Description:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

“LATCHING DEVICE OF A VEHICLE”

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[001] The present invention relates to a latching device. In particular, the invention relates toa latching device for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[002] Latching device is used in a vehicle for latching various vehicular parts such as utility box, vehicle seat and other parts. These latching devices generally include an engaging member for engaging or disengaging with the vehicular parts directly or indirectly in order to bring the parts in released or restricted state.

[003] Conventionally, for latching each and every vehicular part there is a requirement of a dedicated latching device. For example, for latching a first vehicular part and a second vehicular part, two different latching devices namely a first latching device and a second latching device is used. The use of dedicated latching device for each and every vehicular part is not always beneficial and has various disadvantages, for example, requires more space that can be used for installation of other vehicular parts.

[004] Thus, there exists a need of a latching device capable of latching one or more than one vehicular part with the help of single engaging member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features.

[006] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latching device of a vehicle for latching a first element and a second element. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, said latching device comprises a body member comprising a first opening and a second opening; and an engaging member disposed parallel to the body member such that movement of the engaging member with respect to the body member control a first area of the first opening to restrict or release the first element from the first opening and control a second area of the second opening to restrict or release the second element from the second opening .

[007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member adapted to exhibit rotational motion in order to assume a first position (FP) corresponding to a neutral position, a second position (SP) in a first direction and a third position (TP)in a second direction with respect to the body member. In an another embodiment of the present invention,
• in the first position (FP), the engaging member is adapted to control the first area to have a first value, the first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element to the latching device. The engaging member is adapted to control the second area to have a first value, the first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element to the latching device;
• in the second position (SP), the engaging member is adapted to control the first area to have a first value, the first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element to the latching device. The engaging member is adapted to control the second area to have a second value, the second value corresponding to a released state of the second element to the latching device; and
• in the third position (TP), the engaging member is adapted to control the first area to have a second value, the second value corresponding to a released state of the first element to the latching device. The engaging member is adapted to control the second area to have a first value, the first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element to the latching device.

[008] In yet other embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member is a sliding member adapted to exhibit translational motion in order to assume a first position (FP) corresponding to a neutral position, a second position (SP)in a first direction and a third position (TP)in a second direction with respect to the body member. In yet another embodiment of the present invention,
• in the first position (FP), the engaging member adapted to control the first area to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element to the latching device; the engaging member adapted to control the second area to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element to the latching device;
• in the second position (SP), the engaging member adapted to control the first area to have a third value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element to the latching device; the engaging member adapted to control the second area to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the second element to the latching device; and
• in the third position (TP), the engaging member adapted to control the first area to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the first element to the latching device; the engaging member adapted to control the second area to have a third value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element to the latching device.

[009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first element and second element that are to be latched by the latching device are operably connected with vehicular parts such as split seats or seat and fuel lid.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the body member comprises a top plate, a bottom plate and a centre plate placed between the top plate and the bottom plate. Further, at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate comprises the first opening, the second opening and one or more mounting apertures, the one or more mounting apertures primarily intended to mount the latching device to a predetermined part of the vehicle.In a further more embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate comprises a central opening located between the first opening and the second opening. The central opening accommodating a pivot pin and the engaging member exhibiting pivotal movement with respect to a pivot axis passing through the central opening.In still another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate comprises a restricting member for restricting the pivotal movement of the engaging member.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the centre plate comprises an engaging member guiding track for guiding the pivotal movement of the engaging member.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member comprises a fourth opening co-operating with the central openingand the pivot pin for enabling the engaging member to exhibit pivotal movement and a motion restricting aperture for accommodating the restricting member.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the engaging member comprises an actuating member connecting portion adapted to be coupled to a first actuating member and a second actuating member.

[0014] In an another embodiment of the present invention, the first actuating member comprises a first outer sheeting and a first inner wire; the first outer sheeting adapted to abut against a first protrusion provided in the body member and the first inner wire adapted to be coupled with the actuating member connecting portion. In yet other embodiment of the present invention, the second actuating member comprises a second outer sheeting and a second inner wire; the second outer sheeting adapted to abut against a second protrusion provided in the body member and the second inner wire adapted to be coupled with the actuating member connecting portion.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a first resilient member is disposed in between the first outer sheeting and the actuating member connecting portion and a second resilient member is disposed in between the second outer sheeting and the actuating member connecting portion for exerting restoration force to the engaging member.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a first point of connection of the first inner wire with the actuating member connecting portion and a second point of connection of the second inner wire with the actuating member connecting portion are equidistant from the pivot axis.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprisinga first vehicular part requiring to be latched; a second vehicular part requiring to be latched; a first element connected to the first vehicular part; a second element connected to the second vehicular part and a latching device for latching the first element and the second element. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the latching device comprises a body member comprising a first opening and a second opening; and an engaging member disposed parallel to the body member such that movement of the engaging member with respect to body member control a first area of the first opening to restrict or release the first element from the first opening and control a second area of the second opening to restrict or release the second element from the second opening .

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first element comprises a first engaging groove and the second element comprises a second engaging groove adapted to interact with the engaging member.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first vehicular part and the second vehicular part can be a split seats or a seat and a fuel lid or such other components.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an actuating knob capable of exhibiting two way rotation operably connected to the latching device by a first inner wire and a second inner wire anchored to underside of the actuating knob, the actuating knob is utilised for controlling the interaction of the engaging member with the first element and the second element.

[0021] One advantage of the present invention is that the latching device has the provision for latching two different vehicular parts namely the first vehicular part and the second vehicular part with the help of single engaging member.

[0022] Other advantage of the present invention is that due to the latching device, the first vehicular part and the second vehicular part such as split seats or seat and fuel lid can be restricted and released independent to one another.

[0023] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

[0024] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates close up view of a predetermined part of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of latching device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4a illustrates atop view of the latching device in first position(FP), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4b illustrates a top view of the latching device in second position(SP), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4c illustrates a top view of the latching device in third position(TP), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5a illustrates a top view of the latching device in first position(FP), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5b illustrates a top view of the latching device in second position(SP), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5c illustrates a top view of the latching device in third position(TP), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the latching device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates an isometric view of engaging member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of the latching device in connection with actuating members, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9a illustrates a top view of the latching device in first position(FP), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9b illustrates a top view of the latching device in second position(SP), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Figure 9c illustrates a top view of the latching device in third position (TP), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0041] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0042] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0043] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”“an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0045] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0046] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with”are used synonymously.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0048] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-mentioned element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0049] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used.

[0050] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0051] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), a head pipe (Not shown), a front cover (14), a front fender (16), a front wheel (18), a headlight (20), a handle bar (22), a leg shield (24), a first side cover(26), a rear wheel (28), a rear fender (30), a tail light (32), a split seats (34, 36 ),a frame (Not shown), a rear suspension (38),an exhaust pipe ( Not shown),and stand device (40).Further, a latching device (200) is located in close proximity to the split seats (34, 36).

[0054] It may be noted that the vehicle (10) is shown to have included above stated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (10) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[0055] Referring to Figure 2, a first vehicular part (42) and a second vehicular part (44) requiring to be latched near a predetermined part of the vehicle (10) are shown. The first vehicular part (42) and the second vehicular part (44) are connected to a first element (102) and a second element (104) respectively. Further, the latching device (200) latches with the first element (102) and the second element (104).By way of non- restrictive example the first vehicular part (42) and the second vehicular part (44) can be split seats (34, 36), seat and fuel lid or other such components.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4a, the body member (202) of the latching device (200)comprises a first opening (204), a second opening (206); and an engaging member (208) disposed parallel to the body member (202)such that movement of the engaging member (208) with respect to body member (202) control a first area (210) of the first opening (204) to restrict or release the first element (102) from the first opening (204) and control a second area (212) of the second opening(206) to restrict or release the second element (102) from the second opening (206).

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first element (102) comprises a first engaging groove (1021) and the second element (104) comprises a second engaging groove (1041). The first engaging groove (1021) and the second engaging groove (1041) are adapted to interact with the engaging member (208). The interaction allows the engaging member (108) to restrict and release the first engaging groove (1021) and the second engaging groove (1041).

[0058] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member (208) adapted to exhibit rotational motion in order to assume a first position (FP) corresponding to a neutral position, a second position (SP) in a first direction and a third position (TP) in a second direction with respect to the body member (202).According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member (208) is a cam member. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member (208) is a cam member having a semi-arcuate shape.

[0059] Again Referring to Figure 4a, in the first position (FP), the engaging member (208) is adapted to control the first area (210) to have a first value. The first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200). Further, the engaging member (208) is adapted to control the second area (212) to have a first value, in which the first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device(200).

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first value of the first area (210) relates to engagement of the first engaging groove (1021) with the engaging member (208). Due to the engagement of the first engaging groove (1021) with the engaging member (208) the first element (102) remains in restricted state to the latching device (200).

[0061] Similarly, the first value of the second area (212) relates to engagement of the second engaging groove (1041) with the engaging member (208). Due to the engagement of the second engaging groove (1041) with the engaging member (208) the second element (104) remains in restricted state to the latching device (200).

[0062] Referring to Figure 4b, in the second position (SP), the engaging member (208) is adapted to control the first area (210) to have a first value, the first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200). Further, the engaging member (208) is adapted to control the second area (212) to have a second value, the second value corresponding to a released state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200).

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, the change in the value of the second area (212) form the first value to the second value relates to disengagement of the second engaging groove (1041) with respect to the engaging member (208). The disengagement between the second engaging groove (1041) and the engaging member (208) allows the second element (104) to come in the released state from the latching device (200).

[0064] Referring to Figure 4c, in the third position (TP), the engaging member (208) is adapted to control the first area (210) to have a second value, the second value corresponding to a released state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200). Further, the engaging member (208) is adapted to control the second area (212) to have a first value, the first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200).

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, the change in the value of the first area (210) form the first value to the second value relates to the disengagement of the first engaging groove (1021) with respect to the engaging member (208). The disengagement between the first engaging groove (1021) and the engaging member (208) allows the first element (102) to come in the released state from the latching device (200).

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member (208)is adapted to exhibit translational motion in order to assume a first position (FP) corresponding to a neutral position, a second position (SP) in a first direction and a third position (TP)in a second direction with respect to the body member (202). According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the engaging member (208) is a sliding member.

[0067] Referring to Figure 5a, in the first position (FP), the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200).

[0068] Referring to Figure 5b, in the second position (SP) the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a third value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200).

[0069] Referring to Figure 5c, in the third position (TP) the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a third value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200).

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and the third value of the first area (210) relates to engagement of the engaging member (208) with the first engaging groove (1021).Similarly, the first and the third value of the second area (212) relates to engagement of the engaging member (208) with the second engaging groove (1041).

[0071] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the translation motion of the engaging member (208) in the first direction allows the second area (212) to attain a second value relating to disengagement between the second engaging groove (1041) and the engaging member (208). The disengagement between the second engaging groove (1041) and the engaging member (208) allows the second element (104) to come in released state from the latching device (200).

[0072] In the other hand, the translation motion of the engaging member (208) in the second direction allows the first area (210) to attain a second value, which relates to disengagement between the first engaging groove (1021) and the engaging member (208). The disengagement between the first engaging groove (1021) and the engaging member (208) allows the first element (102) to come in released state from the latching device (200).

[0073] By way of a non-restrictive example, the first element (102) and second element (104) that is to be latched by the latching device (200) are operably connected with vehicular parts such as split seats(34,36) or seat and fuel lid.

[0074] Referring to Figure 6, the body member (202) comprises a top plate (214), a bottom plate (216), and a centre plate (218) placed between the top plate (214) and the bottom plate (216).According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the top plate (214) and the bottom plate (216) comprise the first opening (204), the second opening (206) and one or more mounting apertures (220). The one or more mounting apertures (220) primarily intended to mount the latching device (200) to a predetermined part of the vehicle (10) via one or more mounting members (230).

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the top plate (214) and the bottom plate (216) comprises a central opening (C) located between the first opening (204) and the second opening (206). The central opening (C) accommodates a pivot pin (224) and the engaging member (208) exhibiting pivotal movement with respect to a pivot axis (222) passing through the central opening (C). The pivot axis (222) passing through the central opening (C) acts as an axis of rotation for the pivot pin (224) capable of rotating with respect to the top plate (214) and the bottom plate (216). The rotation of the pivot pin (224) allows the engaging member (208) to interchange the position in between the first position (FP), second position (SP) and the third position (TP).

[0076] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the top plate (214) and the bottom plate (216) comprises a restricting member (228) for restricting the pivotal movement of the engaging member (208).

[0077] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the restricting member (228) may be a protrusion formed on a lower surface of the top plate (214) or an upper surface of the bottom plate (216).

[0078] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the centre plate (218) comprises engaging member guiding track (232) for guiding the pivotal movement of the engaging member (208).

[0079] By way of a non-limiting example, the one or more mounting members (230) may be a combination of nut and bolt joint or a riveted joint.

[0080] Referring Figure 7, the engaging member (208) comprises a fourth opening (238) co-operating with the central opening (C) and the pivot pin (224) for enabling the engaging member (208) to exhibit pivotal movement. Further, the engaging member (208) comprises a motion restricting aperture (240) for accommodating the restricting member (228). By way of non- limiting example, the shape of the engaging member (208) may be semi-arcuate.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the interaction between the motion restricting aperture (240) and the restricting member (228) defines the extremities of the movement of the engaging member (208). For example, during the change in the position of the engaging member (208) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP), the restricting member (228) restricts the engaging member (208) to move further in the first direction. Similarly, during the change in the position of the engaging member (208) from the first position (FP) to the third position (TP) with respect to the body member (202) the motion restricting aperture (240) restricts the engaging member (208) to move further in the second direction.

[0082] Referring Figure 7and Figure 8, the engaging member (208) comprises an actuating member connecting portion (242) adapted to be coupled to a first actuating member (106) and a second actuating member (108). Further, an actuating knob (110) is operably connected to the latching device (200) via the first actuating member (106) and the second actuating member (108). The actuating knob (110) is capable of exhibiting two way rotation, which is utilised for interchanging the position of the engaging member (208) to the first position (FP), second position (SP) and the third position (TP) with respect to the body member (202).The interchange in the position of the engaging member (208) with the actuation of the actuating knob (110) ultimately controls interaction of the engaging member (208) with the first element (102) and the second element (104).

[0083] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 8, the first actuating member (106) comprises a first outer sheeting (112) and a first inner wire (114); the first outer sheeting (112) adapted to abut against a first protrusion (234) provided in the body member (202)and the first inner wire (114) being adapted to be coupled with the actuating member connecting portion (242).

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inner wire (114) traverses through the outer sheeting (112) and anchored to underside of the actuating knob (110) for operably connecting the actuating knob (110) to the engaging member (208) with help of the actuating member connecting portion (242).

[0085] Further, the second actuating member (108) comprises a second outer sheeting (116) and a second inner wire (118); the second outer sheeting (116) adapted to abut against a second protrusion (236) provided in the body member (202) and the second inner wire (118) adapted to be coupled with the actuating member connecting portion (242).

[0086] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second inner wire (118) traverses through the second outer sheeting (116) and anchored to the underside of the actuating knob (110)for operably connecting the actuating knob (110) to the engaging member (208) with help of the actuating member connecting portion (242).

[0087] Further, a first resilient member (120) is disposed in between the first outer sheeting (112) and the actuating member connecting portion (242) and a second resilient member (122) is disposed in between the second outer sheeting (116) and the actuating member connecting portion(242) for exerting restoration force to the engaging member (208).

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first actuating member (106) may be in line with respect to the second actuating member (108).The first actuating member (106) and the second actuating member (108) are equidistant from the pivot axis (222) of the engaging member (208).The first actuating member (106) may be offset in vertical direction with respect to the second actuating member (108). The first actuating member (106) may be offset in radial direction with respect to the second actuating member (108).

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first point of connection (P1) of the first inner wire (114) with the actuating member connecting portion (242) and a second point of connection (P2) of the second inner wire (118) with the actuating member connecting portion (242) are equidistant from the pivot axis (222).

[0090] Referring to Figure 9a, there is illustrated an assembled view of the latching device (200) in first position (FP) viewed from top. In the first position (FP) the first resilient member (120) and the second resilient member (122) acquires the free length in order to maintain the actuating member connecting portion (242) at a location that keeps the engaging member (208) in the neutral position.

[0091] Referring to Figure 9b, upon being actuation of the actuating member connecting portion (242) in the first direction, for example in a clock wise direction when viewed from the top, the location of the actuating member connecting portion (242) changes. The change in the location of the actuating member connecting portion (242) moves the engaging member (208) to the second position (SP). The movement of the engaging member (208) to second position (SP)changes the value of the second area (212) to the second value that allows releasing of the second element (104) from the latching device (200) via the second opening (206).

[0092] Referring to Figure 9c, upon being actuation of the actuating member connecting portion (242) in the second direction, for example in a counter clock wise direction when viewed from the top, the location of the actuating member connecting portion (242) changes. The change in the location of the actuating member connecting portion (242) moves the engaging member (208) to the third position (TP). The movement of the engaging member (208) to the third position (TP) changes the value of the first area (210) to the second value that allows releasing of the first element (104) from the latching device (200) via the first opening (204).

[0093] In accordance with the aforementioned embodiments, the latching device (200) helps in restricting and releasing the first element (102) connected with the first vehicular part (42) and second element (104) connected with the second vehicular part (44) by use of the single engaging member (208) only. Since, the latching of the two vehicular parts can be done with the help the latching device (200), the use of the latching device (200) helps in optimising the vehicular space and is cost-effective.

[0094] Additionally, the latching device (200) of the present invention is capable of restricting and releasing the movement of the first vehicular part (42) and the second vehicular part (44)such as split seats (34,36), a seat and a fuel lid or other similar vehicular parts independent to each other.

[0095] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0096] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

[0097] Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A latching device (200) of a vehicle (10) for latching a first element (102) and a second element (104), said latching device (200) comprising:
a body member (202) comprising a first opening (204) and a second opening (206); and
an engaging member (208) disposed parallel to the body member (202)such that movement of the engaging member (208) with respect to the body member (202) control a first area (210) of the first opening (204) to restrict or release the first element (102) from the first opening (204) and control a second area (212) of the second opening(206) to restrict or release the second element (102) from the second opening (206).

2. The latching device(200)as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging member (208) adapted to exhibit rotational motion in order to assume a first position (FP) corresponding to a neutral position, a second position (SP) in a first direction and a third position (TP)in a second direction with respect to the body member (202);
• in the first position (FP), the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200);
• in the second position (SP), the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device(200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200); and
• in the third position (TP), the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200).

3. The latching device (200)as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging member (208) adapted to exhibit translational motion in order to assume a first position (FP) corresponding to a neutral position, a second position (SP) in a first direction and a third position (TP)in a second direction with respect to the body member (202);
• in the first position (FP), the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a first value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device(200);
• in the second position (SP), the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a third value corresponding to a restricted state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the second element (104) to the latching device(200); and
• in the third position (TP), the engaging member (208) adapted to control the first area (210) to have a second value corresponding to a released state of the first element (102) to the latching device (200); the engaging member (208) adapted to control the second area (212) to have a third value corresponding to a restricted state of the second element (104) to the latching device (200).

4. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first element(102) and second element(104)that are to be latched by the latching device (200) are operably connected with vehicular parts such as split seats(34,36) or seat and fuel lid.

5. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body member (202) comprises a top plate (214), a bottom plate (216), and a centre plate (218) placed between the top plate (214) and the bottom plate (216), at least one of the top plate (214) and the bottom plate (216) comprising: the first opening (204); the second opening (206); one or more mounting apertures (220), the one or more mounting apertures (220) primarily intended for mounting the latching device (200) to a predetermined part of the vehicle (10); a central opening (C) located between the first opening (204) and the second opening (206), the central opening (C) accommodating a pivot pin (224) and the engaging member (208) exhibiting pivotal movement with respect to a pivot axis (222) passing through the central opening (C);and
a restricting member (228) for restricting the pivotal movement of the engaging member (208).

6. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the centre plate (218) comprises an engaging member guiding track (232) for guiding the pivotal movement of the engaging member (208).

7. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the engaging member (208) comprises a fourth opening (238) co-operating with the central opening (C) and the pivot pin (224) for enabling the engaging member (208) to exhibit pivotal movement and a motion restricting aperture (240) for accommodating the restricting member (228).

8. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging member (208) comprises an actuating member connecting portion (242) adapted to be coupled to a first actuating member (106) and a second actuating member (108).

9. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim8, wherein the first actuating member (106) comprises a first outer sheeting (112) and a first inner wire (114); the first outer sheeting (112)adapted to abut against a first protrusion (234) provided in the body member (202) and the first inner wire (114)adapted to be coupled with the actuating member connecting portion (242); and
the second actuating member (108) comprises a second outer sheeting (116) and a second inner wire (118); the second outer sheeting (116)adapted to abut against a second protrusion (236) provided in the body member (202)and the second inner wire (118)adapted to be coupled with the actuating member connecting portion (242).

10. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein a first resilient member (120) is disposed in between the first outer sheeting (112) and the actuating member connecting portion (242) and a second resilient member (122) is disposed in between the second outer sheeting (116) and the actuating member connecting portion (242)for exerting restoration force to the engaging member (208).

11. The latching device (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein a first point of connection (P1) of the first inner wire (114) with the actuating member connecting portion (242) and a second point of connection (P2) of the second inner wire (118) with the actuating member connecting portion (242) are equidistant from a pivot axis (222) of an engaging member (208).

12. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a first vehicular part (42) requiring to be latched;
a second vehicular part (44) requiring to be latched;
a first element (102) connected to the first vehicular part (42);
a second element (104) connected to the second vehicular part (44); and
a latching device (200) for latching the first element (102) and the second element (104); the latching device (200) comprising:
a body member (202) comprising a first opening(204) and a second opening (206); and
an engaging member (208) disposed parallel to the body member (202) such that movement of the engaging member (208) with respect to the body member (202) control a first area (210) of the first opening (204) to restrict or release the first element (102) from the first opening (204) and control a second area (212) of the second opening (206) to restrict or release the second element (102) from the second opening (206).

13. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim12, wherein the first element (102) comprises a first engaging groove (1021) and the second element (104) comprises a second engaging groove (1041) adapted to interact with the engaging member (208).

14. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim12, wherein the first vehicular part (42) and the second vehicular part (44) can be split seats (34, 36),a seat and a fuel lid or such other components.

15. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim12, wherein an actuating knob (110) capable of exhibiting two way rotation operably connected to the latching device (200) by a first inner wire (114) and a second inner wire (118) anchored to underside of the actuating knob (110), the actuating knob (110)is utilised for controlling the interaction of the engaging member (208) with the first element(102) and the second element (104).