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A Hook Assembly

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hook assembly (202). The hook assembly (202) includes a base structure (204) and a pivoting member (206). The base structure (204) is configured to affix the hook assembly (202) to an affixing member (212), where the base structure (204) defines a cavity (204A) and a bottom portion (204E). The pivoting member (206) is configured to be partially accommodated within the cavity (204A) defined by the base structure (204). A first end (206A) of the pivoting member (206) is pivotably attached towards the bottom portion (204E) such that the pivoting member (206) is configured to pivot about the first end (206A) between a retracted position and an extended position and a second end (206B) of the pivoting member (206) includes a sliding portion defining a sliding surface (206C) that is directed towards the cavity (204A) and the first end (206A).

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
30 March 2024
Publication Number
40/2025
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

Ather Energy Limited
3rd Floor, Tower D, IBC Knowledge Park, #4/1, Bannerghatta Main Road, Bengaluru - 560029, Karnataka, India.

Inventors

1. MANI, Vinoth Kumar
S/o Mani. L 4-210-1A, Karattur, Pagalpatty, Salem, Tamil Nadu - 636304, India.
2. RAJA, Karthick
17/1, IAS Nagar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu - 620013, India.
3. R NATH, Ashwin
Flat No: 113, 1st Floor, A-Block, Sumukha Vriddhi Apartment, Central Excise Layout Phase 2, Tejaswini Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka - 560076, India.
4. VADIVEL, Jagadheeshwaran
No. 4/12 A, Navarathna Flats, Seethakathi Saalai, Mogappair East, Chennai - 600037, Tamil Nadu, India.

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to automotive technology. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a hook assembly that incorporates a base structure that accommodates a pivoting member configured to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position for holding external objects.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically conventional luggage hook is positioned on a front body panel or beneath the seat of a straddle-type vehicle, this design highlights significant user challenges. Most scooters incorporate such luggage hooks in these vehicle locations. However, this design relies on a folding mechanism requiring two-handed operation. Users need to approach the luggage hook, engage with both hands to activate the opening or unfolding mechanism, and simultaneously manage the luggage before hanging it carefully. Although this procedure seems straightforward, the hook mechanism often proves not user-friendly. This hook design incorporates a significant burden on users, especially those holding other items or with limited strength, leading to an inconvenient experience for the users. Furthermore, the intricate nature of the folding mechanism complicates manufacturing, increases production costs, and potentially compromises the long-term reliability and durability of the luggage hook. Such issues underscore the need for a user-friendly luggage hook that prioritizes ease of use and accessibility.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need to address the above-mentioned drawbacks, along with any other shortcomings, or at the very least, to provide a viable alternative hook assembly.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0004] A general object of the present disclosure relates to an efficient and a reliable hook assembly that obviates the above-mentioned limitations of existing assemblies.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure relates to a hook assembly that incorporates a base structure that accommodates a pivoting member configured to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position for holding external objects, thereby enhancing user experience by reducing the complexity involved in using the hook assembly.

SUMMARY
[0006] Aspects of the disclosure relate to automotive technology. In particular, the present disclosure provides a hook assembly that incorporates a base structure that accommodates a pivoting member configured to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position for holding external objects.
[0007] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a hook assembly. The hook assembly includes a base structure and a pivoting member. The base structure is configured to affix the hook assembly to an affixing member, wherein the base structure defines a cavity and a bottom portion, and the pivoting member is configured to be partially accommodated within the cavity defined by the base structure. The pivoting member defines a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotably attached towards the bottom portion of the base structure such that the pivoting member is configured to pivot about the first end between a retracted position and an extended position and the second end comprises a sliding portion defining a sliding surface, wherein the sliding surface is directed towards the cavity and the first end.
[0008] In an embodiment, the base structure may include two vertical sidewalls and two horizontal sidewalls. The two vertical sidewalls may be opposite to each other and the two horizontal sidewalls may be opposite to each other, where the two vertical sidewalls and the two horizontal sidewalls may define an outer periphery of the base structure, and a base surface, where the two vertical sidewalls, two horizontal sidewalls, and the base surface may define the cavity.
[0009] In an embodiment, the base structure may include a protruding element extending from the base structure, where the protruding element may be configured to affix the base structure to the affixing member.
[0010] In an embodiment, the protruding element may extend from one of two vertical sidewalls of the base structure.
[0011] In an embodiment, each of the two vertical sidewalls may define a sidewall through-hole.
[0012] In an embodiment, the first end of the pivoting member may include at least two extenders, where the at least two extenders may extend toward the cavity defined by the base structure. Each of the at least two extenders may define an extender through-hole, where the extender through-hole is coaxial to the sidewall through-hole and the extender through-hole and the sidewall through-hole may be configured to receive a connecting means to allow the pivoting motion of the pivoting member with respect to the base structure, and an extender gap may be defined between the at least two extenders.
[0013] In an embodiment, at least one of the two extenders may include a lug.
[0014] In an embodiment, the hook assembly may include a spring, where the spring may be disposed between the extender gap such that one end of the spring may be affixed to the lug of the extender and other end of the spring is affixed to the base structure, where the spring may be configured to enable the pivoting motion of the pivoting member between the retracted position and the extended position.
[0015] In an embodiment, a portion of the sliding portion may extend out from the base structure when the pivoting member is in the retracted position.
[0016] In an embodiment, the portion of the sliding portion may extend out from the base structure when the pivoting member is in the retracted position, is configured to receive an external object.
[0017] In an embodiment, the external object may be configured to slide down the sliding portion and automatically pivot the pivoting member about its first end to move from the retracted position towards an extended position to define a gap between the pivoting member and the base structure.
[0018] In an embodiment, the gap may be configured to receive and secure the external object.
[0019] In an embodiment, the affixing member may be any one of an under-seat storage box of a saddle-type vehicle, a chassis structure of the saddle-type vehicle, or a body panel of the saddle-type vehicle, among others.
[0020] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an Electric Vehicle (EV), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a hook assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIGs. 3A-3C illustrate isometric views of the hook assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the hook assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
[0026] FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate isometric views of the hook assembly along with an affixing member, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIGs. 6A-6B illustrate isometric views of the hook assembly that holds an external object, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[0029] For the purpose of understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0030] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0031] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more” or “one or more elements is required.”
[0032] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0033] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment,” “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0034] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[0035] The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, 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.
[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0037] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.
[0038] An Electric Vehicle (EV) or a battery powered vehicle including, and not limited to two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles; three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV. Furthermore, the electric vehicle may have at least one wheel which is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member which allows traversal of the electric vehicle over a path. The types of EVs include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an Electric Vehicle (EV), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0040] In construction, an EV (10) typically comprises a battery or battery pack (12) enclosed within a battery casing and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board charger (14), a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor (16) and an electric transmission system (18). The primary function of the above-mentioned elements is detailed in the subsequent paragraphs: The battery of an EV (10) (also known as Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or traction battery) is re-chargeable in nature and is the primary source of energy required for the operation of the EV, wherein the battery (12) is typically charged using the electric current taken from the grid through a charging infrastructure (20). The battery may be charged using Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC), wherein in case of AC input, the on-board charger (14) converts the AC signal to DC signal after which the DC signal is transmitted to the battery via the BMS. However, in case of DC charging, the on-board charger (14) is bypassed, and the current is transmitted directly to the battery via the BMS.
[0041] The battery (12) is made up of a plurality of cells which are grouped into a plurality of modules in a manner in which the temperature difference between the cells does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. The terms “battery”, “cell”, and “battery cell” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any of a variety of different rechargeable cell compositions and configurations including, but not limited to, lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver zinc, or other battery type/configuration. The term “battery pack” as used herein may be referred to multiple individual batteries enclosed within a single structure or multi-piece structure. The individual batteries may be electrically interconnected to achieve a desired voltage and capacity for a desired application. The Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system whose primary function is to ensure that the battery (12) is operating safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously monitors different parameters of the battery such as temperature, voltage, current and so on, and communicates these parameters to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Motor Controller Unit (MCU) in the EV using a plurality of protocols including and not limited to Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol which facilitates the communication between the ECU/MCU and other peripheral elements of the EV (10) without the requirement of a host computer.
[0042] The MCU primarily controls/regulates the operation of the electric motor based on the signal transmitted from the vehicle battery, wherein the primary functions of the MCU include starting of the electric motor (16), stopping the electric motor (16), controlling the speed of the electric motor (16), enabling the vehicle to move in the reverse direction and protect the electric motor (16) from premature wear and tear. The primary function of the electric motor (16) is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, wherein the converted mechanical energy is subsequently transferred to the transmission system of the EV (10) to facilitate movement of the EV (10). Additionally, the electric motor (16) also acts as a generator during regenerative braking (i.e., kinetic energy generated during vehicle braking/deceleration is converted into potential energy and stored in the battery of the EV (10)). The types of motors generally employed in EVs include, but are not limited to DC series motor, Brushless DC motor (also known as BLDC motors), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), Three Phase AC Induction Motors and Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM).
[0043] The transmission system (18) of the EV (10) facilitates the transfer of the generated mechanical energy by the electric motor (16) to the wheels (22a, 22b) of the EV (10). Generally, the transmission systems (18) used in EVs include single speed transmission system and multi-speed (i.e., two-speed) transmission system, wherein the single speed transmission system comprises a single gear pair whereby the EV (10) is maintained at a constant speed. However, the multi-speed/two-speed transmission system comprises a compound planetary gear system with a double pinion planetary gear set and a single pinion planetary gear set thereby resulting in two different gear ratios which facilitates higher torque and vehicle speed.
[0044] In one embodiment, all data pertaining to the EV (10) and/or charging infrastructure (20) are collected and processed using a remote server (known as cloud) (24), wherein the processed data is indicated to the rider/driver of the EV (10) through a display unit present in the dashboard (26) of the EV (10). In an embodiment, the display unit may be an interactive display unit. In another embodiment, the display unit may be a non-interactive display unit.
[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to automotive technology. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a hook assembly that incorporates a base structure that accommodates a pivoting member configured to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position for holding external objects.
[0046] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to FIGs. 2-6B.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view (200) of a hook assembly (202), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed exploded view (200) of the hook assembly (202) which is affixed with an affixing member (212). Referring to exploded view of FIG. 2, the hook assembly (202) may include a base structure (204) and a pivoting member (206). The base structure (204) may define a cavity (204A) and a bottom portion (204E). In an embodiment, the base structure (204) may include two vertical sidewalls (204B) and two horizontal sidewalls (204C). The two vertical sidewalls (204B) may be opposite to each other and the two horizontal sidewalls (204C) may be opposite to each other. In an embodiment, the two vertical sidewalls (204B) and the two horizontal sidewalls (204C) may define an outer periphery of the base structure (204) and a base surface (204F) of the base structure (204). In an embodiment, the two vertical sidewalls (204B), two horizontal sidewalls (204C), and the base surface (204F) may define the cavity (204A). In an embodiment, the base structure (204) may include a protruding element (208) that may extend from the base structure (204). In an embodiment, the protruding element (208) may be configured to affix the base structure (204) to the affixing member (212). In an embodiment, the protruding element (208) may include a protrusion through-hole (208A) that may be accommodated by fasteners (214) to affix the base structure (204) to the affixing member (212). In an embodiment, the affixing member (212) may be any one of, but not limited to an under-seat storage box (502) of a saddle-type vehicle, a chassis structure of the saddle-type vehicle, or a body panel of the saddle-type vehicle, or among others. In an embodiment, the protruding element (208) may extend from each of the two vertical sidewalls (204B) of the base structure (204) or may extend from one of the two vertical sidewalls (204B). In an exemplary embodiment, the protruding element (208) may extend from the base surface (204F) of the base structure (204) or may extend from the two horizontal sidewalls (204C) of the base structure (204). In an embodiment, each of the two vertical sidewalls (204B) may define a sidewall through-hole (204D). In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewall through-hole (204D) may be defined at the bottom portion (204E) of the base structure (204).
[0049] In an embodiment, the pivoting member (206) may be configured to be partially accommodated within the cavity (204A) defined by the base structure (204). The pivoting member (206) may define a first end (206A) and a second end (206B). The first end (206A) may be pivotably attached towards the bottom portion (204E) of the base structure (204) such that the pivoting member (206) may be configured to pivot about the first end (206A) between a retracted position and an extended position. The second end (206B) may include a sliding portion that defines a sliding surface (206C) that may be directed towards the cavity (204A) and the first end (206A). In exemplary embodiments, the first end (206A) of the pivoting member (206) may include two extenders (206D) that may define an extender gap between each other. The two extenders (206D) may extend toward the cavity (204A) defined by the base structure (204). In an embodiment, each of the two extenders (206D) may define an extender through-hole (206E) along with a lug (206F).
[0050] In an embodiment, a spring (210B) may be disposed between the extender gap. The pivoting member (206) along with the spring (210B) may be positioned within the cavity (204A) such that one end of the spring (210B) may be affixed to the lug (206F) of the one of the extenders and another end of the spring (210B) may be affixed to one side of the bottom portion (204E) of the base structure (204). In an embodiment, the extender through-hole (206E) and the spring (210B) may be positioned coaxially to the sidewall through-hole (204D). Upon aligning the extender through-hole (206E) and the spring (210B) coaxially with the sidewall through-hole (204D), a connecting means (210A) may pass through from one of the vertical sidewalls (204B) to accommodate the extender through-hole (206E), the spring (210B), and the sidewall through-hole (204D). This arrangement may enable pivoting motion of the pivoting member (206) with respect to the base structure (204). In exemplary embodiments, the connecting means (210A) may include, but not limited to a screw, a rod, and the like. In an embodiment, a distal end of the connecting means (210A) may extend outwards from another vertical sidewall (204B) of the base structure (204), thereby accommodating the connecting means (210A) in the sidewall through-hole (204D), the extender through-hole (206E), and the spring (210B). The distal end of the screw may be securely fastened by a nut (210C). In an embodiment, the spring (210B) may be configured to enable the pivoting motion of the pivoting member (206) between the retracted position and the extended position in a predefined range of about 20 degrees to 70 degrees. For example, when the pivoting member (206) is in the extended position, the pivoting member (206) may reach an angular position of up to 28 degrees within the predefined range.
[0051] In an embodiment, a portion of the sliding portion may extend out from the base structure (204) when the pivoting member (206) is in the retracted position. In exemplary embodiments, the spring (210B) may be compressed corresponding to an extension of the pivoting member (206). This compression may occur due to one end of the spring (210B) being affixed to the lug (206F) of one of the two extenders (206D). Similarly, the spring (210B) may be decompressed corresponding to a retraction of the pivoting member (206). In exemplary embodiments, an external object (602) may be received during the extended position of the pivoting member (206).
[0052] In an embodiment, the pivoting motion may be moved between the retracted position and the extended position in response to an actuation input provided by a user. In exemplary embodiments, the actuation input may be such that the user may trigger the sliding surface (206C) of the pivoting member (206), intending to place the external object (602). At this time, the external object (602) may be configured to slide down the sliding portion and automatically pivot the pivoting member (206) about its first end (206A) to move from the retracted position towards the extended position to define a gap between the pivoting member (206) and the base structure (204). This gap may be configured to receive and secure the external object (602). In this embodiment, the user can place the external object (602) on the sliding surface (206C) of the pivoting member (206), whereby the external object (602) may automatically slide down the sliding surface (206C) and extend the pivoting member (206). This reduces the complexity of securing the external object (602) in the hook assembly (202). The user need not manually extend or pull the pivoting member (206) to place the external object (602) in the gap between the base structure (204) and the pivoting member (206), thereby simplifying the manual work required by the user.
[0053] In exemplary embodiments, the pivoting member (206) may move toward the extended position as soon as the external object (602) starts sliding along the designated path. This motion may continue until the external object (602) fully occupies the space formed by the gap between the base structure (204) and the pivoting member (206). However, the extension of the pivoting member (206) may remain within the predefined range corresponding to a size of the external object (602). This limitation may ensure that while the pivoting member (206) provides enough space to accommodate and secure the external object (602), the extension does not exceed a specific point, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the hook assembly (202). The control in the extension may provide stability of the hook assembly (202) and safety for both the external object (602) and the user.
[0054] In an embodiment, upon removal of the external object (602) by the user, the pivoting member (206) transitions back to the retracted position in response to the decompression of the spring (210B). This action effectively closes the gap that was previously created between the pivoting member (206) and the base structure (204). The return mechanism of the pivoting member (206) to an original state is facilitated by the inherent design of the hook assembly (202). This design feature may ensure that the hook assembly (202) remains compact and unobtrusive when not in use, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency of the hook assembly (202). In exemplary embodiments, the external object (602) may include, but not limited to bags, luggage, and the like.
[0055] FIGs. 3A-3C illustrate isometric views (300A, 300B, and 300C) of the hook assembly (202), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0056] FIGs. 3A-3C illustrate visual representations of the hook assembly (202) when not in active use (e.g., the retracted position). Referring to FIGs. 3A-3C, the pivoting member (206) is in a state where the pivoting member (206) is aligned or nearly aligned with the base structure (204). This alignment is a key feature of the design, as significantly minimizes the space occupied by the hook assembly (202), thereby ensuring that the hook assembly (202) may provide an aesthetic appearance of the vehicle when the hook assembly (202) is not required for carrying external objects (602). FIGs. 3A-3C also represents a front view of the hook assembly (202).
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view (400) of the hook assembly (202), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the rear view (400) of the hook assembly (202) depicts that the connecting means (210A) passes through the extender through-hole (206E), the spring (210B), and the sidewall through-hole (204D) for enabling the pivoting motion between the retracted position and the extended position. The distal end of the connecting means (210A) may be secured by the nut (210C).
[0059] FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate isometric views (500A, 500B, and 500C) of the hook assembly (202) along with the affixing member (212), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate a side view of the hook assembly (202) mounted on the storage box (502). In this view, the pivoting member (206) is in the extended position. Referring to FIG. 5B, the pivoting member (206) of the hook assembly (202) is in the retracted position. Referring to FIG. 5C, the pivoting member (206) of the hook assembly (202) is in the extended position.
[0060] FIGs. 6A-6B illustrate isometric views (600A, 600B, and 600C) of the hook assembly (202) that holds the external object (602), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0061] Referring to FIGs. 6A, when the user provides the actuation input (e.g., push the luggage towards the hook) by triggering the sliding surface (206C) with the external object (602), the pivoting member (206) may retract outwards and provides the gap between the pivoting member (206) and the base structure (204) to accommodate the external object (602) within the gap. FIG. 6A illustrates the side view of the hook assembly (202) that holds the external object (602) (e.g., the bag). Upon placement of the bag (602) within the gap, the pivoting member (206) may retract towards the base structure (204), adjusting according to the size of the bag (602) to secure and prevent the bag (602) from falling. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, after the placement of the bag (602) within the gap, the pivoting member (206) may move closer to the base structure (204) in accordance with the size of the bag handles, ensuring that the bag (602) is securely held and prevented from falling out.
[0062] In the hook assembly (202), users can effortlessly slide luggage into position, enabling hands-free operation with the hook, which then secures the bag (602) using a spring retraction mechanism. This approach significantly enhances user experience by eliminating the need to bend down and manually lock the luggage, thereby reducing the time and effort involved in securing bags. Thus, the present disclosure provides a two-part design (e.g., the base structure (204) and pivoting member (206)) that avoids complex tooling methodologies, thereby reducing tooling costs while enhancing customer satisfaction.
[0063] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the disclosure to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
[0064] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0065] The present disclosure improves accessibility to hang smaller pieces of luggage in a hook assembly.
[0066] The present disclosure provides a hands-free operable mechanism for a hook assembly, designed to minimize strain during the process of opening the hook assembly and positioning luggage.
[0067] The present disclosure relates to a two-part design that avoids complex tooling methodologies, thereby reducing tooling costs while enhancing customer satisfaction.
, Claims:1. A hook assembly (202), comprising:
a base structure (204) configured to affix the hook assembly (202) to an affixing member (212), wherein the base structure (204) defines a cavity (204A) and a bottom portion (204E); and
a pivoting member (206) configured to be partially accommodated within the cavity (204A) defined by the base structure (204), wherein the pivoting member (206) defines a first end (206A) and a second end (206B), wherein,
the first end (206A) is pivotably attached towards the bottom portion (204E) of the base structure (204) such that the pivoting member (206) is configured to pivot about the first end (206A) between a retracted position and an extended position, and
the second end (206B) comprises a sliding portion defining a sliding surface (206C), wherein the sliding surface (206C) is directed towards the cavity (204A) and the first end (206A).
2. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base structure (204) comprises:
two vertical sidewalls (204B) opposite to each other;
two horizontal sidewalls (204C) opposite to each other, wherein the two vertical sidewalls (204B) and the two horizontal sidewalls (204C) define an outer periphery of the base structure (204); and
a base surface (204F), wherein the two vertical sidewalls (204B), two horizontal sidewalls (204C), and the base surface (204F) define the cavity (204A).
3. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base structure (204) comprises a protruding element (208) extending from the base structure (204), wherein the protruding element (208) is configured to affix the base structure (204) to the affixing member (212).
4. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the protruding element (208) extends from one of two vertical sidewalls (204B) of the base structure (204).
5. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the two vertical sidewalls (204B) defines a sidewall through-hole (204D).
6. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first end (206A) of the pivoting member (206) comprises at least two extenders (206D), wherein,
the at least two extenders (206D) extend toward the cavity (204A) defined by the base structure (204), and
each of the at least two extenders (206D) defines an extender through-hole (206E), wherein,
the extender through-hole (206E) is coaxial to the sidewall through-hole (204D),
the extender through-hole (206E) and the sidewall through-hole (204D) are configured to receive a connecting means (210A) to allow the pivoting motion of the pivoting member (206) with respect to the base structure (204), and
an extender gap is defined between the at least two extenders (206D).
7. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the two extenders (206D) comprises a lug (206F).
8. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a spring (210B), wherein the spring (210B) is disposed between the extender gap such that one end of the spring (210B) is affixed to the lug (206F) of the extender and other end of the spring (210B) is affixed to the base structure (204), wherein the spring (210B) is configured to enable the pivoting motion of the pivoting member (206) between the retracted position and the extended position.
9. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the sliding portion extends out from the base structure (204) when the pivoting member (206) is in the retracted position.
10. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the portion of the sliding portion that extends out from the base structure (204) when the pivoting member (206) is in the retracted position, is configured to receive an external object (602).
11. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the external object (602) is configured to slide down the sliding portion and automatically pivot the pivoting member (206) about its first end (206A) to move from the retracted position towards an extended position to define a gap between the pivoting member (206) and the base structure (204).
12. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the gap is configured to receive and secure the external object (602).
13. The hook assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the affixing member (212) is any one of an under seat storage box of a saddle-type vehicle, a chassis structure of the saddle-type vehicle, a body panel of the saddle-type vehicle, among others.

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202441026579-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
2 202441026579-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
3 202441026579-POWER OF AUTHORITY [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
4 202441026579-FORM 18 [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
5 202441026579-FORM 1 [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
6 202441026579-DRAWINGS [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
7 202441026579-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
8 202441026579-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [30-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-30
9 202441026579-Proof of Right [10-04-2024(online)].pdf 2024-04-10
10 202441026579-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [04-10-2024(online)].pdf 2024-10-04
11 202441026579-POA [04-10-2024(online)].pdf 2024-10-04
12 202441026579-FORM 13 [04-10-2024(online)].pdf 2024-10-04