Patent Description:
There has been conventionally known a type of straddled vehicle including a storage box installed inside a tank shroud (see <CIT>). The storage box is capable of storing an electronic device such as a portable information terminal.

When stored in the storage box of the straddled vehicle, the portable information terminal is likely to be affected by ground conditions and acceleration of the vehicle due to a lightweight feature of the straddled vehicle. Because of this, it is preferable to retain the portable information terminal inside the storage box. However, when it is assumed to store the portable information terminal in the storage box and then attach a band to the storage box as a structure for retaining the portable information terminal, attaching the band to the portable information terminal is bothersome. <CIT> discloses a storage box according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage box for a straddled vehicle, whereby a portable information terminal stored therein can be easily retained.

A storage box for a straddled vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention stores a portable information terminal. The storage box includes a storage portion, a lid portion, at least one elastic member, and a shaft portion. The storage portion includes an opening for putting-in and taking-out of the portable information terminal, an inner sidewall, and at least one restriction portion opposed to the inner sidewall. The storage portion stores the portable information terminal such that the portable information terminal stands between the inner sidewall and the at least one restriction portion. The lid portion is capable of transitioning to a closed state and an opened state. The lid portion closes the opening in the closed state and opens the opening in the opened state. The lid portion is opposed to the inner sidewall in the closed state. The at least one elastic member is disposed on at least either the lid portion or the inner sidewall and presses the portable information terminal in a thickness direction of the portable information terminal between the lid portion or the inner sidewall in the closed state to hold the portable information terminal in the storage portion. The shaft portion pivotably supports the lid portion. The inner sidewall extends in approximately a vehicle up-and-down direction or extends to gradually approach the at least one restriction portion from below to above. The inner sidewall and the at least one restriction portion produce a space therebetween so as to allow the portable information terminal to tilt toward the at least one restriction portion in the opened state of the lid portion. The at least one restriction portion is apart from the portable information terminal in the closed state and contacts with the portable information terminal on a front or rear surface side of the portable information terminal so as to restrict movement of the portable information terminal when the lid portion transitions from the closed state to the opened state.

In the storage box for a straddled vehicle according to the present aspect, when the lid portion of the storage box is closed, the portable information terminal, stored in the storage portion of the storage box, is pressed by the at least one elastic member in the thickness direction thereof so as to be retained in the storage portion. Accordingly, the portable information terminal can be retained by an easy operation, i.e., only by pivoting the lid portion of the storage box; hence, when a rider is riding on the vehicle, for instance, the portable information terminal stored in the storage box can be easily retained, while the vehicle can be kept in balance.

The portable information terminal is stored to stand between the inner sidewall and the at least one restriction portion; besides, the inner sidewall and the at least one restriction portion produce the space therebetween so as to allow the portable information terminal to tilt toward the at least one restriction portion when the lid portion is opened. Because of this, when the rider is riding on the vehicle, for instance, it is made easy for the rider to put/take the portable information terminal in/out of the storage portion.

The inner sidewall of the storage portion extends in approximately the vehicle up-and-down direction or extends to gradually approach the at least one restriction portion from below to above. Because of this, when the inner sidewall of the storage portion extends in approximately the vehicle up-and-down direction, for instance, it is made possible, in transition of the lid portion from the closed state to the opened state, to move the portable information terminal to the at least one restriction portion due to a recoil caused in releasing a pressing force applied by the at least one elastic member pressing the portable information terminal. Because of this, when the rider riding on the vehicle opens the lid portion, for instance, it is made easy for the rider to take the portable information terminal out of the storage portion.

The at least one elastic member may be disposed at least in part at an identical height to a center of the inner sidewall in the vehicle up-and-down direction in the closed state. In this case, the portable information terminal can be stably retained in the storage portion in the closed state. Specifically, portable information terminals, even when different in type from each other, do not vary in dimension so much in the width direction; hence, the portable information terminal can be stably retained in the storage portion in the closed state by, for instance, setting the up-and-down directional center of the inner sidewall to be matched with approximately the width directional center of a general portable information terminal.

The at least one elastic member may extend in a lengthwise direction of the portable information terminal when the portable information terminal is stored in the storage portion in the closed state. In this case, the portable information terminal can be stably retained in the storage portion in the closed state.

The at least one elastic member may be disposed on the lid portion. In this case, in transition of the lid portion from the opened state to the closed state, the portable information terminal can be supported by the at least one elastic member until contacting with the at least one restriction portion.

The at least one restriction portion may be disposed below the at least one elastic member in the closed state. In this case, when the portable information terminal is taken out of the storage portion, the at least one restriction portion is unlikely to hinder the taking-out action. Besides, the at least one elastic member can be disposed near the at least one restriction portion; hence, when the lid portion is opened while the portable information terminal is stored in the storage portion, the portable information terminal can be kept supported by the at least one elastic member until contacting with the at least one restriction portion.

The storage portion may further include a bottom surface portion extending in a direction intersecting with the vehicle up-and-down direction. The at least one restriction portion may extend upward from the bottom surface portion. The at least one restriction portion may have a height larger than or equal to a half of a dimension from the bottom surface portion to the at least one elastic member in the closed state. In this case, movement of the portable information terminal can be stably restricted in the opened state.

The at least one restriction portion may extend from the bottom surface portion to a vicinity of the at least one elastic member. In this case, movement of the portable information terminal can be further stably restricted in the opened state.

The at least one restriction portion may have a dimension larger than or equal to a quarter of, and less than or equal to three quarters of, a dimension of the inner sidewall in the vehicle up-and-down direction. In this case, movement of the portable information terminal can be stably restricted; simultaneously, it is made easy to put/take the portable information terminal in/out of the storage portion.

The at least one elastic member may include a first elastic member disposed on the lid portion and a second elastic member disposed on the inner sidewall of the storage portion. In this case, when the lid portion is opened while the portable information terminal is stored in the storage portion, the portable information terminal can be supported by the first elastic member until contacting with the at least one restriction portion. Besides, it is made easy to move the portable information terminal to the at least one restriction portion due to a recoil caused in releasing a pressing force applied by the second elastic member. Furthermore, transference of vibration from the vehicle to the portable information terminal can be effectively inhibited by the first and second elastic members.

The storage portion may have a dimension in a vehicle back-and-forth direction larger than dimensions of the storage portion in the vehicle up-and-down direction and in a vehicle width direction. In this case, the vehicle can be inhibited from being enlarged in the vehicle width direction; simultaneously, a space for the storage portion can be reliably produced in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. Hence, even when the lid portion is not closed , the portable information terminal can be stably put in the storage portion.

The at least one restriction portion may be opposed to the inner sidewall in the vehicle width direction. The at least one restriction portion may have a dimension in the vehicle back-and-forth direction smaller than the dimension of the storage portion in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. In this case, it is made easy to put/take the portable information terminal in/out of the storage portion.

The storage portion may further include a bottom surface portion extending in a direction intersecting with the vehicle up-and-down direction. The at least one restriction portion may include a first restriction portion extending upward from the bottom surface portion and a second restriction portion disposed apart from the first restriction portion in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. In this case, movement of the potable information terminal can be stably restricted.

The storage portion may be disposed forward of a seat of the straddled vehicle, and may be fixed to a member configured not to be turned together with a steering device of the straddled vehicle. In this case, when the rider is riding on the vehicle, the portable information terminal stored in the storage box can be easily retained, while the vehicle can be kept in balance. Besides, the portable information terminal is unlikely to be affected by turning of the steering device.

The storage portion may be disposed lateral to a steering device of the straddled vehicle. In this case, when the rider is riding on the vehicle, the portable information terminal stored in the storage box can be easily retained, while the vehicle can be kept in balance.

The shaft portion may be disposed below the storage portion. In this case, when opened and closed, the lid portion can be moved upward by as limited an amount as possible.

The storage box may further include a lid cover fixed to the lid portion outside the lid portion so as to be unitarily pivotable therewith. The lid cover may be disposed to form part of an exterior cover of the straddled vehicle. In this case, the storage box is unlikely to be recognized by a third party. Hence, the storage portion can be enhanced in anti-crime performance; simultaneously, the vehicle can be enhanced in external aesthetics. Besides, the lid portion can be protected by the lid cover.

The opening may be opened upward and outward in a vehicle width direction. In this case, it is made easy to put/take the portable information terminal in/out of the storage portion.

The storage portion may be disposed forward of a seat of the straddled vehicle. The storage portion may further include a rear surface portion that is disposed rearward of the at least one restriction portion and defines part of the opening. The rear surface portion may include an edge extending outward in the vehicle width direction and downward. In this case, when the rider is riding on the vehicle, the storage portion can be easily accessed, while the vehicle can be kept in balance.

Overall, according to the present invention, it is made possible to provide a storage box for a straddled vehicle, whereby a portable information terminal stored therein can be easily retained.

A storage box for a straddled vehicle according to a preferred embodiment will be hereinafter explained with reference to drawings. <FIG> is a side view of a straddled vehicle <NUM> including a storage box <NUM> according to the preferred embodiment. <FIG> is a front view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. It should be noted that in the following explanation, terms indicating such directions as "back and forth", "up and down", and "right and left" are explained based on directions seen from a rider in operation of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. Therefore, a right-and-left direction is synonymous with a vehicle width direction. Besides, the term "outer side in a vehicle width direction" means a side far from the center of the straddled vehicle <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. By contrast, the term "inner side in the vehicle width direction" means a side near to the center of the straddled vehicle <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

In the present specification, a condition of a constituent element extending in a vehicle back-and-forth direction (extending forward and/or rearward) is not limited to a condition of the constituent element extending in a direction orthogonal to a vehicle up-and-down direction and the vehicle width direction. The condition of the constituent element extending in the vehicle back-and-forth direction encompasses a condition of the constituent element extending to tilt relative to the vehicle up-and-down direction and/or the vehicle width direction. When described in detail, the vehicle back-and-forth direction encompasses a direction closer to the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The direction closer to the vehicle back-and-forth direction refers to, for instance, a direction that forms angles, the smaller of which is <NUM> degrees or less, together with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The settings herein described are also true of the vehicle width direction (rightward and/or leftward directions) and the vehicle up-and-down direction (upward and/or downward directions).

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body frame <NUM>, a steering device <NUM>, a tank-like member <NUM>, a seat <NUM>, a power unit <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, and a rear wheel <NUM>.

The vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM>, a main frame <NUM>, and a rear frame <NUM>. The main frame <NUM> is connected to the head pipe <NUM>. The main frame <NUM> extends rearward from the head pipe <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> is connected to the main frame <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> extends rearward from the main frame <NUM>.

The steering device <NUM> is supported by the head pipe <NUM> so as to be turnable. The steering device <NUM> supports the front wheel <NUM> such that the front wheel <NUM> is made rotatable. The steering device <NUM> includes a steering shaft <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, a right front fork <NUM>, a left front fork <NUM>, an upper bracket <NUM>, and a lower bracket <NUM>.

The steering shaft <NUM> is inserted into the head pipe <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is disposed further on the upper side than the head pipe <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is connected to the steering shaft <NUM>. The handle <NUM> extends in the right-and-left direction. The right and left front forks <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the steering shaft <NUM> through the upper and lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM>. The right and left front forks <NUM> and <NUM> support the front wheel <NUM> such that the front wheel <NUM> is made rotatable.

The tank-like member <NUM> is disposed behind the head pipe <NUM>. The tank-like member <NUM> is supported by the main frame <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, the tank-like member <NUM> is a fuel tank. <FIG> shows the tank-like member <NUM> in a schematic manner.

The seat <NUM> is disposed behind the tank-like member <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is disposed above the rear frame <NUM>.

The power unit <NUM> is disposed below the tank-like member <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> is supported by the main frame <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> includes, for instance, an internal combustion engine. The power unit <NUM> generates a drive force. In the present preferred embodiment, the drive force generated by the power unit <NUM> is transferred to the rear wheel <NUM>.

The rear wheel <NUM> is supported by the main frame <NUM> through a swing arm <NUM> supported by the main frame <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is supported by the swing arm <NUM> so as to be rotatable. The rear wheel <NUM> is driven by the drive force generated by the power unit <NUM>.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a wind shield <NUM>, a front cowl <NUM>, a right side cowl <NUM>, a left side cowl <NUM>, a right side cover <NUM> (exemplary exterior cover), and a left side cover <NUM>. The wind shield <NUM> is disposed above the front cowl <NUM>.

The front cowl <NUM> is disposed in front of the head pipe <NUM>. The right side cowl <NUM> is disposed on the right of the head pipe <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the right side cowl <NUM> extends forward from the right side cover <NUM> in a vehicle side view. The right side cowl <NUM> extends downward from the right side cover <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The left side cowl <NUM> is disposed on the left of the head pipe <NUM>. The left side cowl <NUM> extends forward from the left side cover <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The left side cowl <NUM> extends downward from the left side cover <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The right side cover <NUM> is connected to the right side cowl <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed above the right side cowl <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed not only lateral to the steering device <NUM> but also on one side of the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed on the right of the head pipe <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The right side cover <NUM> is remote from the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed on the right of the steering device <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> overlaps with the steering shaft <NUM> of the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The right side cover <NUM> is fixed to the vehicle body frame <NUM> through a bracket (not shown in the drawings). The right side cover <NUM> may be fixed to the tank-like member <NUM>.

The right side cover <NUM> extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The right side cover <NUM> extends further rearward than the right side cowl <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed between the right side cowl <NUM> and the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed lateral to the tank-like member <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, a rear portion of the right side cover <NUM> is disposed laterally on the right of the tank-like member <NUM> and overlaps with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The left side cover <NUM> is connected to the left side cowl <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed above the left side cowl <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed not only lateral to the steering device <NUM> but also on the other side of the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed on the left of the head pipe <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The left side cover <NUM> is remote from the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed on the left of the steering device <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> overlaps with the steering shaft <NUM> of the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The left side cover <NUM> extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The left side cover <NUM> extends further rearward than the left side cowl <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed between the left side cowl <NUM> and the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed lateral to the tank-like member <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, a rear portion of the left side cover <NUM> is disposed laterally on the left of the tank-like member <NUM> and overlaps with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the storage box <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the storage box <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are partial perspective views of the storage box <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> stores a portable information terminal T. The portable information terminal T is, for instance, a smartphone.

The storage box <NUM> is disposed further on the front side than the seat <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed below a turning trajectory of the handle <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed further on the right side than the head pipe <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed laterally on the right of the head pipe <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The storage box <NUM> is disposed on the right of the steering device <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> overlaps with the steering shaft <NUM> of the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The storage box <NUM> is disposed further on the upper side than the lower bracket <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed inside the right side cover <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed further on the front side than the tank-like member <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> does not overlap with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The storage box <NUM> overlaps with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle front view.

The storage box <NUM> includes a storage portion <NUM>, a lid portion <NUM>, an upper surface portion <NUM>, an opposed portion <NUM>, at least one elastic member <NUM>, a shaft portion <NUM>, a shaft support portion <NUM>, and a lid cover <NUM>. It should be noted that in <FIG>, the lid cover <NUM> is omitted in illustration.

The storage portion <NUM> is disposed on the right of the steering device <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> is fixed to a member configured not to be turned together with the steering device <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> is fixed to the right side cover <NUM>. The dimension of the storage portion <NUM> is greater in the vehicle back-and-forth direction than not only in the vehicle up-and-down direction but also in the vehicle width direction. The dimension of the storage portion <NUM> is greater in the vehicle up-and-down direction than in the vehicle width direction.

The storage portion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>, a bottom surface portion <NUM>, an inner sidewall <NUM>, a front surface portion <NUM>, a rear surface portion <NUM>, at least one restriction portion <NUM>, an attachment portion <NUM>, and a drain hole <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The opening <NUM> serves as an opening for putting-in and taking-out of the portable information terminal T and is opened not only upward but also outward in the vehicle width direction. The opening <NUM> is defined by the inner sidewall <NUM>, the front surface portion <NUM>, and the rear surface portion <NUM>.

When the lid portion <NUM> is opened, the storage portion <NUM> is uncovered upward. When the lid portion <NUM> is opened, the storage portion <NUM> is uncovered outward in the vehicle width direction except for at the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>. It should be noted that in the following explanation, the state that the lid portion <NUM> is opened will be referred to as "an opened state", whereas the state that the lid portion <NUM> is closed will be referred to as "a closed state". In other words, the opened state means that the opening <NUM> is opened (uncovered), whereas the closed state means that the opening <NUM> is closed (covered). <FIG> shows the opened state, whereas <FIG> shows the closed state.

The bottom surface portion <NUM> serves as a portion on which the portable information terminal T is put. The portable information terminal T is put on the bottom surface portion <NUM> such that the lengthwise direction thereof is matched with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The portable information terminal T is put on the bottom surface portion <NUM> such that one of the width directional lateral surfaces thereof is put thereon. The bottom surface portion <NUM> is disposed lateral to the head pipe <NUM>. The bottom surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle up-and-down direction. The bottom surface portion <NUM> extends in approximately a horizontal direction. The dimension of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is greater in the vehicle back-and-forth direction than in the vehicle width direction. The bottom surface portion <NUM> tilts down forward. The bottom surface portion <NUM> extends to gradually approach to the head pipe <NUM> from the rear to the front. The front end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the inner side than the rear end thereof in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the rear side than that of the right side cover <NUM>. The rear end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the rear side than the head pipe <NUM>. The rear end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the front side than that of the right side cover <NUM>.

The inner sidewall <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction. The inner sidewall <NUM> extends in approximately both the vehicle up-and-down direction and the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The inner sidewall <NUM> is disposed between the front surface portion <NUM> and the rear surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The inner sidewall <NUM> is connected to the bottom surface portion <NUM>, the front surface portion <NUM>, and the rear surface portion <NUM>. The inner sidewall <NUM> extends upward from a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The inner sidewall <NUM> extends to gradually approach to the head pipe <NUM> from rear to front. The front end of the inner sidewall <NUM> is located further on the inner side than the rear end thereof in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the inner sidewall <NUM> is opposed to the lid portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The front surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The front surface portion <NUM> extends upward from the front end of the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The front surface portion <NUM> extends outward from the front end of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The rear surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The rear surface portion <NUM> is opposed to the front surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The rear surface portion <NUM> extends upward from the rear end of the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> extends outward from the rear end of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The rear surface portion <NUM> is located further on the rear side than the head pipe <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> is located further on the front side than the rear end of the right side cover <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> is disposed further on the rear side than the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> defines part of the opening <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> includes an edge 45a extending not only downward but also outward in the vehicle width direction. The edge 45a is disposed on the upper end of a vehicle width directionally outer portion of the rear surface portion <NUM>. The edge 45a defines part of the opening <NUM>.

The restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> restricts the portable information terminal T, put on the bottom surface portion <NUM>, from moving outward in the vehicle width direction. In the opened state, a space is produced between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> so as to allow the portable information terminal T to tilt toward the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>.

The storage portion <NUM> stores the portable information terminal T such that the portable information terminal T stands between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>. The standing state of the portable information terminal T means that a lateral surface of the portable information terminal T is put on the bottom surface portion <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, the storage portion <NUM> stores the portable information terminal T such that a width directional lateral surface of the portable information terminal T is put on the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> may be configured to store the portable information terminal T such that a lengthwise directional lateral surface of the portable information terminal T is put on the bottom surface portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> is remote from the portable information terminal T in the closed state. When the lid portion <NUM> transitions from the closed state shown in <FIG> to the opened state shown in <FIG>, the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> contacts with the portable information terminal T on the front or rear surface side of the portable information terminal T so as to restrict movement of the portable information terminal T. When described in detail, as schematically shown in <FIG>, in transition of the lid portion <NUM> from the closed state to the opened state, the portable information terminal T tilts toward the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> due to a recoil caused in releasing the pressing force applied by the elastic member (or members) <NUM> and is thereby moved to the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>. Accordingly, the portable information terminal T contacts on the front or rear surface side thereof with the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>, whereby movement thereof is restricted. In other words, at least an upper portion of the portable information terminal T is remote from the inner sidewall <NUM> in the closed state; hence, the portable information terminal T is retained by the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>, while tilting with respect to the inner sidewall <NUM>.

The first restriction portion (or portions) 46a is disposed further on the outer side than the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> is opposed to the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The dimension of the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> is preferably greater than or equal to a quarter of, and less than or equal to three quarters of, that of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. The dimension of the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> is preferably less than that of the storage portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction.

The restriction portion or portions <NUM> include a first restriction portion 46a and a second restriction portion 46b. The first restriction portion 46a extends upward from the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The first restriction portion 46a is disposed further on the lower side than the upper end of the inner sidewall <NUM>. The dimension of the first restriction portion 46a is greater than or equal to a quarter of, and less than or equal to three quarters of, that of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. The dimension of the first restriction portion 46a is less than that of the storage portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The dimension of the first restriction portion 46a is less than that of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-down direction.

The second restriction portion 46b is disposed remote from the first restriction portion 46a in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The second restriction portion 46b is disposed further on the front side than the first restriction portion 46a. The second restriction portion 46b extends upward from the bottom surface portion <NUM> and is connected to the front surface portion <NUM>. The upper edge of the second restriction portion 46b extends not only rearward but also downward. The dimension of the second restriction portion 46b is greater than or equal to a quarter of, and less than or equal to three quarters of, that of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. The dimension of the second restriction portion 46b is less than that of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction.

The attachment portion <NUM> serves as a portion for attaching a power supply device (not shown in the drawings). The power supply device is, for instance, a power socket provided as an accessory socket. The power supply device may connect therethrough the portable information terminal T and an electronic device installed in the straddled vehicle <NUM> such that intercommunication of data is enabled between the portable information terminal T and the electronic device. The attachment portion <NUM> is formed by bulging a rear portion of the inner sidewall <NUM> inward in the vehicle width direction. The attachment portion <NUM> includes an attachment hole 47a to which the power supply device is attached. The attachment hole 47a is disposed further on the inner side than the bottom surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The attachment hole 47a is disposed below the upper surface portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the drain hole <NUM> is disposed in the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The drain hole <NUM> is provided in the vehicle width directionally inner one of the front corners of the bottom surface portion <NUM>.

Cushioning members <NUM> are disposed on the upper surface of the bottom surface portion <NUM>, the rear surface of the front surface portion <NUM>, the front surface of the rear surface portion <NUM>, and the internal surface of the lid portion <NUM>, respectively.

The lid portion <NUM> closes (covers) and opens (uncovers) the opening <NUM>. The lid portion <NUM> is capable of transitioning to the closed state and the opened state. In the closed state, the lid portion <NUM> covers the bottom surface portion <NUM>, the inner sidewall <NUM>, the front surface portion <NUM>, the rear surface portion <NUM>, and the upper surface portion <NUM>. The lid portion <NUM> is supported by the shaft portion <NUM> so as to be pivotable. The lid portion <NUM> is pivotable between an opened position shown in <FIG> and a closed position shown in <FIG>. The lid portion <NUM> is set to be pivotable in an angular range of approximately <NUM>° to <NUM>°. It should be noted that the lid portion <NUM> is preferably pivotable in an angular range of <NUM>° or less. The lid portion <NUM> is pivotable with respect to the right side cover <NUM>.

The lid portion <NUM> is configured to be opened outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the storage portion <NUM>. The lid portion <NUM> is configured to be opened outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the inner sidewall <NUM>. When moved from the closed position to the opened position, the lid portion <NUM> is opened outward in the vehicle width direction. The lid portion <NUM> is configured to be opened in a direction that the portable information terminal T tilts in transition from the closed state to the opened state. In other words, the lid portion <NUM> tilts in an identical direction to the portable information terminal T with respect to the inner sidewall <NUM> in transition from the closed state to the opened state. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the lid portion <NUM> is in the opened position, an upper portion thereof is located further on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than when the lid portion <NUM> is in the closed position. The lid portion <NUM> is biased to the opened position by a hinge spring (not shown in the drawings) disposed below the storage portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lid portion <NUM> includes a wall portion 32a, a canopy portion 32b, and an engaged portion 32c. In the closed state, the wall portion 32a extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the wall portion 32a is opposed to the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The canopy portion 32b extends inward from the upper end of the wall portion 32a in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the canopy portion 32b covers the upper surface portion <NUM>. In the closed state, a distal end portion 321b, which is a vehicle width directionally inner end portion of the canopy portion 32b, is located further on the inner side than the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The engaged portion 32c is provided on the lower surface of the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. The engaged portion 32c extends downward from the lower surface of the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. The engaged portion 32c is shaped to recess from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

The upper surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle up-and-down direction. The upper surface portion <NUM> extends from the storage portion <NUM> in a direction of closing the lid portion <NUM>. The upper surface portion <NUM> extends inward from the storage portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. In the vicinity of the upper end of the inner sidewall <NUM> of the storage portion <NUM>, the upper surface portion <NUM> extends inward from the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface portion <NUM> is disposed further on the lower side than the aforementioned upper end (43a) of the inner sidewall <NUM>. The upper end 43a of the inner sidewall <NUM> protrudes further upward than the upper surface portion <NUM>. Because of this, a step is provided between the upper surface portion <NUM> and the inner sidewall <NUM>. In the closed state, the upper surface portion <NUM> is disposed below the canopy portion 32b so as to be covered therewith.

The upper surface portion <NUM> includes a through hole 33a and a plurality of drain holes 33b. The through hole 33a and the plural drain holes 33b are disposed between the opposed portion <NUM> and the storage portion <NUM>. The through hole 33a and the plural drain holes 33b are disposed between the opposed portion <NUM> and the inner sidewall <NUM>. The through hole 33a and the plural drain holes 33b penetrate the upper surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. The through hole 33a is provided in the vicinity of the middle of the upper surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The plural drain holes 33b are provided on the front side and the rear side of the through hole 33a.

The opposed portion <NUM> is connected to the upper surface portion <NUM>. The opposed portion <NUM> extends upward from the upper surface portion <NUM>. The opposed portion <NUM> is disposed further on the inner side than the plural drain holes 33b in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the opposed portion <NUM> is opposed to the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. In the closed state, a seal member <NUM> is disposed between the opposed portion <NUM> and the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b so as to seal a gap produced therebetween. The seal member <NUM> is fixed to the opposed portion <NUM>. The seal member <NUM> may be fixed to the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of ribs <NUM> are provided on the inner side of the opposed portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction so as to be connected to the upper surface portion <NUM> and the opposed portion <NUM>.

The elastic member (or members) <NUM> is disposed on at least either the lid portion <NUM> or the inner sidewall <NUM>. In the closed state, the portable information terminal T is pressed by the elastic member (or members) <NUM> in the thickness direction thereof, while interposed between the elastic member (or members) <NUM> and either the lid portion <NUM> or the inner sidewall <NUM>; accordingly, the portable information terminal T is retained in the storage portion <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, in the closed state, the elastic member (or members) <NUM> presses the portable information terminal T in the vehicle width direction. For example, the elastic member (or members) <NUM> is made of such a material as urethane, rubber, or so forth.

The one or more elastic members <NUM> include a first elastic member 35a and a second elastic member 35b. The first elastic member 35a is disposed on the lid portion <NUM>. The first elastic member 35a is fixed to the internal surface of the wall portion 32a of the lid portion <NUM>. In the closed state, the first elastic member 35a is disposed above the first restriction portion 46a. The first elastic member 35a, at least in part, is disposed at an identical height to the center of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. In the closed state, the first elastic member 35a overlaps with the height center of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle side view. When the portable information terminal T is stored in the storage portion <NUM> in the closed state, the first elastic member 35a extends in the lengthwise direction of the portable information terminal T. In the present preferred embodiment, the first elastic member 35a extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the first restriction portion 46a herein extends from the bottom surface portion <NUM> to the vicinity of the first elastic member 35a. In the closed state, the first restriction portion 46a is disposed below the first elastic member 35a. The height of the first restriction portion 46a is greater than or equal to a half of the dimension from the bottom surface portion <NUM> to the first elastic member 35a in the closed state. The second restriction portion 46b, in part, is disposed further on the upper side than the first elastic member 35a.

The second elastic member 35b is disposed on the inner sidewall <NUM>. The second elastic member 35b is fixed to the surface of the inner sidewall <NUM> on the outer side of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the second elastic member 35b is opposed to the first elastic member 35a in the vehicle width direction. The second elastic member 35b is disposed at least in part at an identical height to the center of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. In the closed state, the second elastic member 35b overlaps with the height center of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle side view. When the portable information terminal T is stored in the storage portion <NUM>, the second elastic member 35b extends in the lengthwise direction of the portable information terminal T. In the present preferred embodiment, the second elastic member 35b extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction.

The shaft portion <NUM> supports the lid portion <NUM> such that the lid portion <NUM> is made pivotable. The shaft portion <NUM> extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. In the present preferred embodiment, the shaft portion <NUM> extends to tilt with respect to not only the vehicle up-and-down direction but also the vehicle width direction. The shaft portion <NUM> extends from the vehicle rear side to the vehicle front side so as to tilt down to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. It should be noted that the shaft portion <NUM> may extend in parallel to the vehicle back-and-forth direction, or alternatively, may extend to tilt with respect to either the vehicle up-and-down direction or the vehicle width direction.

The shaft portion <NUM> is disposed below the storage portion <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> overlaps with the storage portion <NUM> in a vehicle plan view. The shaft portion <NUM> is supported by the shaft support portion <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> is disposed further on the outer side than the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The shaft support portion <NUM> is disposed below the storage portion <NUM>. The shaft support portion <NUM> is provided on a lower portion of the bottom surface portion <NUM>.

The lid cover <NUM> is fixed to the lid portion <NUM> outside the lid portion <NUM> so as to be unitarily pivotable therewith. For example, at least one resin rivet is inserted into the lid cover <NUM> from the inside of the lid portion <NUM>, whereby the lid cover <NUM> is fixed to the lid portion <NUM>. The lid cover <NUM> is disposed to compose part of the right side cover <NUM> in the vehicle side view. For example, the lid cover <NUM> is disposed to be flush with the right side cover <NUM> at a portion thereof adjoining the right side cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the straddled vehicle <NUM> includes an opening and closing mechanism <NUM> and an operating member <NUM>. When the lid portion <NUM> is moved to the closed position, the opening and closing mechanism <NUM> keeps the lid portion <NUM> in the closed state. The opening and closing mechanism <NUM> releases the closed state in response to operating the operating member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening and closing mechanism <NUM> includes an engaging protrusion 60a. The engaging protrusion 60a is disposed to be protrusible and retractable with respect to the through hole 33a. The engaging protrusion 60a is biased upward by an urging member (not shown in the drawings). In the closed state, the engaging protrusion 60a protrudes upward from the through hole 33a so as to engage with the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the lid portion <NUM> is kept in the closed state, while being restricted from moving to the opened position. On the other hand, when the operating member <NUM> is operated, the engaging protrusion 60a is pulled into the through hole 33a. When the operating member <NUM> is operated in the closed state, the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM> is released from being engaged with the engaging protrusion 60a. Accordingly, the lid portion <NUM> is moved from the closed position to the opened position.

The engaging protrusion 60a includes a slope 601a. The slope 601a is provided on the upper surface of the engaging protrusion 60a. The slope 601a tilts down to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. When the lid portion <NUM> is moved from the opened position to the closed position, the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b of the lid portion <NUM> contacts with the slope 601a from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the engaging protrusion 60a is pressed downward to be pulled into the through hole 33a. When the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM> gets over the engaging protrusion 60a to the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the engaging protrusion 60a engages with the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM>, whereby the lid portion <NUM> is restricted from moving to the opened position.

The operating member <NUM> serves as a member to be operated for causing the lid portion <NUM> to perform an opening action. The operating member <NUM> is a member to be operated for pulling the engaging protrusion 60a into the through hole 33a. The operating member <NUM> is coupled to the opening and closing mechanism <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> is a member operable by pressing. The operating member <NUM> is, for instance, a push button pressable from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The operating member <NUM> is disposed on the external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the storage portion <NUM>.

In the storage box <NUM> for the straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the present aspect, when the lid portion <NUM> of the storage box <NUM> is closed, the portable information terminal T stored in the storage portion <NUM> of the storage box <NUM> is retained therein, while being pressed by the elastic member (or members) <NUM> in the thickness direction thereof. Accordingly, the portable information terminal T can be retained by an easy operation, i.e., only by pivoting the lid portion <NUM> of the storage box <NUM>. Therefore, when a rider is riding on the vehicle, for instance, the portable information terminal T stored in the storage box <NUM> can be easily retained, while the vehicle can be kept in balance.

The portable information terminal T is stored to stand between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>; besides, a space is produced between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the restriction portion (or portions) so as to allow the portable information terminal T to tilt toward the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> when the lid portion <NUM> is opened. Because of this, when the rider is riding on the vehicle, for instance, it is made easy for the rider to put/take the portable information terminal T in/out of the storage portion <NUM>.

The inner sidewall <NUM> extends in approximately the vehicle up-and-down direction; hence, in transition of the lid portion <NUM> from the closed state to the opened state, it is made possible to move the portable information terminal T to the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> due to the recoil caused in releasing the pressing force applied by the elastic member (or members) <NUM> to press the portable information terminal T. Because of this, when the rider riding on the vehicle opens the lid portion <NUM>, for instance, it is made easy for the rider to take the portable information terminal T out of the storage portion <NUM>.

The first elastic member 35a is disposed on the lid portion <NUM>; hence, when the lid portion <NUM> transitions from the opened state to the closed state, the portable information terminal T can be supported by the first elastic member 35a until contacting with the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>. Besides, the shaft portion <NUM> is disposed below the storage portion <NUM>; hence, even when the portable information terminal T slips out of the storage portion <NUM> in the opened state, the portable information terminal T can be inhibited from dropping from the storage box <NUM> by the lid portion <NUM>.

The storage box <NUM> is fixed to a member configured not to be turned together with the steering device <NUM>; hence, when the rider is riding on the vehicle, the portable information terminal T stored in the storage box <NUM> can be easily retained, while the vehicle can be kept in balance. Besides, the portable information terminal T is unlikely to be affected by turning of the steering device <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> is opened not only upward but also outward in the vehicle width direction; besides, the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> is not provided on the storage portion <NUM> entirely in the vehicle width direction. Because of this, the portable information terminal T can be easily put/taken in/out of the storage portion <NUM>.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention has been explained above. However, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment described above, and a variety of changes can be made without departing from the claims that define present invention.

The storage box <NUM> may be changed in layout. The storage box <NUM> may be disposed inside the left side cover <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> may be changed in configuration. The opening and closing mechanism <NUM> and the operating member <NUM> may be changed in configuration.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> may be an electric straddled vehicle. In this case, the power unit <NUM> may include an electric motor, while the tank-like member <NUM> may include a battery. The battery may be stored in the tank-like member <NUM>.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> may be a vehicle of a scooter type. In this case, the shaft portion <NUM> may extend in the vehicle width direction; besides, the storage box <NUM>, at least in part, may be disposed in, for instance, a leg shield disposed in front of the seat <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A storage box (<NUM>) for a straddled vehicle (<NUM>), the storage box (<NUM>) being configured to store a portable information terminal (T), the storage box (<NUM>) comprising:
a storage portion (<NUM>) including an opening (<NUM>) for putting-in and taking-out of the portable information terminal (T), an inner sidewall (<NUM>), and at least one restriction portion (<NUM>) opposed to the inner sidewall (<NUM>), the storage portion (<NUM>) being configured to store the portable information terminal (T) such that the portable information terminal (T) stands between the inner sidewall (<NUM>) and the at least one restriction portion (<NUM>);
a lid portion (<NUM>) capable of transitioning to a closed state and an opened state, the lid portion (<NUM>) being configured to close the opening in the closed state, the lid portion (<NUM>) being configured to open the opening in the opened state, the lid portion (<NUM>) being opposed to the inner sidewall (<NUM>) in the closed state;
at least one elastic member (<NUM>) disposed on at least either the lid portion (<NUM>) or the inner sidewall (<NUM>), the at least one elastic member (<NUM>) being configured to press the portable information terminal (T) in a thickness direction of the portable information terminal (T) between the lid portion (<NUM>) or the inner sidewall (<NUM>) in the closed state to hold the portable information terminal (T) in the storage portion (<NUM>); and
a shaft portion (<NUM>) configured to pivotably support the lid portion (<NUM>), wherein
the inner sidewall (<NUM>) extends in approximately a vehicle up-and-down direction or extends to gradually approach the at least one restriction portion (<NUM>) from below to above,
the inner sidewall (<NUM>) and the at least one restriction portion (<NUM>) produce a space therebetween so as to allow the portable information terminal (T) to tilt toward the at least one restriction portion (<NUM>) in the opened state, and
the at least one restriction portion (<NUM>) is apart from the portable information terminal (T) in the closed state,
characterized in that the at least one restriction portion (<NUM>) contacts with the portable information terminal (T) on a front or rear surface side of the portable information terminal (T) so as to restrict movement of the portable information terminal (T) when the lid portion (<NUM>) transitions from the closed state to the opened state.