DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421104578 filed on 30/12/2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a locking device. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an anti-gravity locking device.
BACKGROUND
Generally, various types of closures such as seats, lids, flaps, doors, and covers are often provided in vehicles, machinery, and consumer products to conceal or protect internal components or storage spaces. These closures typically require a locking arrangement to secure the arrangements in place and to prevent unauthorized access to the components or items located beneath or within the closure.
Conventional locking mechanisms are generally configured to retain a closure, such as a lid, panel, seat, or cover, in a closed position with respect to an associated supporting frame or body structure. Such mechanisms typically employ a latch-and-hook arrangement, spring-biased members, or cam-type interfaces to achieve the locking function. While these arrangements are capable of securing the closure, they often exhibit certain limitations in real-world applications. In particular, some existing locking designs are prone to undesired or sudden locking events. For instance, when the closure element inadvertently falls under its own weight during handling or partial release, the latch may engage unintentionally, thereby locking the closure without the deliberate action of the user. This may cause inconvenience, as the user must repeat the unlocking procedure or apply additional force to reopen the closure.

Moreover, the stability and consistency of engagement in such conventional mechanisms may be inadequate. Over repeated cycles of use, tolerances between moving parts may increase, springs may lose elasticity, or latch surfaces may wear, resulting in partial engagement or rattling during operation. Such instability not only diminishes user experience but also compromise the security of items or components enclosed beneath the closure. Additionally, certain locking arrangements may not effectively control the angular displacement or motion path of the locking members during engagement. This may lead to over-rotation or misalignment of locking parts, further contributing to premature wear, unpredictable locking behavior, or failure to lock reliably under varying operating conditions.
Therefore, there exists a need for an improved locking arrangement that overcomes one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking arrangement for a gravity-assisted closures.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a locking arrangement for a gravity-assisted closures. The locking arrangement comprises a push button comprising a locking hook, a rotating mechanism mounted co-axially with the push button, at least one stopper configured to restricts an angular displacement of the rotating mechanism and a latch member configured to receive the locking hook. The actuation of the push button causes the locking hook to move downward and engage with the latch member, and the rotating mechanism cooperates with the at least one stopper to limit the extent of angular movement to ensure reliable locking operation.
The present disclosure provides the locking arrangement for the gravity-assisted closures. The locking arrangement as claimed in present disclosure is advantageously ensuring the efficient and reliable locking. Beneficially, the locking arrangement improving the positional stability and minimizing the risk of mechanical wear or unintended disengagement. Further, the locking arrangement enhances the precision during locking and unlocking, contributing to consistent performance over repeated cycles. Furthermore, the locking arrangement facilitates automatic return of the push button to a default position, reducing user effort and enabling repeatable operation. Moreover, the locking arrangement significantly preventing the accidental release and enhancing safety. Overall, the locking arrangement minimizes undesired sudden locking caused by gravity-assisted closures, offers long-term operational reliability, and provides a versatile solution adaptable to a wide range of closure applications.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a locking arrangement for a gravity-assisted closures, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2a and 2b illustrate a perspective view of a locking arrangement in locked state, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3a and 3b illustrate a perspective view of a locking arrangement in unlocked state, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a locking arrangement for a gravity assisted closures and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “locking arrangement” and “locking” are used interchangeably and refer to a system of one or more components configured to secure a closure, panel, or movable member in a predetermined position relative to a supporting structure. The locking arrangement may include elements such as hooks, latches, stoppers, rotating members, springs, or equivalents thereof, cooperate to establish, maintain, and release a locked state in a controlled and repeatable manner. The locking arrangement may be actuated manually, mechanically, or electrically, and is designed to prevent unintended movement or disengagement of the closure.
As used herein, the terms “gravity-assisted closure(s)” and “closure(s)” are used interchangeably and refer to a closure, lid, flap, panel, seat, or similar movable member that is influenced or biased by gravitational force during the movement between open and closed positions. Such closures may naturally descend or move downward under the own weight of the closures, when released from a raised or open position, and may require a locking arrangement or controlled mechanism to regulate, guide, or arrest the so forth motion to ensure safe, stable, and reliable engagement. The gravity-assisted closures may be found in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, vehicle seats, storage compartments, access panels, doors, lids, and machinery cover.
As used herein, the term “push button” refers to a manually or mechanically operable actuator configured to initiate or control the movement of one or more components within a locking arrangement or mechanical assembly. The push button is adapted to transmit linear, rotational, or combined motion to cooperating elements, such as a locking hook or rotating mechanism, thereby causing engagement or disengagement of a locked state. The push button may include an integral portion or feature for interacting with other components, such as pins, slots, or hooks, to achieve controlled actuation. The push button may be configured in various shapes and sizes depending on the intended application and may be biased by elastic members to return to a default or rest position after actuation.
As used herein, the term “locking hook” refers to a projecting element or member of a locking arrangement configured to engage with a complementary latch or receiving feature of a closure, panel, or component to secure the closure in a predetermined position. The locking hook is typically shaped and positioned to facilitate guided engagement and disengagement with the latch, thereby establishing a stable and controlled locked state. The locking hook may be integral with or attached to an actuation element, such as a push button or lever, and may operate in conjunction with other components of the locking arrangement, including stoppers, rotating members, or elastic elements, to regulate movement and ensure precise alignment during locking and unlocking operations.
As used herein, the term “rotating mechanism” refers to an assembly or component configured to undergo controlled rotational motion about a defined axis, and to transmit, convert, or regulate motion within a locking arrangement. The rotating mechanism may comprise elements such as a cylindrical body, pins, legs, slots, or other features that interact with a push button, latch, stopper, or elastic members to control angular displacement. The rotating mechanism is designed to facilitate precise positioning, guided movement, and reliable engagement of associated locking elements, thereby ensuring stable and repeatable operation of the closure. The rotating mechanism may be manually, mechanically, or elastically actuated and may include features for limiting, self-aligning, or damping the rotation.
As used herein, the terms “at least one stopper” and “stopper(s)” are used interchangeably and refer to a mechanical element configured to limit, control, or define the movement, angular displacement, or positioning of a movable member within the locking arrangement. The stopper may be a protrusion, block, wedge, or any equivalent structure, and may be integrally formed with, fixedly attached to, or otherwise structurally associated with another component, such as a latch or frame. The at least one stopper is operative to provide a reaction surface or interface that interacts with the movable member to ensure stable engagement, precise alignment, and controlled motion, thereby preventing over-rotation, misalignment, or unintended locking or release of the closure.
As used herein, the term “latch member” refers to a component of the locking arrangement configured to engage with a corresponding locking element, such as a hook or pin, to retain a closure, panel, or movable member in a secured position relative to a supporting structure. The latch member may comprise cavities, recesses, protrusions, or other engagement surfaces that cooperate with the locking element to establish and maintain a locked state. The latch member may be rigidly or integrally attached to the supporting frame, or otherwise structurally associated, and is designed to ensure stable, repeatable, and controlled engagement and disengagement during operation of the locking arrangement.
As used herein, the term “cylindrical body” refers to a generally elongated, hollow or solid component having a circular cross-section along a portion of the length. The cylindrical body may be of uniform or variable diameter and is configured to support, guide, or mount other components, such as rotating members, pins, or wedges, within a mechanical assembly. The cylindrical may include surface features such as slots, grooves, protrusions, or recesses that facilitate engagement, alignment, or controlled movement of cooperating elements. The cylindrical body may be fabricated from metal, polymer, composite, or any suitable material and may be integrated with or fixedly attached to other structural members of the assembly.
As used herein, the terms “at least one inclined slot” and “inclined slot” are used interchangeably and refer to a recess, groove, or channel formed on a surface of the cylindrical body, wherein the slot is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a reference axis of the component. The slot is configured to receive or guide a cooperating element, such as a pin, peg, or protrusion, to convert, control, or constrain relative motion between components.
As used herein, the terms “at least one pin” and “pin” are used interchangeably and refer to a rod-shaped or cylindrical member, element, or projection that is configured to engage, guide, or interact with one or more complementary structures within a mechanical assembly. The pin is arranged in any suitable configuration, and may be fixed, movable, or rotatable depending on the functional requirements of the locking arrangement. The pin is typically employed to transmit motion, constrain relative movement, or facilitate alignment of interacting components, such as a rotating mechanism, latch, or push button.
As used herein, the terms “at least one wedge-shaped leg(s)” and “wedge-shaped leg(s)” are used interchangeably and refer to one or more elongate protrusions extending from a rotating or movable member, wherein each leg has a tapered or wedge-like geometry designed to interact with a corresponding surface, stop, or reaction member. The wedge-shaped leg(s) are configured to guide, restrict, or control the angular displacement or movement of the rotating member, thereby facilitating precise alignment, engagement, and stable operation of associated locking components.
As used herein, the term “self-aligning engagement” refers to an interaction between two or more components of a mechanical or electromechanical assembly that enables automatic positioning or alignment of the components relative to each other during engagement, without requiring precise manual adjustment. Such engagement ensures that the components achieve correct orientation, alignment, or seating upon contact, thereby facilitating smooth operation, accurate locking or coupling, and consistent performance over repeated use. In the context of a locking arrangement, the self-aligning engagement may involve features such as tapered surfaces, inclined slots, wedge-shaped members, or guiding interfaces that naturally guide a moving component into the intended position.
As used herein, the terms “at least one elastic member” and “elastic member” are used interchangeably and refer to one or more resilient components configured to store and release mechanical energy to bias, return, or maintain a movable part in a predetermined position. Such elastic members may include, but not limited to, springs, elastomeric pads, flexible strips, or equivalent elements, and may be arranged in compression, tension, torsion, or bending modes. The elastic member(s) cooperate with other components of the assembly to provide controlled motion, automatic return, cushioning, or force balancing, thereby enabling reliable, repeatable, and stable operation of the locking arrangement or associated mechanism.
As used herein, the term “predetermined position” refers to a specific, defined orientation, location, or alignment of a closure, component, or member relative to a supporting structure, frame, or reference point, at which the component is intended to be held, secured, or engaged by the locking arrangement. The predetermined position is established during design and may correspond to a fully closed, fully open, partially open, or otherwise intended state. The locking arrangement is configured to reliably maintain the component at the predetermined position and to prevent unintended movement, misalignment, or disengagement from that state.
As used herein, the term “static member” refers to a component or part of a locking arrangement or mechanical assembly that is fixed relative to a supporting structure or frame and does not undergo rotational or translational motion during normal operation. The static member serves as a support, reference, or reaction surface for one or more movable components, such as rotating members, hooks, or stoppers, and may facilitate the control, limitation, or guidance of the movement. The static member may be integrally formed with the frame or attached thereto and is configured to ensure stable, repeatable, and precise operation of the rotating mechanism.
As used herein, the term “cavity” refers to a recessed, hollow, or indented portion of a component, body, or member, which is configured to receive, house, guide, or engage with another component or element. A cavity may be shaped or sized to control the position, orientation, or movement of the received element, and may be formed by machining, molding, casting, or any other suitable fabrication process. The cavity can provide secure retention, alignment, or guided interaction, and is applicable to components such as hooks, pins, fasteners, or any part of a locking arrangement, closure mechanism, or assembly requiring controlled engagement.
In accordance with an aspect of present disclosure, there is provided a locking arrangement for a gravity-assisted closures, the locking arrangement comprises:
- a push button comprising a locking hook;
- a rotating mechanism mounted co-axially with the push button;
- at least one stopper configured to restricts an angular displacement of the rotating mechanism; and
- a latch member configured to receive the locking hook,
wherein the actuation of the push button causes the locking hook to move downward and engage with the latch member, and wherein the rotating mechanism cooperates with the at least one stopper to limit the extent of angular movement to ensure reliable locking operation.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a locking arrangement 100 for a gravity-assisted closures. The locking arrangement 100 comprises a push button 102 comprising a locking hook 104, a rotating mechanism 106 mounted co-axially with the push button 102, at least one stopper 108 configured to restricts an angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106 and a latch member 110 configured to receive the locking hook 104. The actuation of the push button 102 causes the locking hook 104 to move downward and engage with the latch member 110, and the rotating mechanism 106 cooperates with the at least one stopper 108 to limit the extent of angular movement to ensure reliable locking operation.
In an embodiment, the rotating mechanism 106 may comprises a cylindrical body 112 comprising at least one inclined slot 114 formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 112. The at least one inclined slot 114 is arranged to cooperate with a corresponding engaging element. The inclination of the at least one slot 114 facilitates the conversion of linear motion of the push button 102 into rotational motion of the cylindrical body 112, thereby assisting in the engagement and disengagement of the locking hook 104 with the latch member 110. Further, the so forth configuration of the at least one inclined slot 114 ensures the smooth operation, reduces friction between interacting members, and improves the reliability of the locking action under repeated cycles of use. Beneficially, the provision of the inclined slot 114 on the cylindrical body 112 facilitates the efficient conversion of linear actuation of the push button 102 into controlled angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106, thereby improves the smoothness of motion transfer and reduces the need for additional linkages, and simplifies the structure of the locking arrangement 100. Further, the inclined slot 114 ensures precise guidance of a pin 116, enhancing alignment between the locking hook 104 and the latch member 110, and minimizes the risk of mis-engagement. Furthermore, the controlled angular displacement reduces excessive stress and wear on the rotating parts, thereby extending the operational life of the locking arrangement 100.
In an embodiment, the rotating mechanism 106 may comprising the at least one pin 116 configured to be received within the at least one inclined slot 114 on the cylindrical body 112. The pin 116 is configured to be received within the inclined slot 114 formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 112 of the rotating mechanism 106. The interaction between the inclined slot 114 and the pin 116 enables conversion of linear displacement of the push button 102 into controlled angular displacement of the cylindrical body 112. The so forth configuration provides a guided and predictable rotational motion, thereby ensuring smooth and reliable engagement of the locking hook 104 with the latch member 110. Further, the inclined slot 114 and the pin 116 arrangement assist in restricting excessive rotation, minimizing wear on the rotating components, and contributes to stable locking performance over repeated cycles of operation.
In an embodiment, the rotating mechanism 106 may comprising at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 extending from a lower portion of the cylindrical body 112. Further, the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 is configured to engage with the at least one stopper 108 to restrict angular displacement. The engagement of the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 and the stopper 108 functions to restrict the angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106 beyond a predetermined limit. Further, by limiting the extent of rotation, the wedge-shaped leg 118 provides controlled movement of the rotating mechanism 106, thereby contributing to stable positioning of the locking hook 104 relative to the latch member 110 and ensuring reliable locking operation. Beneficially, the wedge-shaped leg 118 provides a self-guiding effect during engagement with the stopper 108, improving positional accuracy and repeatability of the locking action. As a result, the locking arrangement 100 delivers reliable operation over extended use and ensures secure retention of the closure under varying conditions.
In an embodiment, the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 provides a self-aligning engagement with the at least one stopper 108 to ensure precise positioning of the rotating mechanism 106. When the push button 102 is actuated, the angular movement of the rotating mechanism 106 is precisely controlled. During operation, the wedge-shaped leg 118 interacts with the stopper 108 in a guided manner, thereby constraining the motion of the rotating mechanism 106 to consistently achieve the intended angular position and consequently align the locking hook 104 with the latch member 110 in a precise manner. Beneficially, the self-aligning wedge-shaped leg 118 minimizes the risk of misalignment or over-rotation, thereby reducing mechanical wear and improving operational reliability. Further, by controlling the angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106, the engagement of the locking hook 104 with the latch member 110 is stabilized, ensuring consistent and secure locking performance. Furthermore, the guided interaction between the wedge-shaped leg 118 and the at least one stopper 108 enhances repeatability over multiple cycles, reduces undesired sudden locking events, and contributes to the long-term durability of the locking arrangement 100.
In an embodiment, the at least one pin 116 may be configured to engage with the push button 102 to convert the linear motion of the push button 102 into controlled angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106. The at least one pin 116 is operatively positioned such that, upon actuation of the push button 102 in the linear downward direction, the pin 116 engages with the inclined slot 114 of the rotating mechanism 106. The so forth interaction enables the linear displacement of the push button 102 to be converted into the controlled angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106. The conversion ensures the locking hook 104 associated with the push button 102 is guided into engagement with the latch member 110 in a precise and repeatable manner, thereby achieving reliable locking performance. Beneficially, the working of the push button 102 effectively translating the linear input motion into angular motion via the simple yet robust interaction between the pin 116 and the rotating mechanism 106, thereby reducing the need for complex linkages, minimizing the overall part count and simplifying the design. Further, the controlled angular displacement achieved, ensuring the locking hook 104 is consistently aligned with the latch member 110, thereby reducing the chances of misalignment, incomplete engagement, or premature wear.
In an embodiment, the rotating mechanism 106 may comprises at least one elastic member 120 configured to urge the push button 102 toward a predetermined position, and upon release of the push button 102, the locking hook 104 is disengaged from the latch member 110. The elastic member 120 is arranged to apply a restoring force that urges the push button 102 toward a predetermined position, such as an initial or default state. Beneficially, by applying the restoring force, the elastic member 120 ensures automatic resetting of the push button 102 without requiring additional manual intervention, thereby enhancing ease of use. Further, the elastic member 120 improves the consistency and reliability of the locking and unlocking operations, as the push button 102 always returns to a defined position after release. Furthermore, the disengagement of the locking hook 104 from the latch member 110 upon release, preventing the unintended continuous locking and reduces user effort during repeated operations.
In an embodiment, the rotating mechanism 106 may comprises a static member 122 may be configured to support the rotating mechanism 106 and to provide a reaction surface for limiting the angular displacement. The static member 122 is structurally associated with the rotating mechanism 106 such that the static member 122 provides a stable mounting interface for enabling controlled rotation of the rotating mechanism 106 about the axis. Further, the static member 122 defines a reaction surface interacting with one or more portions of the rotating mechanism 106 to restrict angular displacement beyond a predetermined range. Furthermore, by acting as both a support and a motion-limiting feature, the static member 122 ensures the rotating mechanism 106 to operate within a controlled angular window for consistent locking and unlocking of the closure. Beneficially, the static member 122 enhances structural stability of the rotating mechanism 106, thereby minimizing wobble, misalignment, or excessive wear during repeated actuation. Moreover, the reaction surface effectively constrains the angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106, preventing over-rotation, otherwise resulting in unreliable locking or unintended disengagement.
In an embodiment, the at least one stopper 108 may be configured to interact with the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 of the rotating mechanism 106 to restrict angular displacement and guide the movement of the locking hook 104. The stopper 108 is positioned in such a manner that, during actuation of the push button 102, the wedge-shaped leg 118 comes into contact with the stopper 108. The so forth interaction defines the controlled range of angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106, thereby preventing excessive or unintended rotation. Additionally, the stopper 108 provides the guiding function for the wedge-shaped leg 118, in turn directs the movement of the locking hook 104 into precise alignment with the latch member 110. Beneficially, the cooperation between the stopper 108 and the wedge-shaped leg 118 ensures stable and repeatable motion of the rotating mechanism 106, resulting in accurate guidance of the locking hook 104 during engagement and disengagement. Further, by restricting angular displacement, the locking arrangement 100 minimizes risks of misalignment, over-rotation, or premature wear of components.
In an embodiment, the latch member 110 may comprises a cavity 124 configured to receive the locking hook 104. The locking hook 104 may be securely retained during engagement to prevent unintended disengagement. The cavity 124 is dimensioned and oriented such that the cavity 124 receives the locking hook 104, at the time of the push button 102 is actuated to bring the locking hook 104 into engagement with the latch member 110. Further, the cavity 124 is formed as a recessed portion within the latch member 110 and is adapted to guide the locking hook 104 into a seated position. During operation, once the locking hook 104 enters the cavity 124, the locking hook 104 is securely retained, thereby preventing unintentional release or displacement of the closure. Beneficially, the provision of the cavity 124 in the latch member 110 ensures precise positioning and stable retention of the locking hook 104, thereby enhances the reliability of the locking operation. Furthermore, by guiding the locking hook 104 into a defined engagement position, the cavity 124 minimizes the possibility of misalignment, partial engagement, or rattling during use.
Figure 2a and 2b, describe the locking arrangement 100 operates in a locked state. The locking arrangement 100 operates such that the push button 102 is in the default or depressed position, causing the locking hook 104 to engage securely with the latch member 110. As the push button 102 is actuated, the linear motion is converted into controlled angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106 via the at least one pin 116 received within the inclined slot 114 on the cylindrical body 112. The rotating mechanism 106 rotates until the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 abut against the at least one stopper 108, thereby defining the reaction surface, restricting the further angular displacement. Further, the locking hook 104 enters the cavity 124 of the latch member 110, guiding and positioning the locking hook 104 precisely to ensure stable engagement. Furthermore, the cooperating surfaces of the wedge-shaped legs 118 and the stoppers 108 maintain the rotating mechanism 106 in a fixed angular position, preventing over-rotation or misalignment. Simultaneously, the elastic members 120 of the rotating mechanism 106 exert the restoring force on the push button 102 to maintain the default position while preventing unintended disengagement of the locking hook 104.
Figure 3a and 3b, describe the locking arrangement 100 is operates in the unlocked state. The push button 102 coaxially mounted with the rotating mechanism 106, transmits the applied force to the locking hook 104 and the associated rotating mechanism 106. The rotating mechanism 106 comprises the inclined slot 114 engaged with the pin 116, such that the downward linear displacement of the push button 102 is translated into angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106. As the rotating mechanism 106 turns, the wedge-shaped leg 118 is displaced away from the stopper 108, thereby allowing the locking hook 104 to retract out of the cavity 124 of the latch member 110. The so forth movement disengages the locking hook 104 from the latch member 110, thereby releasing the closure element from the locked condition. Further, the elastic member 120 is positioned to bias the push button 102 and the rotating mechanism 106 toward the initial position. Once the pressing force on the push button 102 is released, the elastic member 120 restores the push button 102 and the rotating mechanism 106 to the original orientation, thereby resetting the locking hook 104 to the normal state.
In an exemplary embodiment, the locking arrangement 100 is applied to secure a seat of a two-wheeler vehicle. The seat is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame so that the seat may be lifted to access an under-seat storage compartment or on-board components such as a battery. During normal use, when the seat is lowered toward the closed position under gravity, the locking hook 104 aligns with the cavity 124 of the latch member 110. Upon pressing the push button 102, the locking hook 104 is displaced downward into the cavity 124, thereby engaging securely with the latch member 110. Further, the rotating mechanism 106, through the interaction of the inclined slot 114 and the pin 116, converts the linear motion of the push button 102 into the controlled angular displacement. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped leg 118 of the rotating mechanism 106 interacts with the stopper 108 to restrict excess angular motion and to provide self-aligning engagement, ensuring the locking hook 104 enters the latch member 110 in a precise and stable manner. Moreover, in the locked condition, the locking hook 104 is retained firmly within the cavity 124, preventing unintended disengagement even under vibration or impact during vehicle operation. To unlock, the push button 102 is pressed again, causing the rotating mechanism 106 to shift angularly in the opposite direction. Subsequently, the elastic member 120 biases the push button 102 to return to the initial position, thereby retracting the locking hook 104 from the latch member 110. Once disengaged, the seat may be lifted freely to provide access to the storage compartment or vehicle components.
The present disclosure provides the locking arrangement 100 for the vehicle. The locking arrangement 100 as disclosed in present disclosure integrating the push button 102 with the associated locking hook 104 and the co-axially mounted rotating mechanism 106, enabling the smooth and controlled conversion of linear actuation into precise angular displacement, thereby ensures the reliable engagement with the latch member 110. Beneficially, the inclusion of the wedge-shaped legs 118 and the stoppers 108 prevents over-rotation of the rotating mechanism 106, thereby providing stable positional alignment and reducing mechanical wear. Further, the self-aligning engagement features enhance the precision during operation, ensuring consistent locking performance over repeated cycles. Furthermore, the at least one pin 116 interacting with the inclined slots 114 facilitates controlled motion transfer from the push button 102 to the rotating mechanism 106, while the elastic members 120 automatically return the push button 102 to the default position, enabling repeatable and user-friendly operation. Moreover, the latch member 110 with the cavity 124 ensures secure retention of the locking hook 104, preventing unintended disengagement and enhancing the safety and security of the closure. Moreover, the rotating mechanism 106 supported by the static member 122 provides the reaction surface and limits angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106, thereby improving the overall reliability and durability of the locking arrangement 100. Collectively, the locking arrangement 100 minimizes unintended or sudden locking, provides long-term operational stability, and offers versatility for a wide range of gravity-assisted closures, including vehicle seats, panels, lids, and other movable components across diverse applications.
In an embodiment, the locking arrangement 100 for the gravity-assisted closures. The locking arrangement 100 comprises the push button 102 comprising the locking hook 104, the rotating mechanism 106 mounted co-axially with the push button 102, the at least one stopper 108 configured to restricts the angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106 and the latch member 110 configured to receive the locking hook 104. The actuation of the push button 102 causes the locking hook 104 to move downward and engage with the latch member 110, and the rotating mechanism 106 cooperates with the at least one stopper 108 to limit the extent of angular movement to ensure reliable locking operation. Further, the rotating mechanism 106 comprises the cylindrical body 112 comprising the at least one inclined slot 114 formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 112. Furthermore, the rotating mechanism 106 comprising the at least one pin 116 configured to be received within the at least one inclined slot 114 on the cylindrical body 112. Moreover, the rotating mechanism 106 comprising the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 extending from the lower portion of the cylindrical body 112. Moreover, the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 is configured to engage with the at least one stopper 108 to restrict angular displacement. Moreover, the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 provides the self-aligning engagement with the at least one stopper 108 to ensure precise positioning of the rotating mechanism 106. Moreover, the at least one pin 116 configured to engage with the push button 102 to convert the linear motion of the push button 102 into controlled angular displacement of the rotating mechanism 106. Moreover, the rotating mechanism 106 comprises the at least one elastic member 120 configured to urge the push button 102 toward the predetermined position, and upon release of the push button 102, the locking hook 104 is disengaged from the latch member 110. Additionally, the rotating mechanism 106 comprises the static member 122 configured to support the rotating mechanism 106 and to provide the reaction surface for limiting the angular displacement. Subsequently, the at least one stopper 108 is configured to interact with the at least one wedge-shaped leg 118 of the rotating mechanism 106 to restrict angular displacement and guide the movement of the locking hook 104. Moreover, the latch member 110 comprises the cavity 124 configured to receive the locking hook 104. The locking hook 104 is securely retained during engagement to prevent unintended disengagement.
In the description of the present disclosure, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed”, “mounted”, and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
,CLAIMS:1. A locking arrangement (100) for a gravity-assisted closures, the locking arrangement (100) comprises:
- a push button (102) comprising a locking hook (104);
- a rotating mechanism (106) mounted co-axially with the push button (102);
- at least one stopper (108) configured to restricts an angular displacement of the rotating mechanism (106); and
- a latch member (110) configured to receive the locking hook (104),
wherein the actuation of the push button (102) causes the locking hook (104) to move downward and engage with the latch member (110), and wherein the rotating mechanism (106) cooperates with the at least one stopper (108) to limit the extent of angular movement to ensure reliable locking operation.
2. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism (106) comprises a cylindrical body (112) comprising at least one inclined slot (114) formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body (112).
3. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotating mechanism (106) comprising at least one pin (116) configured to be received within the at least one inclined slot (114) on the cylindrical body (112).
4. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotating mechanism (106) comprises at least one wedge-shaped leg (118) extending from a lower portion of the cylindrical body (112), wherein the at least one wedge-shaped leg (118) is configured to engage with the at least one stopper (108) to restrict angular displacement.
5. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one wedge-shaped leg (118) provides a self-aligning engagement with the at least one stopper (108) to ensure precise positioning of the rotating mechanism (106).
6. The locking arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one pin (116) is configured to engage with the push button (102) to convert the linear motion of the push button (102) into controlled angular displacement of the rotating mechanism (106).
7. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism (106) comprises at least one elastic member (120) configured to urge the push button (102) toward a predetermined position, and upon release of the push button (102), the locking hook (104) is disengaged from the latch member (110).
8. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism (106) comprises a static member (122) configured to support the rotating mechanism (106) and to provide a reaction surface for limiting the angular displacement.
9. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one stopper (108) configured to interact with the at least one wedge-shaped leg (118) of the rotating mechanism (106) to restrict angular displacement and guide the movement of the locking hook (104).
10. The locking arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latch member (110) comprises a cavity (124) configured to receive the locking hook (104), wherein the locking hook (104) is securely retained during engagement to prevent unintended disengagement.

Date: 01/10/2025

Ankur Srivastava
IN/PA – 4769
Agent for the Applicant