DESC:which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to an assembly having storage compartment on a saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] These days, a private vehicle, is a preferred mode of transportation for any individual when compared with a public transport. This is because relying on others for travel or using public transports can sometimes cause inconvenience. And at the same time, travelling by means of a private vehicle, saves time while travelling, provides safety, provides flexibility with respect to following a schedule, and provides self-reliance and independence while taking a pleasure trip.
[0003] Among such private vehicles, saddle type vehicles are more popular for personal transportation partly due to being more affordable, easier to operate, and more convenient to park and store than other forms of vehicles, such as cars. These features are further improving on a continuous basis, with the advent of time, keeping in mind the daily needs and convenience of a rider, is making saddle type vehicles as one of the preferred practical and accessible choice of transportation across age and gender among light weight motor vehicles.
[0004] Considering the rapid increase in the usage of the saddle type vehicles, especially in the last decade, the automotive manufacturers and the third parties involved, are now focusing on providing vehicles according to the daily requirements of the users. Such daily requirements particularly include requirements related to the comfort of the users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of an assembly having storage compartment on a saddle type vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a conventional straddle type vehicle.
[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the straddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a seat assembly, in accordance with conventional art.
[0009] Figure 4a (prior art) to Figure 4b illustrates a bottom view of a seat assembly.
[00010] Figure 5a and Figure 5b illustrates a cross sectional view of the storage compartment of the seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure 6a illustrates the storage compartment of the seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Figure 6b illustrates the storage compartment of the seat assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Being a preferred practical and accessible choice of transportation across age and gender among light weight motor vehicles, there is always a need of best possible maximum storage space in a scooter, without compromising with general layout of the vehicle and adequate leg space. Usually, existing scooter type vehicle has two types of storage units at two different locations, such as ‘utility unit’ and ‘glove box’.
[00014] As compared to the glove box the utility unit is a bigger storage unit having approximately 20 liter volume of storage space and is situated under the seat between the front cover and the rear cover of the scooter type vehicle. Because of its large area, utility unit can be used by the rider to store certain articles depending upon the size of the article and the size offered by the utility unit, mostly articles such as a helmet.
[00015] The glove box acts as a smaller storage unit, with comparatively smaller storage space than the storage unit. Mostly the choice of having a glove box is optional depending on the needs of the consumer and his want of more leg space area. Generally, the glove box is fitted with panel rear (in-front of rider, while he is in riding position) by using visible fasteners. Glove box is best suited to store articles such as mobile phones, water bottle, papers, wallets, and similar small articles, easy access of which is sometimes a requirement by the rider even during riding state or while he is in riding position.
[00016] Both these storage spaces have their own constraints, as the utility unit is mostly used to store rider helmet when not in use, making the space insufficient for storing any other articles bigger in size. Similarly, the glove box also has its own space constraints, as only small articles can be stored, while constantly facing the issue of exposure of those articles to the outside environment. Therefore, while purchasing a scooter one of the deciding parameters of purchase, includes the need of more spacious saddle type vehicles.
[00017] It is mandatory for a rider to carry legal documents related to the vehicle, that claim his rightful ownership and portray that the vehicle fulfils all requirements with respect to insurance and environmental regulations and such documents need safe and secure storage space. A storage space is also desirable for accommodating unused additional battery cells in case of electric vehicles especially adapting swappable battery cells.
[00018] A secure storage space is also desired for accommodating a mobile charging station which securely hold the mobile when the vehicle is running and / or for accommodating charging socket for charging EVs .
[00019] However, the present option provided in known arts is either unsafe for such storage or inconvenient in terms of accessibility. This is because, if the documents are stored in the utility unit under the seat, then the rider requires to get down the vehicle, lift the hingedly connected seat and then access the utility unit. This whole process becomes inconvenient and cumbersome, especially when the rider is stopped at a traffic light stop or a crowded place. If the rider chooses to store the documents in the glove box, then those documents are constantly exposed to the environment, because of which the degradation process of the documents is expediated. Moreover, the documents are under a constant threat of being misplaced, and stolen.
[00020] Therefore, there is a need of a saddle type vehicle which has more storage space without compromising with existing features of the conventional saddle type vehicle which is both convenient to access and safe to store important small articles including documents.
[00021] Hence, there is a need to address above circumstances and problems of the known arts.
[00022] The present subject matter has been devised in view of the above circumstances as well as solving other problems of the known art.
[00023] The present subject matter discloses about an assembly having a storage compartment on a saddle type vehicle. The storage compartment being provided in a seat front portion of a seat assembly of the saddle type vehicle. The storage compartment includes one or more walls, wherein, one or more walls are configured to create a first space disposed substantially between at least two walls; and additionally configured to enable an easy access for said first space through at least one wall.
[00024] In an aspect of the present embodiment, first space being operable to be opened and closed by rotating one or more walls about a hinge unit disposed on at least one of the walls.
[00025] In another embodiment, the first space being operable to be opened and closed by rotating one or more walls about a hinge unit disposed between at least one of the walls and an extended wall.
[00026] In another aspect, the movement of at least one or more walls configured to provide easy access for a first space, being restricted by a holding means. Alternatively, storage space 206 (shown in Figure 5a) can also be used as a secured and secret storage space that will not be accessible from outside. In this embodiment, the wall 302 can be made as an accessing door (may be made as a slidable door) or a door with a lock, which provides access to the secretive storage space 206, where the rider can store important documents or articles, which cannot be accessed even if someone gains an unwarranted access to the general utility space.
[00027] Exemplary embodiments detailing features regarding the aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present subject matter will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “down”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, “interior” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the straddle type vehicles with a driver riding thereon. Furthermore, arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00028] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a conventional straddle type vehicle 100. The saddle-ride type vehicle 100 according to the current subject matter is provided with a power unit (not shown), for example, a battery or an internal combustion engine, that generates the power required to propel the vehicle forward, and a frame (not shown), which further includes a front frame, a central frame and a rear frame joined together to form the frame, and a power transmission unit 101, which transfers the power generated by the power unit to the rear wheel 102, and a front wheel 103 at front portion of the vehicle 100 below the front frame 103 which is steerable by the user, and a handle bar assembly 104 comprising of a left handle bar grip and a right handle bar grip which the user can use to steer the front wheel 103 in the desired direction, and a front suspension unit (not shown) for smooth force transmission to the front wheel 103, and a rear suspension unit (not shown) for smooth force transmission to the rear wheel 102. The power unit, for example a battery, can be placed below the middle front frame or/and the central frame in a slidable manner. The battery can be accessed by pulling the battery from a holding portion provided on the right-hand side of the battery. Similarly, the battery can also be accessed by pulling the battery from a holding portion provided on the left-hand side of the battery.
[00029] The front frame includes a head tube (not shown) and a down tube (not shown); the head tube supports the front suspension unit, which further support the handle bar assembly 104 in a steerable manner and the down tube extends rearward and downward of the head tube. The central frame has two tubes (not shown) on the left and right of the vehicle extending away from each other in a rearward direction. The left and right tubes are connected by a cross frame (not shown) extending in vehicle width direction. These left and right tubes further extend rearward and upward to form the rear frame, which supports other units of the vehicle 100 at the rear portion.
[00030] A front cowl unit 105 is provided ahead of the head tube and the down tube, for covering the head tube and the down tube, when viewed from front of the vehicle 100. A leg shield 106 extending downwards from the head tube, covers the head tube and down tube from the rear side. A front fender 107 is provided above the front wheel 103, in the vicinity of the front suspension unit, to prevent mud splashing onto the internal components of the vehicle 100 at the front portion. A handle bar rear cowl unit 108, at least partly covers the handle bar assembly 104, from the rear side. A handle bar front cowl unit 109 at least partly covers the handle bar assembly 104 from front side. A headlamp assembly 118 is disposed on the handle bar front cowl unit 109 and usually mirror units (not shown) are disposed on the handle bar assembly 104 through the handle bar front cowl unit 109. An interfacing portion of the handle bar front cowl unit 109 and the handle bar rear cowl unit 108 has a cut-out zone (not shown) on left side and right side for projecting the left handle bar grip and right handle bar grip (not shown) respectively. A vehicle information display unit 110 is mounted on the handle bar rear cowl unit 108 substantially behind the handle bar front cowl unit 109. A leg resting panel 111 is provided above the central frame to cover a top portion of the central frame and a bottom cowl (not shown) is provided below the central frame to cover a bottom portion of the central frame.
[00031] On the rear side, a utility unit (not shown) is disposed, at the space between the left and right tubes at the rear portion of the vehicle 100, to store articles such as laptop, documents, and files and so on. The utility unit is mounted onto the cross tube at the front zone and rear zone, thus getting supported by the rear frame. A seat assembly 112 is provided, above the utility unit and extending throughout the rear frame, for the user to sit over and maneuver the vehicle 100. The seat assembly 112 is mounted onto the vehicle 100 through a first hinge unit 207 (shown in Figure 4a), provided on the utility unit, such that the seat assembly 112 can be opened by rotating it about the first hinge unit 207 to provide access to the storing space on the utility unit (not shown). A glove box (not shown) is mounted on the leg shield 106, below the handle bar rear cowl unit 108 and above the leg resting panel 111.
[00032] The portion between the leg resting panel 111 and the front portion of the seat assembly 112, is covered by means of a front cowl unit 120.
[00033] A side cowl unit 113 is provided on the left and right sides of the rear frame so as to cover the internal components when viewed from left side of the vehicle 100 and right side of the vehicle 100 respectively. A front cover 113 is disposed ahead of the trunk unit and below the seat unit 112 to cover the internal components, such as the power unit, frame in a vehicle perspective view. A rear cover 115 is provided rearward to the rear frame and an opening formed by assembling the rear cover 115 and the side cowl unit 113 is used to place a tail lamp unit 116 on the rear side. A rear fender 117 is disposed above the rear wheel 102 to prevent mud splashing onto internal components while riding.
[00034] For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, an illumination system is provided on the vehicle 100. The illumination system includes a headlamp assembly, a rear lamp assembly (not shown), at least a pair of front indicator lights 119 and at least a pair of rear indicator lights 116. The headlamp assembly further includes a headlamp 118. The at least pair of front indicator lights 119 are provided in the front portion of the vehicle 100. On the rear portion of the vehicle 100 the rear lamp and at least a pair of rear indicator lights 116 are provided.
[00035] The headlamp 118 illuminates the road in front of the vehicle and is usually advantageous during night in locating the advancing obstacle while driving. The front indicator lights 119 and the rear indicator lights 116 help in indicating the passersby about the turning direction of the vehicle 100.
[00036] Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a straddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The seat assembly 112, includes a front portion, herein called as a seat front portion 201; a side portion on both right and left side of the seat assembly 112, herein called as a seat side portion 203; a top portion, herein called as a seat top portion 202; a bottom portion, herein called as a seat bottom portion 204 (shown in Figure 3); and a rear portion, herein called as a seat rear portion 205 (shown in Figure 3).
[00037] The seat assembly 112, is usually made of a hard material, for example plastic. The seat top portion 202 is usually covered with a resin material and a thick foam-based cushioning material 210 (shown in Figure 5a), for example polyurethane foam is provided in between the resin material and the plastic part of the seat assembly 112. The plastic part offers required strength to take the weight of an individual sitting on the seat assembly 112. The cushioning material 210 provide comfort to the rider, while the rider and/or a pillion is seated on the seat assembly 112. And the resin material, acts as a protective cover for the cushioning material 210 disposed inside it, and at the same time increases the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 100. In accordance to an embodiment, a storage compartment 300, is provided on the seat front portion 201, just above the front cowl unit 120.
[00038] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a seat assembly 112, in accordance with conventional art. The width of the seat assembly 112 is usually broader at the seat front portion 201 than the seat rear portion 205, thereby giving a hump shaped look especially in the area A, (shown within dotted lines). The hump shaped structure of the seat front portion 201 is important, because the rider usually sits on the area just above it, and at least a portion below the hump shaped structure of the seat assembly 112, is hingedly connected with at least a portion of the utility unit below. Thereby the hump structure of the seat front portion 201, provides required strength and meets the ergonomic requirements of the seat assembly 112. However, the space below the hump structure of the seat front portion 201, remains unused.
[00039] Figure 4a to Figure 4b illustrates a bottom view of a seat assembly 112. Figure 4a illustrates a bottom view of a conventional seat assembly 112 and Figure 4b illustrates a bottom view of a seat assembly 112, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00040] Usually, the seat bottom portion 204 of the seat assembly 112, includes the first hinge unit 207, a first space 206, a second space 209 and a fastening means 208. The first hinge unit 207, hingedly connects the seat assembly 112 to at least a portion of the utility unit (not shown) of the vehicle 100. The first space 206 is provided in between the first hinge unit 207 and a partition wall 209a of the second space 209. The second space 209, accommodates any protruded part of the article stored inside the utility unit below the seat assembly 112. The fastening means 208, is used to detachably fasten the seat assembly 112 to at least a portion of the utility unit, as and when required. Conventionally, the first space 206 is an unused space, which conventionally does not have any significance, and is simply created to avoid any excess material of the seat assembly 112.
[00041] Figure 4b illustrates that the storage compartment 300 (shown in Figure 2) is provided in the hump structured area of the seat front portion 201, such that at least a wall of the storage compartment 300, herein a bottom wall 302, covers the first space 206 from the seat bottom portion 204.
[00042] Figure 5a illustrates a cross sectional view of the storage compartment 300 of the seat assembly 112, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Herein, the storage compartment 300 is shown in an opened stage. The storage compartment 300, includes a plurality of walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 310), for example, a top wall 304, four side walls (301, 303, 309, 310), the bottom wall 302, and an extended wall 305. The space in between the plurality of walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 310) is the first space 206, which can be used to securely place important articles, such as documents.
[00043] The top wall 304, is disposed below the cushioning material 210 of the seat top portion 202. A protruded portion 308 is provided on at least a portion of the top wall 304. At least one side wall 303, herein called as a rear side wall 303, shares the boundary with at least one wall, for example the partition wall 209a of the second space 209 (shown in Figure 4b). In another embodiment, the rear side wall 303 can act as the partitioning wall between the first space 206 and the second space 209.
[00044] The bottom wall 302, covers the first space 206 from below the seat assembly 112. The extended wall 305, is the wall extending from at least a portion of the bottom wall 302. The at least one side wall 301, herein called as a front side wall 301, is hingedly attached to the extended wall 305of the storage compartment 300, by means of a second hinge unit 306, thereby the extended wall 305 acts as an anchorage point and accommodating space for the second hinge unit 306.
[00045] The front side wall 301 includes an engaging unit 307 on at least a portion of the front side wall 301. The engaging unit 307 is a “L” shaped horizontally extended unit.
[00046] In an embodiment, the front side wall 301, can be a separate wall of the storage compartment 300.
[00047] In another embodiment, the front side wall 301, can be a continued part of the extended wall 305 of the storage compartment 300.
[00048] Figure 5b illustrates a cross sectional view of the storage compartment 300 of the seat assembly 112, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Herein, the storage compartment 300 is shown in a closed stage.
[00049] Once the front side wall 301 is closed to secure the first space 206 of the storage compartment 300, the second hinge unit 306, gets folded up and gets accommodated in the space provided in between at least a portion of the front side wall 301 and the extended wall 305. And the engaging unit 307 of the front side wall 301, gets engaged with the protruded portion 308 of the top wall 304 and locks the storage compartment 300.
[00050] In another embodiment, the locking arrangement can be provided as a conventional key and lock arrangement.
[00051] In another embodiment, the locking arrangement can be a snap fit arrangement.
[00052] Figure 6a illustrates the storage compartment 300 of the seat assembly 112, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The dotted partitioning line imply the end portion of the storage compartment within the hump structured seat front portion 201 of the seat assembly 112. The present figure further illustrates two side walls 309, and 310 of the storage compartment 300. The front side wall 301 of the storage compartment is hingedly attached to the extended wall 305 of the storage compartment 300. A holding means 311 is provided to restrict the motion of the front side wall 301 beyond a first angle ?, once the front side wall 301 is opened to access the storage space 206. In an embodiment, the holding means 311 being a retractable spring. The holding means 311, prevents the dangling of the front side wall 301. In one embodiment, the holding means 311, can be attached on at least a portion of at least one side wall (309, 310) either on the right-hand side or on the left-hand side.
[00053] Figure 6b illustrates the storage compartment 300 of the seat assembly 112, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the front side wall 301 of the storage compartment is hingedly attached to the at least one side wall (309, 310) either on the right-hand side or on the left-hand side of the storage compartment 300. Similarly, the holding means 311 is provided on the same side of the at least one side wall (309, 310) on which the front side wall 301 is hingedly connected.
[00054] As per an efficient solution, the present subject matter, i.e. the storage compartment 300 provides an easy accessible storing space, i.e. the first space 206, which can be easily accessed by a rider, by extending his hands while being is seated on the seat assembly 112. The storage space can be used to store small articles, such as documents, which are required to be readily used and at the same time also requires to be securely stored.
[00055] 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.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERAL
100: Vehicle
101: Transmission unit
102: Rear wheel
103: Front wheel
104: Handle bar assembly
105: Front cowl unit
106: Leg shield
107: Front fender
108: Handle bar rear cowl unit
109: Handle bar front cowl unit
110: Vehicle information system
111: Leg resting panel
112: Seat assembly
113: Side cowl unit
114: Front cover
115: Rear cover
116: Rear indicator lights
117: Rear fender
118: Head lamp
119: front indicator lights
120: front cowl unit
201: Seat front portion
202: Seat top portion
203: Seat side portion
204: Seat bottom portion
205: Seat rear portion
206: First space
207: First hinge unit
208: Fastening means
209: Second space
209a: Partition wall
210: Cushioning material
300: Storage compartment
301: Front side wall
302: Bottom wall
303: Rear side wall
304: Top wall
305: extended wall
306: Second hinge unit
307: Engaging unit
308: Protruded unit
309, 310: side wall
311: Holding means
?: First angle
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A seat assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100),
wherein,
said storage compartment (300) being provided in a seat front portion (201) of a seat assembly (112) of said saddle type vehicle (100);
wherein,
said storage compartment (300) includes one or more walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310); wherein,
said one or more walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) are configured to create a first space (206) disposed substantially between at least two walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310); and additionally configured to enable an access for said first space (206) through at least one wall (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310).
2. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first space (206) being operable to be opened and closed by rotating one or more walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) about a second hinge unit (306) disposed between at least one of said walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) and an extended wall (305).
3. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first space (206) being operable to be opened and closed by rotating one or more walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) about a second hinge unit (306) disposed on at least one of said walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310).
4. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein movement of said at least one or more walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) configured to provide access for said first space (206), being restricted by a holding means (311), beyond a first angle (?).
5. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said holding means (311) include a retractable spring.
6. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said holding means (311) being fastened at one end of at least a side portion of said at least one or more wall (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) configured to provide easy access for said first space (201), and another end of said holding means (311) being fastened to at least a portion of one of said at least one or more walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310).
7. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cushioning material (210) is disposed above at least one of said at least one or more walls (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310).
8. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one or more wall (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) includes at least one engaging unit (307).
9. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one or more wall (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) includes at least one protruded unit (308).
10. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said at least one protruded unit (308) being engaged with at least one engaging unit (307).
11. The assembly having a storage compartment (300) on a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one or more wall (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310) being engaged with at least one at least one or more wall (301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310), by means of lock and key arrangement or snap fit arrangement.