Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an integrated lock device for the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In a conventional vehicle, especially a saddle type vehicle, a plurality of locks are provided to lock and unlock one or more components of the vehicle. For example, an ignition lock is provided to start or stop the saddle type vehicle, a seat lock is provided to open or close a seat to access a utility/storage box of the saddle type vehicle, a steering lock is provided to lock a steering shaft of the saddle type vehicle and a fuel tank lock is provided to lock a fuel tank of the vehicle. However, providing different locks for different components in the saddle type vehicle increases overall cost, part count, design complexity and also reduces available space in the saddle type vehicle, which is undesirable.
[003] To overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an integrated lock device comprising a combination of the ignition lock, the seat lock and the steering lock is available. However, accessibility to the integrated lock and the theft of the same makes the ignition unit, seat and the steering shaft of the saddle type vehicle prone to damage and theft.
[004] Many conventional designs have attempted to solve the problem by providing a separate shutter lock installed along with the integrated lock. A shutter lock is used to close and open the ignition lock slot based on user requirements. However, the use of an additional shutter lock requires additional space, wire routings and mounting brackets in the saddle type vehicle, which again increases overall cost, part count, design complexity and reduces available space in the saddle type vehicle and is undesirable. Further, a thief can easily disable the integrated lock without even damaging the shutter lock by accessing/pulling the wiring harness of the integrated lock and/or the additional shutter lock through a gap formed in the front portion of the saddle type vehicle in a parked state of the saddle type vehicle. The integrated lock of the conventional arts, therefore, does not serve the anti-theft purpose.
[005] In view of the foregoing, there is need felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect of the present invention, an integrated lock device for a saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The integrated lock device comprises one or more first locks and a second lock. The one or more first locks are configured to lock and unlock one or more components of the saddle type vehicle. The second lock is configured to operate a shutter to define an open position and a close position. The open position of the shutter allows access to the one or more first locks of the saddle type vehicle and the close position of the shutter prevents access to the one or more first locks.
[007] In another aspect of the present invention, a saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle type vehicle comprises a head pipe, a steering shaft, a handlebar assembly, a front cover, a rear cover and an integrated lock device. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by the head pipe. The handle bar assembly is operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle in a rotatable range. The front cover is adapted to cover a front part of the vehicle. The rear cover is opposite the front cover and faces the rider of the saddle type vehicle. The integrated lock device is fitted into an opening in the rear cover and disposed between the front cover and the rear cover of the saddle type vehicle. The integrated lock device comprises one or more first locks and a second lock. The one or more first locks are configured to lock and unlock one or more components of the saddle type vehicle. The second lock is configured to operate a shutter to define an open position and a close position. The open position of the shutter allows access to the one or more first locks and the close position of the shutter prevents the access to the one or more first locks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic front view of an integrated lock device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a right front perspective view of an integrated lock device without a cover, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a left front perspective view of an integrated lock device without a cover, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates right rear perspective view of an integrated lock device without a cover, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates right rear perspective view of an integrated lock device with a cover in an assembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates right rear perspective view of an integrated lock device with a cover in a disassembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of an integrated lock device with a cover in an assembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a top perspective view of a front portion of a saddle type vehicle with an integrated lock device, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a right side perspective view of a front portion of a saddle type vehicle with an integrated lock device, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 and Figure 11 illustrate an integrated lock device being disposed in a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[009] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[010] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic front view of an integrated lock device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[011] As shown, the integrated lock device 100 comprises one or more first locks 102a and a second lock 102b. The one or more first locks 102a are configured to lock and unlock one or more components of a saddle type vehicle 10 (as shown in Figure 8). The one or more components of the saddle type vehicle 10 includes, not being limited to, an ignition unit, a seat which is operated to access a storage/utility space of the saddle type vehicle, a fuel tank and a steering shaft. The one or more first locks 102a includes, not being limited to, an ignition lock, a seat lock, a fuel tank lock and a steering lock.
[012] The second lock 102b is configured to operate a shutter to define an open position and a close position. The open position of the shutter allows access to the one or more first locks 102a and the close position of the shutter prevents the access to the one or more first locks 102a. In Figure 1, the locations of the one or more first locks 102a and the second lock 102b are interchangeable. In one non-limiting example, the second lock 102b is manually enabled or disabled using a key. In another non-limiting example, the second lock 102b is automatically controlled using a key fob or a personal digital assistant of a rider of the saddle type vehicle 10. The integrated lock device 100 comprises a housing 104 for receiving the one or more first locks 102a and the second lock 102b as shown in Figures 2-8. Also, in an embodiment, the integrated lock device comprises a cover 108 which protects at least the top surface 110 of the housing 108 through which a second wiring harness of the second lock 102b is routed. The cover has been discussed in detail in Figures 5-7.
[013] Figure 2 illustrates a right front perspective view of the integrated lock device 100 without a cover 108, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a left front perspective view of the integrated lock device 100 without the cover 108, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates right rear perspective view of the integrated lock device 100 without the cover 108, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[014] As shown, the integrated lock device 100 comprises the housing 104. The housing comprises a top wall 104a, a bottom wall (not shown) and one or more side walls 104c. The one or more side walls 104c extend between the top wall 104a and the bottom wall (not shown). The top wall 104a comprises a top surface 110 and a bottom surface (not shown) opposite the top surface 110. The bottom wall is opposite the top wall 104a. In one non-limiting example, as shown in the Figure 2-4, the top wall 104a is a flat surface and the side wall 104c is a curved surface. It should be understood that the present construction of the housing 104 should not be construed as limiting and other constructions of the housing 104 are well within the scope of the present invention. The top wall 104a, the bottom wall and the one or more side walls 104c define an enclosure (not shown) which is adapted to receive the one or more first locks 102a and the second lock 102b. It is to be understood that one or more first locks 102a are connected to the one or more components of the saddle type vehicle 10, which are to be locked using the one or more first locks 102a. The one or more first locks 102a are connected to the one or more components of the saddle type vehicle 10 using a first wiring harness (not shown). The first wiring harness is routed through the enclosure of the housing 104 of the integrated lock device 100.
[015] The top surface 110 of the housing 104 comprises one or more projections 106. The one or more projections 106 extend from the top surface 110 of the housing 104 and are adapted to route a second wiring harness (not shown) of the second lock 102b. In a non-limiting example, the one or more projections 106 comprises one or more grooves 106a for routing the second wiring harness. In a non-limiting example, the shape of the projections can be a regular shape and/or irregular shape such as, not being limited to, hook shape, circular shape, square shape, rectangular shape, etc. In a non-limiting example, in a manually controlled second lock, the second lock can be accessed by a manual key and the shutter opens or closes through clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of a manual key. In a non-limiting example, in an electronically controlled second lock, the second lock is connected to an electronic control unit and the electronic control unit enables opening and closing of the second lock upon actuation of the electronic key/ key fob.
[016] Figure 5 illustrates right rear perspective view of the integrated lock device 100 with the cover 108 in an assembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates right rear perspective view of the integrated lock device 100 with the cover 108 in a disassembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the integrated lock device 100 with the cover 108 in an assembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[017] As shown, the integrated lock device 100 comprises the cover 108 which is adapted to be fitted on the top surface 110 of the housing 104 and cover the one or more projections 106 which extend from the top surface 110 of the housing 104. As already stated, the projections 106 are used to route the second wiring harness of the second lock 102b. The cover 108 is provided to prevent unauthorized access to the second wiring harness from a gap 112 formed in the saddle type vehicle 10 in a parked state. The gap 112 formed in the saddle type vehicle 10 in the parked condition can be seen in Figure 8 of the present invention. In absence of the cover 108, a thief can easily access the second wiring harness through the gap 112 formed in the saddle type vehicle 10 which will provide access to the one or more first locks 102a of the saddle type vehicle 10.
[018] In an embodiment, the cover 108 is adapted to be snap fitted onto the top surface 110 of the housing 104. In a non-limiting example, the top surface 110/housing 104 comprises one or more receiving members (not shown) and the cover 108 comprises one or more protruding members (not shown) which are adapted to interlock with each other for snap fitting the cover 108 onto the top surface 110 of the housing 104. In a non-limiting example, the top surface 110 of the housing 104 comprises one or more protruding members (not shown) and the cover 108 comprises one or more receiving members (not shown) which are adapted to interlock with each other for snap fitting of the cover 108 onto the top surface 110 of the housing 104. In a non-limiting example, the top surface 110 or housing 104 comprises one or more first mounting holes (not shown) and the cover 108 comprises one or more second mounting holes (not shown). During assembly, the one or more first mounting holes are aligned with the one or more second mounting holes and fastened with one or more fasteners such as, not being limited to, screws, nuts, bolts etc. As can be seen from Figure 7, all the projections 106 provided on the top surface 110 of the housing 104 are covered with the cover 108. Also, the cover 108 protects the integrated lock device 100 from various damages. In one non-limiting example, the damage may occur from fluids entering between the front cover 15 and the rear cover 16 of the saddle type vehicle 10. In another non-limiting example, the damage may occur due to environmental conditions such as, not being limited to, rain, sunshine, dust, etc.
[019] Figure 8 illustrates a top perspective view of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle 10 with the integrated lock device 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates a right side perspective view of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle 10 with the integrated lock device 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 and Figure 11 illustrate the integrated lock device 100 being disposed in the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[020] For the purpose of the present invention, the term “vehicle” comprises a saddle type vehicle having one or more components to be locked. The term “vehicle” also comprises, not being limited to, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.
[021] The construction and working of different type of saddle type vehicles is already well known in the art and have not been reproduced here for the sake of brevity. Only those components of the saddle type vehicle 10 has been discussed which are essential to show the location and arrangement of the integrated lock device 100 in the saddle type vehicle 10. The present invention encompasses, within its scope, all the known saddle type vehicles in which the integrated lock device 100 of the present invention can be provided.
[022] The saddle type vehicle 10 of the present invention comprise a head pipe 12, a steering shaft (not shown), a handle bar assembly 14, a front cover 15, a rear cover 16 and an integrated lock device 100. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by the head pipe 12. The handle bar assembly 14 is operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle 10 in a rotatable range. The front cover 15 covers a front part of the saddle type vehicle 10. The rear cover 16 is positioned opposite the front cover 15 and faces the rider of the saddle type vehicle 10. Both the front cover 15 and the rear cover 16 covers the head pipe 12 of the saddle type vehicle 10. The integrated lock device 100 comprises one or more first locks 102a and a second lock 102b.
[023] The one or more first locks 102a are configured to lock and unlock one or more components of the saddle type vehicle 10. The one or more components of the saddle type vehicle 10 includes, not being limited to, an ignition unit, a seat which is operated to access a storage/utility space of the saddle type vehicle, a fuel tank and a steering shaft. The one or more first locks 102a includes, not being limited to, an ignition lock, a seat lock, a fuel tank lock and a steering lock. The second lock 102b is configured to operate a shutter to define an open position and a close position. The open position of the shutter allows access to the one or more first locks 102a and the close position of the shutter prevents the access to the one or more first locks 102a. In one non-limiting example, the second lock 102b is manually enabled or disabled using a key. In another non-limiting example, the second lock 102b is automatically controlled using a key fob or a personal digital assistant of a rider of the saddle type vehicle 10. The integrated lock device 100 comprises a housing 104 for receiving the one or more first locks 102a and the second lock 102b and a cover 104. Both the housing 104 and the cover 108 have been discussed in detail in preceding paragraphs. As already stated, the cover 108 prevents unauthorized access to the second wiring harness of the second lock 102b routed through the top surface 110 of the top wall 104a of the housing 104 of the integrated lock device 100.
[024] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, the integrated lock device 100 is fitted into an opening of the rear cover 16 of the saddle type vehicle 10. The housing 104 of the integrated lock device 100 is disposed between the front cover 15 and the rear cover 16 at a location near the head pipe 12 which is easily accessible through the gap 112 shown in Figure 8 of the present invention. However, this location of the integrated lock device 100 should not be construed as limiting and other possible locations in the front portion of the saddle type vehicle 10 are within the scope of the present invention. In a non-limiting example, the integrated lock device 100 is disposed on a handlebar assembly 14 of the saddle type vehicle 10. In a non-limiting example, the integrated lock device 100 is disposed on a cowl of the saddle type vehicle 10.
[025] The gap 112 is formed in the parked state of the saddle type vehicle 10. Through this gap 112, the housing 104 of the integrated lock device 100 is accessible. However, owing to the cover 108 fitted onto the top surface 110 of the top wall 104a of the housing 104, the second wiring harness of the second lock 102b cannot be accessed. In other words, the second wiring harness cannot be tampered and the access to the one or more first locks 102a is prevented.
[026] The claimed features of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed features enable the following solutions to the technical problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of the second lock as an additional unit and unauthorized access to the wiring harness of the second lock is solved by the present invention.
[027] In the present invention, an integrated lock device is provided having one or more first locks and the second lock. The one or more first locks are configured to lock one or more components of the saddle type vehicle and the second lock is configured to provide access or prevent access to the one or mor first locks. In the prior art, the second locks were provided as an additional lock which increased the overall cost, part count, design complexity and reduction in available space of the saddle type vehicle. In the present invention, the second lock is integrated with the one or more first locks and has the advantage of lower overall cost, lesser part counts, less complexity in design and additional space available in the saddle type vehicle.
[028] In the present invention, a cover is provided on a top surface of the housing on which the second wiring harness of the second lock is routed. Owing to the cover, the second wiring harness cannot be accessed through the gap formed in parked state of the saddle type vehicle. In other words, in the present invention, the second lock and/or the wiring harness of the second lock cannot be tampered.
[029] In the present invention, the cover protects the lock from ingression of water, dust and mud. Also, the cover protects the integrated lock from environmental conditions such as rain, sunlight, heat etc.
[030] In the present invention, unauthorized access to the one or more first locks is prevented by the second lock and the unauthorized access to wiring harness of the second lock is prevented by the cover provided on the housing of the integrated lock device.
[031] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Reference Numerals

10- saddle type vehicle
12- head pipe
14- handlebar assembly
15-front cover
16- rear cover
100- integrated lock device
102a- first lock
102b- second lock
104- housing
104a- top wall
104c- side wall
106- projections
106a- grooves
108- cover
110- top surface
112- gap
, Claims:1. An integrated lock device (100) for a saddle type vehicle (10), the integrated lock device (100) comprising:
- one or more first locks (102a) and a second lock (102b), the one or more first locks (102a) configured to lock and unlock one or more components of the saddle type vehicle (10) and the second lock (102b) configured to operate a shutter to define an open position and a close position, the open position of the shutter allows access to the one or more first locks (102a) and the close position of the shutter prevents the access to the one or more first locks (102a).

2. The integrated lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a housing (104) having a top wall (104a), a bottom wall opposite the top wall (104a) and one or more side walls (104c) extending between the top wall (104a) and the bottom wall to define an enclosure, the top wall (104a) having a top surface (110) and a bottom surface opposite the top surface (110) and the enclosure adapted to receive the integrated lock device (102) and route a first wiring harness connecting the one or more locks (102a) to the one or more components of the saddle type vehicle (10);
one or more projections (106) extending from the top surface (110) of the housing (104), the one or more projections (106) adapted to route a second wiring harness connected to the second lock (102b); and
a cover (108) adapted to be removably assembled on the top surface (110) of the housing (104) and cover the one or more projections (106).

3. The integrated lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first locks (102a) being selected from a group comprising: an ignition lock, a seat lock, a steering lock and a fuel tank lock.

4. The integrated lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (108) being adapted to be snap fitted onto the top surface (110) of the housing (104).

5. The integrated lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (108) being adapted to be fastened the housing (104) to cover the top surface (110).

6. The integrated lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more projections (106) comprises one or more grooves (106a) to route the second wiring harness.

7. A saddle type vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (12);
a steering shaft rotatably supported by the head pipe (12);
a handlebar assembly (14) operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle (10) in a rotatable range;
a front cover (15) adapted to cover a front part of the saddle type vehicle (10);
a rear cover (16) being opposite the front cover (15) and facing a rider of the saddle type vehicle (10);
an integrated lock device (100) being fitted into an opening in the rear cover (16) and disposed between the front cover (15) and the rear cover (16) of the saddle type vehicle (10), the integrated lock device (102) having one or more first locks (102a) and a second lock (102b), the one or more first locks (102a) being accessible to a rider of the saddle type vehicle (10) and configured to lock and unlock one or more components of the saddle type vehicle (10) and the second lock (102b) configured to operate a shutter to define an open position and a close position, the open position of the shutter allow access to the one or more first locks (102a) and the close position of the shutter prevents the access to the one or more first locks (102a).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the integrated lock device (100) comprises:
a housing (104) having a top wall (104a), a bottom wall opposite the top wall (104a) and one or more side walls (104c) extending between the top wall and the bottom wall to define an enclosure, the top wall (104a) having a top surface (110) and a bottom surface opposite the top surface (110) and the enclosure adapted to receive the integrated lock device (102) and route a first wiring harness connecting the one or more first locks (102a) to one or more components of the saddle type vehicle (10);
one or more projections (106) extending from the top surface (110) of the housing (104), the one or more projections (106) adapted to route a second wiring harness connected to the second lock (102b) ; and
a cover (108) adapted to be removably assembled on the top surface (110) of the housing (104) and cover the one or more projections (106).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more locks being selected from a group comprising: an ignition lock, a seat lock, a steering lock and a fuel tank lock.

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cover (108) adapted to be snap fitted onto the top surface (110) of the housing (104).

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cover (108) adapted to be fastened the housing (104) to cover the top surface (110).

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more projections (106) comprises one or more grooves (106a) to route the second wiring harness.

13. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the integrated lock device (100) is disposed on one of: a handlebar assembly (14) and a front cowl of the saddle type vehicle (10).