TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a three-wheeled vehicle and more particularly to a storing structure for a three-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a three-wheeled vehicle, colloquially called as auto rickshaw, is used as a passenger vehicle or as a load carrier. An internal combustion (IC) engine is a power unit for the vehicle. A driver compartment is in a front portion and a passenger compartment is in a rear portion of the vehicle. A handle bar assembly is disposed in the driver portion and the driver operates the vehicle from the driver compartment. A driver seating structure is provided in the front compartment so that the driver operates the vehicle in a sitting position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with
reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the
drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 (a) illustrates a right side perspective view of an exemplary
three-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0005] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates a right side perspective view of a frame assembly
for three three-wheeled vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment depicted in
Fig. 1 (a).
[0006] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a front perspective view of a rear portion of the
vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] , Fig. 2 (b) illustrates a left side view of the storing structure depicted in
Fig. 2 (a).
[0008] Fig. 2 (c) illustrates exploded view of the storing structure in

accordance with embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 (b).
[0009] Fig. 2 (d) depicts a left side view of the storing structure depicted in
accordance with embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (b).
[00010] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a front perspective view of storing structure, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 3 (b) illustrates a rare perspective view of the storing structure in
accordance with embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a).
[00012] Fig. 3 (c) depicts an exploded view of the storing structure depicted
in accordance with embodiment depicted in Fig. 3(b).
[00013] Fig. 3 (d) depicts a left side view of the storing structure depicted in
Fig. 3(b).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Generally, in a three-wheeled vehicle, a driver compartment is present in the front portion and a passenger compartment is present in the rear portion of the vehicle. A driver's seat assembly is positioned in a posterior portion to a handle bar in the driver compartment. Conventionally, a spare wheel is housed below the driver seating structure for ease of access. A passenger seat is provided in the passenger compartment. An engine assembly is mounted in the posterior portion of the vehicle. A cover assembly covers at least a portion of the engine assembly portion. A passenger luggage portion is provided behind a passenger seat, which is positioned on seat base-cover.
[00015] Generally, the three-wheeled vehicle is used for public transport, which involves the driver to travel for long distance. There is a need for the driver to have a secure location for carrying important documents, valuables etc. in the vehicle. However, secure location being provided should not interfere with the available utility space on the vehicle. [00016] Hence, an objective of the present subject matter is to provide a

three-wheeled vehicle employed with a storing structure. Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a storing structure, which enables securing storage space from unauthorized access. Further, the storing structure is formed by using the under-utilized space on the vehicle without compromising on the utility space.
[00017] According one aspect of the present subject matter, a storing structure is provided below a passenger seat base such that the utility space on the vehicle not compromised. According to an additional aspect, the storing structure can be adapted to accommodate parts of the vehicle that require ease of access for maintenance or servicing. For example, an auxiliary power source may be securely stored in the provided space.
[00018] According to another aspect of the present subject matter, the storing structure is secured to the frame assembly. Yet another aspect of the present subject matter is, a first opening to the storing structure is integrated with the seat base-cover. Further, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the storing structure.
[00019] In an embodiment, the storing structure comprises a storage body, which forms the storage space. The storage body is adapted according to the available space below the seat base-cover. Further, the storing structure is provided with a lid for covering the first opening. A locking mechanism enables in securing the lid from unauthorized access.
[00020] In an embodiment, the storage body is disposed between a first cross member and a trailing member. In an embodiment, the frame assembly comprises a head tube and a main tube that includes a first portion and a second portion. The frame assembly supports a storing structure disposed downwardly of the passenger seat and being enclosed by at least a portion of the rear cover assembly. The said storing structure comprises of a storage body with an opening and a lid

covering said opening, said lid in an open condition provides access to said storage body.
[00021] In an embodiment, the storage body is secured to at least one of a cross member and a trailing member. Therefore, the storing structure is secured to at least a portion of the frame assembly, which is load holding structure of the vehicle. Further, one or more bracket(s) secure the storing structure to at least a portion of the frame assembly. The first opening of the storage body is integrated with a rear cover assembly of the vehicle/which enables access to storing structure.
[00022] In an embodiment, the vehicle includes the storing structure that is abuttingly secured to at least one of said trailing member, or one or more cross-member(s) provided on said second portion of the frame assembly.
[00023] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a beading member disposed at a contact portion of said storing structure and the rear cover assembly, therebetween, and the beading member being made of elastic material to damp any interference.
[00024] In an embodiment, the lid is detachably attached to the storing structure. In another embodiment, the lid is slidable to provide access to the storing structure.
[00025] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00026] Fig. 1 (a) illustrates a right side perspective view of an exemplary three-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly 100F (shown in Fig. 1 (b)),

which includes a head tube 175, a mainframe 180, 185R, 185L, 185C, 195A, 195B, 195C extending rearward from the head tube 175. The vehicle 100 has a front cowl 105 positioned in anterior of the head tube 175. A windshield 110 is mounted to the front cowl 105. A floorboard 115 is extending from the bottom portion of the front cowl 105 to the rearward of the vehicle 100, supported by the frame assembly 100F. A handle bar assembly (not shown) is rotatably supported by the head tube 175, which is positioned behind the front cowl 105. A partition wall 120, disposed along the axis X-X\ divides the vehicle 100 longitudinally into a driver compartment DC, which is in a front portion and a passenger compartment PC, which is a rear portion of the vehicle. A steering assembly comprises a front wheel 125 connected to the handle bar assembly through one or more suspension(s) (not shown). A front fender 130 is positioned above the front wheel 125, covering at least a portion of the front wheel 125. A rear cover assembly 135 is covering at least a portion of the passenger compartment PC. A bottom portion of the rear panel 135 is connected to the posterior portion of the floorboard 115. Two or more rear wheels 140 are connected to a swing arm 145 through one or more suspension(s) 150, the swing arm is in turn connected to the frame assembly 100F. A hood 155 connects a top portion of the front cowl 105 and a top portion of the rear panel 135. The driver compartment has a driver's seat assembly 160 while a passenger compartment has a long passenger seat 165 extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The rear-cover assembly 135 is mounted to the frame assembly 100F. The vehicle 100 can be used for carrying passenger(s) or load(s). In case of carrying load(s), a load carrier is provided in place of passenger compartment PC area.
[00027] A power unit (not shown) is mounted to the frame assembly 100F in posterior portion of the vehicle 100. The power unit comprises of an IC engine (not shown) and a transmission system (not shown), which is functionally

connected to the rear wheels 140 for transmitting power from the engine. [00028] . Fig. 1(b) depicts a right side perspective view of an exemplary frame assembly 100F for a three-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment depicted in Fig. 1 (a). The frame assembly 100F extends from front portion F to a rear portion R of the vehicle 100, which is along the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle, includes a head tube 175, a main frame 180, 185R, 185L, 185C, 195A, 195B, 195C, which includes a main tube 180, a centre long member 185C, a right side long member 18SR, a left side long member 185L, a trailing arm 190, a first cross-member 195A, a second cross-member 195B and a third cross-member 195C. The main tube 180 extends downwardly rearward from the head tube 175 connecting the head tube 175 and the centre long member 185C. The centre long member 185C extends rearward crossing at least a mid-portion of the vehicle 100. The right long member 185R and left long member 185L are extending longitudinally from a substantially front portion of the frame assembly 100F to a substantially rear portion of the frame assembly 100F. The right long member 185R and the left long member 185L are connected to the centre long member 185C through one or more cross member(s) 195A, 195B, 195C. The trailing arm 190 supports the end portion of the centre long member 185C, right long member 185R and the left long member 185L. Further, the right long member 185R and the left ling member 185L extend rearward from the trailing arm 190 in an upward and rearward. The one or more cross member(s) 195A, 195B, 195C are disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the lateral direction of the vehicle 100 connecting the right long member 185R and the left long member 185L. Therefore, the mainframe 180, 185R, 185L, 185C, 195A, 195B, 195C comprises a first portion (FP) 180, 185R, 185L, 185C, 195A that is extending rearward from head tube 175 till the trailing arm 190 and a second portion (SP) 185R, 185L, 190, 195B, 195C the is extending rearward from the

trailing arm 190 and including the trailing arm 190. The axis T-T* extending along the trailing arm 190 divides the main frame 180,185R, 185L, 185C, 195A, 195B, 195C into first portion FP and second portion SP. In a preferred embodiment, the rear-cover assembly 135 (shown in Fig. 1 (a)) is supported by at least a portion of the frame assembly 100F.
[00029] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a front perspective view of a portion of a three-wheeled vehicle 100 employing a storing structure 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The rear-cover assembly 135 includes a seat base-front cover 170A, a seat base-middle cover 170B, a seat base-rear cover 170C, and a rear panel(s) 170D. The rear cover assembly 135 extends rearward from a posterior portion of the floorboard 115 in the passenger compartment PC. The seat base-front cover 170A extends upwards adjoining a front portion of the seat base-middle cover 170B. The seat base-middle cover 170B accommodates the passenger seat 165, which is supported by the second portion SP of the frame assembly 100F. The posterior portion of the seat base-middle cover 170B adjoins to an anterior portion of seat base-rear cover 170C. A passenger luggage compartment (not shown) is provided above the seat base-rear cover 170C. In a preferred embodiment, the storing structure 200 is disposed below the seat base-middle cover 170B and rearwardly of the seat base-front cover 170A. The storing structure 200 is formed such that the underutilized space in the vehicle 100 is utilized.
[00030] In the present embodiment, the rear-cover assembly 135 is made of rigid material. The rigid material includes any known metal. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the rear-cover assembly 135 is made of a sheet metal. In another embodiment, the rear-cover assembly 135 may be integrally formed as single structure. [00031] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a left side perspective view of the storing structure

200 in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The storing structure 200 comprises a storage body 205A, which is covered by at least a portion of the rear-cover assembly 135. The storing structure 205A is disposed abuttingly above the trailing arm 190 and below the second cross-member 195B. An anterior portion of the storage body 205A is integrated with the seat base-front cover 170A of the rear-cover assembly 135. The storing structure 200 further comprises a lid 205B. Further, the storing structure 200 is fastened to the frame assembly 100F of the vehicle 100 by one or more bracket(s) 210 or the like. [00032] In a preferred embodiment, the storing structure 200 is made of a rigid material. The rigid material includes any known metal or plastic. The brackets 210A, 210B are made of a rigid material, which includes any known metal. The storing structure is secured to the frame assembly 100F through the brackets 210A, 210B by fasteners.
[00033] Further, the present embodiment provides a storage body having a rectangular cross-section. However, shape of the storage body is adapted to be accommodated in the vehicle. In another embodiment, the storing structure is secured to the frame assembly by welding the brackets.
[00034] Fig. 2 (c) depicts an exploded view of the storing structure 200 depicted in Fig. 2 (b). The storage body 205A is provided with the lid 205B for covering a first opening 215. Further, Fig. 2 (c) depicts a beading 220 made of elastic material, one or more reinforcement member(s) 225, the seat base-front cover 170A is provided with a second opening 230, one or more bracket(s) 210, and one or more fastener(s) 240.
[00035] In a preferred embodiment, the first opening 215 of the storage body 205A is integrated with a second opening 230 provided on the seat base-front cover 170A of the rear-cover assembly 135, whereby the storing structure 200 is retro-fittable. Further, the seat base-front cover 170A is provided with one or more

reinforcement member(s) 225 to support the first opening of the storage body 205A. Further, in the present embodiment, the storing structure 205A and the one or more reinforcement member(s) 225 are welded or the like to the seat base-front cover 170A. The rubber beading 220 is provided between the storing structure 205A and the seat base-front cover 170A for reducing any interference therebetween.
[00036] One or more bracket(s) 210 are provided for securing the storing structure 205A to the first cross-member 195A. In a preferred embodiment, a first bracket 210A and a second bracket 210B having an L-shaped structure are provided. The top portion of a first bracket 210A and a top portion of a second bracket 210B are welded or the like to the first cross member 195A. A bottom portion of the first bracket 210A and a bottom portion of the second bracket 210B are bolted to the storing structure 205 such that a lower portion of the first bracket 210A and a lower portion of the second bracket 210B enable supporting the weight of the storing structure 205A. The lid 205B is provided with a lock assembly 235, which enables securing the storing structure 205A. The storing structure 205A is positioned such that the storing structure 200 is formed above the trailing arm 190. Further, a locking assembly 235 is provided on the lid 205B that enables securing of the lid 205B to the storing body 205A. The lid 205B comprises an open condition, and a closed condition and in an open condition provided access to the storing body of the storing structure 200. [00037] Fig. 2 (d) depicts a left side view of the storing structure 200 depicted in Fig. 2 (b). The storage storing structure 200 is formed by securing the storing structure 205A to the first cross member using a first bracket 210A and a second bracket. The top portion of the first bracket 210A is welded or the like to the first cross-member 195A and the bottom portion of the first bracket 210A and the second bracket. 210B are fastened to the storing structure 205A by plurality of

bolts and nuts 240, which act as fasteners.
[00038] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a front perspective view of a storing structure 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The storage body 305 in this particular embodiment is formed with additional space obtained by increasing the depth of the storage body 305A without interfering with any vehicle parts. The parts includes the engine assembly (not shown) .or the battery (not shown) or the fuel tank (not shown) that are disposed adjacently of the storing structure 300 and being covered by the rear cover assembly 135. A lid 305B is hinged about a top edge of the opening 315 of the storing structure 300. [00039] Fig. 3 (b) illustrates a rare perspective view of the storing structure 300 depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The storing structure 305A is positioned in the posterior portion to the seat base-front cover 170A such that it is formed between the second cross member 195B and the trailing arm 190. The storing structure 305 is formed such that the underutilized space below the seat base-middle cover 170B is utilized. One or more bracket(s) 310A, 310B enable securing the storing structure 305 to the trailing arm 190 of the vehicle 100.
[00040] Fig. 3 (c) depicts an exploded view of the storing structure 300 depicted in Fig. 3(b). Fig. 3 (d) depicts a left side view of the storing structure 300. The embodiment depicts the storing structure 305A, a lid 305B for covering a first opening 315, a beading 320 made of elastic material forming a closed structure, one or more reinforcement member(s) 325, the seat base front cover 170A with a second opening 330, a third bracket 310A and a fourth bracket 310B, and plurality of fasteners 340. In a preferred embodiment, the first opening 315 of the storing structure 305A is integrated with the second opening 330 of the seat base front cover 170A by providing a right reinforcement member 325A and a left reinforcement member 325B. Further, the rubber beading 320 is provided between the storing structure 305A and the seat base front cover 170A for

avoiding any interference between the parts. The storing structure 305A is secured to the seat base front cover 170A. The third bracket 310A and the fourth bracket 310B are provided in a bottom portion of the storing structure 305A for securing to the trailing arm 190. The plurality of fasteners 340 connects the top portion of the third bracket 310A and the fourth bracket 310B to the storing structure 305A. A bottom portion of each of the third bracket 310A and the fourth bracket 310B are welded or the like to the trailing arm 190.
[00041] The storing structure 305A is positioned below the first cross member 195A and abuttingly above the trailing arm 190. The third bracket 310A and the fourth bracket 310B are welded or the like to the trailing arm 190 such that the storing structure 305A is supported. The lock assembly 335 enables securing the storing structure 305A.
[00042] The storing structure of the present subject matter enables forming a storage space on the vehicle such that the underutilized space on the vehicle is utilized. Further, the storing structure is located such that no other parts of the vehicle are interfered with. Further, the storing structure can be installed while manufacturing or after manufacturing. For example, the other parts include engine assembly, battery, and fuel tank. Valuables and important documents can be secured in the storing structure. Furthermore, the storing structure is customizable to take shape of the available space below the seat base-middle cover. According to the shape of the storing structure, one or more bracket(s) enable in securing the storing structure to the vehicle.
[00043] 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.

I/We claim
1. A three-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising a driver compartment (DC) and a passenger compartment (PC) divided by a partition wall (120) disposed along an . axis (X-X5), said vehicle (100) comprising;
a frame assembly (100F) including a head tube (175), and a main frame (180, 185R, 185L, 185C, 190, 195A, 195B, 195C) including a first portion (FP) extending rearward from the head tube (175) towards a trailing arm (190), and a second portion (SP) including said trailing arm (190) and extending upwardly rearward from the trailing arm (190);
i a rear cover assembly (135) mounted to the frame assembly (100F) and supported by at least a portion of the frame assembly (100F); and
a passenger seat (165) being mounted to the rear cover assembly (135),
<
wherein
the second portion (SP) of the frame assembly (100F) supports a storing structure (200, 300) that is disposed downwardly of the passenger seat (165) and being enclosed by at least a portion of the rear cover assembly (135), wherein
said storing structure (200, 300) comprises of a storage body (205A, 305A) with an opening (215, 315) and a lid (205B, 305B) covering said opening (215, 315),

and said lid (205B, 305B) in an open condition provides access to said storage body (205A, 305A).
2. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the second portion (SP) includes one or
more cross-member(s) (195B) and said storing structure (200, 300) is abuttingly
secured to at least one of said trailing member (190) or said cross-member(s)
,>
(195B).
3. The vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said storing structure (200, 300) is secured to said frame assembly (100F) through one or more bracket(s) (210A, 210B, 310A, 310B).
4. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said opening (215) of the storing structure (200) is integrated with the rear-cover assembly (135) and lid (205) hingedly connected to the rear-cover assembly (135).
5. The vehicle (100) of claim 1 or , wherein said another opening (230) of said rear cover assembly (135) comprises an edge portion(s) being reinforced by one or more reinforcing member(s) (225A, 225B) for rigidly supporting said opening (215, 315) of the storing structure (200, 300).
6. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the lid (205B) of the storing structure (200) is hingedly secured to the storage body (205A).

7. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the lid (305B) is detachably attached to the storing structure (300).
8. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the storing structure (200, 300) is provided with a lock assembly (235) for securing the lid (205B, 305B) to the storage body (205A, 305A).
9. The vehicle (100) of claim 1 further comprises of a beading member (220) disposed at a contact portion of said storing structure (200, 300) with the rear cover assembly (135), therebetween, said beading member (220) being made of elastic material.