DESC:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a storage compartment for two-wheeler vehicles.

BACKGROUND

A motor vehicle such as a motorcycle or a scooter is generally provided with storage space, such as a storage compartment for storing essential articles and documents such as driving licence, pollution certificate, and vehicle registration certificate. In some cases, the two wheeler vehicles are provided with single storage compartments, whereas in other cases the two wheeler vehicles are provided with two storage compartments one primary or a main storage compartment and a secondary/auxiliary storage compartment. Such storage compartments are generally disposed underneath the seat of the vehicle or at the rear. In some cases the storage compartments are disposed behind the leg guard region of the vehicle. However, the position of these storage compartments is such that these storage compartments are difficult to access by the rider while the rider is sitting on the vehicle or riding. For example, in the case of the storage compartment disposed behind the leg guard region, the rider has to bend to access the storage compartment. Such bending of the rider for accessing the storage compartment is inconvenient for some riders. Further, in the case of storage compartment positioned at the rear end of the vehicles, the rider has to turn, such turning can cause inconvenience to the rider and may cause back ache. Further, in the case of the storage compartment positioned behind the leg guard region, the compartment is not well lit and is inherently dark inside due to insufficient ambient light. Accordingly, it becomes difficult to locate and retrieve documents from the interior of such storage compartments. In the case of the storage compartments disposed underneath the seat or at the rear end such as behind the rider, the storage compartment is not accessible to the rider, while the rider is in riding position, as such the rider cannot easily approach the articles in the storage compartment while in riding position. The rider has to move from the riding position for accessing the storage compartment. Further, accessing such storage compartments requires a lot of time and effort. Most of the front storage compartments are either of the closed type (lockable) or the open type. If the secondary storage compartment is a closed type, then a key is required to open it and the key may be the same key which is used to start the engine. Even if the secondary storage compartment is of the open type, the rider may be required to bend in order to place things therein. Also it may be a tough task to locate small articles kept inside the secondary storage compartment. There is a need for a secondary storage compartment/glove box apart from the primary storage compartment that can be used for storing small articles like a mobile phone, a wallet, a handkerchief, a key and the like. Such secondary storage compartments are required particularly when the rider is wearing a pocket less dress and it becomes difficult to handle the small articles such as a cell phone, a wallet, a handkerchief, a key and the like. Further, there is a need for a secondary storage compartment that is lockable and securely holds small articles such as a mobile phone and a wallet. Conventionally known storage compartments do not have any provision for self-closing lids, wherein the lids close automatically once the user has released the lid after accessing the interior of the storage compartment. Furthermore, the conventionally known storage compartments do not have any provision for adjusting the extent to which the lid can be opened to meet different requirements.

Accordingly, there is a need for a storage compartment that acts as a secondary storage compartment configured on the vehicle and that can be used for storing small articles like mobile phones, wallets,handkerchiefs, keys and the like and that is quickly and easily accessible. Further, there is a need for a storage compartment that has a self-closing feature and feature of adjusting the extent of opening of the storage compartment for accessing the interior thereof. Further, there is a need for a secondary storage compartment that is lockable and securely holds small articles. Further, there is a need for a storage compartment that is easy to access and convenient to open and close while the rider is still seated on the vehicle. Further, there is a need for a storage compartment that can be quickly opened and closed without requiring much effort. Furthermore, there is a need for a storage compartment that can be accessed by the rider, while still maintaining proper posture and without bending. Furthermore, there is a need for a storage compartment for a vehicle, wherein interior of the storage compartment is exposed to sufficient ambient light. Further, there is a need for a storage compartment for a vehicle that remains under constant view of the rider. Furthermore, there is a need for a storage compartment that is simple to use, reliable and sturdy in construction. Still further, there is a need for a storage compartment that is simple in construction and easy to manufacture.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure which at least one embodiment satisfies, are described herein below:

It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present invention is to provide a secondary storage compartment in addition to the main storage compartment configured on a vehicle and that can be used for storing small articles like mobile phones and wallets and that is quickly and easily accessible.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment that is easy to access and convenient to open and close by the rider while the rider is still seated.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment that can be quickly opened and closed for accessing the articles stored there inside.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment that can be accessed by the rider, while still maintaining a proper seating posture and without requiring bending for opening the compartment.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment closable by a lid that automatically closes once released.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment that remains under constant view of the rider.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment that is simple in construction.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment that is easy to manufacture.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle mounted storage compartment that is sturdy.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a storage compartment for a vehicle which includes a storage compartment for a vehicle, wherein the storage compartment comprises at least one lid adapted to provide access to the interior of the storage compartment, at least one vertical panel adapted to create at least one side wall of the storage compartment and at least one fixing mechanism adapted to attach the at least one lid to the at least one vertical panel.

Additionally the lid is at least one of flat and curved. Typically, the vertical panel is a speedometer cover region of the two-wheeler vehicle. Also, the lid is of material chosen from a group consisting of plastic, wood and metal. Additionally, the lid is at least one of fixed and movable. Also, the fixing mechanism is at least one selected from the group consisting of bolted, screwed, hinged and slot guided.

Additionally, the lid further consists of at least one lug adapted to guide oscillatory motion of the at least one lid. Typically, the storage compartment further consists of at least one elasticity mechanism adapted to retract the pulled lid. Also, the elasticity mechanism is at least one of spring and elastic band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

The objects and features of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following description of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a storage compartment with a lid mounted behind a headlight of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates another view of the storage compartment with the lid of Figure 1, wherein the lid of the storage compartment is illustrated both in assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration;

Figure 3 illustrates a mounting arrangement configured at a speedometer cover region of the vehicle for facilitating mounting of the lid of the storage compartment on the speedometer cover;

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting arrangement of Figure 3;

Figure 5 illustrates the lid of the storage compartment of Figure 1 disassembled from the speedometer cover region of the vehicle;

Figure 6a illustrates the storage compartment of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; and

Figure 6b illustrates the storage compartment of Figure 1 in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

A motor vehicle having handle bar as steering control such as a motorcycle or a scooter is generally provided with storage space, such as a storage compartment for storing essential articles and/or documents such as a driving licence, a pollution certificate, and a vehicle registration certificate. Such storage compartments are generally disposed underneath the seat or at the rear. In some cases, the storage compartment is disposed behind the leg guard region. However, the position of the storage compartments is such that these storage compartments are difficult to access. For example, in the case of the storage compartment disposed behind the leg guard region, the rider has to bend to access the storage compartment. Such bending of the rider for accessing the storage compartment is inconvenient for some riders. Further, in the case of storage compartment positioned at the rear end of the vehicles, the rider has to turn, such turning can cause inconvenience to the rider and may cause back ache. Further, in the case of the storage compartment positioned behind the leg guard region, the compartment is not well lit and is inherently dark inside due to insufficient ambient light. Accordingly, it becomes difficult to locate and retrieve documents from the interior of such storage compartments. Also in the case of the storage compartments disposed underneath the seat or at the rear end such as behind the rider, the storage compartment is not accessible to the rider, while the rider is in riding position, as such the rider cannot easily approach the articles in the storage compartment while in riding position. The rider has to move from the riding position for accessing the storage compartment. Therefore there is a need for a secondary storage compartment/glove box apart from the primary storage compartment that can be used for storing small articles like a mobile phone, a wallet or a handkerchief. Such secondary storage compartments are required particularly when the rider is wearing a pocket less dress and it becomes difficult to handle small articles. Further, there is need for a secondary storage compartment that is lockable and securely holds small articles.

The present disclosure envisages a storage compartment that acts as a secondary storage compartment and is provided in addition to the main storage compartment configured on the vehicle and that can be used for storing small articles like mobile phones, wallets or handkerchiefs and that is quickly and easily accessible. The lid of the secondary storage compartment can be accessed even if the rider is riding the vehicle, without bending or leaning.The secondary storage compartment is very simple to use as all that the rider needs to do is to pull the lid towards him/ her to open the lid, place the article and release. The lid of the secondary storage compartment automatically gets closed because of spring effect of springs. Such a configuration of the secondary storage compartment provides a self-closing feature to the lid of the storage compartment. The play of the lid (i.e. the extent to which the lid can be opened) would depend on the cut out provided in two H- shape lugs which can be easily modified at the design stage to suit a specific vehicle class requirement. Accordingly, the extent to which the lid can be opened can be customized to meet different requirements. Also the lid can remain open from top and a top roof can also be provided to provide enhanced protection to articles from sun and rain. The secondary storage compartment can be made lockable to provide still enhanced protection.

The storage compartment with a lid can be configured behind a headlight of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the storage compartment with lid is configured on the speedometer cover and between the left and right handle bars of the two-wheeler vehicle. The storage compartment is provided with a lid for accessing the interior of the compartment. The compartment with the lid is strategically located, such that the lid is within the reach of the rider while the rider is still seated. Further, the storage compartment is so located that that the interior of the storage compartment is exposed to sufficient ambient light, when opened. The lid is easy to access and convenient to open and close while the rider is still seated on the vehicle. The lid can be quickly opened and closed for accessing the articles stored inside. The lid can be accessed by the rider, while still maintaining a proper seating posture and without requiring bending.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a storage compartment 100 with a lid 30 configured behind a headlight of a two-wheeler vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although, the accompanying drawings illustrate the storage compartment 100 mounted on a steering handle bar of a two-wheeler vehicle for explaining functional association of the storage compartment 100 with respect to the two-wheeler vehicle. However, the storage compartment 100 is not limited for use with two-wheeler vehicles only, and can be used with other vehicles having handle-bar steering and including 3-wheelers as well as quadri-cycles. The compartment 100 is configured on the speedometer cover 10 and is disposed between the left and right handle bars 20 of the vehicle. The compartment 100 is provided with the lid 30 that selectively provides access to an interior of the compartment 100. The lid 30 can be selectively pulled out for accessing the interior of the compartment 100. More specifically, in order to access the interior of the compartment 100, the lid 30 is simply required to be pulled outwards. Such an action for accessing the interior of the compartment 100 is simple and requires less effort as compared to other actions required in case of conventional compartments that involves pressing or actuating a press-button for releasing a lid from an opening configured in the conventional compartment. Further, the pulling of the lid 30 for accessing the interior of the compartment 100 is an easy operation that may be performed with one hand, and even during riding the two-wheeler.

Figure 2 illustrates another view of the lid 30 of the compartment 100 wherein the lid 30 is illustrated in both assembled configuration and dis-assembled configuration. The lid 30 includes a pair of lugs 32 disposed near an operative top end of the lid 30 and a pair of mounting apertures 34 formed at an operative bottom end of the lid 30. More specifically, the mounting apertures 34 facilitate pivotable connection of the lid 30 with respect to the speedometer cover region 10 for defining the open and closed configuration of the compartment 100. Such a configuration enables disposing of the pivot region or the hinge region under the storage region instead of over the storage region and thereby preventing rainwater from entering the interior of the compartment 100 and damaging the articles held inside the storage region as is in the case of the compartments with the hinge region disposed over the storage region. Further, with such a configuration, the lid 30 of the compartment 100 can be moved between the open configuration in which the compartment 100 takes form of open-type storage disposed on top of the vehicle and the closed configuration without requiring a cover body unlike conventional storage compartments that require an upper open-closable cover body for defining the open and closed configurations of the compartment 100. The mounting apertures 34 facilitate securing of the operative bottom end of the lid 30 to the speedometer cover region 10, whereas the pair of lugs 32 facilitates moving of the lid 30 with respect to the speedometer cover region 10 for defining open and closed configurations of the lid 30 and providing selective access to the interior of the compartment 100. The speedometer cover region 10 of the vehicle is provided with a mounting arrangement for facilitating mounting of the lid 30 there-on for defining the storage region of the compartment 100. Figure 3 illustrates the mounting arrangement configured at the speedometer cover region 10 of the two-wheeler vehicle for facilitating mounting of the lid 30 on the speedometer cover region 10 for defining the storage region of the compartment 100. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting arrangement configured on the speedometer cover region 10. More specifically, the mounting arrangement configured on the speedometer cover region 10 includes a plurality of lug engaging elements 12 and a pair of bolt receiving elements 17. The pair of mounting apertures 34 formed at the operative bottom end of the lid 30 registers with the pair of bolt receiving elements 17 formed on the speedometer cover region 10 and bolts 15 pass there-through to facilitate securing of the operative bottom end of the lid 30 to the speedometer cover region 10. The mounting arrangement further includes washers 16 disposed between the bolts 15 and the bolt receiving elements 17 for facilitating secure mounting of the lid 30 to the speedometer cover region 10. The pair of engaging lugs 32 of the lid 30 engages with the lug engaging elements 12 formed on the speedometer cover region 10 to facilitate moving of the lid 30 with respect to the speedometer cover region 10 for defining open and closed configurations of the lid 30 and providing access to the interior of the compartment 100. Each of the engaging lugs 32 include H-shape cut out portion provided thereon that facilitates in adjusting the play of the lid 30 (i.e. the extent to which the lid 30 can be opened), wherein the play of the lid 30 can be easily modified at the design stage to suit a specific vehicle class requirement. The lug engaging elements 12 formed on the speedometer cover region 10 are urged outwardly by spring elements 12a (illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4). Figure 5 illustrates the lid 30 of the compartment 100 disassembled from the speedometer cover region 10 of the vehicle.

Figure 6a illustrates the storage compartment with the lid 30 in a closed configuration. Figure 6b illustrates the storage compartment 100 with the lid 30 in an open configuration for facilitating access to the interior of the compartment 100. In accordance with another embodiment, a rubber grommet, a washer 16 or a screw 15 may be used for securing the bottom of the lid 30 to the speedometer cover region 10. The grommet, due to its ability to get compressed assists in protecting against rattle and aids in smooth working (opening of lid). The plurality of pre-compressed spring elements 12a are so placed that the spring elements 12a interact with the pair of lugs 32 and the lug engaging elements 12, in such a way that the pre compressed spring elements 12a gets further compressed when lid 30 is pulled to define open configuration and when the lid 30 is released the lid 30 returns to an original position thereof because of spring energy of the spring elements 12a. Such a configuration provides a self-closing feature to the lid 30 of the compartment 100. The lid 30 opens towards the rider to facilitate convenient opening and closing thereof.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The two wheeler vehicle mounted storage compartment, in accordance with the present disclosure has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
• a secondary storage compartment in addition to the main storage compartment configured on the vehicle and that can be used for storing small articles like mobile-phones and wallets;
• a vehicle mounted compartment that is easy to access and convenient to open and close while the rider is still seated;
• a vehicle mounted compartment that can be quickly opened and closed for accessing the articles stored there inside;
• a vehicle mounted compartment that can be accessed by the rider, while still maintaining a proper seating posture of the rider and without requiring bending for opening the compartment;
• a vehicle mounted storage compartment closable by a lid that automatically closes once released;
• a vehicle mounted compartment for a two-wheeler, wherein the storage compartment is so positioned that the interior of the storage compartment is exposed to sufficient ambient light;
• a vehicle mounted compartment that remains under constant view of the rider;
• a vehicle mounted compartment that is simple in construction;
• a vehicle mounted compartment that is easy to manufacture; and
• a vehicle mounted storage compartment that is sturdy.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:1. A storage compartment for a vehicle, wherein said storage compartment comprises:
at least one lid adapted to provide access to the interior of said storage compartment;
at least one vertical panel adapted to create at least one side wall of said storage compartment; and
at least one fixing mechanism adapted to attach said at least one lid to said at least one vertical panel.

2. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lid is at least one of flat and curved.

3. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical panel is a speedometer cover region of said two-wheeler vehicle.

4. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lid is of material chosen from a group consisting of plastic, wood and metal.

5. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lid is at least one of fixed and movable.

6. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixing mechanism is at least one selected from the group consisting of bolted, screwed, hinged and slot guided.

7. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lid further consists of at least one lug adapted to guide oscillatory motion of said at least one lid.

8. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1 further consists of at least one elasticity mechanism adapted to retractably pull said lid.

9. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 8, wherein said elasticity mechanism is at least one of spring and elastic band.