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

VEHICLE

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

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

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle which includes a pivotable seat and an opening and closing mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In recent years, a variety of vehicles are equipped with at least one of a storage space, a fuel filling port and a vehicular component (such as a charger unit for a wireless device) beneath a seat. Access to at least one of the storage space, the fuel filling port and the vehicular component is restricted by the seat. In particular, when the seat is in a first state (referred to as closed position), access to at least one of the storage space, the fuel filling port and the vehicular component is restricted while when the seat is in a second state (referred to as open position), access to at least one of the storage space, the fuel filling port and the vehicular component is allowed.

[003] In many cases, the seat is adapted to exhibit pivotal movement between the closed position and the open position. This approach requires users to manually lift and hold the entire seat. In some instances, the users may not have to manually hold the seat, when the seat is in a fully open position, but still has to manually hold when the seat is in a partially open position.

[004] Manually holding the seat can be cumbersome and inconvenient. Additionally, users may find it challenging to maintain balance and control of the vehicle while simultaneously holding the seat. This also poses potential safety hazards including damage to the vehicle or injury. Also, users may find it challenging to access at least one of the storage space, the fuel filling port and the vehicular component while holding the seat. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

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 an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a seat exhibiting pivotal motion between a closed position and a fully open position; and a seat opening and closing mechanism operatively coupling the seat to a first part of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention the seat opening and closing mechanism comprises a pivot rod pivotally connecting the seat to the first part of the vehicle; a ratchet wheel pivotally mounted to the pivot rod; a pawl component mounted to the first part of the vehicle and adapted to selectively engage with the ratchet wheel to maintain the seat at one or more partially open positions between the closed position and the fully open position; and a disengaging mechanism facilitating movement of the seat from either the fully open position or from any of the partially open positions by disengaging the pawl component from the ratchet wheel.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the first part of the vehicle is at least one of a body frame, a body cover, and luggage compartment.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, seat opening and closing mechanism further comprising a first resilient member imparting a force upon the ratchet wheel to bias it towards a closed position of the seat.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the first resilient member is a torsion spring comprising a first arm engaged with the first part of the vehicle, a second arm engaged with the ratchet wheel, and a coil portion positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the coil portion being positioned concentric with respect to the pivot rod.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the disengaging mechanism comprises a wire member connected to the pawl component, wherein actuation of the wire member causes disengagement of the pawl component from the ratchet wheel.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the invention, the disengaging mechanism comprises a lever member adapted to move along with the movement of the seat.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the lever member acts upon the pawl component while the seat is closing thereby causing disengagement of the pawl component from the ratchet wheel.

[0013] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the lever member and the ratchet wheel attaches with each other via a magnet provided on at least one of the ratchet wheel and the lever member and a metallic protrusion forming part of the other the ratchet wheel and the lever member.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the lever member moves synchronously with the seat.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the lever member attaches with the ratchet wheel via the magnet and the metallic protrusion during movement of the seat from the closed position to at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the lever member causes the ratchet wheel to move to a position corresponding to at least one of the fully open position of the seat and the partially open position of the seat.

[0017] In still another embodiment of the invention, the pawl component engages with the ratchet wheel to maintain the seat at the at least one fully open position and the partially open positions.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the lever member separates from the ratchet wheel due to separation of the magnet from the metallic protrusion during movement of the seat from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed position thus allowing the seat to attain the closed position.

[0019] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the disengagement mechanism comprises an engagement protrusion forming part of the pawl component.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the lever member acts upon the engagement protrusion of the pawl component during movement of the seat from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed position thereby causing the pawl component to disengage from the ratchet wheel.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the disengagement of the pawl component from the ratchet wheel allows the ratchet wheel to reach a position corresponding to the closed position of the seat.

[0022] In still another embodiment of the invention, the magnet separates from the metallic protrusion upon receiving a force in excess of a threshold value.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the lever member comprises a first connection portion for attaching the lever member to the pivot rod; a third arm extending in a first direction from the first connection portion; a fourth arm extending in a second direction from the first connection portion.

[0024] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the third arm acts upon the engagement protrusion of the pawl component during movement of the seat from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed condition.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the fourth arm comprises at least one of the metallic protrusion and the magnet that attaches with the other of the metallic protrusion and the magnet provided on the ratchet wheel.

[0026] One of the advantages of the invention is that the seat opening and closing mechanism now holds the seat in a partially open position and hence, no human intervention is required to hold the seat in the partially open position.

[0027] Another advantage of the invention is that the seat opening and closing mechanism holds the seat in at a plurality of partially open positions.

[0028] Still another advantage of the invention is that the components which form part of the seat opening and closing mechanism are simple in terms of their construction and hence the components of the seat opening and closing mechanism can be readily made.

[0029] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the process of moving the seat from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open positions to the closed position is simple. For instance, when the disengaging mechanism comprises the lever member, the user has to simply push the seat towards the closed position. On the other hand, when the disengaging mechanism comprises the wire member, the user has to simply actuate the wire member.

[0030] A further advantage of the invention is that the seat opening and closing mechanism is substantially small in size and can be placed such that it is not visible. Thus, an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is not adversely impacted.

[0031] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that a weight of the seat opening and closing mechanism is substantially less.

[0032] All of the aforesaid advantages also contribute to a reduction in a cost of the vehicle, a reduction in a weight of the vehicle, an ease of assembling the seat opening and closing mechanism on the vehicle, etc.

[0033] 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:
[0034] 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:

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle showing the seat in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle showing the seat in a fully open position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a part of the vehicle showing the seat in a second partial open position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective side view of the opening and closing mechanism attached to the seat in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the opening and closing mechanism attached to the seat in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the opening and closing mechanism shown in Figure 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the opening and closing mechanism shown in Figure 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the opening and closing mechanism shown in Figure 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0043] Figure 9 illustrates functioning of the opening and closing mechanism shown in Figure 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the 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.

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Now referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of the vehicle (10) that comprises a body frame (12) rotatably supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14) and at least one rear ground engaging member (16). The body frame (12) further supports a power unit (18) that supplies power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16). The body frame (12) further supports a seat (20) which provides a seating arrangement for at least a rider of the vehicle (10). The body frame (12) further supports a body cover (24) which covers the body frame (12) and other vehicular components. Below the seat (20), there is provided a luggage compartment (26), which may be supported by the body frame (12).

[0058] The seat (20) is operatively coupled to a first part (22) of the vehicle (10). The first part (22) of the vehicle (10) may be at least one of the body frame (12), the body cover (24) and the luggage compartment (26). There may be disposed one or more additional vehicular components below the seat (20). For example, in case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, there may be disposed a fuel tank (28) beneath the seat (20). By way of another example, in case the power unit (18) is a motor, there may be disposed at least one battery (not shown) beneath the seat (20). By way of yet another example, in case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, there may be disposed at least one battery (not shown) beneath the seat (20). By way of still another example, there may be disposed one or more electrical component such as a charger unit (not shown) beneath the seat (20). It may be noted that there is no limitation as to what nature of components are disposed beneath the seat (20).

[0059] Now referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, it can be seen that the seat (20) is adapted to be moved between a closed position, which is more particularly shown in Figure 1 and a fully open position, which is more particularly shown in Figure 2. In particular, the seat (20) is adapted to exhibit pivotal motion between the closed position and the fully open position. Thus, there is provided a seat opening and closing mechanism (100) which operatively couples the seat (20) to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) and allows the seat (20) to exhibit pivotal motion between the closed position and the fully open position.

[0060] Now referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, it can be seen that the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) not only couples the seat (20) to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10); allows the seat (20) to exhibit pivotal motion between the closed position and the fully open position; but also holds the seat (20) in the fully open position, or in at least one partially open position.

[0061] Now referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated a perspective view of a seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention and being coupled to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) as well as the seat (20). The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) particularly comprises a pivot rod (102) pivotally connecting the seat (20) to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10). It may be noted that the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) may actually comprise a first portion (221) and a second portion (222) between which the pivot rod (102) is placed. The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a ratchet wheel (104) which is pivotally mounted to the pivot rod (102). The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a pawl component (106) mounted to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) and adapted to selectively engage with the ratchet wheel (104) to maintain the seat (20) at one or more partially open positions between the closed position and the fully open position. It may be noted that the pawl component (106) may be mounted to a third portion (223) of the first part (22) of the vehicle (10). The pawl component (106) is also pivotally mounted on the third portion (223) of the first part (22). The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a disengaging mechanism (108) facilitating movement of the seat (20) from either the fully open position or from any of the partially open positions by disengaging the pawl component (106) from the ratchet wheel (104).

[0062] Now referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated a perspective view of a seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention and being coupled to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) as well as the seat (20). The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) particularly comprises a pivot rod (102) pivotally connecting the seat (20) to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10). It may be noted that the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) may actually comprise a first portion (221) and a second portion (222) between which the pivot rod (102) is placed. The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a ratchet wheel (104) which is pivotally mounted to the pivot rod (102). The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a pawl component (106) mounted to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) and adapted to selectively engage with the ratchet wheel (104) to maintain the seat (20) at one or more partially open positions between the closed position and the fully open position. It may be noted that the pawl component (106) may be mounted to a third portion (223) of the first part (22) of the vehicle (10). The pawl component (106) is also pivotally mounted on the third portion (223) of the first part (22). The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a disengaging mechanism (108) facilitating movement of the seat (20) from either the fully open position or from any of the partially open positions by disengaging the pawl component (106) from the ratchet wheel (104).

[0063] The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention and the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention differ from each other in two primary aspects, namely, the manner in which the ratchet wheel (104) is coupled to the pivot rod (102) and the construction of the disengaging mechanism (108).

[0064] Now referring to Figure 4, Figure 6, and Figure 7, the construction of the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention is described in detail. In the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the ratchet wheel (104) is not fixedly connected to the pivot rod (102). The ratchet wheel (104) is capable of rotating freely with respect to the pivot rod (102). It may be noted that the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a first resilient member (110) imparting a force upon the ratchet wheel (104) to bias it towards the closed position of the seat (20). The disengaging mechanism (108) comprises a lever member (114) adapted to move along with the movement of the seat (20) while the seat (20) is closing. The lever member (114) is fixedly coupled to the pivot rod (102). The lever member (114) acts upon the pawl component (106) while the seat (20) is closing thereby causing disengagement of the pawl component (106) from the ratchet wheel (104).

[0065] Since the ratchet wheel (104) is capable of rotating freely with respect to the pivot rod (102), to cause the ratchet wheel (104) to move with respect to the pawl component (106), especially when the seat (20) is being moved from the closed position to the open position (either the partially position or the fully open position), the lever member (114) and the ratchet wheel (104) are selective engaged with each other. As the lever member (114) is fixedly coupled to the pivot rod (102) and lever member (114) and the ratchet wheel (104) are selective engaged with each other, the lever member (114) forces the ratchet wheel (104) to move with respect to the pawl component (106). Thus, force exerted on the seat (20) to move towards the fully open position causes the ratchet wheel to move with respect to the pawl component (106). This causes the pawl component (106) to come in engaging state with respect to the ratchet wheel (104).

[0066] In an embodiment of the invention, the lever member (114) comprises a first connection portion (130), a third arm (132), a fourth arm (134). The first connection portion (130) is there for attaching the lever member (114) to the pivot rod (102). The third arm (132) extends in a first direction from the first connection portion (130). The fourth arm (134) extends in a second direction from the first connection portion (130). The third arm (132) acts upon the engagement protrusion (120) of the pawl component (106) during movement of the seat (20) from the at least one of the fully open positions and the partially open position to the closed condition. The fourth arm (134) comprising at least one of the metallic protrusion (122) and the magnet (118) that attaches with the other of the metallic protrusion (122) and the magnet (118) provided on the ratchet wheel (104).

[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, the first resilient member (110) comprising a first arm (124) engaged with the first part (22) of the vehicle (10), a second arm (126) engaged with the ratchet wheel (104), and a coil portion (128) positioned between the first arm (124) and the second arm (126), the coil portion (128) being positioned concentric with respect to the pivot rod (102). By way of a non-limiting example, the first resilient member (110) may be a torsion spring.

[0068] In an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a magnet (118) on at least one of the ratchet wheel (104) and the lever member (114) and there may be provided a metallic protrusion (122) as forming part of the other the ratchet wheel (104) and the lever member (114). The magnet (118) and the metallic protrusion (122) ensures that the lever member (114) and the ratchet wheel (104) are selective attached to each other.

[0069] Thus, the lever member (114) moves synchronously with the seat (20); the lever member (114) being attached with the ratchet wheel (104) vide the magnet (118) and the metallic protrusion (122) during movement of the seat (20) from the closed condition to at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position and causing the ratchet wheel (104) to move to a position corresponding to at least one of the fully open condition of the seat (20) and the partially open position of the seat (20), the pawl component (106) engaging with the ratchet wheel (104) to maintain the seat (20) at the at least one fully open condition and the partially open positions.

[0070] Now if the seat (20) has to be moved from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed position, the lever member (114) has to be separated from the ratchet wheel (104). Since the lever member (114) and the ratchet wheel (104) are selectively attached using the magnet (108) and metallic protrusion (122), to move the seat (20) from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed position the magnet (118) has to be separated from the metallic protrusion (122). The magnet (118) gets separated from the metallic protrusion (122) upon receiving a force in excess of a threshold value. The force in excess of the threshold value can be applied vide the seat (20) to attain the disengagement of the magnet (118) from the metallic protrusion (122).

[0071] Once the lever member (114) and the ratchet wheel (104) are separated, the seat (20) and the lever member (114) can attain the closed position due to the gravity force which is generally acting upon the seat (20) as well as the force exerted on the seat (20) which causes separation of the magnet (118) from the metallic protrusion (122). It may be noted that separation of the lever member (114) from the ratchet wheel (104) does not cause disengagement of the pawl component (106) from the ratchet wheel (104). Thus, the pawl component (106) also has to be disengaged from the ratchet wheel (104), so that the ratchet wheel (104) can return to the closed position of the seat (20).

[0072] This is attained by providing an engagement protrusion (120) forming part of the pawl component (106) and by making the lever member (114) to act upon the engagement protrusion (120) of the pawl component (106) during movement of the seat (20) from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed position. When the lever member (114) acts upon the engagement protrusion (120) of the pawl component (106), the pawl component (106) is lifted up and thus, the pawl component (106) disengages from the ratchet wheel (104). Now the first resilient member (110) imparts a force upon the ratchet wheel (104) to bias it towards the closed position of the seat (20).

[0073] Now reference is drawn to Figure 9, which illustrates the functioning of the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. It can be seen from Figure 9(A) to Figure 9(G), the seat (20) is being moved from the closed position to the fully open position. It can be seen that in Figures 9(B) to Figure 9(G), the magnet (118) is engaged with the metallic protrusion (122) and thus, the lever (112) causes the ratchet wheel (104) to move with respect to the pawl component (106). At each of the states shown in Figures 9(B) to Figure 9(G), the ratchet wheel (104) is engaged by the pawl component (106) and hence, the pawl component (106) does not allow the ratchet wheel (104) to revert to the closed position of the seat (20). As ratchet wheel (104) is engaged with the lever (114), the ratchet wheel (104) does not allow the lever (114) to revert to the closed position of the seat (20). Thus, even the seat (20) is prohibited from returning to the closed position. Now referring to Figure 9(H), it can be seen that when a force is applied on the seat (20), which is greater than a first threshold value, the magnet (118) gets disengaged with the metallic protrusion (122). Thus, now the lever (114) and the seat (20) are free to return to the closed position. At an intermediate position the lever (114) comes in engagement with the engagement protrusion (120) of the pawl component (106). Thus, the lever (114) moves the pawl component (106) due to which, the pawl component (106) gets disengaged from the ratchet wheel (104). Now the ratchet wheel (104) is free to return to the closed position of the seat (20) and attain the initial state as shown in Figure 9(A). It may be noted that the force can be applied on the seat (20), when the seat (20) is maintained in any of the states shown in 9(B) to 9(H) and the same effect will be realized i.e. the lever (114) moves the pawl component (106) due to which, the pawl component (106) gets disengaged from the ratchet wheel (104).

[0074] Now referring to Figure 5, and Figure 8, the construction of the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention is described in detail. In the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, the ratchet wheel (104) is fixedly connected to the pivot rod (102). Thus, the ratchet wheel (104) rotates synchronously with the pivot rod (102). There is provided a pawl component (106) which engages with the ratchet wheel (104) when the ratchet wheel (104) is in a partially open position of the seat (20) as well as when the ratchet wheel (104) is in the fully open position of the seat (20). Thus, the pawl component (106) retains the seat (20) in fully open position as well as in any of the partially open positions. The disengaging mechanism (108) in this case comprises a wire member (112) connected to the pawl component (106). The wire member (112) upon actuation, causes disengagement of the pawl component (106) from the ratchet wheel (104). The seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprises a first resilient member (110) imparting a force upon the ratchet wheel (104) to bias it towards the closed position of the seat (20). Thus, when the pawl component (106) is not engaged with the ratchet wheel (104), the first resilient member (110) biases the ratchet wheel (104) towards the closed position of the seat (20). Together with the gravity force which is generally acting upon the seat (20), the seat (20) therefore comes to the closed position, when the pawl component (106) is not engaged with the ratchet wheel (104).

[0075] One of the advantages of the invention is that the seat opening and closing mechanism now holds the seat in a partially open position and hence, no human intervention is required to hold the seat in the partially open position.

[0076] Another advantage of the invention is that the seat opening and closing mechanism holds the seat in at a plurality of partially open positions.

[0077] Still another advantage of the invention is that the components which form part of the seat opening and closing mechanism are simple in terms of their construction and hence the components of the seat opening and closing mechanism can be readily made.

[0078] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the process of moving the seat from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open positions to the closed position is simple. For instance, when the disengaging mechanism comprises the lever member, the user has to simply push the seat towards the closed position. On the other hand, when the disengaging mechanism comprises the wire member, the user has to actuate the wire member.

[0079] A disengaging mechanism comprising the lever member is specifically advantageous over a disengaging mechanism comprising the wire member. For instance, the wire member forming part of the disengaging mechanism must be routed through a variety of portions of the vehicle, which complicates the assembling process. There has to be provided an actuating system (not shown) connected to the wire member for actuating the wire member. The actuating system is a complicated system involving many internal components and hence, a cost of the wire member and the actuating system is substantially high.

[0080] The actuating system has to be disposed on an external surface of the vehicle, particularly, in an easily accessible region of the vehicle. Generally, the vehicle comprises limited amount of external surface and more particularly limited amount of easily accessible region. Many other vehicular components have to be disposed in the limited amount of easily accessible regions. Thus, disposing the actuating system is a technical challenge on account of scarcity of space. Additionally, disposing the actuating system should not hinder with other vehicular components.

[0081] Furthermore, disposing the actuating system on an external surface of the vehicle also adversely affects an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, which can be completely avoided by the disengaging mechanism comprising the lever member.

[0082] A further advantage of the invention is that the seat opening and closing mechanism is substantially small in size and can be placed such that it is not visible. Thus, an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is not adversely impacted.

[0083] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that a weight of the seat opening and closing mechanism is substantially less.

[0084] All of the aforesaid advantages also contribute to a reduction in a cost of the vehicle, a reduction in a weight of the vehicle, an ease of assembling the seat opening and closing mechanism on the vehicle, etc.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a seat (20) exhibiting pivotal motion between a closed position and a fully open position; and
a seat opening and closing mechanism (100) operatively coupling the seat (20) to a first part (22) of the vehicle (10), the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) comprising:
a pivot rod (102) pivotally connecting the seat (20) to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10);
a ratchet wheel (104) pivotally mounted to the pivot rod (102);
a pawl component (106) mounted to the first part (22) of the vehicle (10) and adapted to selectively engage with the ratchet wheel (104) to maintain the seat (20) at one or more partially open positions between the closed position and the fully open position;
a disengaging mechanism (108) facilitating movement of the seat (20) from either the fully open position or from any of the partially open positions by disengaging the pawl component (106) from the ratchet wheel (104); the disengaging mechanism (108) comprises a lever member (114) adapted to move along with the movement of the seat (20), the lever member (114) acts upon the pawl component (106) while the seat (20) is closing thereby causing disengagement of the pawl component (106) from the ratchet wheel (104).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (22) of the vehicle is at least one of a body frame (12), a body cover (24), and luggage compartment (26).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat opening and closing mechanism (100) further comprising a first resilient member (110) imparting a force upon the ratchet wheel (104) to bias it towards a closed position of the seat (20).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first resilient member (110) comprising a first arm (124) engaged with the first part (22) of the vehicle (10), a second arm (126) engaged with the ratchet wheel (104), and a coil portion (128) positioned between the first arm (124) and the second arm (126), the coil portion (128) being positioned concentric with respect to the pivot rod (102).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever member (114) and the ratchet wheel (104) attaches with each other vide a magnet (118) provided on at least one of the ratchet wheel (104) and the lever member (114) and a metallic protrusion (122) forming part of the other of the ratchet wheel (104) and the lever member (114).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever member (114) moves synchronously with the seat (20); the lever member (114) attaches with the ratchet wheel (104) vide the magnet (118) and the metallic protrusion (122) during movement of the seat (20) from the closed condition to at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position and causing the ratchet wheel (104) to move to a position corresponding to at least one of the fully open condition of the seat (20) and the partially open position of the seat (20), the pawl component (106) engaging with the ratchet wheel (104) to maintain the seat (20) at the at least one fully open condition and the partially open positions.

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever member (114) separates from the ratchet wheel (104) due to separation of the magnet (118) from the metallic protrusion (122) during movement of the seat (20) from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed condition and allowing the seat (20) to attain the closed position.

8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the disengagement mechanism (108) comprises an engagement protrusion (120) forming part of the pawl component (106), the lever member (114) acting upon the engagement protrusion (120) of the pawl component (106) during movement of the seat (20) from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed condition thereby causing the pawl component (106) to disengage from the ratchet wheel (104) and allowing the ratchet wheel (104) to reach a position corresponding to the closed position of the (20) .

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the magnet (118) separates from the metallic protrusion (122) upon receiving a force in excess of a threshold value.

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lever member (114) comprises:
a first connection portion (130) for attaching the lever member (114) to the pivot rod (102);
a third arm (132) extending in a first direction from the first connection portion (130);
a fourth arm (134) extending in a second direction from the first connection portion (130);
the third arm (132) acting upon the engagement protrusion (120) of the pawl component (106) during movement of the seat (20) from the at least one of the fully open position and the partially open position to the closed condition;
the fourth arm (134) comprising at least one of the metallic protrusion (122) and the magnet (118) that attaches with the other of the metallic protrusion (122) and the magnet (118) provided on the ratchet wheel (104).