A LOCKING DEVICE AND MECHANISM FOR PERIPHERAL
LOCKS IN VEHICLES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an improved locking device and mechanism thereof
for peripheral locks vehicles. More specifically, the said invention relates to the
mechanism of opening/closing of one or more distantly located peripheral locks, i.e.
saddle lock or fuel tank cap lock, by means of a singular knob on the steering
lock/handle bar lock/ ignition lock or any other location in vehicles which is
convenient for the user to operate.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provide background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles are provided with ignition lock/ steering locks and switching
ON/OFF the ignition, as shown in figure 1. The ignition lock /steering lock is located
on the front panel of the two wheeled/ four wheeled vehicle. Further, many peripheral
locks are also provided distinctly at multiple locations on the vehicle body. These
locks are used as seat locks, fuel tank cap locks etc. The LOCK/UNLOCK functions
to open/close the peripheral locks in vehicles is performed manually by the user by
pulling out the key from the ignition lock/steering lock and then plugging it in the
peripheral lock to UNLOCK/LOCK it. However, there are many demerits of such a
mechanism. A major demerit is that the user has to perform the tedious task of
pulling out the key form the ignition lock and then plugging it in the peripheral lock.
Another demerit of the existing mechanism is that it is highly inconvenient for the
user to operate the peripheral lock in the dark.
In other words, researchers have developed a user friendly and technically advance
locking device for regulating the peripheral locks on vehicles. More specifically, a
3
locking device that is user friendly, economical and can be operated with minimal
effort.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an improved locking device and mechanism thereof
for peripheral locks vehicles. More specifically, the said disclosure relates to a locking
device for peripheral locks in vehicles comprising an actuator assembly wherein the
actuator assembly comprises a knob being engaged with a rotor; the said rotor being
operationally configured with an ignition lock of the vehicle by means of a locking
rod; and a plurality of activation cables being assembled with the rotor by means of
actuator plates at a first end; the activation cables being connected with peripheral
locks at a second end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood
from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying
figures. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in
and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments
and explain various principles and advantages, but not limiting the scope of the
invention. In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the position of the locking device for peripheral
locks according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates the ignition lock and knob of the locking device for peripheral
locks in an embodiment of present disclosure.
Figure 3 shows a three dimensional perspective view of the locking device for
peripheral locks according to one more embodiment of present disclosure.
4
Figure 4 shows an section view of the locking device for peripheral locks wherein the
device is in locked condition according to another embodiment of present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows an section view of the locking device for peripheral locks wherein the
device is in unlocked condition according to another embodiment of present
disclosure.
Figures 6(a) and (b) shows an isometric view of the locking device for peripheral
locks according to one other embodiment of present disclosure.
Figures 7(a), (b) and (c) depict the various positions of the actuator plates with
during the working operation of the locking device for peripheral locks according to
yet another embodiment of present disclosure.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for
simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions
of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements
to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be
described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may
be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present
disclosure resides in a mechanism of opening/closing of a distantly located peripheral
lock, i.e. saddle lock or fuel tank cap lock, by means of a singular locking device and
its construction thereof. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
5
motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications.
However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device
that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but
may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or
device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or
device proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an improved locking
device and mechanism for vehicles whereby the mechanism of opening/closing of
distantly located peripheral locks, i.e. saddle lock or ignition lock, is performed by
means of a singular locking device.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved locking device and
mechanism for opening/closing of distantly located peripheral locks by means of
locking device that is compact in size and easy to use.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a locking device for peripheral locks in
vehicles comprising an actuator assembly; wherein the actuator assembly comprises a
knob being engaged with a rotor; the said rotor being operationally configured with
an ignition lock of the vehicle by means of a locking rod; and a plurality of activation
cables being assembled with the rotor by means of actuator plates at a first end; and
the activation cables being connected with peripheral locks at a second end.
6
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotor is rotatable/operable by a
user at atleast one fixed position of the key in the ignition lock.
In one other embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking rod is operatively
engaged in a groove on the rotor.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking rod is loaded resiliently
by means of a spring.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotor has a first end and
second end, the rotor being energized by means of a torsional spring.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotor is rotatably mounted with
the casing through a clip.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotor is connected with the
knob at a first end.
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotor is connected with
actuator plates at a second end of the rotor.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator plates comprises
two opposite slots.
In one further embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuating cables have a first
end and a second end;
the first end of actuating cables being received in the slots; and
the second end of actuating cables being connected with peripheral locks
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the opposite slots (C1) and (C2) are
semi-circular in shape.
With respect to the mounting of the said locking device for peripheral locks in
vehicles as disclosed in the present disclosure, it is to be noted that the locking device
7
can be mounted onto the handle bar of a vehicle or near the ignition lock of the
vehicle or any other position as per the suitability of the manufacturer/user.
As per the present disclosure, the present locking device comprises a knob for
regulating the UNLOCK/LOCK functions of peripheral locks in vehicles. It is to be
noted that the said knob may be rotational type knob, sliding type knob, push type
knob or any other mechanism as per the suitability of the user/manufacturer.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1
to 7 according to an embodiment of the present description.
As shown in figures 1 and 2, the two wheeler vehicle (100) is provided with
saddle/peripheral lock (103) located on the body of the vehicle for locking unlocking
the seat/fuel tank. The number of saddle/peripheral locks may vary as per the make/
model of the vehicle. Generally, provided near the handle bar of the vehicle is an
ignition lock (102). The said ignition lock comprises a key insertion slot to lock,
unlock or start the vehicle. An actuation knob (101) is also disposed near the ignition
lock (102); the said actuation knob (101) being configured to actuate the locking
device for peripheral locks. As shown in figure 2, the ignition lock (102) has
predetermined positions of ON, OFF, LOCK and SEAT/FUEL. When a user inserts a
correct key in the key insertion slot of the ignition lock, at the SEAT/FUEL position
of the key, the knob (101) gets unlocked; thereby allowing the user to move the knob
(101) in the clockwise/anticlockwise for unlocking the respective peripheral lock.
As depicted in figures 3-6, the said locking device comprises a casing (104). The
casing (104) is a rigid structure comprising a plurality of mounting pockets/slots for
accommodating the various elements of the present locking device. As shown, the
said casing (104) has an internal space (A) and an external space (B). In the mounted
condition, knob (101) is provided on the external space (B) of the casing (104) so as
to emerge externally, thereby allowing a user/rider to manually operate the knob for
unlocking the peripheral locks. The actuator assembly further comprises a rotor (105)
rotatable about a vertical axis YY. The said rotor (105) has a generally cylindrical
shape having a first end (105a) and a second end (105b); the rotor (105) being
8
disposed in the internal space (A). The rotor (105) is connected with the knob (101) at
the first end (105a) so as to be rotatable with the knob (101). The rotor (105) further
has a groove (114) provided on the periphery. Mounted at the second end (105b) of
the rotor (105) is a torsion spring (TS) so as to energize the rotor against rotational
movement with respect to the rotor casing (115). The rotor casing (115) is rotatably
assembled with the casing (104) through a clip (116) which does not allow the rotor
casing (115) to come out from the casing (104). The casing (104) further comprises a
bracket (111) having a sleeve (113) extending in the lateral direction in the internal
space (A). The term lateral direction herein refers to a direction along the horizontal
axis XX. A resiliently loaded locking rod (110) is disposed in the sleeve; the said
locking rod (110) being configured with the ignition lock of the vehicle by means of
an actuating cable (112). The locking rod (110) is connected with the actuating cable
(112) by means of a cable bead (109) being received in a slot (S) at proximal end
(110a) of the locking rod (110). The locking rod (110) has a distal end (110b) being
operationally configured with the groove (114) of the rotor (105) at locked condition.
As shown in figures 5, 6 and 7 provided at the second end (105b) of the rotor (105) is
a plurality of actuator plates (106a) and (106b) such that the actuator plates (106a) and
(106b) are rotatable with the rotor (105) at unlocked condition. Sandwiched between
the actuator plates (106a) and (106b) are two actuating cables (107) and (108) such
that the actuating cables (107) and (108) are movable with the rotation of the actuator
plates. The actuator plate (106b) is rotatably assembled with the casing (104) with a
circlip (117) as shown in figure 4 and figure 5; the circlip (117) thereby securing the
actuator plate (106b) during motion.
As shown in figure 6 and figure 7, the actuator plates (106a) and (106b) are mounted
to each other. However, the number and configuration of the actuation plates may
vary as per the requirement of the user. The actuator plates (106a) and (106b) have
two semi-circular slots (C1) and (C2) formed oppositely. First ends of the actuating
cables (107) and (108) are received in the slots (C1) and (C2) respectively; the
actuating cables (107) and (108) being connected with the peripheral locks at second
ends; thereby operationally coupling the peripheral locks with the knob (101) of the
present locking device.
9
As shown in figures 4 , in the locked condition of the locking device, the distal end of
the locking rod (110b) is engaged in the groove (114) of the rotor, thereby ceasing
rotation of the knob (101). When the user/rider rotates the correct key in the ignition
lock to the SEAT/FUEL position, the actuation cable (112) is actuated thereby
applying an pulling force through the bead (109) which moves the locking (110b) in
lateral direction away from the rotor (105), thereby resulting in the distal end (110b)
of the locking rod (110) getting disengaged with the groove (114) of the rotor (105).
In this condition of the rotor, the rider/user can rotate the knob (101) in the
clockwise/anticlockwise to unlock the respective peripheral lock for seat/ fuel tank.
During the rotation of the knob in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, as
shown in figures 7b and 7c respectively, the rotation of the actuator plates causes
actuation of only one activating wire (107)/(108) at a time. The semi-circular shape of
the slots (C1) and (C2) accommodates the first end of one of the actuating wires
during rotary motion such that it travels in the respective slot (C1)/(C2) without being
actuated, thereby activating only one peripheral lock.
When the rider/user releases the knob, due to resilient action of the torsion spring
(TS) the rotor rotates about the axis YY to reach back to a neutral position. When the
rider, turns the key in the ignition lock, the actuation cable (112) experiences a
restoring force due to spring (118) and the spring loaded locking rod (110) is pushed
towards the rotor. Thus, the distal end (110b) of the locking rod gets engaged with the
groove (114) to cease the movement of the rotor, thereby restricting the knob (101)
from being manually rotated.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking device comprises
one or more actuator plates (not shown in figures) so as to facilitate one or more
functions of the knob (101), i.e. activation of one or more peripheral locks based on
the requirement of the user/ manufacturer.
ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
The primary advantage of the present of the present invention is that it provides a
locking device that employs a singular knob to operate /regulate multiple peripheral
locks located distinctly on the body of the vehicle.
10
Another advantage of the said invention is that the present invention is economical
and is highly convenient for the users by reducing the tiring effort in repeatedly
removing the ignition key from one slot and inserting in another slot (fuel tank or seat
lock).
List of reference numerals:
101 Knob
102 Ignition lock
103 Peripheral lock(s)
104 Casing
105 Rotor
105a First end of rotor
105b Second end of rotor
107 Activating cable
108 Activating cable
109 Bead
110 Locking rod
110a Proximal end of locking rod
110b Distal end of locking rod
111 Bracket
112 Actuating cable
113 Sleeve
114 Groove
115 Rotor casing
116 clip
117 circlip
118 spring
S slot on the locking rod
TS Torsion spring
C1, C2 Opposite slot
11
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those
having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the
singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally
intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at
least,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For
example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that
the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing
only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases
“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a”
and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”);
the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two
or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually
any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether
in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For
example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or
“B” or “A and B.”
12
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to
be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A locking device for peripheral locks in vehicles comprising an actuator
assembly; wherein the actuator assembly comprises a knob (103) being
operatively engaged with a rotor (105); the said rotor (105) being
operationally configured with an ignition lock of the vehicle by means of a
locking rod (110); and a plurality of actuation cables (107) and (108) being
assembled with the rotor (105) by means of actuator plates (106a) and (106b)
at a first end; and the activation cables (107) and (108) being connected with
peripheral locks at a second end.
2. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
rotor (105) is rotatable/operable by a user at atleast one fixed position of the
key in the ignition lock.
3. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
locking rod is operatively engaged in a groove (114) on the rotor (105).
4. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
locking rod (110) is loaded resiliently by means of a spring (118).
5. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
rotor (105) has a first end (105a) and second end (105b), the rotor (105) being
energized by means of a torsional spring (TS).
6. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
rotor (105) is rotatably mounted with the casing (104) through a clip (116).
7. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
rotor (105) is connected with the knob (101) at a first end (105a).
14
8. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
rotor (105) is connected with actuator plate (106a) at a second end (105a) of
the rotor (105).
9. The locking device for peripheral locks as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
actuator plates (106a,106b) comprises two opposite slots (C1) and (C2).