BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a storage container for a vehicle, and particularly a luggage container for storing an article or the like within a frame of the vehicle.

Description of the Related Art

Vehicles such as scooters, motorcycles, bicycles and all-terrain vehicles

(ATVs) are generally provided with a storage chamber for storing an article within the vehicle. The vehicle typically includes a frame, a seat disposed on the frame for a rider and/or passengers seating thereon, and the storage chamber disposed under the seat and defined within the frame of the vehicle. The storage chamber can accommodate one or more articles, for example a helmet, a handbag, etc.

Generally, the storage chamber is divided into several compartments in order to accommodate different sizes of articles. The compartments are conventionally separated from each other by partitions. Each partition extends vertically within the frame of the vehicle. However, the partitions limit a use of a space of each compartment.

Furthermore, the use of the space of the compartment is also constrained by a contour of the frame as well as a design of the compartment.

Based upon such configuration, a space of the storage chamber could not be used in maximum. Therefore, there is a continuous need to improve the structure and configuration of the storage chamber for maximizing use of the space and solve the above deficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An improved storage container is provided. In some embodiments, the storage container installable within a vehicle includes a frame including an inside rim portion, and a receptacle attachable to the inside rim portion, wherein the receptacle is more flexible than the frame.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is detachable from the frame. In some embodiments, the receptacle is attachable to or detachable from the frame in a snap-fit manner. In some embodiments, the receptacle includes plastic or elastic material. In some embodiments, the receptacle includes thermoset plastic. In some embodiments, a width of the rim portion of the frame is substantially smaller than a width of the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the receptacle includes a belly portion outwardly protruded relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the receptacle includes a surface formed in conformity with a contour of a wheel of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the receptacle extends from the rim portion of the frame towards a wheel of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the frame includes a plurality of slots for coupling with the receptacle.

An improved storage container is also provided. In some embodiments, the storage container installable within the vehicle includes an flexible receptacle defining a chamber for storing an article and including an edge portion, and a frame configured to be disposed on a housing of the vehicle and including an inside rim portion configured to couple with the edge portion of the flexible receptacle, wherein the flexible receptacle is more flexible than the frame.

In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle includes a plurality of protrusions and the inside rim portion of the frame includes a plurality of slots for engaging the plurality of protrusions correspondingly to couple the flexible receptacle and the frame to each other. In some embodiments, the frame includes a plurality of compartments adjacent to the chamber. In some embodiments, a profile of the edge portion of the flexible receptacle is substantially same as a profile of the inside rim portion of the frame.

In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle includes one or more colors. In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle is an injection molded receptacle. In some embodiments, the frame includes an opening configured for accessing the chamber of the flexible receptacle and coverable by a seat cushion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a storage container including a frame and a receptacle according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a frame of a storage container according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a receptacle of a storage container according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a storage container including a frame and a flexible receptacle according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a frame of a storage container according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a flexible receptacle of a storage container according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a storage container installed into a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with switches, sensors, controllers, and communications systems and structures and networks have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to."

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The use of ordinals such as first, second and third does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or structure.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

In some embodiments, a feature "vehicle" is directed to a scooter, a motorcycle or a motor driven vehicle. However, in principle, "vehicle" is not limited to these embodiments. The "vehicle" is also intended to direct to non-motor driven vehicle, manual vehicle (for example, bicycle), single wheel vehicle, multi-wheel vehicle, any other kinds of vehicles, etc. which are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a storage container with structural improvement is provided. The storage container is installable within a vehicle. The storage container includes a frame and a receptacle attached to the frame. The receptacle defines a compartment for storing an article. Further, the receptacle is flexible and deformable. For example, the receptacle is made of plastics or elastic materials. Since the receptacle is flexible and deformable, a larger volume of the compartment defined by the receptacle could be obtained in comparison of conventional designs and the space of the vehicle can be used efficiently.

Furthermore, the receptacle can further include a belly portion outwardly protruded relative to the frame. The belly portion can provide additional volume for storage in comparison of conventional designs. Also, the frame may not integrally form with the receptacle. The receptacle is attachable to or detachable from the frame in a snap-fit manner, which provides convenience in changing the receptacle. For example, a damaged receptacle can be replaced with a new one, or the installed receptacle can be changed to a receptacle with different configuration, size, color, etc. whenever desired.

Figure 1 is an embodiment of a storage container 100 according to one illustrated embodiment. The storage container 100 is installable within a vehicle.

As shown in Figure 1, the storage container 100 includes a frame 101 and a receptacle 102. In some embodiments, the frame 101 includes at least one compartment or cell 101c for receiving and holding an article such as battery. In some embodiments, the frame 101 is rigid or non-deformable. In some implementations, the frame 101 includes material such as polystyrene. In some embodiments, the frame 101 of the storage container possesses a non-planar surface over a recess of the storage space 302 of the vehicle 300.

In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a is receivable by a peripheral of the storage space 302 of the vehicle 300. In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a has substantially same dimension as the peripheral of the storage space 302 of the vehicle 300, thereby the rim portion 101a is disposed on the peripheral of the storage space 302 and thus the frame 101 is held by the peripheral of the storage space 302.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 is not integral with the frame

101. The receptacle 102 and the frame 101 are not integrally formed. In some implementations, the receptacle 102 of the storage container 100 is attachable to the frame 101 and can cooperate with the frame 101 to define a compartment 102a for storing an article. In some embodiments, the frame 101 includes an inside rim portion lOle, and the receptacle 102 is attached to the inside rim portion lOle. The receptacle 102 is disposed within the storage space 302 of the vehicle 300.

In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a defines an opening 101b for accessing the compartment 102a or the article disposed within the compartment 102a. In some embodiments, the opening 101b is coverable by the cover 304 or a seat cushion of the vehicle 300. The cover 304 is disposed over the rim portion 101a of the frame 101.

The compartment 102a is accessible upon opening of the cover of the vehicle 300. In some implementations, the cover 304 of the vehicle 300 is configured for a rider or a passenger seating thereon.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 is flexible and deformable. The receptacle 102 is made of flexible and deformable material. In some implementations, the receptacle 102 includes plastics or elastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), etc. In some implementations, the receptacle 102 includes thermoset plastics, such as polyester, polyurethanes, etc. In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 is manufactured by injection molding, compression molding or any other suitable methods. In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 is more flexible than the frame 101.

In some implementations, the receptacle 102 is detachable from the frame 101. The receptacle 102 is attachable to or detachable from the frame 101 in any suitable manner. Figure 2 shows the frame 101 without the receptacle 102, where the receptacle 102 is detached or removed from the frame 101. In addition, Figure 3 shows the receptacle 102 without the frame 101, where the frame 101 is detached or removed from the receptacle 102.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 is attachable to or detachable from the frame 101 in a snap-fit manner. In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 includes elastic material which is flexible and deformable, thus the receptacle 102 can be deformed temporarily upon an application of force and the receptacle 102 can return to its original configuration or contour when the force is withdrawn.

In some implementations, a protruded portion of the receptacle 102 is deformed upon the application of force to couple with a corresponding portion (inside rim portion lOle) of the frame 101, and then the protruded portion of the receptacle 102 reverts to its original configuration and is securely attached to the corresponding portion of the frame 101 upon the withdrawn of the force. As a result, the receptacle 102 is attached to the frame 101.

The receptacle 102 can be disassembled from the frame 101 by the application of force. The receptacle 102 will be deformed temporarily upon the application of force to be separated from the frame 101. In some implementations, the protruded portion of the receptacle 102 is deformed upon the application of force such that the receptacle 102 can be detached from the corresponding portion of the frame 101. The protruded portion of the receptacle 102 returns to its original configuration after the receptacle 102 is detached from the frame 101. .

In some embodiments, the frame 101 includes one or more slots lOld for coupling with the receptacle 102. The slot lOld is configured for engaging the protruded portion of the receptacle 102 and securing the receptacle 102 to the frame 101. In some embodiments, the slot lOld is disposed along the inside rim portion lOle of the frame 101.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 includes one or more protrusions 102b (referring to Figure 3) for coupling with one or more slots lOld of the frame 101. In some embodiments, the protrusions 102b are disposed along an edge portion 102c of the receptacle 102. In some embodiments, the protrusion 102b is flexible and deformable. In some implementations, the protrusion 102b includes elastic material.

In some embodiments, the protrusion 102b of the receptacle 102 engages the slot lOld of the frame 101 by the snap-fit manner. The protrusion 102b is deformed upon the application of force and then passes through the corresponding slot lOld. As a result, the protrusion 102b engages the slot lOld, and the receptacle 102 is attached to the frame 101.

In some embodiments, the protrusion 102b of the receptacle 102 further includes a hooking member for interlocking with the slot lOld. In some embodiments, the hooking member is a catch, a hook, etc. In some embodiments, the frame 101 includes one or more protrusions, while the receptacle 102 includes one or more slots. The protrusion of the frame 101 is engaged with the slot of the receptacle 102 in the snap-fit manner as explained above or any other suitable methods.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 includes a belly portion 102d which is outwardly protruded relative to the frame 101. The belly portion 102d is also protruded from the edge portion 102c of the receptacle 102. The belly portion 102d provides additional space for storing the article within the compartment 102a. In some embodiments, a width Wl of the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 is substantially smaller than a width W2 of the receptacle 102.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 includes a profile 102e in conformity with a contour of the wheel 303 of the vehicle 300. The profile 102e can be inconformity with to the contour of the wheel 303 disposed under the receptacle 102. In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 is extended from the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 towards the wheel 303 of the vehicle 300. In some embodiments, the receptacle 102 includes a base 102f with the profile 102e in conformity with the contour of the wheel 303. In some embodiments, the base 102f includes a portion protruded from the base 102f.

Figure 4 is an embodiment of a storage container 200 according to one illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the storage container 200 is configured for use with the vehicle 300 such as a scooter, a motorcycle, a bicycle, etc. The storage container 200 is installable within the vehicle 300. In some implementation, the storage container 200 is disposed within the storage space 302 of the vehicle 300.

In some embodiments, the storage container 200 includes a frame 201 and an flexible receptacle 202. In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 and the frame 201 are not integrally formed. In some implementations, the flexible receptacle 202 is attachable to or detachable from the frame 201. The flexible receptacle 202 is attachable to or detachable from the frame 201 in any suitable manner.

Figure 5 shows the frame 201 without the flexible receptacle 202, where the flexible receptacle 202 is detached or removed from the frame 201. In addition, Figure 6 shows the flexible receptacle 202 without the frame 201, where the frame 201 is detached or removed from the flexible receptacle 202.

In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 is disposed within the storage space 302 of the vehicle 300. In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 defines a chamber 202a for storing an article. In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 includes an edge portion 202c for coupling with the frame 201.

In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 is more flexible or easily deformable than the frame 201. The flexible receptacle 202 is made of flexible and deformable material. In some implementations, the flexible receptacle 202 includes plastics or elastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), etc. In some implementations, the flexible receptacle 202 includes thermoset plastics, such as polyester, polyurethanes, etc. In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 is made by injection molding, compression molding or any other suitable methods.

In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 includes one or more colors. Since the flexible receptacle 202 is detachable from the frame 201, the flexible receptacle 202 can be replaced or changed into one of different color.

In some embodiments, the frame 201 is configured to be disposed over the storage space 302 of the vehicle 300. In some embodiments, the frame 201 includes an inside rim portion 20 le configured to couple with the edge portion 202c of the flexible receptacle 202. In some embodiments, a profile of the edge portion 202c of the flexible receptacle 202 is substantially same as a profile of the inside rim portion 20 le of the frame 201.

In some embodiments, the frame 201 includes an opening 201b configured for accessing the chamber 202a of the flexible receptacle 202. In some embodiments, the opening 201b is coverable by the cover 304 of the vehicle 300. The cover 304 is disposed over the rim portion 201a of the frame 201. The chamber 202a is accessible upon opening of the cover 304 of the vehicle 300. In some implementations, the cover 304 of the vehicle 300 is configured for a user, a rider or a passenger to seat on. In some embodiments, the cover 304 of the vehicle 300 includes a top side and a lower side. The top side is configured as a riding seat for a user to seat on, and the lower side is disposed facing the chamber 202a of the flexible receptacle 202.

In some embodiments, the frame 201 includes several compartments adjacent to the chamber 202a of the flexible receptacle 202. In some implementations, the compartment is configured for holding and storing a battery. In some embodiments, the frame 201 is rigid and non-deformable. In some implementations, the frame 201 includes non-elastic material such as polystyrene.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 202 is attachable to or detachable from the frame 201 in a snap-fit manner. In some embodiments, the flexible receptacle 202 includes one or more protrusions 202b, and the inside rim portion 20 le of the frame 201 includes one or more slots 20 Id for receiving the protrusions 202b correspondingly, thereby the flexible receptacle 202 is coupled with the frame 201.

In some embodiments, the protrusion 202b of the flexible receptacle 202 includes elastic material, while the section of the frame 201 including the slots 20 Id is more rigid or less deformable than the protrusions 202b. Thus, the protrusion 202b of the flexible receptacle 202 can be deformed temporarily upon an application of force and inserted into the corresponding slot 20 Id. As a result, the protrusion 202b is securely retained within the corresponding slot 20 Id. Thus, the flexible receptacle 202 is attached to the frame 201.

The flexible receptacle 202 can be separated from the frame 201. The protrusion 202b of the flexible receptacle 202 can be deformed temporarily upon the application of the force to be released from the slot 20 Id of the frame 201. As a result, the flexible receptacle 202 is detached from the frame 201. The protrusion 202b reverts to its original configuration when the protrusion 202b is drawn out from the slot 20 Id of the frame 201.

In some embodiments, the frame 201 includes one or more protrusions, while the flexible receptacle 202 includes one or more slots. The protrusion of the frame 201 is engaged with the corresponding slot of the flexible receptacle 202 in the snap-fit manner as explained above or any other suitable methods. In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 is enclosed. In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 is not enclosed. In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 comprises a curve. In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 comprises a straight line. In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 comprises a non-circular, oval, elliptical or oblong shape. In some embodiments, the rim portion 101a of the frame 101 comprises contours of different curvatures.

In some embodiments, a surface 100a of the frame 101 extends between the outer rim portion 101a and the inner rim portion lOle of the frame 101, wherein at least a portion of the surface 100a and the receptacle 102 of the frame 101 defines the compartment 102a.

In some embodiments, a surface 100a of the frame 101 extending between the outer rim portion 101a and the inner rim portion lOle of the frame 101 includes a protruded surface 100b sticking out of the outer rim portion 101a of the frame 101 and defining the inner rim portion lOle of the frame 101. The protruded surface 100b defines a portion of the compartment 102a.

In some embodiments, a surface 100a of the frame 101 extending between the outer rim portion 101a and the inner rim portion lOle of the frame 101 includes a protruded surface 100b sticking out of the outer rim portion 101a of the frame 101 and defining the inner rim portion lOle of the frame 101. The protruded surface 100b defines a portion of the compartment 102a. A portion of the protruded surface 100b extends farther away from the outer rim portion 101a than another portion of the protruded surface 100b.

In some embodiments, a surface 100a of the frame 101 extending between the outer rim portion 101a and the inner rim portion lOle of the frame 101 includes a protruded surface 100b sticking out of the outer rim portion 101a of the frame 101 and defining the inner rim portion lOle of the frame 101. The protruded surface 100b defines a portion of a compartment 102a. A portion of the protruded surface 100b extends farther away from the outer rim portion 101a than another portion of the protruded surface 100b. The frame 101 further defines at least one compartment 101c, wherein a section of the portion of the protruded surface 100b extending farther away from the outer rim portion 101a than another portion of the protruded surface 100b is located between the compartment 102a and the compartment 101c.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. To the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications.

Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

While generally discussed in the environment and context of collection, charging and distribution of portable electrical energy storage devices for use with personal transportation vehicle such as all-electric scooters and/or motorbikes, the teachings herein can be applied in a wide variety of other environments, including other vehicular as well as non-vehicular environments.

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract of the Disclosure, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.