Description:

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

A LID AND A LATCHING MECHANISM

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 lid and a latching mechanism. In particular, the invention relates to a lid and a latching mechanism for covering an opening of an element of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] A vehicle in particularly a two-wheeled vehicle comprises numerous vehicular components positioned within an enclosed area that can be accessed via an opening. Typically, lids are employed to cover these openings for safeguarding the enclosed vehicular components from foreign contaminates and also, make the vehicular component non-visible in order to increase aesthetics of the vehicle. To access a specific component positioned within a designated area, the initial step involves removing the lid, after which the component can be accessed through the designated opening.

[003] However, in the vehicle there exists some location (s) where due to the arrangement of other vehicular parts around the enclosed area, it is almost impossible to grab the lid for uncovering the opening. In such circumstances, an additional tool is used for removing the lid from the opening by applying a lifting force. However, use of the tool for uncovering the lid is a time taking exercise and leads to an increase in an effort and time required for accessing the vehicular component.

[004] Thus, there is a requirement of solving one or more of the aforesaid problems.

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 of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[006] In one aspect the present invention provides a lid and a latching mechanism for covering a first opening formed in a first element, the first element comprising a first wall and a second wall, the first wall comprising the first opening and the second wall comprising a second opening , the lid and the latching mechanism, comprising: a lid covering the first opening , the lid comprising a third wall covering the first opening and a fourth wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the third wall, the fourth wall traversing through the first opening , the fourth wall comprising a third opening; and a latching mechanism comprising a cylindrical part and a cam portion extending from a distal end of the cylindrical part , the cylindrical part traversing through the second opening, the latching mechanism being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the cam portion engages with the third opening so as to retain the lid in a locked state with respect to the first element and a second state wherein the cam portion disengages from the third opening to allow the lid to be removed from the first element.

[007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth wall comprises a distal end and the latching mechanism being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a third state wherein the cam portion engages with the distal end and applies a force on the lid.

[008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical part comprises a snap fit mechanism co-operating with the second wall thereby disallowing the latching mechanism from getting disengaged from the first element.

[009] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the third opening comprises an arc shaped channel adapted to receive the cam portion and allow rotational movement of the cam portion within the arc shaped channel.

[0010] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the cam portion comprises an arcuate plate protruding from the cylindrical part.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical part comprises a proximal end located outside the first element, the proximal end being adapted to receive a rotational force from a user.

[0012] According to a further more embodiment of the present invention, the first state and the second state are separated from each other by an angle in a range of 60 to 270 degrees as measured along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second state and the third state are separated from each other by an angle in a range of 270 to 360degrees as measured along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first state, the second state and the third state are sequentially arranged along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism.
[0015] In another aspect the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a head pipe supporting a front fork in a steerable manner; a main frame connected to the head pipe, the main frame extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle; a first rear tube and a second rear tube extending from the main frame in a rearward direction of the vehicle; a first element accommodating a vehicular component, the first element comprising a first wall and a second wall, the first wall comprising a first opening and the second wall comprising a second opening, a lid and a latching mechanism for covering a first opening; the lid and the latching mechanism comprising a lid covering the first opening, the lid comprising a third wall covering the first opening and a fourth wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the third wall, the fourth wall traversing through the first opening, the fourth wall comprising a third opening ; and a latching mechanism comprising a cylindrical part and a cam portion extending from a distal end of the cylindrical part, the cylindrical part traversing through the second opening , the latching mechanism being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the cam portion engages with the third opening so as to retain the lid in a locked state with respect to the first element and a second state wherein the cam portion disengages from the third opening to allow the lid to be removed from the first element.

[0016] One of the advantages of the present invention includes an ease in opening and closing of the lid with respect to the first opening. Another advantage of the present invention includes an ease in accessibility of the vehicular component surrounded by the first element. One more advantage of the present invention includes an increase in the serviceability of the vehicular component. A further advantage of the present invention includes non- requirement of an additional component for removing the lid, thus making the process of accessing the vehicular component hassle free.

[0017] 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:
[0018] 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:
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a lid and a latching device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the latching mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5illustrates a schematic view of the latching mechanism in a first state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of the latching mechanism in a second state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of the latching mechanism in a third state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] 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:
[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 vehicles” 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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. Further, the rear end structure (14) comprises a first cover (42) and a second cover (44) covering the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36).

[0044] Further, the vehicle (10) comprises a first vehicular component (46) surrounded by a first element (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the first element (104) may be a separate element attached to the vehicle (10). In another embodiment of the invention, the first element (104) may be an integrated part of the vehicle (10).Although, the position of the vehicular component (46) and the first element (104) may get changed, but by way of a non-restrictive example of the invention, the vehicular component (46) and the first element (104) are positioned under the seat (38) of the vehicle (10).

[0045] 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.
[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the first element (104) comprises a first wall (108) and a second wall (110). The first wall (108) comprises a first opening (106) and the second wall comprises a second opening (112). Further, a lid and a latching mechanism (100, 102) cover the first opening (106). In particular, the lid and a latching mechanism (100, 102) comprises a lid (100) covering the first opening (106) and a latching mechanism (102) controlling position of the lid (100) with respect to the first opening (106).

[0047] Further, the lid (100) comprises a third wall (114) and a fourth wall (116) extending substantially perpendicularly from the third wall (116). In an embodiment of the invention, the third wall covers the first opening (106) and the fourth wall (116) traverses through the first opening (106). In another embodiment of the invention, the fourth wall (116) comprising a third opening (118).

[0048] Further, the latching mechanism (102) comprises a cylindrical part (120) and a cam portion (122) extending from a distal end (124) of the cylindrical part (120). In an embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical part (120) traverses through the second opening (112).

[0049] Now coming to aspect of mounting the latching mechanism (102) to the first element (104). The cylindrical part (120) comprises a snap fit mechanism (128) co-operating with the second wall (110) thereby disallowing the latching mechanism (102) from getting disengaged from the first element (104).

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the latching mechanism (102) is adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the cam portion (122) engages with the third opening (118) so as to retain the lid (100) in a locked state with respect to the first element (104) and a second state wherein the cam portion (122) disengages from the third opening (118) to allow the lid (100) to be removed from the first element (104).

[0051] In another embodiment of the invention, the fourth wall (116) comprises a distal end (126) and the latching mechanism (102) is adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a third state wherein the cam portion (122) engages with the distal end (126) and applies a force on the lid (100).

[0052] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the third opening (118) comprises an arc shaped channel (130) adapted to receive the cam portion (122) and allow rotational movement of the cam portion (122) within the arc shaped channel (130). Further, the cam portion (122) comprises an arcuate plate (132) protruding from the cylindrical part (120). In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a clearance between the channel (130) and the arcuate plate (132) in order to allow the cam portion (122).

[0053] Further, the cylindrical part (120) comprises a proximal end (134) located outside the first element (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the proximal end (134) is adapted to receive a rotational force from a user.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5, in the first state of the latching mechanism (102), the arcuate plate (132) engages with the channel (130) and restricts movement of the lid (100) out of the first opening (106). In the restricted state of the lid (100), the vehicular component (46) cannot be accessed via the first opening (106) of the first element (104).

[0055] Upon getting a rotational force from the user, the cylindrical part (120) of the latching mechanism (102) rotates along a direction of rotation. Due to the rotation of the cylindrical part (120), the latching mechanism (102) attains the second state, as shown in Figure 6.In the second state of the latching mechanism (102), the arcuate plate (132) disengages with the channel (130) allowing movement of the lid (100) out of the first opening (106).

[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, the first state and the second state are separated from each other by an angle in a range of 60 to 270 degrees as measured along the direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102).

[0057] Now, upon getting a rotational force from the user again, the cylindrical part (120) of the latching mechanism (102) rotates further along the direction of rotation. Due to the rotation of the cylindrical part (120), the state of the latching mechanism (102) changes from the second state to the third state, as shown in Figure 7. In the third state of the latching mechanism (102), the arcuate plate (132) engages with the distal end (126) of the fourth wall (116).

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, the engagement between the arcuate plate (132) and the distal end (126) allows the arcuate plate (132) to exert the force on the lid (100). The applied force lifts the lid (100) in a direction out ward to the first opening (106).Since, in the third state of the latching mechanism (102), the lid (100) is in a lifted state with respect to the first opening (106), thus the vehicular part (46) can be accessed easily via the first opening (106).

[0059] In an another embodiment of the invention, the second state and the third state are separated from each other by an angle in a range of 270 to 360 degrees as measured along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102).

[0060] Further, the first state, the second state and the third state are sequentially arranged along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102) may be a clock wise direction. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102) may be counter clock wise.

[0061] Since, the invention facilitates locking and unlocking of the lid (100) only by providing a rotation to the latching mechanism (102). One of the advantages of the present invention includes an ease in opening and closing of the lid (100) with respect to the first opening (106). Another advantage of the present invention includes an ease in accessibility of the vehicular component surrounded by the first element. Since, the vehicular component can be accessed easily one of the advantages of the present invention includes, an increase in the serviceability of the vehicular component.

[0062] Since, the force required for lifting the lid (100) is provided by the latching mechanism (102) itself, one of the advantages of the present invention includes non- requirement of an additional component for removing the lid (100), thus making the process of accessing the vehicular component hassle free.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 lid and a latching mechanism (100, 102) for covering a first opening (106) formed in a first element (104), the first element (104) comprising a first wall (108) and a second wall (110), the first wall (108) comprising the first opening (106) and the second wall (110) comprising a second opening (112), the lid and the latching mechanism (100, 102) comprising:
a lid (100) covering the first opening (106), the lid (100) comprising a third wall (114) covering the first opening (106) and a fourth wall (116) extending substantially perpendicularly from the third wall (114), the fourth wall (116) traversing through the first opening (106), the fourth wall (116) comprising a third opening (118); and
a latching mechanism (102) comprising a cylindrical part (120) and a cam portion (122) extending from a distal end (124) of the cylindrical part (120), the cylindrical part (120) traversing through the second opening (112), the latching mechanism (102) being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the cam portion (122) engages with the third opening (118) so as to retain the lid (100) in a locked state with respect to the first element (104) and a second state wherein the cam portion (122) disengages from the third opening (118) to allow the lid (100) to be removed from the first element (104).

2. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fourth wall (116) comprises a distal end (126) and the latching mechanism (102) being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a third state wherein the cam portion (122) engages with the distal end (126) and applies a force on the lid (100).

3. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical part (120) comprises a snap fit mechanism (128) co-operating with the second wall (110) thereby disallowing the latching mechanism (102) from getting disengaged from the first element (104).

4. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third opening (118) comprises an arc shaped channel (130) adapted to receive the cam portion (122) and allow rotational movement of the cam portion (122) within the arc shaped channel (130).

5. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam portion (122) comprises an arcuate plate (132) protruding from the cylindrical part (120).

6. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical part (120) comprises a proximal end (134) located outside the first element (104), the proximal end (134) being adapted to receive a rotational force from a user.

7. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first state and the second state are separated from each other by an angle in a range of 60 to 270 degrees as measured along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102).

8. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second state and the third state are separated from each other by an angle in a range of 270 to 360 degrees as measured along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102).

9. The lid and latching mechanism (100, 102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first state, the second state and the third state are sequentially arranged along a direction of rotation of the latching mechanism (102).

10. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner;
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);
a first rear tube (42) and a second rear tube (44) extending from the main frame (28) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10);
a first element(104) surrounding a vehicular component (46), the first element (104) comprising a first wall (108) and a second wall (110), the first wall (108) comprising a first opening (106) and the second wall (110) comprising a second opening (112),
a lid and a latching mechanism (100, 102) for covering a first opening (106); the lid and the latching mechanism (100, 102) comprising:
a lid (100) covering the first opening (106), the lid (100) comprising a third wall (114) covering the first opening (106) and a fourth wall (116) extending substantially perpendicularly from the third wall (114), the fourth wall (116) traversing through the first opening (106), the fourth wall (116) comprising a third opening (118); and
a latching mechanism (102) comprising a cylindrical part (120) and a cam portion (122) extending from a distal end (124) of the cylindrical part (120), the cylindrical part (120) traversing through the second opening (112), the latching mechanism (102) being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the cam portion (122) engages with the third opening (118) so as to retain the lid (100) in a locked state with respect to the first element (104) and a second state wherein the cam portion (122) disengages from the third opening (118) to allow the lid (100) to be removed from the first element (104).