
36: Rear wheel
38: Floorboard
40: Telescopic front suspension
42: Handlebar
46: Taillight unit
100: Utility box lid
102: Outer side face of the Utility box lid
“W”: Vehicle width wise direction
“F-R”: Vehicle front-rear direction
“G”: Gap
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (12);
a main tube (14) extending downward from the head pipe (12);
a pair of side tubes (16A, 16B) extending upward and rearward in a vehicle front-rear direction (F-R), each side tube of the pair of side tubes (16A, 16B) being spaced apart in a vehicle width direction (W);
an under seat storage compartment (18) disposed between the pair of side tubes (16A, 16B), a portion of the under seat storage compartment (18) being detachable; and
said portion being a utility box lid (100), the utility box lid (100) being removably mounted on the under seat storage compartment (18).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each side tube of the pair of side tubes (16A, 16B) being spaced apart in the vehicle width direction (W) forms a gap (G).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the under seat storage compartment (18) is disposed between the pair of side tubes (16A, 16B) and at the gap (G).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the under seat storage compartment (18) comprises a cut-out (18D) for accommodating the utility box lid (100).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cut-out (18D) of the under seat storage compartment (18) enables an access to one or more parts of the vehicle (10) disposed under the utility box lid (100) when the utility box lid (100) is lifted from the under seat storage compartment (18).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more parts of the vehicle (10) disposed under the utility box lid (100) comprises batteries (20).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility box lid (100) is disposed against an overlapping flange (18B) on the under seat storage compartment (18).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the under seat storage compartment (18) comprises one or more locators (18F), for guiding the utility box lid (100) when inserted into the under seat storage compartment (18).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility box lid (100) comprises outer side faces (102), the outer side faces (102) being configured to match with inner side faces (18C) of the under seat storage compartment (18), providing a snug fit connection between the utility box lid (100) and the under seat storage compartment (18).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utility box lid (100) is made of a flexible material for expanding volume of the utility box lid (100).

Dated this 12th day of October 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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