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

STIFFENER OF A LATCHING MECHANISM 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

THEFOLLOWINGSPECIFICATION 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 stiffener of a latching mechanism of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Vehicles in particularly two-wheeled vehicles are provided with a utility box positioned under seat for storing items such as helmet and other personal belongings of rider. In order to prevent any theft or unauthorized access to the stored items, the seat is closed and simultaneously latched with a latching mechanism provided in proximity to the seat.

[003] Further, for accessing the utility box the seat is unlatched from the latching mechanism by utilizing an actuating mechanism of the latching mechanism. In general, the actuating mechanism comprises an actuating cable for transferring actuating force exerted by the rider on an actuating means to a locking means of the latching mechanism. The actuating force brings the seat from latched state to unlatched state allowing access to the utility box. In order to restrict unauthorized access to the utility box, it is desirable that the actuating cable can only be actuated by the actuating means.

[004] However, in practical cases there is a formation of gap (s) between the seat and neighboring vehicular part (s). These gap(s) can be utilized for exerting a force directed in the vehicular rearward direction on the actuating cable by a tool such as spanner, screw driver or etc. Thus, by exerting the force on the actuating cable through the gap (s), the seat is brought to the unlatched state forcefully leading to theft or unauthorized access.

[005] Thus, there is a requirement of providing a solution to one or more aforesaid problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[006] 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 of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[007] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stiffener of a latching mechanism forming part of a vehicle, the stiffener comprising a first aperture for releasably holding a first part of an actuating mechanism that operates the latching mechanism; and a channel terminating at the first aperture, the channel comprising at least one of a first portion oriented in the vehicle height direction and a second portion oriented in the vehicle forward direction.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, one of the first aperture and the channel restricts movement of the first part when a force being applied solely in the vehicle rearward direction.

[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a first rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle forward direction and a second rectilinear section extending from the first rectilinear section in the vehicle upward direction up to a top edge of the stiffener.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a first rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle upward direction and a second rectilinear section extending from the first rectilinear section in the vehicle rearward direction up to a rear edge of the stiffener.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a first rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle downward direction and a second rectilinear section extending from the first rectilinear section in the vehicle rearward direction up to a rear edge of the stiffener.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a first rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle upward direction and a second rectilinear section extending from the first rectilinear section in the vehicle forward direction up to a front edge of the stiffener.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a first rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle upward direction up to a top edge of the stiffener.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a first rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle forward direction up to a front edge of the stiffener.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a first rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle rearward direction and a second rectilinear section extending from the first section in the vehicle upward-forward direction up to a top edge of the stiffener.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a third rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle rearward direction and a first curved section extending from the third rectilinear section in the vehicle upward- forward direction up to a top edge of the stiffener.

[0017] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a third rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle rearward direction and a first curved section extending from the third rectilinear section in the vehicle downward-forward direction up to a bottom edge of the stiffener.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the channel comprises a third rectilinear section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle forward direction and a first curved section extending from the third rectilinear section in the vehicle upward-rearward direction up to a top edge of the stiffener.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, a width of the channel continuously increases along length such that a value of the width being minimum at the first aperture.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a latching mechanism for latching a first element of a vehicle; the latching mechanism comprising a locking means adapted to co-operate with the first element ;an actuating mechanism operably connected to the locking means such that the actuating mechanism bring the locking means to one of a closed position and an open position; the closed position corresponds to a restricted state of the first element with respect to the locking means and the open position corresponds to a released state of the first element with respect to the locking means; and a stiffener supporting the locking means ; the stiffener comprising: a first aperture for releasably holding a first part of the actuating mechanism ; and a channel terminating at the first aperture , the channel comprising at least one of a first portion oriented in the vehicle height direction and a second portion oriented in the vehicle forward direction.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the stiffener comprises at least one mounting aperture for mounting the latching mechanism to a predetermined portion of the vehicle.

[0022] In yet another aspect of invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a first vehicular part requiring to be latched; a first element operably connected to the first vehicular part ; a latching mechanism for latching the first element ; the latching mechanism comprising a locking means adapted to co-operate with the first element; an actuating mechanism operably connected to the locking means such that the actuating mechanism bring the locking means to one of a closed position and an open position; the closed position corresponds to a restricted state of the first element with respect to the locking means and the open position corresponds to a released state of the first element with respect to the locking means ; and a stiffener supporting the locking means ; the stiffener comprising a first aperture for releasably holding a first part of the actuating mechanism ; and a channel terminating at the first aperture , the channel comprising at least one of a first portion oriented in the vehicle height direction and a second portion oriented in the vehicle forward direction.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular part comprises a seat member.

[0024] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a stiffener of a latching mechanism forming part of a vehicle, the stiffener comprising a first aperture for releasably holding a first part of an actuating mechanism that operates the latching mechanism ; a channel terminating at the first aperture, the channel comprising a first section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle rearward direction and a second section extending from the first section in a vehicle height direction ; and a width of the first section optionally being lesser than a width of the second section .

[0025] In a furthermore aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a first vehicular part requiring to be latched; a first element operably connected to the first vehicular part ; a latching mechanism for latching the first element ; the latching mechanism comprising a locking means adapted to co-operate with the first element ; an actuating mechanism operably connected to the locking means such that the actuating mechanism bring the locking means to one of a closed position and an open position; the closed position corresponds to a restricted state of the first element with respect to the locking means and the open position corresponds to a released state of the first element with respect to the locking means ; and a stiffener supporting the locking means; the stiffener comprising a first aperture for releasably holding a first part of the actuating mechanism; a channel terminating at the first aperture , the channel comprising a first section extending from the first aperture in the vehicle rearward direction and a second section extending from the first section in a vehicle height direction ; and a width of the first section optionally being lesser than a width of the second section.

[0026] One of the advantages of the present invention is to prevent the seat from coming to the released state from the restricted state, when the force being applied on the first part of the actuating mechanism solely in the vehicle rearward direction by using a tool such as spanner, screw driver or etc. via a gap between the seat and neighboring vehicular part. One more advantage of the present invention includes enhancing security feature of the vehicle by restricting unauthorized access of the utility box. One further advantage of the present invention includes, cost effectiveness and ability to be integrated in to the existing vehicles without needing much change.

[0027] 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:
[0028] 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:

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a latching mechanism of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a stiffener of the latching mechanism of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with a still other embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0043] Figure 15 illustrates a schematic view of the stiffener in accordance with one more embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] 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:
[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0053] 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 in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] 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 F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0055] 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.

[001] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front-end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front-end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[002] The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18)
embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[003] The steering mechanism (20) comprises a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner, and a handlebar (26) connected to the front fork (24) for steering the front fork (24). The handlebar (26) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a main frame (28) connected to the head pipe (22), the main frame (28) extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10). The main frame (28) supports the front-end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14).

[004] Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a front cover assembly (30) and a leg shield (32). The front cover assembly (30) and the leg shield (32) at least partially cover the head
Pipe (22) and the front fork (24). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front-end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as headlight, dash assembly, handle cover, windscreen, mirror(s), front turn indicator(s),
etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[005] The rear end structure (14) comprises a first seat frame (34) disposed on a first side of the main frame (28) and a second seat frame (36) disposed on a second side of the main frame (28).The first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36) extending from the main frame (28) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10).

[006] Further, rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (38) and a rear ground engaging member (40). The seat (38) is supported by the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36), and provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[007] Further, the rear end structure (14) comprises a utility box (42) disposed below the seat (38) and utilized as a storing space. The utility box (42), the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36) is further covered by a first cover (44) and a second cover (46) positioned below the seat (38). Further, the rear end structure (14) comprises a latching mechanism (100) positioned in proximity to the seat (38). In the illustrated example, the latching mechanism (100) is fastened to a rear cross member (not shown) connected to the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36). The latching mechanism (100) keeps the seat (38) in a restricted condition with respect to the utility box (42).

[008] The vehicle (10) may comprise additional components such as taillight, rear turn indicator(s), and cushioning elements, cover assembly, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[009] Now referring to Figure 2, the latching mechanism (100) comprises a locking means (102) adapted to co-operate with a first element (48) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment of the invention, the first element (48) is operably connected to a first vehicular part (38) of the vehicle (10). In another embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular part (38) may be the seat (38) of the vehicle (10).

[0010] Further, the latching mechanism (100) comprises an actuating mechanism (104) operably connected to the locking means (102) such that the actuating mechanism (104) bring the locking means (102) to one of a closed position and an open position. In an embodiment of the invention, the closed position corresponds to a restricted state of the first element (48) with respect to the locking means (102) and the open position corresponds to a released state of the first element (48) with respect to the locking means (102). By way of non-restrictive example, the actuating mechanism (104) may comprise an actuating cable and an actuating means. In an embodiment of the invention, the actuating means is utilized by a rider to provide an actuating signal to the actuating mechanism (104). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprises a knob, a key and other such components.

[0011] Furthermore, the latching mechanism (100) comprises a stiffener (200) for supporting the locking means (102). In an embodiment of the invention, the locking means (102) exhibit movement with respect to the stiffener (200) so as to attain one of the closed position and the open position upon being actuated by the actuating mechanism (104).

[0012] As the seat (38) is connected to the first element (48), in the released state of the first element (48) the seat can be lifted upwardly in order to access the utility box (42). Further, in the restricted state of the first element (48), the latching mechanism (100) restricts the movement of the seat (38) as to restrict unauthorized access of storage space inside the utility box (42).

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the latching mechanism (100) comprises a resilient member (108) for providing a restoring force in order to bring the locking means (102) from the open position to the closed position. Now coming to aspect of mounting the latching mechanism (100) on the vehicle (100), the stiffener (200) comprises at least one mounting aperture (not shown) for mounting the latching mechanism (100) to a predetermined portion (14) of the vehicle (10). By way of a non-restrictive example, the predetermined portion (14) may be the rear cross member (not shown) of the vehicle (10).

[0056] Now referring to Figure 3, the stiffener (200) comprises a first aperture (202) for releasably holding a first part (106) of an actuating mechanism (104) that operates the latching mechanism (100). Further, the stiffener (200) comprises a channel (204) terminating at the first aperture (202). In an embodiment of the invention, the channel (204) comprises at least one of a first portion oriented in the vehicle (10) height direction and a second portion oriented in the vehicle (10) forward direction.

[0057] In another embodiment of the invention, a width of the channel (204) continuously increases along length such that a value of the width being minimum at the first aperture (202). The minimum value of the width of the first aperture (202) is chosen such that a movement of the first part (106) of the actuating mechanism (104) towards the aperture (202) is allowed.

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, the channel (204) comprises a first section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a second section (208) extending from the first section (206) in a vehicle (10) height direction as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. In other embodiment of the invention, a width of the first section (206) optionally being lesser than a width of the second section (208).

[0059] More particularly, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) upward direction (i.e. in the vehicle (10) height direction) up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200) as shown in Figure 4.Further, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a second rectilinear section(208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) downward direction (i.e. in the vehicle (10) height direction) up to a bottom edge (211) of the stiffener (200) as shown in Figure 5.

[0060] Referring to Figure 6, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) forward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) upward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200).Further, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) upward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction up to a rear edge (213) of the stiffener (200) as shown in Figure 7.

[0061] Referring to Figure 8, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) downward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section(206) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction up to a rear edge (213) of the stiffener (200). Further, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) upward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) forward direction up to a front edge (215) of the stiffener (200) as shown in Figure 9.

[0062] Referring to Figure 10, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) upward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200). Further, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) forward direction up to a front edge (215) of the stiffener (200) as shown in Figure 11.

[0063] Referring to Figure 12, the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first section (206) in the vehicle (10) upward-forward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200).

[0064] Referring to Figure 13, the channel (204) comprises a third rectilinear section (212) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a first curved section (214) extending from the third rectilinear section (212) in the vehicle (10) upward- forward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200).

[0065] Referring to Figure 14, the channel (204) comprises a third rectilinear section (212) extending from the first aperture(202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a first curved section (214) extending from the third rectilinear section (212) in the vehicle (10) downward-forward direction up to a bottom edge (211) of the stiffener (200).

[0066] Referring to Figure 15, the channel (204) comprises a third rectilinear section (212) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) forward direction and a first curved section (214) extending from the third rectilinear section (212) in the vehicle (10) upward-rearward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200).

[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, one of the first aperture (202) and the channel (204) restricts movement of the first part (106) when a force being applied solely in the vehicle (10) rearward direction. In particularly, in the embodiments shown in the Figure 6, Figure 11 and Figure 15, the aperture (202) restricts the movement of the first part (106), when a force being applied solely in the vehicle (10) rearward direction. While in the embodiments shown in Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 12, Figure 13 and Figure 14, the channel (204) restricts the movement of the first part (106), when a force being applied solely in the vehicle (10) rearward direction.

[0068] Since, the stiffener (200) constructed in accordance with the present invention, restricts movement of the first part (106) of the actuating mechanism (104), when the force being applied solely in the vehicle (10) rearward direction. One of the advantages of the present invention includes, preventing the seat (38) to come to the released state from the restricted state upon application of the force by a tool such as spanner, screw driver or etc. via a gap between the seat (38) and neighboring vehicular part. One of the other advantages of the present invention includes, enhancing security feature of the vehicle by restricting unauthorized access of the utility box.

[0069] Since, the stiffener (200) restricts the movement of the first part (106) of the actuating mechanism (104) without any requirement of additional component such as a plate. One of the advantages of the present invention includes cost effectiveness and ability to be integrated in to the existing vehicles without needing much change.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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. 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 stiffener (200) of a latching mechanism (100) forming part of a vehicle (10), the stiffener (200) comprising:
a first aperture (202) for releasably holding a first part (106) of an actuating mechanism (104) that operates the latching mechanism (100); and
a channel (204) terminating at the first aperture (202), the channel (204) comprising at least one of a first portion oriented in the vehicle (10) height direction and a second portion oriented in the vehicle (10) forward direction.

2. The stiffener (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the first aperture (202) and the channel (204) restricts movement of the first part (106) when a force being applied solely in the vehicle (10) rearward direction.

3. The stiffener (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of:
• the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) forward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) upward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200); and
• the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) upward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction up to a rear edge (213) of the stiffener (200) ; and
• the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) downward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section(206) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction up to a rear edge (213) of the stiffener (200) ; and
• the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) upward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first rectilinear section (206) in the vehicle (10) forward direction up to a front edge (215) of the stiffener (200); and
• the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) upward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200); and
• the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) forward direction up to a front edge (215) of the stiffener (200); and
• the channel (204) comprises a first rectilinear section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a second rectilinear section (208) extending from the first section (206) in the vehicle (10) upward-forward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200).

4. The stiffener (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of:
• the channel (204) comprises a third rectilinear section (212) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a first curved section (214) extending from the third rectilinear section (212) in the vehicle (10) upward- forward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200); and
• the channel (204) comprises a third rectilinear section (212) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a first curved section (214) extending from the third rectilinear section (212) in the vehicle (10) downward-forward direction up to a bottom edge (211) of the stiffener (200); and
• the channel (204) comprises a third rectilinear section (212) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) forward direction and a first curved section (214) extending from the third rectilinear section (212) in the vehicle (10) upward-rearward direction up to a top edge (210) of the stiffener (200).

5. The stiffener (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width of the channel (204) continuously increases along length such that a value of the width being minimum at the first aperture (202).

6. A latching mechanism (100) for latching a first element (12) of a vehicle (10); the latching mechanism (100) comprising:
a locking means (102) adapted to co-operate with the first element (12);
an actuating mechanism (104) operably connected to the locking means (102) such that the actuating mechanism (104) bring the locking means (102) to one of a closed position and an open position; the closed position corresponds to a restricted state of the first element (12) with respect to the locking means (102) and the open position corresponds to a released state of the first element (12) with respect to the locking means (102); and
a stiffener (200) supporting the locking means (102); the stiffener (200)comprising:
a first aperture (202) for releasably holding a first part (106) of the actuating mechanism (104); and
a channel (204) terminating at the first aperture (202), the channel (204) comprising at least one of a first portion oriented in the vehicle (10) height direction and a second portion oriented in the vehicle (10) forward direction.

7. The latching mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the stiffener (200) comprises at least one mounting aperture for mounting the latching mechanism (100) to a predetermined portion (14) of the vehicle (10).

8. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a first vehicular part (38) requiring to be latched;
a first element (48) operably connected to the first vehicular part (38);
a latching mechanism (100) for latching the first element (12); the latching mechanism (100) comprising:
a locking means (102) adapted to co-operate with the first element (48);
an actuating mechanism (104) operably connected to the locking means (102) such that the actuating mechanism (104) bring the locking means (102) to one of a closed position and an open position; the closed position corresponds to a restricted state of the first element (12) with respect to the locking means (102) and the open position corresponds to a released state of the first element (12) with respect to the locking means (102); and
a stiffener (200) supporting the locking means (102); the stiffener (200) comprising:
a first aperture (202) for releasably holding a first part (106) of the actuating mechanism (104); and
a channel (204) terminating at the first aperture (202), the channel (204) comprising at least one of a first portion oriented in the vehicle (10) height direction and a second portion oriented in the vehicle (10) forward direction.

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first vehicular part (38) comprises a seat of the vehicle (10).

10. A stiffener (200) of a latching mechanism (100) forming part of a vehicle (10), the stiffener (200) comprising:
a first aperture (202) for releasably holding a first part (106) of an actuating mechanism (104) that operates the latching mechanism (100);
a channel (204) terminating at the first aperture (202), the channel (204) comprising a first section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a second section (208) extending from the first section (206) in a vehicle (10) height direction; and
a width of the first section (206) optionally being lesser than a width of the second section (208).

11. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a first vehicular part (38) requiring to be latched;
a first element (48) operably connected to the first vehicular part (38);
a latching mechanism (100) for latching the first element (12); the latching mechanism (100) comprising:
a locking means (102) adapted to co-operate with the first element (12);
an actuating mechanism (104) operably connected to the locking means (102) such that the actuating mechanism (104) bring the locking means (102) to one of a closed position and an open position; the closed position corresponds to a restricted state of the first element (12) with respect to the locking means (102) and the open position corresponds to a released state of the first element (12) with respect to the locking means (102); and
a stiffener (200) supporting the locking means (102); the stiffener (200) comprising:
a first aperture (202) for releasably holding a first part (106) of an actuating mechanism (104) that operates the latching mechanism (100);
a channel (204) terminating at the first aperture (202), the channel (204) comprising a first section (206) extending from the first aperture (202) in the vehicle (10) rearward direction and a second section (208) extending from the first section (206) in a vehicle (10) height direction ; and
a width of the first section (206) optionally being lesser than a width of the second section (208).