Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a device for optimally connecting a plurality of attachment members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally, a single device is used to secure/loosen a single type of attachment members. However, while working on a unit such as, not being limited to a vehicle or a machine, different components of the unit are assembled/disassembled by connecting one or more attachment members and a person may require different devices to secure/loosen the one or more attachment members. Different variants of the unit may also require different devices to secure/loosen one or more attachment members. This will burdensome the manufacturers and users to manufacture and handle the different devices.
[003] For example, in existing vehicles, for adjustment of the front suspension preload and damping, separate preload and damping adjustment devices are used. For preload adjustment, a spanner may be used and for damping adjustment a screwdriver or an allen key may be used depending upon the design of the damping adjustment head. Also, in one vehicle, an allen key may be used to adjust the damping values but for another vehicle a screwdriver might be needed to adjust the damping values. This provides the user to carry separate devices for the one system.
[004] Requirement of large number of separate devices will require large storage space. Also, it will be difficult for a person to handle multiple devices or select the right tool from a large number of devices, leading to increase in time and costs associated with connecting different attachment members for assembling different components of the vehicle. Further, in case of large number of devices, weight and storage considerations will arise when such devices have to be moved from one place to the another, which is undesirable.
[005] Another problem associated with existing devices for securing/loosening the attachment members is the material with which such devices are made. Generally, the devices are made of hard materials such as stainless steel which damage the attachment members or the surface finish of the unit on which such attachment member are being secured, which hampers the styling and functionality of attachment member.
[006] Further, it is difficult to carry a plurality of tools to connect or adjust the suspension assembly. Furthermore, it is observed that users tend to forget to carry a plurality of tools, and even a single tool missing from a tool kit can hamper the overall safety characteristics of the vehicle as user may not be able to fix the problem accurately. Therefore, there is a need to provide a device that is easy to carry, and users will not forget such devices when required.In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages mentioned of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In the present invention, a device for optimally connecting a plurality of attachment members is disclosed. The device comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to optimally connect a first attachment member and the second portion is adapted to optimally connect a second attachment member wherein one or more geometric parameters of the first portion of the device is different from one or more geometric parameters of the second portion of the device.
[008] In an embodiment, the one or more geometric parameters comprise at least one of shape, size and cross-sectional area.
[009] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a third portion. The third portion is adapted to optimally connect a third attachment member wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the third portion is different from the one or more geometric parameters of the first portion and the second portion.
[010] In an embodiment, the device comprises an elongated portion. The elongated portion comprises at least a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a left side surface and a right side surface opposite the left side surface. The first portion extends from one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the elongated portion. The first portion is adapted to operate as a spanner. The second portion extends from one of the left side surface and the right side surface of the elongated portion. The second portion is adapted to operate as a screw driver. This embodiment may further comprise the third portion. The third portion extends from a surface opposite the surface from which the second portion extends. The third portion is adapted to operate as an allen key. The elongated portion of the device may further comprise a slot. The slot is adapted to receive a holding device for the holding the device. The holding device may be a chain or a strap.
[011] In an embodiment, the second portion of the device extends radially outwardly from a periphery of the first portion of the device. The first portion includes an aperture adapted to operate as a spanner. The second portion is adapted to operate as a screw driver. The embodiment may further comprise the third portion extending radially outwardly from the first portion and is spaced apart from the second portion. The third portion is adapted to operate as an allen key. The first portion may also comprise a curved portion along its periphery to hold the device while optimally connecting the first attachment members, the second attachment member or the third attachment member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] 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 perspective view of a device, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2a illustrates a front view of the device with a first portion, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2b illustrates a front view of the device without the first portion, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a device, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the device, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a device, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the device, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a device, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[014] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a device 100 , in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2a illustrates a front view of the device 100 with a first portion, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b illustrates a front view of the device 100 without a first portion, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
[015] Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the device 100, wherein an arrow UP denotes upward direction, an arrow DW denotes downward direction, an arrow R denotes right direction and an arrow L denotes left direction of the device 100.
[016] As shown, the device 100 comprises a first portion 100a, a second portion 100b and a third portion 100c extending from an elongated portion 102. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the device 100 may comprise only two portions selected from the three portions as the first portion and the second portion. The device 100 may also comprise more than three portions. Each of the portions is different from the remaining portions in one or more geometric parameters. In a non-limiting example, the one or more geometric parameters comprises at least one of: shape, size and cross-sectional area.
[017] The elongated portion 102 comprises multiple surfaces including a front surface 102a, a rear surface (not shown), a top surface 102f, a bottom surface 102b, a right side surface 102c and a left side surface 102e. The rear surface is a surface opposite the front surface 102a. The bottom surface 102b is a surface opposite the top surface 102f. The right side surface 102c is a surface opposite the left side surface 102e.
[018] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the first portion 100a extends from the top surface 102f of the elongated portion 102. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and the first portion 100a can extend from surfaces other than the top surface 102f. In one non-limiting example, the first portion 100a extends from the bottom surface 102b. Also, in Figure 1 and Figure 2a, the first portion 100a is adapted to operate as a spanner. The first portion 100a can be adapted to achieve the functionality of an open end spanner, a ring spanner, a socket spanner, a box spanner, a hook spanner, adjustable spanner, a socket spanner etc. In one non-limiting example, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2a, the first portion 100a comprises an aperture 100a1. The aperture 100a1 can be of pre-defined shape such as, not being limited to, pentagonal shape, hexagonal shape etc. The first portion 100a, adapted to operate as a spanner, can optimally connect different kind of rotary fasteners such as, not being limited to, nuts and bolts. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and first portion 100a can be adapted to operate as other tools.
[019] As also shown in Figure 1, Figure 2a and Figure 2b, the second portion 100b extends from the right side surface 102c of the elongated portion 102. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and the second portion 100b can extend from surfaces other than the right side surface 102c. In one non-limiting example, the second portion 100b extends from the left side surface 102e. The second portion 100b is adapted to operate as a screwdriver. The second portion 100b can be adapted to achieve the functionality of a flat head screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, torx screwdriver, square screwdriver, pozidriv screwdriver, hexagonal screwdriver, offset screwdriver, clutch head screwdriver, Frearson screwdriver, tri-point screwdriver, tri-angle screwdriver, tri-wing screwdriver, carpenter screwdriver and bolster screwdriver etc. The second portion 100b, adapted to operate as a screw driver, can optimally connecting different kind of screws. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and second portion 100b can be adapted to operate as other tools.
[020] As also shown in Figure 1, Figure 2a and Figure 2b, the third portion 100c extends from the left side surface 102e of the elongated portion 102. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and the third portion 100c can extend from surfaces other than the left side surface 102e. In one non-limiting example, the third portion 100c extends from the right side surface 102c. The third portion 100c is adapted to operate as an allen key. The third portion 100c can be adapted to achieve the functionality of a L-style allen wrench, T-handle allen keys with short arm and without short arm, sliding T-handle allen key, stubby allen key, flag handle allen key etc. The third portion 100c, adapted to operate as an allen key, can secure/loosen bolts or screws with heads having internal recesses. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and third portion 100c can be adapted to operate as other tools. Figure 2b further indicates, in the dashed circle, top view of the device 100 without the first portion.
[021] In an embodiment, the device 100 with the plurality of portions 100a, 100b, 100c is made of a pre-determined material which will not damage the surface of the attachment members nor the surface of one or more components assembled together by members of said attachment members. In one non-limiting example, the device 100 is made of nylon. In another embodiment, the device 100 is made of polymer. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the device 100 can also be made of standard steel alloys.
[022] In an embodiment, the elongated portion 102 of the device 100 further comprises a slot 102d. The slot 102d is adapted to receive a holding device (not shown) for the holding the device 100. The holding device may be a chain or a strap. In a non-limiting example, as shown in Figure 1, Figure 2a and Figure 2b, the slot 102d is provided proximate the bottom surface 102b of the elongated device 100.
[023] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the device 100, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
[024] The construction of the second embodiment (shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4) is same as that of the first embodiment (shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2) except for the arrangement of the second portion 100b and the third portion 100c. In the second embodiment, the second portion 100b is located at substantially the same distance from bottom surface 102b of the elongated portion 102 whereas in the first embodiment, the first portion 100a and the second portion 100b are located at different distance from the bottom surface 102b of the elongated portion 102. As shown in Figure 2, the second portion 100b is located at a distance D1 from the bottom surface 102b whereas the third portion 100c is located at a distance D2 from the bottom surface 102b wherein D2 is lesser than D1. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the distance D2 can also be greater than distance D1.
[025] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a device 200, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the device 200, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
[026] As shown, the device 200 comprises a first portion 200a, a second portion 200b and a third portion 200c wherein the second portion 200b and the third portion 200c extend radially outwardly from the first portion 200a. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the device 200 may comprise only two portions selected from the three portions as the first portion and the second portion. The device 200 may also comprise more than three portions. Each of the portions is different from the remaining portions in one or more geometric parameters. In a non-limiting example, the one or more geometric parameters comprises at least one of: shape, size and cross-sectional area.
[027] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the first portion 200a has an outer peripheral surface 202 with concave curved surfaces 204 as well as flat surfaces 206. The concave curved surfaces 204 are provided between consecutive flat surfaces 206. However, this construction of the device 200 should not be construed as limiting and the outer peripheral surface 202 can only have flat surfaces 206 or curved surfaces 204 or any combination of flat surfaces 206 or curved surfaces 204. The first portion 200a is adapted to operate as a spanner and comprises an aperture 200a1 of pre-defined shape such as, not being limited to, hexagonal shape, pentagonal shape etc. The first portion 200a, adapted to operate as a spanner, can secure/loosen different kind of rotary fasteners such as, not being limited to, nuts and bolts. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and first portion 200a can be adapted to operate as other tools.
[028] As also shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the second portion 200b extends from the outer peripheral surface 202 of the first portion 200a. As shown, the second portion 200b extends from one of the flat surfaces 206 of the outer peripheral surface 202, say a first flat surface 206a. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and the second portion 200b can extend from one of the concave curved surfaces 204 of the outer peripheral surface 202, say a first concave curved surface. The second portion 200b is adapted to operate as a screwdriver. The second portion 200b can be adapted to achieve the functionality of a flat head screwdriver, philips screwdriver, torx screwdriver, square screwdriver, pozidriv screwdriver, hexagonal screwdriver, offset screwdriver, clutch head screwdriver, frearson screwdriver, tri-point screwdriver, tri-angle screwdriver, tri-wing screwdriver, carpenter screwdriver and bolster screwdriver etc. The second portion 200b, adapted to operate as a screw driver, can secure/loosen different kind of screws. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and second portion 200b can be adapted to operate as other tools.
[029] As also shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the third portion 200c extends from an outer peripheral surface 202 of the first portion 200a. The third portion 200c extends from one of the flat surfaces 206 of the outer peripheral surface 202, say a second flat surface 206b. However, the same should not be construed as limiting and the third portion 200c can extend from concave curved surfaces 204 of the outer peripheral surface 202, say a second concave curved surface. It is to be understood that the first flat surface 206a and the second flat surface 206b are different surfaces. Similarly, it is to be understood that the first concave curved surface and the second concave curved surface are different surfaces. The third portion 200c is adapted to operate as an allen key. The third portion 200c can be adapted to achieve the functionality of a L-style allen wrench, T-handle allen keys with short arm and without short arm, sliding T-handle allen key, stubby allen key, flag handle allen key etc.
[030] However, the same should not be construed as limiting and third portion 200c can be adapted to operate as other tools. The third portion 200c, adapted to operate as an allen key, can optimally connect bolts or screws with heads having internal recesses.
[031] In an embodiment, the device 200 with the plurality of portions 200a, 200b, 200c is made of pre-determined material which will not damage the surface of the attachment member or the surface of one or more components assembled together by member of said attachment members. In one non-limiting example, the device 200 is made of nylon. In another non-limiting example, the device is made of polymer. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the device 200 can also be made of standard steel alloys.
[032] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a device 200, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[033] The construction of the fourth embodiment (shown in Figure 7) is same as that of the third embodiment (shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6) except that the outer peripheral surface 202 of the first portion 200a in the fourth embodiment has one or more convex curved surface 203 to further facilitate the holding of the device 200 during operation of optimally connecting the attachment members.
[034] 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 existing problems in conventional technologies.
[035] Specifically, the technical problem of using separate devices for optimally connecting different attachment member is being solved by the present invention. In the present invention, a single device is used for optimally connecting two or more attachment members. The term “optimally” in the present invention means that attachment members of different geometric patterns can be easily and quickly connected without negatively affecting surface finish of the attachment member or the unit such as, not being limited to, vehicle on which such attachment members are being connected.
[036] In the present invention, the storage space for storing the devices for optimally connecting different type of attachment members is reduced as single device is used for optimally connecting two or more attachment members.
[037] In the present invention, same device can be used for different variants of same unit such as, not being limited to, a vehicle or a machine. For example, in one variant of the vehicle, allen key will be used to adjust the damping values and in another variant of the vehicle, screwdriver will be used to adjust the damping values. As one portion (second portion) of the device is adapted to be operated as screw driver and another portion (third portion) of the device is adapted to operate as allen key, same device or single device can be used for the both the variants of the vehicle. This will save both time and costs associated with replacing the devices to operate on different variants of the vehicle.
[038] In the present invention, the device is made of pre-determined material such as, not being limited to, nylon which ensures that the surface of the attachment members or the components being secured by the attachment members are not compromised. In other words, such device will not lead to abrasion of surfaces of either the attachment member or the components being attached by members of the attachment members.
[039] In the present invention, use of single device in optimally connecting different type of attachment members reduces costs associated with handling and transporting of such device.
[040] In the present invention, the proposed device is aesthetically appealing to the users, therefore using holding device the same can be used for different applications and the user can carry it.
[041] 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.

List of Reference Numerals
100/200- device
100a/200a-first portion
100a1/200a1- aperture
100b/200b-second portion
100c/200c- third portion
102- elongated portion
102a- front surface
102b- bottom surface
102c- right side surface
102d- slot
102e- left side surface
102f- top surface
202- outer peripheral surface of the first portion
204- concave curved surface
206- flat surfaces
206a- first flat surface
206b- second flat surface
203- convex curved surface
D1- Distance between top surface and second portion
D2- Distance between top surface and third portion

, Claims:

1. A device (100, 200) comprising a plurality of portions (100a,100b,200a,200b), the device (100, 200) comprises:
a first portion (100a, 200a) and
a second portion (100b, 200b),
the first portion (100a, 200a) adapted to optimally connect a first attachment member and the second portion (100b, 200b) adapted to optimally connect a second attachment member,
wherein one or more geometric parameters of the first portion (100a,200a) of the device (100,200) is different from one or more geometric parameters of the second portion (100b,200b) of the device (100,200).

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more geometric parameters comprise at least one of: shape, size and cross-sectional area.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) comprises a third portion (100c, 200c), the third portion (100c, 200c) adapted to optimally connect a third attachment member, the geometric parameter of the third portion (100c,200c) being different from the geometric parameters of the first portion (100a,200a) and the second portion (100b,200b).

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein device (100) comprises an elongated portion (102) having at least a front surface (102a), a rear surface opposite the front surface (102a), a top surface (102f), a bottom surface (102b) opposite the top surface (102f), a left side surface and a right side surface (102c) opposite the left side surface, wherein the device (100,200) being composed of a predetermined material.

5. The device (100) as claimed in claimed 4, wherein the first portion (100a) extends from one of: the top surface (102f) and the bottom surface (102b) of the elongate portion (102), the first portion (100a) adapted to operate as a spanner.

6. The device (100) as claimed in claimed 4, wherein the second portion (100b) extends from one of: the left side surface and the right side surface (102c), the second portion(100b) adapted to operate as a screw driver.

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 3, 4 and 6, wherein the third portion (100c) extends from a surface opposite the surface from which the second portion (100b) extends, the third portion (100c) adapted to operate as an allen key.
8. The device (100) as claimed in claimed 4, wherein the elongate portion (102) comprises a slot (102d) adapted to receive a holding device for holding the device (100).

9. The device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (200b) extends radially outwardly from a periphery (202) of the first portion (200a).

10. The device (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first portion (200a) having an aperture (200a1) adapted to operate as a spanner and the second portion (200b) adapted to operate as a screw driver.

11. The device (200) as claimed in claim 3 and claim 9, wherein the third portion (200c) extends radially outwardly from the first portion (200a) and is spaced apart from the second portion (200b), the third portion adapted to operate as an allen key.

Dated this 26th day of October 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471