Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of two-wheeler vehicles and, more particularly, to an integrated system for securing and storing one or more objects in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The battery is a crucial component in any vehicle as it plays a key role in the initial vehicle startup and the functioning of electric components. Batteries are often rechargeable, expensive, and meant to be used in groups. Due to all these qualities of the batteries, the risk of battery theft increases significantly. So, it would be desirable to have anti-theft protection options.
[0003] Moreover, the cost of high-quality batteries may tempt people to replace them with inferior versions that lack necessary safety features. Battery security is especially important for 2-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles and scooters. However, other non-enclosed electrical vehicle types like quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) may also have battery security issues.
[0004] Many two-wheeled manufacturing companies safely and securely mount the battery on the vehicle by locking it in the correct position. Some prior art uses a separate battery box for securely mounting the battery. However, such battery boxes are bulky and occupy more space. Therefore, the floor space/leg space and storage space both are compromised which is one of the essential requirements of two-wheeled vehicles.
[0005] For example, U.S. Patent 5147077 A discloses a storage box compartment means for a motorcycle. The motorcycle includes an engine unit disposed below a main tube extending rearwardly from a head pipe and a seat detachably mounted upon a seat rail extending rearwardly from the rear end of the main tube. The motorcycle is also provided with a storage box container or compartment, a storage box body, and a lid member. The storage box body has a front end portion to which a front plate is mounted so as to extend forwardly therefrom, the front portion of the front plate being provided with a cut-out portion, the front plate being mounted to an upper surface portion of the front end of the main tube which is disposed close to a connecting portion defined between the main tube and the head pipe so that the cut-out portion surrounds a rear surface portion of the head pipe.
[0006] The above-cited prior art provides a storage box compartment or container that may be easily mounted and removed from a motorcycle's framework. This is useful for maintaining the motorcycle's engine unit and can be securely attached to the motorcycle during regular use.
[0007] Another example, US Patent 11753101 B2, shows an electric saddle-type vehicle with storage areas. A motorcycle, or saddle-type vehicle, is disclosed that may have at least one seat, at least two wheels, at least one hub electric motor, and a large dry storage compartment. A rechargeable battery and battery management system may be located below the storage compartment in a battery housing. A rear electronics housing may be attached to and located behind the battery housing and may contain major electrical components such as an electric motor controller and contactors. Two structural members, or frame side rails, may form sides of the storage compartment and extend between the electronics housing and steering mount. A secondary storage compartment may be located under the seat. Additionally, the storage compartments may have electronic locking mechanisms that are activated via a wireless connection to a remote electronic device.
[0008] The above-cited prior art locates the battery weight as low and forward as possible for optimum weight distribution, while also enclosing the batteries and electronics in a structural box, which adds substantial stiffness and strength to the frame assembly.
[0009] However, these prior arts don’t describe at least one restraining element that is disposed in between a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment to avoid movement of the stored one or more objects in any direction. Additionally, these designs do not provide a secure way to prevent theft of the one or more objects placed inside the second storage compartment. However, certain two-wheeled manufacturers have taken steps to ensure the safety of the battery by locking it securely in place on the vehicle.
[0010] In light of the above-stated discussion, there is a need for a novel integrated system for securing and storing one or more objects in a vehicle that protects the stored one or more objects from external impacts (like dust, water, etc.) and theft.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0011] A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide an integrated system for securing and storing one or more objects in a vehicle.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide the system that provides protection to the stored one or more objects from external environment impacts like dust, water, etc.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide the system that includes a first storage compartment that works as a utility box for a user.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide the system that includes at least one restraining element that is disposed in between the first storage compartment and a second storage compartment to avoid movement of the stored one or more objects (like an electric battery) in any direction.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide the system in which a charger unit is installed in a mounting provision located inside the first storage compartment to provide security and IP (Ingress Protection) protection to the charger unit.
[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the system that provides the first or the second storage compartment which enables the secure and convenient packaging of the one or more objects.
[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the system that is economical, and cost-effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an integrated system for securing and storing one or more objects in a vehicle. The system includes a first storage compartment, a lid member, a second storage compartment, at least two locking means, at least one clamping member, and at least one restraining element.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first storage compartment is pivotably mounted on a body of the vehicle by means of a first hinge such that the first storage compartment is movable in between a closed position and an opened position.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the lid member is pivoted on the first storage compartment by using a second hinge. Further, the lid member is pivotably movable between an opened position and a closed position.
[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second storage compartment is disposed under the first storage compartment and extended vertically downward to secure one or more objects.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two locking means are configured to move the lid member and the first storage compartment in between their respective opened and closed positions. Further, the at least two locking means include a first locking means and a second locking means.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first locking means is configured to move the lid member in between the opened position and the closed position to open or close the first storage compartment. Further, the second locking means is configured to move the first storage compartment in between the opened position and the closed position to open or close the second storage compartment.
[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two locking means are actuated by using a lock activation unit that is anyone or a combination of a latch, a manual key, a biometric recognition unit, a mobile device application, and others.
[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises one or more guiding means for ensuring an alignment and coordination between the lock activation unit and the at least two locking means for actuating any of the at least two locking means.
[0027] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more guiding means is any of a first and second storage compartment lock actuating cable, or a wire unit.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one clamping member is detachably connected in between the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment. Further, the at least one clamping member is opened by operating the second locking means to open the second storage compartment for removing or swapping the one or more objects.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one clamping member is any of a hook, a buckle, and a clamp.
[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at least one restraining element is disposed in between the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment to avoid movement of the stored one or more objects in any direction.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first storage compartment is provided with a mounting provision for mounting a charger unit used for charging a plurality of chargeable objects.
[0032] These and other aspects herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawing.
[0033] It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention herein without departing from the spirit thereof. The foregoing objectives are attained by employing the integrated system for securing and storing one or more objects in a vehicle to prevent them from external impacts and theft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated system 100 for securing and storing one or more objects 112 in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of a present invention;
[0036] Fig. 2a & 2b show the conditions when a lid member 106 and a first storage compartment 102 are in their opened position respectively, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] Fig. 3a, and 3b show the working of at least two locking means (114a, 114b), according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0038] Fig. 4 shows the lock activation unit 124, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Fig. 5 illustrates the placement of the integrated system 100 in the vehicle 500, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of a few examples of the present disclosure. The figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
[0042] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0043] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0044] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0045] The term "including" is used to mean "including but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably. The accompanying drawing is used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawing. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawing. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0046] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain alternatives include, while other alternatives do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular alternative. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0047] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated system 100 for securing and storing one or more objects 112 in a vehicle. The system includes a first storage compartment 102, a lid member 106, a second storage compartment 110, at least two locking means (114a,114b), at least one clamping member 116, and at least one restraining element 118.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first storage compartment 102 is pivotably mounted on a body of the vehicle by means of a first hinge 104 such that the first storage compartment 102 is movable in between a closed position and an opened position.
[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the lid member 106 is pivoted on the first storage compartment 102 by using a second hinge 108. Further, the lid member 106 is pivotably movable between an opened position and a closed position.
[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second storage compartment 110 is disposed under the first storage compartment 102 and extended vertically downward to secure one or more objects 112. Further, the one or more objects 112 are included but not limited to an electric battery, a helmet, a plurality of personal objects, a plurality of electronic devices, or others.
[0052] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) are configured to move the lid member 106 and the first storage compartment 102 in between their respective opened and closed positions. Further, the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) includes a first locking means 114a and a second locking means 114b.
[0053] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) are actuated by using a lock activation unit 124 that is anyone or a combination of a latch, a manual key, a biometric recognition unit, a mobile device application, and others.
[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 further comprising one or more guiding means 122 for ensuring an alignment and coordination between the lock activation unit 124 and the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) for actuating any of the at least two locking means (114a, 114b).
[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more guiding means 122 is any of a first and second storage compartment lock actuating cable, or a wire unit.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one clamping member 116 is detachably connected in between the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110. Further, the at least one clamping member 116 is opened by operating the second locking means 114b to open the second storage compartment 110 for removing or swapping the one or more objects 112.
[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one clamping member 116 is any of a hook, a buckle, and a clamp.
[0058] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at least one restraining element 118 is disposed in between the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110 to avoid movement of the stored one or more objects 112 in any direction. Further, the at least one restraining element 118 is a stopper element.
[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first storage compartment 102 is provided with a mounting provision for mounting a charger unit 120 used for charging a plurality of chargeable objects.
[0060] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of chargeable objects is charged on board the vehicle by connecting a charging cable of the plurality of chargeable objects with the charger unit 120. Further, the charger unit 120 is provided inside the first storage compartment 102 of the vehicle such that the charging cable remains plugged and charges the plurality of chargeable objects even if the vehicle is moving and the user is sitting on their seat.
[0061] Fig. 2a & 2b show the conditions when the lid member 106 and the first storage compartment 102 are in their opened position respectively, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first locking means 114a is configured to move the lid member 106 in between the opened position and the closed position to open or close the first storage compartment 102, as shown in fig.2a. In one embodiment, the one or more objects 112 are the plurality of personal objects or the plurality of electronic devices. Further, the user may store the one or more objects 112 inside the first storage compartment 102 by moving the lid member 106 in the opened position. The user may move the lid member 106 to the closed position after keeping the one or more objects 112 inside the first storage compartment 102.
[0063] Further, the second locking means 114b is configured to move the first storage compartment 102 in between the opened position and the closed position to open or close the second storage compartment 110. In one embodiment, the one or more objects 112 is the electric battery. Further, the user may store the electric battery inside the second storage compartment 110 by moving the first storage compartment 102 to the opened position. The user may move the first storage compartment 102 to the closed position after keeping the electric battery inside the second storage compartment 110.
[0064] Further, the second storage compartment 110 works as a protective frame structure for the electric battery. It is necessary to remove all the objects stored inside the first storage compartment 102 while placing the electric battery inside the second storage compartment 110. The first 104 and the second hinge 108 are very useful for moving the first 102 and the second storage compartment 110 effortlessly. The first 102 and the second storage compartment 110 move horizontally upward in their opened position and downward in their closed position respectively.
[0065] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first 104 and the second hinge 108 is any one or a combination of a single-mode hinge and/or a double-mode hinge. In one embodiment, the first 104 and the second hinges 108 are made with a new type of structure and are capable of rotating in any direction. Therefore, the installation of the first 104 and second hinges 108 simplifies and facilitates the system's 100 operation.
[0066] In one embodiment, the first 104 and the second hinges 108 are included but not limited to a butt hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a spring loaded hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, or others.
[0067] FIG. 3a, and 3b show the working of the at least two locking means (114a, 114b), according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The at least two locking means (114a, 114b) includes a lock plate 302, a spring 304, a holding plate 306, a cable holding plate 308, an inner cable 310, one or more guiding means 122.
[0068] In one embodiment, the lock plate 302 always remains in an open state, as shown in Fig 3b. Further, the lock plate 302 moves to a lock state when any load is inserted on a lower side of the at least two locking means (114a, 114b). Further, when the user wants to unlock the lock plate 302, then they operate any of the at least two locking means (114a, 114b).
[0069] In one embodiment, when any of the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) is operated, it pulls the inner cable 310, and due to spring 304 tension, the lock plate 302 moves backward (as shown in Fig 3a) and the locked part gets released. Further, the holding plate 306 is used for holding the lock plate 302 and the cable holding plate 308 is used for holding the inner cable 310.
[0070] FIG. 4 shows the lock activation unit 124, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. When the user wants to operate any of the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) then they use a lockset key/a manual key at a lock actuation point 402 to open or close the first 102 and the second storage compartment 110.
[0071] In one embodiment, the one or more guiding means 122 are the first and second storage compartment lock actuating cable. When the user wants to open the first storage compartment 102, the user rotates the manual key in a clockwise direction at the lock actuation point 402 of the lock activation unit 124. This actuates the first locking means 114a via the first storage compartment lock actuating cable. Once the lock is released, the user may keep/remove/swap one or more objects 112 in the open first storage compartment 102.
[0072] Similarly, when the user wants to open the second storage compartment 110, the user rotates the manual key in an anti-clockwise direction at the lock actuation point 402 of the lock activation unit 124. This actuates the second locking means 114b via the second storage compartment lock actuating cable. Once the lock is released, the user may keep/remove/swap one or more objects 112 (like the electric battery) in the second storage compartment 110.
[0073] In one embodiment, the user may rotate the manual key in a clockwise direction to open the first storage compartment 102 and vice versa for the second storage compartment 110. In an another embodiment, the user may rotate the manual key one time in any direction (either clockwise or anti-clockwise) to open any of the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110. In another embodiment, the user may rotate the manual key two or three times in any direction (either clockwise or anti-clockwise) to open any of the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110.
[0074] Fig. 5 illustrates the placing of the integrated system 100 for securing and storing one or more objects 112 in a vehicle 500 that is the two-wheeled electric vehicle, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 500 includes a front part, which is carrying the lock activation unit 124 (reference have been made to Fig. 1). Further, the lock activation unit 124 is configured in a mechanical configuration with the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110 using the one or more guiding means 122 to execute the open and close state of any of the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110 in the vehicle 500.
[0075] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the present invention aims to provide the integrated system 100 for securely storing one or more objects 112 in the vehicle. This system 100 also offers protection to the stored one or more objects 112 against external environmental impacts such as dust, water, etc.. Additionally, it allows for swapping or removing the stored one or more objects 112 from the second storage compartment 110.
[0076] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 includes the first storage compartment 102 that functions as a utility box for the user. It also features at least one restraining element 118 between the first 102 and second storage compartments 110 to prevent the stored one or more objects 112 from moving in any direction. Furthermore, the charger unit 120 is installed in a mounting provision located inside the first storage compartment 102, providing security and IP protection.
[0077] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 provides the first 102 or second storage compartment 110, which enables the secure and convenient packaging of the stored one or more objects 112. Finally, the system 100 is economical and cost-effective.
[0078] While the detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various alternatives, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain alternatives described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.
[0079] The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.

ELEMENT LIST

COMPONENT REFERENCE NUMBER
System 100
First storage compartment 102
First Hinge 104
Lid member 106
Second Hinge 108
Second storage compartment 110
One or more object 112
First locking means 114a
Second locking means 114b
At least one clamping member 116
Restraining Element 118
Charger Unit 120
Guiding means 122
Lock activation unit 124
Lock plate 302
Spring 304
Holding plate 306
Cable holding plate 308
Inner Cable 310
Lock actuation point 402 , Claims:1. An integrated system for securing and storing one or more objects in a vehicle, comprising:
a first storage compartment 102, pivotably mounted on a body of the vehicle by means of a first hinge 104 such that the first storage compartment 102 is movable in between a closed position and an opened position;
a lid member 106 pivoted on the first storage compartment 102 by using a second hinge 108, wherein the lid member 106 is pivotably movable between an opened position and a closed position;
a second storage compartment 110 disposed under the first storage compartment 102 and extended vertically downward to secure one or more objects 112;
at least two locking means (114a, 114b) configured to move the lid member 106 and the first storage compartment 102 in between their respective opened and closed positions;
at least one clamping member 116 detachably connected in between the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110; and
at least one restraining element 118 disposed in between the first storage compartment 102 and the second storage compartment 110 to avoid movement of the stored one or more objects 112 in any direction.
2. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) includes a first locking means 114a and a second locking means 114b.

3. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claims 1&2, wherein the first locking means 114a is configured to move the lid member 106 in between the opened position and the closed position to open or close the first storage compartment 102.

4. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claims 1&2, wherein the second locking means 114b is configured to move the first storage compartment 102 in between the opened position and the closed position to open or close the second storage compartment 110.

5. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claims 1&2, wherein the at least one clamping member 116 is opened by operating the second locking means 114b to open the second storage compartment 110 for removing or swapping the one or more objects 112.

6. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one clamping member 116 is any of a hook, a buckle, and a clamp.

7. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) is actuated by using a lock activation unit 124 that is anyone or a combination of a latch, a manual key, a biometric recognition unit, a mobile device application, and others.

8. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein further comprising one or more guiding means 122 for ensuring an alignment and coordination between the lock activation unit 124 and the at least two locking means (114a, 114b) for actuating any of the at least two locking means (114a, 114b).

9. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more guiding means 122 is any of a first and second storage compartment lock actuating cable, or a wire unit.

10. The integrated system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first storage compartment 102 is provided with a mounting provision for mounting a charger unit 120 used for charging a plurality of chargeable objects.