WO2008087662A2

WO2008087662A2 - Utility box

Info

Publication number: WO2008087662A2
Application number: PCT/IN2008/000031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Venkatesan Raghavan; Syamalarao Bhusam; Sridhar Balaguru
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2007-01-19
Filing date: 2008-01-18
Publication date: 2008-07-24
Also published as: BRPI0806636A2; WO2008087662A3; MY164011A

Abstract

This description relates to a utility box (100) for a two wheeler automobile. The. utility box (100) is located adjacent to a fuel tank (600) substantially above the rear wheel. A seat (1600) is pivotally disposed- above the utility box (100). The front end of the utility box (100) is mounted substantially upwardly on the chassis (800). The rear end of the utility box (100) is mounted substantially upwardly on the chassis (800) through an extended portion of the fuel tank (600) such that the rear end of the utility box (100) extends partially over an extended portion of the fuel tank (600). Further, the walls of the utility box (100) possess variable thicknesses. The utility box (100) includes a small tray (1100), wherein an ignition kill switch (1000) is disposed. In the bottom surface of the utility box (100), an opening with a detachable lid (1700) is disposed to provide easy access to the electrical parts underneath the lid.

Description

UTILITY BOX TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter, in general, relates to a utility box and in particular relates to a utility box for a two-wheeled vehicle BACKGROUND

Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, a utility box is mounted in front of the fuel tank and below a seat of the vehicle. The fuel tank and the utility box are independently mounted on the chassis of the vehicle, thus requiring a plurality of fasteners. An increased number of fasteners increase the manufacturing cost. Additionally, assembling the fuel tank and the utility box on the chassis by means of the plurality of fasteners is a time consuming and tedious task.

Therefore, a need exists to reduce the number of fasteners and increase the space available for mounting the utility box in the two- wheeler automobile. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide more space for the utility box.

Another object of this invention is to use lesser number of fasteners.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide easy access to electrical parts.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide extra space for storing small articles such as coins, cigarette lighter, etc. Yet another object of this invention is to provide utility box with walls of variable thickness.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments as hereinafter, the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Various other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art or follow from routine experimentation. Further, the invention is not limited to the above mentioned objects. The various embodiments can address one or more of these and other objects as well. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of a utility box for a two-wheeler, for example, a motorcycle, which are further described below in the detailed description. In accordance with one aspect of the present subject matter, the utility box for the motorcycle extends longitudinally along the chassis of the motorcycle. The utility box is located adjacent to the fuel tank of the motorcycle. The fuel tank is located substantially above the rear wheel of the motorcycle. A seat is pivotally disposed above the utility box.

The front end of the utility box is mounted in a substantially upward direction on the middle section of the chassis. The rear end of the utility box is mounted in a substantially upward direction on the rear section of the chassis through an extended portion of the fuel tank in such a manner, that the rear end of the utility box extends partially over an extended portion of the fuel tank. One or more common mounting means are provided for mounting both the rear end of the utility box and the adjacent end of the fuel tank. Further, to ensure better load carrying capacity, the wall thickness above the loading region is more than the wall thickness below the loading region. Furthermore, to optimize the space available inside the utility box and to have a better fit and finish while opening the seat, the wall of the utility box adjoining the fuel tank can be made curved.

In accordance with another aspect of present subject matter, a storage box is provided in the motorcycle that includes a tray disposed substantially near a seat hinge in the utility box. Further, an ignition kill switch can be provided inside the tray, thus ensuring additional security against theft.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, a detachable lid can be disposed on an opening at the bottom surface of the utility box. The lid can provide easy access to electrical parts disposed beneath the detachable lid.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the middle portion of a motorcycle with a utility box and a fuel tank arranged adjacent to each other below a seat, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the utility box and the fuel tank of the motorcycle, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the utility box, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 4 shows top view of the utility box and the fuel tank arranged adjacent to each other, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional side view of the utility box, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 6 shows a top view of the utility box and a perspective view of a detachable lid, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A utility box of a motorcycle has been illustrated in the referred figures. The figures depict various embodiments for achieving the aforementioned objectives. In accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter, a utility box for a step through motorcycle is described. The utility box is disposed below a seat of the motorcycle. The utility box extends longitudinally along a chassis of the motorcycle and is disposed adjacent to the fuel tank, substantially above a rear wheel. The utility box has a front end and a rear end. The front end of the utility box is attached substantially upwardly on middle section of the chassis while the rear end is attached substantially upwardly on the rear section of the chassis through an extended portion of the fuel tank. One or more common means for mounting the rear end of the utility box and the adjacent end of the fuel tank are provided. The mounting is such that the rear end of the utility box partially extends over an extended portion of the fuel tank. For example, in one case, the extended portion is a flange.

In the implementation of the utility box described above, the common means for mounting the rear end of the utility box on the chassis include one or more bolts and nuts. In accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter the utility box is provided with a tray. The tray is disposed substantially near a seat hinge in the utility box.

In one implementation of the utility box of the present embodiment, an ignition kill switch is disposed within the tray. Alternatively, the ignition kill switch may be disposed anywhere within the utility box.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a detachable lid is disposed on an opening at the bottom surface of the utility box. An electrical box having a plurality of electrical parts therein is disposed beneath the detachable lid. The detachable lid provides an easy access to the electrical parts placed therein. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the inner walls of the utility box have variable thicknesses. The utility box is constructed in such a manner, that the inner walls have an upper section of higher wall thickness than a lower section. The upper section is the section above a horizontal plane along the front end mounting, while the lower section is the section below the horizontal plane along the front end mounting.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the mating surfaces of the utility box and the fuel tank are made concave and convex shaped respectively. Additionally, the rear side portion of the utility box is provided with a greater depth than that of the front side portion of the utility box. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, a step through motorcycle is described. The step through motorcycle includes a utility box having a storage space. The utility box extends longitudinally along the chassis of the motorcycle and is disposed adjacent to the fuel tank, substantially above the rear wheel. The step through motorcycle further includes a seat that is pivotally disposed above the utility box. The utility box includes a tray disposed substantially near a seat hinge. In one implementation, an ignition kill switch is disposed inside the tray.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a step through motorcycle comprising a utility box is described. The utility box is characterized by a detachable lid disposed on an opening in the bottom surface of the utility box. An electrical box containing electrical parts therein is disposed such that the electrical parts can be accessed by opening the detachable Hd.

Fig 1 shows a perspective view of a middle portion of a motorcycle wherein a utility box 100 and a fuel tank 600 have been arranged adjacent to each other, below a seat

1600, with respect to one embodiment of the present implementation. The utility box 100 is designed to hold different objects. The utility box 100 is placed below the seat 1600 adjacent to a fuel tank 600 over the chassis 800. The front end of the utility box 100 is mounted through known resilient means 300 that is moved close to seat resting plane 400 and seat hinge 500 thereby distributing the load of the utility box 100. The utility box 100 is constructed in such a manner, that the rear side portion of the utility box 100 has a depth greater than the depth of the front side portion.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the utility box 100 and a fuel tank 600 of the motorcycle, with respect to one embodiment of the present subject matter wherein the rear end of the utility box 100 is mounted onto the chassis 800 through another set of resilient means 700. The fuel tank 600 is also mounted onto the chassis 800 through the set of resilient means 700. The rear portion of the utility box 100 overlaps with an extended front portion of the fuel tank 600. The extended front portion of the fuel tank is a flange 900, which is an integral part of the fuel tank 600. Thus, more space is enclosed within the utility box 100.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the utility box 100 with respect to one embodiment of the present subject matter wherein the utility box 100 includes a tray 1100 located near the seat hinge 500, for storing various objects, such as coins, cigarette lighter, etc.

In another embodiment of the present subject matter, an ignition kill switch 1000 is provided on the tray 1100 for additional security against theft and the remaining space in the tray 1100 is used for placing small articles such as coins, cigarette lighter etc. In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter the ignition kill switch

1000 is provided at any other place inside the utility box 100.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of the utility box 100 and the fuel tank 600 arranged adjacent to each other, according to one embodiment of the subject matter wherein the utility box 100 and the fuel tank 600 are made curved along a split line 1200 for better fit, more space, and aesthetics. Thus, the utility box 100 and the fuel tank 600 are constructed in such a manner that their mating surfaces are concave and convex shaped respectively.

Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional side view of the utility box 100 with respect to one embodiment of the present subject matter wherein the utility box 100 is divided into two sections by a notional line 1300 drawn in a horizontal plane from the front end mounting of the utility box 100. The notional line separates regions of the utility box 100 that have different inner wall thicknesses. The portion of the utility box 100 above the notional line 1300, i.e. the upper section 1400 of the utility box 100 has a higher wall thickness as this region acts as a loading region. Below the notional line 1300, the lower section 1500 of the utility box 100 has a lower wall thickness as this region acts as a non-loading region.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of the utility box 100 and a perspective view of a detachable lid with respect to one embodiment of the present subject matter, where the utility box 100 has a detachable lid 1700 attached to an opening in the bottom surface of the utility box 100 such that the electrical parts placed in the electrical box are easily accessible.

In another embodiment of the present subject matter the detachable lid 1700 is attached to an opening on any of the surfaces of the utility box 100, irrespective of its structure or arrangement of the utility box 100, such that the parts underneath the detachable lid 1700 are easier to access.

Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. As such, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained therein.

Claims

We claim

1. A utility box 100 for a step through motorcycle characterized in that said utility box is disposed below a seat 1600 and has a front end and a rear end, said utility box 100 extending longitudinally along a chassis 800 of said motorcycle and disposed adjacent to a fuel tank 600 substantially above a rear wheel, said front end is attached substantially upwardly on the middle section of said chassis 800, said rear end is attached substantially upwardly on the rear section of said chassis 800 through an extended portion of said fuel tank 600, one or more common means 700 for mounting said rear end of said utility box 100 and an adjacent end of said fuel tank 600 such that the rear end of said utility box 100 partially extends over an extended portion of said fuel tank 600.

2. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said common means 700 for mounting said rear end of said utility box 100 on said chassis 800 include one or more bolts and nuts.

3. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tray 1100 is disposed substantially near a seat hinge 500 in said utility box 100.

4. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein an ignition kill switch 1000 is disposed in said tray 1100.

5. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ignition kill switch 1000 is disposed within said utility box 100.

6. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a detachable lid 1700 is disposed on an opening in the bottom surface of said utility box 100.

7. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein an electrical box containing electrical parts therein, is disposed beneath said detachable lid 1700.

8. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said utility box 100 has inner walls of varying thicknesses.

9. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein said utility box 100 is constructed in such a way that said inner walls have an upper section 1400, present above a horizontal plane along the front end mounting, with a greater wall thickness than a lower section 1500 present below the horizontal plane along the front end mounting.

10. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein mating surfaces of said utility box 100 and said fuel tank 600 are concave and convex shaped respectively.

11. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extended portion is a flange 900.

12. The utility box 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said utility box 100 has a rear side portion having a depth greater than the depth of a front side portion of said utility box 100.

13. A step through motorcycle comprising: a utility box 100 having a storage space, said utility box 100 extending longitudinally along a chassis 800 of said motorcycle and disposed adjacent to a fuel tank 600 substantially above a rear wheel; and a seat 1600 pivotally disposed above said utility box 100, said utility box 100 characterized by a tray 1100 disposed substantially near a seat hinge 500.

14. The step through motorcycle as claimed in claim 13, wherein an ignition kill switch 1000 is disposed inside said tray 1100.

15. A step through motorcycle comprising: a utility box 100 enclosing a storage space, said utility box 100 extending longitudinally along a chassis 800 of said motorcycle and disposed adjacent to a fuel tank 600 substantially above a rear wheel; and a seat 1600 pivotally disposed above said utility box 100, said utility box characterized by a detachable lid 1700 which is disposed on an opening in the bottom surface of said utility box 100.

16. The step through motorcycle as claimed in claim 15, wherein an electrical box containing electrical parts therein, is disposed beneath said detachable lid 1700.