WO2022064516A1

WO2022064516A1 - Straddle type vehicle with a dual helmet storage capacity

Info

Publication number: WO2022064516A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050923
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keshava Datt KESHAVAPRASAD; Ganesh Venkatasamy; Payangapadan KIRAN; Guravaiah Anumalasetty; Ravisankar Rajamani; Rajwade AMIT DILIP; Pradeep Selvaraj; Meena LOV
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2020-09-25
Filing date: 2021-09-21
Publication date: 2022-03-31
Also published as: CO2023002782A2

Abstract

The present subject matter discloses a utility unit (129) that provides storage space (136) for two helmets (200a, 200b) and has improved ergonomics. The utility unit (129) provides two or more protrusions (301, 302) on the upper bottom wall (129a) of the utility unit (129). The two or more protrusions (301, 302) include a front protrusion (301) and a rear protrusion (302). The placement of the two protrusions (301, 302)is such that the rear protrusion (302) leans forward towards the vehicle (100) and the front protrusion (301) leans backward towards the utility unit (129).

Description

STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE WITH A DUAL HELMET STORAGE CAPACITY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a saddle type wheeled vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a utility unit of a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Road traffic injuries are a major public health problem and a leading cause of death and injury around the world. Each year nearly 1.2 million people die as a result of road crashes, and millions more are injured or disabled. In many low-income and middleincome countries, where two wheelers such as motorcycles and bicycles are an increasingly common means of transport, users of two-wheelers make up a large proportion of those injured or killed on the roads. Motorcycle and bicycle riders are at an increased risk of being involved in a crash. This is because they often share the traffic space with fastmoving cars, buses and trucks, and also because they are less visible. In addition, their lack of physical protection makes them particularly vulnerable to being injured if they are involved in a collision.

[0003] When a motorcycle or bicycle is involved in a collision, the rider is often thrown from the cycle. If the rider’s head hits an object, such as the ground, the head’s forward motion is stopped, but the brain, having its own mass, continues to move forward until it strikes the inside of the skull. It then rebounds, striking the opposite side of the skull. This type of injury can result in anything from a minor head injury, such as concussion, to a fatal head injury. Resultant to which, Injuries to the head and neck are the main cause of death, severe injury and disability among users of motorcycles and bicycles.

[0004] Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way of reducing head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle and bicycle crashes. Motorcyclists who do not wear helmets are at a much higher risk of sustaining head injuries and from dying from these injuries. A helmet reduces the impact of a force or collision to the head by managing the impact and by preventing direct contact between the skull and the impacting object by acting as a mechanical barrier between the head and the object. Therefore, many countries have mandated the usage of helmet by the rider while riding motorcycles and bicycles. Some countries have also mandated wearing of helmet by both the rider and the pillion rider. However, in spite of the strict rules and regulation and awareness regarding necessity of wearing a helmet while driving, it is seen that many motorists refrain from carrying a helmet while using a two-wheeler. One of the reasons for such refrainment is that most of the two wheelers do not have adequate secure storage space for stowing the helmets of both rider and the pillion rider when not in use. This adds to the inconvenience of the motorist where they need to carry along the safety helmet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to a saddle type two wheeled scooter along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a saddle type vehicle when viewed from left hand side of the rider while he is in riding position along with few internal parts of the vehicle for clarity of explanation.

[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the utility unit assembled on the rear frame of a saddle type vehicle, while accommodating the two helmets in the storage space of the utility unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the utility unit assembled on the rear frame of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the utility unit of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the utility unit of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the utility unit, while accommodating two helmets in the storage space of the utility unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [00013] Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the utility unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00014] Conventionally, existing saddle ride type vehicle usually have two storage units at two different locations herein called as ‘utility unit’ and ‘glove box’. The Glove box acts as a smaller storage unit which is fitted with panel rear (in-front of rider, while rider is in riding position). Glove box is best suited to store articles such as water bottle, papers, wallets, and similar small articles, access of which might be required by the user even during riding condition or while in riding position. 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 a saddle ride type vehicle. Because of its large area, utility unit can be used by the user to store certain articles depending upon the size of the article and the size offered by the utility unit such as a helmet. In some known arts, typically a locking device is configured to externally lock the one or more helmet onto the vehicle. Such solutions are vulnerable to tampering and theft. Additionally, any exposure to environmental conditions like rain, dust, ozone tend to damage or deteriorate the helmet thereby reducing its life which is undesirable.

[00015] Ideally, a two wheeler for carrying two persons should have a storage box for storing two helmets. However the storage space of the utility unit in most of the vehicles is such that it can accommodate a single open-face helmet or a single topical helmet. Only few of the existing vehicles have a storage space in which a full-face helmet can be stored.

[00016] In some known arts there is a provision of storing one helmet in the utility unit below the seat, while the other helmet is stored in a rear container box which is disposed behind the seat and above the rear wheel. Thus the two helmets are separately received by two separate storage units, i.e. the utility unit and the rear container respectively.

[00017] In some other known arts in order to accommodate two helmets, an elongated utility unit is disposed below the seat, such that the rear half portion of the utility unit is disposed above the rear wheel of the vehicle. However, such construction of the utility unit inevitably requires rising of the vertical position of the seat, in order to ensure sufficient space for installation of the utility box. This raise in the vertical position of the seat compromises with the ergonomics of the vehicle and the comfort of the rider as the rider faces difficulty in terms of leg reach.

[00018] In other known arts in order to accommodate two helmets, the structure of the utility unit is altered longitudinally in tandem; or the structure of the utility unit is altered laterally in parallel. When the structure of the utility unit is altered longitudinally in tandem, as a result, a seat for covering an upper region of the utility unit is also made longitudinally long. Because of the longitudinally long seat the mechanical strength and the operability of the seat are reduced, along with it accessibility during serviceability is also compromised. Moreover, since the two helmets need to be stored in the limited longitudinal space, a bulkier construction of the utility unit is required, which results in raising the seat to a position higher than desired.

[00019] When the structure of the utility unit is altered laterally in parallel, it results in construction of a utility unit which is overly bulky in the lateral direction of the two wheeler vehicle. However, since the utility unit must comply with the lateral width of the vehicle, the inlet/ outlet opening thereof is narrowed, making it difficult to store and remove helmets from the interior of the utility unit.

[00020] Moreover, such known arts have other inherent problems such as restriction in increasing the wheelbase, as a considerable amount of space is occupied by the utility unit. Resultant to which wheelbase can be increased only up to certain limit, while maintaining the clearance that is mandatory between the utility unit and the storage unit.

[00021] Some other known arts which focus on accommodation of two helmets in a utility unit, either by using vertical mounting or by using sideways mounting of the utility unit on to the main frame of the vehicle. However, the vertical mount tend to undesirably increase the height of the seat; and the sideways mounting is achieved by providing two extending lugs from the side surfaces of the utility unit, which is vertically connected to the frame by a fastener that is fastened in top down direction. However, in this kind of construction, the fastener is covered by the side panel from the sides, which makes the serviceability cumbersome as the side panels have to be removed in order to access the utility unit. Further, sandwich mounting of the extended lug from the sides of the utility unit with the side panels also causes unnecessary transfer of load to the side panels in occupant seated condition, which leads to deformation of the side panels over the time period. [00022] In other known arts the utility unit for accommodating two helmets is constructed such that the bottom portion of the utility unit, which is towards the wheel portion of the vehicle, follows the contours of the wheel. Then one helmet is placed leaning forward while the other helmet is placed leaning rearward of the utility unit. In such prior arts moulding complexity and manufacturing difficulty arises as single mould construction of such utility unit is difficult to achieve. Resultant to which the mould of the altered utility unit is made as two or more part construction.

[00023] In other know arts, the utility unit is split into two halves, i.e. a top half and a bottom half, in order to accommodate two helmets. In such construction usually the foam thickness of the rear seat is compromised, in order to refrain from giving undesired raise to the pillion seat. Such foam thickness compromise further results in reduction of the seat comfort for the pillion rider.

[00024] Therefore, there is a need of a utility unit which provides adequate storage space for two helmets; has improved fitment, ergonomics, seat comfort, serviceability, accessibility and aesthetics; and has eliminated or reduced manufacturing and packaging difficulty overcoming all problems cited above and other problems of known art.

[00025] The present subject matter relates to article placement over two or more protrusions provided on the bottom surface of the utility unit. The two or more protrusions include a front protrusion and a rear protrusion. The design of the two protrusions is such that the rear protrusion leans forward towards the front of the utility unit and the front protrusion leans backward towards the rear portion of the utility unit. This feature configured on the bottom surface of the utility unit enables a secure and stable positioning of the two helmets. This benefit is achieved because the forward leaning of the rear protrusion enables the rear helmet to always leans forward and downward thereby creating adequate space in front of the rear helmet within the compact utility space. The forward leaning disposition of the rear helmet facilitates adequate space for the accommodation of the front helmet within the compact utility space without any undesirable increase in the utility space thereby achieving a compact layout of a saddle type vehicle. The two helmets are stored in the utility unit in between the side walls of the utility unit, such that the two helmets are stored along a horizontal axis of the vehicle. [00026] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the rear protrusion contacts the upper bottom wall upon leaning forward towards front portion of the utility unit.

[00027] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the utility unit includes a front portion, a middle portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the utility unit is narrower and approximately conical in shape when compared to the broader rear portion of the utility unit of the vehicle. The front portion of the utility unit is made in such a way that both the side surfaces of the utility unit conically taper in the front portion. This construction of the utility unit helps in improving the leg reach to the ground by constraining the width of the front portion of the utility unit. This design eliminates the need for any increase in width of the front portion of the utility unit which would otherwise be required to accommodate a helmet in the front portion about the front protrusion. Thus, a narrow width of the rider seat is achieved above the front portion of the utility unit which is desirable to design a compact vehicle. The structure of the front portion of the utility unit as per the present invention aids in improving the ergonomics of the vehicle, since the leg reach of the rider to the ground is improved.

[00028] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter, a central longitudinal axis of the front protrusion is disposed along a vehicle longitudinal direction and a central longitudinal axis of rear protrusion is inclined in a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction. The predetermined angle (0‘) ranges from 0 degrees to 45 degrees.

[00029] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, mounting feature of the utility unit to mount it onto the vehicle is configured on the side surfaces of the utility unit, such that the mounting provision is substantially at the longitudinal centre of both the side surfaces. These mountings enable sideways mounting of the utility unit to the frame structure, thereby ensuring dimensional stability of the utility unit on the sides. Such sideways mounting configuration also increases the storage unit’s volume and aids in avoiding hindrance to rider while placing or removing helmets or any articles. Because of such avoidance of hindrance any deformation of the utility unit can be avoided while placing or removing helmets or any articles owing to any projecting portion of any of the helmets. [00030] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, a sandwich mounting arrangement is provided at the rear surface of the utility unit, which integrates the utility unit with a rear cover and a frame member of the vehicle. Thus, the utility unit is sandwiched between the rear cover which is disposed above the utility unit, and the frame member which is disposed below the utility unit. This arrangement provides dimensional stability of the utility unit and ensures better fitment and improved aesthetics.

[00031] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the rear portion protrusion profile of the base of the utility unit matches a helmet profile, i.e., the profile of the inner bottom rear surface of the utility unit is made in a substantially arc shape conforming to the seating profile of the helmet base when seen in a side view of the helmet, such that the helmet when accommodated over the arc shape of the rear protrusion does not apply undue stress on any of the vehicle systems as well as the helmet. This thereby avoids undesirable deformation of the rear surface of the utility unit. Along with it such arc shape rear portion base profile construction also ensures that the helmet is secured in a stable manner and does not roll over or create noise due to vehicle vibrations when the vehicle is moving.

[00032] As per another aspect of the present embodiment a local depression is provided from the inner side surface of the utility unit, which projects outwardly of the side surface of the utility unit, through which a fastener is fastened sidewardly in the vehicle width direction to the frame assembly. This construction has two advantages. Firstly, the fastener is concealed within the depression region provided on the side wall of the utility box, which enables ease of egress and ingress of the articles stored inside the utility unit. Secondly, the sideward mounting ensures that the utility unit can be accessed without disturbing the side panels for serviceability. Further, there is no transfer of load in occupant seated condition to the side panels.

[00033] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter, an elastic member on the rear wall of the utility unit is provided to improve storage space of the utility unit.

[00034] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter, a protrusion is provided on the bottom wall of the utility unit, which acts as a fool-proof feature for the customer to stove the smaller helmet in the front and the bigger helmet in the rear while accommodating the two helmets. This avoids wrong placement of the helmet. Thus, the seat when locked after placing the helmets would not experience undesirable stress or deformation owing to any projecting portion of any of the helmets.

[00035] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the front cowl assembly, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. 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 two wheeled vehicle with a driver riding thereon. Furthermore, a two wheeled vehicle longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the two wheeled vehicle, while a two wheeled vehicle lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the two wheeled vehicle. 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.

[00036] The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. 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. [00037] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a saddle type vehicle (100) when viewed from left hand side of the rider while he is in riding position along with few internal parts of the vehicle (100) for clarity of explanation. The vehicle (100) according to the current invention is provided with a power unit (101) that generates the power required to propel the vehicle forward, a frame assembly (102) that acts as a supporting structure for the vehicle (100), and a power transmission unit (106), which transfers the power generated by the power unit (101) to the rear wheel (107), and a front wheel (108) at front portion of the vehicle below a front frame portion (103) (shown in Fig. 2) of the frame assembly (102), which is steerable by the rider, and a handle bar unit (109) comprising of a left handle bar grip (110) and a right handle bar grip (not shown) which the rider can use to steer the front wheel (108) in the desired direction, and a front suspension unit (112) for smooth force transmission to the front wheel (108), and a rear suspension unit (113) for smooth force transmission to the rear wheel (107). The Line Y-Y’ represents the vehicle (100) longitudinal direction.

[00038] A front panel (116) is provided ahead of a head tube (114) (shown in Figure 2) for covering the head tube (114) when viewed from front of the vehicle (100). A rear panel (117), extending downwards from the head tube (114), covers the head tube (114) and a down tube (115) (shown in Figure 2) from the rear side. A front fender (119) is provided above the front wheel (108), in the vicinity of the front suspension unit (112), to prevent mud splashing onto the internal components of the vehicle at front portion of the vehicle (100). A handle bar rear panel (120), at least partly covers the handle bar unit (109), from the rear side. A handle bar front panel (121) at least partly covers the handle bar unit (109) from front side. A glove box, for example a glove box assembly (118) is mounted on the rear panel (117), below the handle bar rear panel (120) and above the floor board (124). A headlamp unit (122) is disposed on the handle bar front panel (121) and mirror units (123) are disposed on the handle bar unit (109) through the handle bar front panel (121). An interfacing portion of the handle bar front panel (121)and the handle bar rear panel (120) has a cut-out zone (not shown) on left side and right side for projecting the left handle bar grip (110) and right handle bar grip (not shown) respectively. A floor board (124) as leg resting panel is provided above a central frame (104) (shown in Fig. 2) to cover a top portion of the central frame (104) and a bottom panel (125) is provided below the central frame (104) to cover a bottom portion of the central frame (104).

[00039] On the rear side, a utility unit (126) is disposed, at the space between the left and right tubes at the rear portion of the vehicle above the power unit (101), to store articles. The utility unit (126) is mounted onto the cross tube at the front zone and rear zone, thus getting supported by the rear frame (105). A seat unit (127) is provided, above the utility unit (126) and extending throughout the rear frame (105), for the rider to sit over and maneuver the vehicle (100). The seat unit (127) is mounted onto the vehicle through a hinge unit (128), provided on the utility unit (126), such that the seat can be opened by rotating it about the hinge unit ( 128) to provide access to the storage area ( 129) of the utility unit (126). The utility unit (126) accommodates one or more helmets (200a, 200b) (shown in Fig. 3) in vehicles where the battery is mounted below a floor board of the vehicle (100). In some other vehicles the utility unit (126) accommodates one or more electronic units such as a battery.

[00040] In another embodiment, the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) coupler of the vehicle (100) is used to diagnose the issues of the vehicle (100). The Access to the OBD coupler is critical because it helps to reduce the time taken to diagnose the vehicle (100). In some vehicles (100) the utility unit (126) of the vehicle (100) has a provision which resembles the mating connector of the OBD coupler, such that it can hold the OBD coupler in place when assembled to it.

[00041] In some vehicles the construction and position of cap in the utility unit (126) covers an OBD coupler in a vehicle (100) and a spare fuse packaging location in the vehicle (100). During vehicle service the OBD can be accessed by removing this cap and dummy fuse or spare fuse can also be accessed by removing this cap. A lid provides ease of serviceability and ease of identification of OBD position in vehicle (100) while servicing.

[00042] A side panel unit (130) is provided on the left and right sides of a rear frame (105) (shown in Fig. 2) of the frame assembly (102) 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 (131) is disposed ahead of the utility unit (126) and below the seat unit (127) to cover the internal components, such as the power unit (101), frame (102) in a vehicle perspective view. A rear cover (132) is provide rearward to the rear frame (105) and an opening formed by assembling the rear cover (132) and the side panel unit (130) is used to place a tail lamp unit (133) on the rear side. A rear fender (134) is disposed above the rear wheel (107) to prevent mud splashing onto internal components while riding. A grab rail (135) is disposed in the vicinity of the seat unit (127), on the rear portion of the vehicle (100), to enable a pillion rider to grab for support.

[00043] In other vehicles an ISG controller (not shown) can be located below seat unit (127) and above one or more fender, between a left and right seat rails (not shown) particularly placed below a bracket seat rail. The ISG controller is located behind an air cleaner (not shown) while ensuring that no overlapping is present between the ISG controller and the air cleaner.

[00044] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a sandwich mounting arrangement is provided at the rear portion (203) (shown in Fig. 3) of the utility unit (129), which integrates the utility unit (129) with the rear cover (132) and the frame assembly (102) of the vehicle (100). Thus, the utility unit (129) is sandwiched between rear cover (132) which is disposed above the utility unit (129); and the frame assembly (102) which is disposed below the utility unit (129). This arrangement provides dimensional stability of the utility unit (129) on the rear portion (203) (shown in Fig. 3) along with the rear cover (132) of the vehicle (100). Along with it the sandwich mount of surrounding parts ensures better fitment and improved aesthetics.

[00045] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the frame assembly (102) of a saddle type vehicle (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame assembly (102) further includes a front frame (103), a central frame (104) and a rear frame (105) joined together to form the frame assembly (102). The front frame (103) includes a head tube (114) and a down tube (115); the head tube (114) supports the front suspension unit (112) (shown in Fig. 1), which further supports the handle bar unit (109) (shown in Fig. 1) in a steerable manner and the down tube (115) extends rearward and downward of the head tube (114). The central frame (104) has two tubes (104a, 104b) on the left and right of the vehicle (100) extending away from each other in a rearward direction. The left and right tubes (104a, 104b) are connected by a cross frame (not shown) extending in vehicle width direction. These left and right tubes (104a, 104b) further extend rearward and upward to form the rear frame (105), which supports other units of the vehicle (100) at rear portion. The rear frame (105) of the frame assembly (102) accommodates the utility unit (129), which has a storage space (136) to accommodate one or more helmets (200a, 200b) (shown in Fig. 3). The utility unit (129) includes a upper bottom wall (129a) which faces the seat unit (127) (shown in Fig. 3) of the vehicle (100), a lower bottom wall (129b) which faces away from the seat unit (127) of the vehicle (100), and a plurality of side walls (129c) which marks the sides of the utility unit (129). The inner sides of the plurality of side walls (129c) is herein called as an inner side surface (129d). The plurality of side walls (129c) and the lower bottom wall (129b) together make the intended storage space (136) for the storage of one or more helmets (200a, 200b) or articles.

[00046] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the utility unit (129) assembled on the rear frame (105) of a saddle type vehicle (100), while the accommodating two helmets (200a, 200b) in the storage space (136) of the utility unit (129), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The utility unit (129) includes a front portion (201), a middle portion (202) and a rear portion (203). The front portion (201) includes the portion in between the rear most front part of the utility unit (129) and the transverse line m-m’. The rear portion (203) includes the portion in between the rear most rear part of the utility unit (129) and the transverse line n-n’. The central portion (202) include the portion in between the transverse line m-m’ and the transverse line n-n’. The transverse width of the front portion (201) is less than the transverse width of the rear portion (203), i.e., the front portion (201) of the utility unit (129) is narrower and substantially conical in shape when compared to the broader rear portion (203) of the utility unit (129) of the vehicle (100). The front portion (201) of the utility unit (129) is made in such a way that both the side walls (129c) (shown in Fig. 2) of the utility unit (129) conically taper in the front portion (201). This construction of the utility unit (129) eliminates the requirement of increasing width of the front portion (201) of the utility unit (129) for accommodating a first helmet (200a) about a front protrusion (301) (shown in Fig. 6) in proximity of the front portion (201). Thus, the width of the seat unit (127) (shown in Fig. 1) above the front portion (201) of the utility unit (129) is reduced and the optimum leg reach for the rider is achieved. Thus, the structure of the front portion of the utility unit aids in improving the ergonomics of the vehicle (100) as well as achieve optimum leg reach of the rider to the ground .

[00047] The present figure illustrates that a horizontal or sideways mounting provision is configured on the left and right side walls (129c) of the utility unit (129), which is substantially at the longitudinal centre of both left and right side walls (129c). Such mounting enable sideways attachment of the utility unit (129) to the frame assembly (102), thereby ensuring dimensional stability of the utility unit (129) on the sides. Such sideways mounting (102) design also increases the storage unit’s volume by increasing the storage space (136) of the utility unit (129) and aids in avoiding hindrance to rider while placing or removing helmets (200a, 200b) or any articles. Because of such avoidance of hindrance any deformation of the utility unit (129) can be avoided while placing or removing helmets or any articles owing to any projecting portion of any of the helmets (200a, 200b).

[00048] The present figure also illustrates the storage of the first helmet (200a) and a second helmet (200b) in the utility unit (129) in between the side walls (129c) of the utility unit (129), such that the two helmets are stored along a vehicle longitudinal direction (Y-Y’).

[00049] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the utility unit (129) assembled on the rear frame (105) of a saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A depression (205) is provided on the inner side surface (129d) of the side wall (129c) of the utility unit (129) substantially at the longitudinal centre of both left and right side walls (129c) of the utility unit (129). The depression (205) projects outwardly of the side wall (129c) of the utility unit (129), through which one or more fastener (206) is fastened sidewardly in the vehicle (100) width direction to the frame assembly (102). This construction results in two advantages. Firstly, the fastener (206) is concealed within the depression (205) provided on the side walls (129c) of the utility unit (129), which enables ease of unhindered access of the articles stored inside the storage space (136) of the utility unit (129). Secondly, the sideward mounting ensures that the utility unit (129) can be dismantled without disturbing the side panels for serviceability. Further, such mounting arrangement also ensures that there is no transfer of load in occupant seated condition to the side panel unit (130) (shown in Fig. 1).

[00050] The present figure further illustrates an inner rear surface (207) of the utility unit (129) which has a profile that matches with the second helmet’ s(200b) profile, i.e., the profile of the inner rear surface (207) of the utility unit (129) is made conforming to the outer spherical profile of a helmet (200b) (shown in Fig. 3), such that the helmet (200b) when accommodated over a rear protrusion (302) (shown in Fig. 6) does not apply any undue stress on the rear portion (203) of the utility unit (129). Thereby avoiding any deformation of the rear portion (203) of the utility unit (129). Along with it the spheroidal profile of the inner rear surface (207) also ensures that the helmet (200b) does not roll over or create noise due to vehicle (100) vibrations when the vehicle (100) is moving.

[00051] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter, an elastic member may be provided on the rear portion (203) of the utility unit (129) along the inner rear surface (207), to improve storage space (136) of the utility unit (129).

[00052] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the utility unit (129) of a saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter when viewed from the rear of the utility unit (129). The present figure illustrates the horizontal or sideways mounting configuration of the left and right side walls (129c) of the utility unit (129). The position of this mounting is present substantially at the longitudinal centre of both left and right side walls (129c). The utility unit (129) is sandwiched in between a rear cover (132) (shown in Fig. 1) and the frame assembly (102) of the vehicle (100). Such mounting enable sideways affixing of the utility unit (129) to the frame assembly (102), thereby ensuring dimensional stability of the utility unit (129) on the sides. Such sideways mounting (102) is enabled by means of the depressions (205) which are provided on the inner side surface (129d) of the side wall (129c) of the utility unit (129), substantially at the longitudinal centre of both left and right side walls (129c) of the utility unit (129). These depressions (205) project outwardly of the side wall (129c) of the utility unit (129), through which one or more fastener (206) is fastened sidewardly in the vehicle (100) width direction to the frame assembly (102) (shown in Figure 4). Because of the depression (205) configured on both right and left side of the side walls (129c), the fastener (206) is concealed within the depression (205), which enables unhindered ingress and egress of the articles stored inside the storage space (136) of the utility unit (129).

[00053] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the utility unit (129) of a saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter when viewed from the side of the utility unit. The present figure illustrates placement of two helmets (200a, 200b) over two convex protrusions, i.e. the front protrusion (301) and the rear protrusion (302) provided on the upper bottom wall (129a) of the utility unit (129). The placement of the two protrusions (301, 302) is such that their convex surfaces are facing upwards and the rear protrusion (302) leans forward towards the front portion (201) of the utility unit and the front protrusion (301) leans backward towards the rear portion (203) of the utility unit so as to touch the upper bottom wall (129a) of the utility unit (129). This design on the upper bottom wall (129a) of the utility unit (129) aids in compact and stable packaging of the two helmets (200a, 200b) as the forward leaning of the rear protrusion (302) ensures that the second helmet (200b) would always leans forward and downward, which facilitates adequate space for the accommodation of the first helmet (200a) without each of the helmet causing any undue abutment stress on each other or the walls of the utility unit. As per as aspect of the present embodiment, the front protrusion forms an arc Cf with a curvature radius Rf and the rear protrusion forms anarc Cr with a curvature radius Rr such that a line drawn from the centers of each arc and passing orthogonally through the peak point of the respective arcs form an angle 0 in-between them. As per an embodiment, the angle 0 is in the range of 25 degrees to 50 degrees which gives the advantage of optimum packaging of large size helmets within compact utility unit. An angle less than 25 degrees leads to one of the helmets projecting upwards more than desired leading to undesirable stress on the bottom surface of the seat assembly while an angle more than 50 degrees necessitates more longitudinal space inside the utility unit thereby leading to a design of a longer non-compact utility unit. As per another aspect of the present invention, the ratio of radius of curvature of the arc is in a ratio such that Rf / Rr is in the ratio of 1 to 3 which enables a disposition of the two helmets in a desired orientation leading to stable securing of the helmets as well as compact packaging.

[00054] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter, a protrusion member (not shown) may be provided on the upper bottom wall (129a) of the utility unit (129), which acts as a fool proof feature for the rider to identify and accommodate the smaller helmet in the front and the bigger helmet in the rear while accommodating the two helmets (200a, 200b). This would ensure that the wrong placement of the helmets (200a, 200b) is eliminated. Thus, the seat unit (127) when locked after placing the helmets (200a, 200b) would not undergo any undesirable deformation. [00055] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the utility unit (129), while accommodating two helmets (200a, 200b) in the storage space (136) of the utility unit (129), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present figure illustrates that the first helmet (200a) placed towards the front portion (201) and the second helmet (200b) placed at the rear portion (203); are placed inside the storage space (136) of the utility unit (129), such that the outer profile of the second helmet (200b) matches with the inner rear surface (207) profile of the rear portion (203) of the utility unit (129). The figure also illustrates that the two depressions (205) present at substantially center portion (202) on the right and left side of the inner side surface (129d) of the utility unit (129), ensure unhindered access to placement or removal of the helmets (200a, 200b) or any other stored article, as the fasteners (206) (shown in Fig. 4) used to mount the utility unit (129) gets concealed by the depression (205) in which they are inserted. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the spheroidal conforming profile on the rear surface (207) is so configured so as to enable a inclined disposition of the rear helmet with respect to the front helmet thereby enabling packaging of a larger rear helmet within a compact size of the utility unit. As per this embodiment, the central longitudinal axis RR’ of the rear helmet is configured to form a angle 0 with the central longitudinal axis FF’ of the front helmet. As per an embodiment, the angle 0 ranges from 0 degrees to 45 degrees maximum.

[00056] Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the utility unit (129), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present figure illustrates that a vehicle (100) comprises of a utility unit (129). The utility unit (129) includes a front portion (201) and a rear portion (203). The utility unit (129) includes a front protrusion (301) defined on an upper bottom wall (129a) adjoining the front portion (201) of the utility unit (129), and a rear protrusion (302) defined on the upper bottom wall (129a) adjoining the rear portion (203) of the utility unit (129). A central longitudinal axis (CC’) of the front protrusion (301) is disposed along a vehicle longitudinal direction (YY’) and a central longitudinal axis (LL’) of the rear protrusion (302) is inclined in a predetermined angle (0’) with respect to the vehicle (100) longitudinal direction (YY’). As per an embodiment the predetermined angle (0‘) ranges from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. [00057] 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 NUMERALS

100 - saddle type vehicle 119 - front fender

101 - Power unit 120 - handle bar rear panel

102 - frame assembly 121 - handle bar front panel

103 -front frame 122 - headlamp

104 - central frame 30 123 - mirror

104a - right tube 124 - floor board

104b - left tube 125 - bottom panel

105 - rear frame 126 - utility unit

106 - power transmission unit 127 - seat unit

107 - rear wheel 35 128 - hinge unit

108 - front wheel 129 -utility unit

109 - handle bar unit 129a -upper bottom wall

110 - left hand bar grip 129b -lower bottom wall

112 - front suspension unit 129c -depression

113 - rear suspension unit 40 129d -inner side surface

114 - head tube 130 - side panel unit

115 - down tube 131 - front cover

116 - front panel 132 - rear cover

117 - rear panel 133 - tail lamp unit

118- glove box 45 134 - rear fender 135 - grab rail

136- storage space

200a -first helmet

200b -second helmet

201 -front portion 202 - center portion

203 -rear portion

205 -depression

206 -fastener

207 -inner rear surface 301 -front protrusion

302 -rear protrusion

Claims

I/We Claim:

1) A utility unit (129), comprising: a front portion (201) and a rear portion (203); wherein, said utility unit (129) includes a front protrusion (301) defined on an upper bottom wall (129a) adjoining said front portion (201) of said utility unit (129); and a rear protrusion (302) defined on said upper bottom wall (129a) adjoining said rear portion (203) of said utility unit (129); wherein,

2) said rear protrusion (302) leans forward towards front portion (201) of said utility unit (129)and said front protrusion (301) leans towards rear portion (203) of said utility unit (129). The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear protrusion (302) contacts said upper bottom wall upon leaning forward towards front portion (201) of said utility unit (129).

3) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front protrusion (301) and said second protrusion (302) accommodates a first helmet (200a) and a second helmet (200b) respectively.

4) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 3, said first helmet (200a) and said second helmet (200b) is stored in a utility unit (129) along a horizontal axis (X-X’).

5) The utility unit (129)as claimed in claim 1, wherein transverse width of said front portion (201) is less than the transverse width of said rear portion (202).

6) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said utility unit (129) is mounted on to a frame assembly (102) by means of a horizontal mounting arrangement provided on a plurality of side walls (129c) of said utility unit (129), substantially at a longitudinal centre of said plurality of side walls (129c).

7) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plurality of side walls (129c) has one or more depression (205) provided on an inner side surface ( 129d) of said utility unit (129) projected outwardly substantially at a longitudinal centre of said plurality of side walls (129c) of said utility unit (129). 8) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 7, wherein in said one or more depression (205) one or more fastener (206) is fastened sidewardly in a vehicle (100) width direction to a frame assembly (102).

9) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear portion (203) of said utility unit (129) has an inner rear surface (207) with a profile complimentary to the spheroidal profile of a second helmet (200b).

10) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear portion (203) of said utility unit (129) is sandwiched in between a rear cover (132) of said vehicle (100) from above; and a frame assembly (102) of said vehicle (100) disposed below.

11) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 9, wherein inner rear surface (207) of said utility unit (129) includes an elastic member.

12) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper bottom wall (129a) of said utility unit (129) includes a protrusion member which acts as a fool proof feature to enable storage of the larger of the two helmets at the front side of the utility unit (129).

13) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front protrusion (301) forms an arc (Cf) with a curvature radius (Rf) and said rear protrusion (302) forms an arc (Cr) with a curvature radius (Rr), such that a line drawn from the centers of each arc (Cf, Cr) and passing orthogonally through the peak point of the respective arcs (Cf, Cr) forms an angle (0) in-between them.

14) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said angle (0) is in the range of 25 degrees to 50 degrees.

15) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ratio of radius of curvature of said arcs (Cf, Cr) is in a ratio such that Rf / Rr is in the ratio of range of 1 to 3.

16) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said spheroidal conforming profile on a rear surface (207) is so configured so as to enable a inclined disposition of a second helmet (200b) with respect to a first helmet (200a).

17) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a central longitudinal axis RR’ of said second helmet (200b) is configured to form an angle 0 with a central longitudinal axis (FF’) of said first helmet (200a). 18) The utility unit (129) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said angle 0 ranges from 0 degrees to 45 degrees.

19) A vehicle (100) comprising: a utility unit (129), said utility unit (129) includes a front portion (201) and a rear portion (203); wherein, said utility unit (129) includes a front protrusion (301) defined on an upper bottom wall (129a) adjoining said front portion (201) of said utility unit (129); and a rear protrusion (302) defined on said upper bottom wall (129a) adjoining said rear portion (203) of said utility unit (129); wherein, a central longitudinal axis (CC’) of said front protrusion (301) is disposed along a vehicle longitudinal direction (YY’); and wherein, a central longitudinal axis (LL’) of said rear protrusion (302) is inclined in a predetermined angle (0’) with respect to said vehicle (100) longitudinal direction (YY’).

20) The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 19, wherein said predetermined angle (0‘) ranges from 0 degrees to 45 degrees.