Claims:We Claim:

1. A mechanism (100) for operating a door (10) about two hinge axes (A-A), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a handle (17) displaceably connected to the door (10), wherein the handle (17) is displaceable between a first operating position (FOP), a locked position (LP) and a second operating position (SOP), to operate the door (10) to an open condition and a closed condition about the two hinge axes (A-A);
at least one latch member (12) disposed in the door (10), the at least one latch member (12) is operatively coupled to one end of the handle (17) and is adapted to extend from either sides of the handle (17), wherein displacement of the handle (17) correspondingly displaces the at least one latch member (12);
at least one hinge bracket (15) movably connected at either sides of the door (10), the at least one hinge bracket (15) operable between an open state and a closed state corresponding to the open condition and the closed condition of the door (10), wherein the at least one hinge bracket (15) on one side of the door (10) is configured to act as a pivot in the closed state, and the at least one hinge bracket (15) on an other side, opposite to the one side of the door (10), retracts to the open state, on operating the door (10) to the open condition about one of the two hinge axes (A-A) corresponding to the displacement of the handle (17); and
at least one locking lever (16) connectable to each of the at least one hinge bracket (15) at either sides of the door (10), wherein the at least one locking lever (16) is adapted to displace upon retraction of the at least one hinge bracket (15) to the open state to lock the handle (17) in the locked position (LP).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door (10) is adaptably fit to an opening about the two hinge axes (A-A), through a hinge post (20) defined in the opening.

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge bracket (15) in one side of the door is operated to the closed state by the hinge post (20), upon operating the door (10) to the closed condition.

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one end of the at least one latch member (12) and a portion of the at least one hinge bracket (15) are configured to ride on the hinge post (20) to lock the door (10) with the opening, upon operating the door (10) from the open condition to the closed condition.

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one end of the handle (17) is defined with a gear profile (21).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one locking lever (16) engages with the gear profile (21) of the handle (17), to lock the handle (17) in the locked position (LP) when the door is in the open condition.

7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a resilient member (13) disposed on either sides of the at least one latch member (12), wherein the resilient member (13) is configured to retract the handle (17) from either of the first operating position (FOP) and the second operating position (SOP) to the locked position (LP), upon operating the door (10) to the open condition.

8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the resilient member (13) is configured to compress and allow the at least one latch member (12) to ride on the hinge post (20) to lock the door (10), when operated from the open condition to the closed condition.

9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge bracket (15) engages with one end of the at least one latch member (12), when the door (10) is operated to the open condition.

10. A door assembly (200) for a vehicle, comprising:
a door (10) adapted to fit to an opening of the vehicle, the door (10) operable about two hinge axes (A-A), wherein the opening is defined with a hinge post (20) fixed on door posts (11) on either sides for operating the door (10) about the two hinge axes (A-A); and
a mechanism (100) for operating a door (10) about two hinge axes (A-A), the mechanism (200) comprising:
a handle (17) displaceably connected to the door (10), wherein the handle (17) is displaceable between a first operating position (FOP), a locked position (LP) and a second operating position (SOP), to operate the door (10) to an open condition and a closed condition about the two hinge axes (A-A);
at least one latch member (12) disposed in the door (10), the at least one latch member (12) is operatively coupled to one end of the handle (17) and is adapted to extend from either sides of the handle (17), wherein displacement of the handle (17) correspondingly displaces the at least one latch member (12);
at least one hinge bracket (15) movably connected at either sides of the door (10), the at least one hinge bracket (15) operable between an open state and a closed state corresponding to the open condition and the closed condition of the door (10), wherein the at least one hinge bracket (15) on one side of the door (10) is configured to act as a pivot in the closed state, and the at least one hinge bracket (15) on an other side opposite to the one side of the door (10) retracts to the open state, on operating the door (10) to the open condition about one of the two hinge axes (A-A) corresponding to the displacement of the handle (17); and
at least one locking lever (16) connectable to each of the at least one hinge bracket (15) at either sides of the door (10), wherein the at least one locking lever (16) is adapted to displace upon retraction of the at least one hinge bracket (15) to the open state to lock the handle (17) in the locked position (LP).

11. The door assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the door (10) is adaptably fit to the opening about the two hinge axes (A-A), through the hinge post (20) defined in the opening.

12. The door assembly (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one hinge bracket (15) in one side of the door is operated to the closed state by the hinge post (20), upon operating the door (10) to the closed condition.

13. The door assembly (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein one end of the at least one latch member (12) and a portion of the at least one hinge bracket (15) are configured to ride on the hinge post (20) to lock the door (10) with the opening, on operating the door (10) from the open condition to the closed condition.

14. A vehicle comprising a mechanism (100) for operating a door about two hinge axes as claimed in claim 1. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present disclosure, in general, relates to automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to mechanism for operating a door between an open condition and a closed condition. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism for operating a door of a vehicle about two hinge axes and a door assembly thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:

Conventionally, doors are operable to pivot about a single pivot axis, for operating between an open condition and a closed condition. For such operation, the doors, in general, are pivotally hinged about one side, while an other side of the door is free from any attachments. Further, for ensuring that the door stays in closed condition, the door is generally provisioned with a locking mechanism such as, but not limited to, string mechanism, link mechanism, and the like. Such locking mechanisms may be coupled to a handle in the door, to ease operation of the door between the open condition and lock in the closed condition.

In applications such as automobiles, the door are generally pivotable about pillars in framework of the vehicle, in order to operate the door between an open condition and a closed condition. The door may have to be pivoted about at least one pillar in the framework and operated to an opening angle of at least 45°, in order allow access for getting inside or outside of the vehicle. However, pivoting about the pillars to such an extent of opening angle would require greater sweep area for the door to be opened. Such sweep area inherently increases the area required about adjacent sides of the vehicle for opening of the door. For example, in tight spaces or at restrictive spaces such as, but not limited to, parking spaces, jammed traffic regions, and the like, the door may not operable up-to full extent of the sweep angle. Due to such restraint in opening of the door, a commuter may experience difficulty in getting into or out from the vehicle, in such tight spaces.

With advent of technology, various configurations for pivoting and operating the door have been developed, where some of such configurations include gull-winged doors, scissor doors, lateral sliding doors and the like, which are intended to reduce the sweep area covered by the door, on operating to open condition. However, manufacturing and assembling of such doors are expensive and laborious process.

Additionally, the conventional doors may be modified to posses reduced sweep angle, by pivoting about multiple axes at the pillar of the framework in the vehicle. Such conventional doors may consist of a rear door handle lever and a forward door handle lever, about which a cable mechanism may be connected and operated to pivot the door about multiple axes. However, the mechanism in such conventional doors may allow simultaneous operation of both of the rear door handle lever and the forward door handle lever, whereby rendering the door to be dislodged from the pillars or framework of the vehicle.

Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:

One or more shortcomings of the limitations stated above are overcome by a mechanism and a door assembly as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the mechanism and the door assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a mechanism for operating a door about two hinge axes is disclosed. The mechanism includes a handle, displaceably connected to the door. The handle is displaceable between a first operating position, a locked position and a second operating position, to operate the door to an open condition and a closed condition about the two hinge axes. Further, the mechanism includes at least one latch member disposed in the door. The at least one latch member is operatively coupled to one end of the handle and is adapted to extend from either sides of the handle, where on displacement of the handle correspondingly displaces the at least one latch member. The mechanism further includes at least one hinge bracket, which is movably connected at either sides of the door. The at least one hinge bracket is operable between an open state and a closed state corresponding to the open condition and the closed condition of the door. Also, the at least one hinge bracket on one side of the door is configured to act as a pivot in the closed state, while the at least one hinge bracket on an other side, which is opposite to the one side of the door, retracts to the open state, on operating the door to the open condition about one of the two hinge axes corresponding to the displacement of the handle. Additionally, the mechanism also includes at least one locking lever, connectable to each of the at least one hinge bracket at either sides of the door. The at least one locking lever is adapted to displace upon retraction of the at least one hinge bracket to the open state to lock the handle in the locked position.
In an embodiment, the door is adaptably fit to an opening about the two hinge axes, through a hinge post defined in the opening.

In an embodiment, the at least one hinge bracket in one side of the door is operated to the closed state by the hinge post, upon operating the door to the closed condition.

In an embodiment, one end of the at least one latch member and a portion of the at least one hinge bracket are configured to ride on the hinge post to lock the door with the opening, upon operating the door from the open condition to the closed condition.

In an embodiment, the one end of the handle is defined with a gear profile.

In an embodiment, the at least one locking lever engages with the gear profile of the handle, to lock the handle in the locked position when the door is in the open condition.

In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a resilient member disposed on either sides of the at least one latch member, the resilient member is configured to retract the handle from either of the first operating position and the second operating position to the locked position, upon operating the door to the open condition

In an embodiment, the resilient member is configured to compress and allow the at least one latch member to ride on the hinge post to lock the door, when operated from the open condition to the closed condition.

In an embodiment, the at least one hinge bracket engages with one end of the at least one latch member, when the door is operated to the open condition.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The door assembly comprising a door which is adapted to fit to an opening of the vehicle, the door operable about two hinge axes, where the opening is defined with a hinge post fixed on door posts on either sides for operating the door about the two hinge axes. Further, the door assembly includes a mechanism for operating a door about two hinge axes. The mechanism includes a handle, displaceably connected to the door. The handle is displaceable between a first operating position, a locked position and a second operating position, to operate the door to an open condition and a closed condition about the two hinge axes. Further, the mechanism includes at least one latch member disposed in the door. The at least one latch member is operatively coupled to one end of the handle and is adapted to extend from either sides of the handle, where on displacement of the handle correspondingly displaces the at least one latch member. The mechanism further includes at least one hinge bracket, which is movably connected at either sides of the door. The at least one hinge bracket is operable between an open state and a closed state corresponding to the open condition and the closed condition of the door. Also, the at least one hinge bracket on one side of the door is configured to act as a pivot in the closed state, while the at least one hinge bracket on an other side, which is opposite to the one side of the door, retracts to the open state, on operating the door to the open condition about one of the two hinge axes corresponding to the displacement of the handle. Additionally, the mechanism also includes at least one locking lever, connectable to each of the at least one hinge bracket at either sides of the door. The at least one locking lever is adapted to displace upon retraction of the at least one hinge bracket to the open state to lock the handle in the locked position.
In an embodiment, the door is adaptably fit to the opening about the two hinge axes, through the hinge post defined in the opening.

In an embodiment, the at least one hinge bracket in one side of the door is operated to the closed state by the hinge post, upon operating the door to the closed condition.

In an embodiment, one end of the at least one latch member and a portion of the at least one hinge bracket are configured to ride on the hinge post to lock the door with the opening, on operating the door from the open condition to the closed condition.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates sectional rear view of a door assembly including a mechanism for operating a door about two hinge axes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a sectional front view of the door assembly of Figure. 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a sectional top view of the door assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic front view of the mechanism in Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic rear view of the mechanism in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanisms or assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its mechanism and assembly, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a mechanism, an assembly or device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a door assembly having a mechanism for operating a door about two hinge axes. The mechanism includes a handle, displaceably connected to the door. The handle is displaceable between a first operating position, a locked position and a second operating position, to operate the door to an open condition and a closed condition about the two hinge axes. Further, the mechanism includes at least one latch member disposed in the door. The at least one latch member is operatively coupled to one end of the handle and is adapted to extend from either side of the handle, where on displacement of the handle correspondingly displaces or slides the at least one latch member. The mechanism further includes at least one hinge bracket, which is movably connected at either sides of the door. The at least one hinge bracket is operable between an open state and a closed state corresponding to the open condition and the closed condition of the door. Also, the at least one hinge bracket on one side of the door is configured to act as a pivot in the closed state, while the at least one hinge bracket on an other side, which is opposite to the one side of the door, retracts to the open state, on operating the door to the open condition about one of the two hinge axes corresponding to the displacement of the handle. Additionally, the mechanism also includes at least one locking lever, connectable to each of the at least one hinge bracket at either sides of the door. The at least one locking lever is adapted to displace upon retraction of the at least one hinge bracket to the open state to lock the handle in the locked position. So, the mechanism allows a user to open the door about either of the two hinge axes, whereby providing necessary arrangement to move into and/or out from the vehicle in space constrained regions.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the figure neither the complete door assembly nor the vehicle is illustrated for the purpose of simplicity.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure which illustrates sectional view of a door assembly (200) of a vehicle [not shown in Figures]. The door assembly (200) includes a door (10) which may be operable about two hinge axes (A-A) defined in the door assembly (200). The door assembly (200) further includes an opening for receiving the door (10) and, two door posts (11) defined at two opposing sides of the opening [for example, left side and right side of the opening or about top side and bottom side of the opening] for operating the door (10) about two axes (A-A). Further, a hinge post (20) is provisioned in each of the two door posts (11), to define a pivot axes about each of the two posts (11), for pivotally operating the door (10) about the two hinge axes (A-A). The hinge post (20) may be either integrally defined in each of the two door posts (11) or may be externally fixed by connecting means including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, and the like.

In an embodiment, for operating the door (10) about the two axes (A-A), the door assembly (200) includes a mechanism (100), as best seen through Figures 2 to 5, which may be disposed between an interior panel [that is, a panel adjacent to a passenger cabin in the vehicle] and an exterior panel [that is, a panel exposed to the surroundings of the vehicle] of the door (10). The mechanism (100) includes a handle (17) which is displaceably connected to the door (10). Further, at least a portion of the handle (17) may extend outwardly from the door (10) in order to allow a user [or also referred to a driver] to operate the mechanism (100), and in-turn the door (10), for accessing movement into and out from the vehicle, as best seen in Figure 3. In an embodiment, one end of the handle (17) which is within the door is defined with a gear profile (21), while an other end of the handle (17), opposite to the one end and positioned outside the door (10), may be defined with a gripping portion to assist in operating the handle (17). The mechanism (100) further includes at least one latch member (12), operatively coupled to one end of the handle (17) residing within the door (10). The at least one latch member (12) is adapted to displace or slide based on direction of displacement of the handle (17) [for example, displacement specific to operating direction]. The mechanism (100) also includes a resilient member (13), disposed on either sides of the at least one latch member (12), where the resilient member (13) is operable based on displacement of the at least one latch member (12) and retract the at least one latch member (12) from corresponding displaced position. Furthermore, the mechanism (100) includes at least one hinge bracket (15) which is movably connected at either side of the door (10), by means of a flange and a plurality of fasteners (19). The at least one hinge bracket (15) is configured to restrict linear movement of the door (10), while allowing the door (10) to pivot relative to the opening in the door assembly (200). Additionally, at least one locking lever (16) is provisioned in the mechanism (100), where the at least one locking lever (16) is connected to each of the at least one hinge bracket (15) at either sides of the door (10).

Referring now to Figure 2, which illustrates the door (10) in the closed condition. In an embodiment, the door (10) is connected between the two door posts (11), at the hinge posts (20) with pivotal support from the at least one hinge brackets (15). Further, the hinge axes (A-A) for imparting pivotal movement of the door are formed such that the hinge axes (A-A) passes through each of the hinge posts (20) defined in corresponding the door posts (11). The at least one hinge brackets (15) are configured to circumscribe [or surround] at least a portion of corresponding hinge post (20) about the hinge axes (A-A), whereby allowing the door (10) to pivot about the hinge post (20) as the at least one hinge brackets (15) circumscribes over the outer surface of the hinge posts (20).

In an embodiment, the at least one latch member (12) is disposed within the door (10) and is coupled to one end of the door handle (17). Further, the at least one latch member (12) is adapted to extend on the either sides of the one end of the door handle (17) such that, the at least one latch member (12) extends outwardly from either side of the door (10). The at least one latch member (12) may be positioned within the door (10) such that, portion of the at least one latch member (12) extending from each side of the handle (17) may overrun about a portion of the at least one hinge brackets (15) on corresponding side of the door (10), when the door is in the closed condition. Additionally, the portions of the at least one latch member (12) that extend out from sides of the door (10), may engage with the hinge posts (20), when the door (10) is operated to closed position and correspondingly operating the handle (17) to lock the door (10) with the opening. In addition the at least one hinge bracket (15) on each side of the door (10) is operable to at least one of an open state and a closed state, based on condition of the door (1) and position [or direction of operation] of the handle (17). Also, the at least one hinge bracket (15), when in the closed state [or also referred to as tensioned state or elastically deformed state], is adaptably tensioned upon being biased due to engagement with the hinge post (20), while the at least one hinge bracket (15), when in the open state [or also referred to as relaxed state or tension-free state], is displaced away from biasing of the hinge post (20) and retracts to be free from tensioning by the hinge post (20). In an embodiment, during transition from the door between closed condition to open condition, the at least one hinge bracket (15) is displaced away from the hinge post (20). When the door is operated to open condition the force acting against the biasing direction is removed and the at least one hinge bracket (15) displaces to its open state.

Further referring to Figure 3, a portion of the handle (17) outwardly extends from the door (10), in order to be accessible by the user. The handle (17) is configured to operate between three positions, namely, a first operating position (FOP), a lock position (LP) and a second operating position (SOP), relative to the exterior surface of the door (10), in order to correspondingly operate the door (10) between an open condition, a locked condition and a closed condition, about the opening in the door assembly (200). Further, the lock position (LP) of the handle (17) may be defined between the first operating position (FOP) and the second operating position (SOP) such that, for operation of the handle (17) from the first operating position (FOP) to the second operating position (SOP), the handle may have to pass through the lock position (LP). Also, the lock position (LP) of the handle (17) may correspond to the lock condition of the door (10), about the opening in the door assembly (200). In an embodiment, for operating the door (10) to the open condition about either of the two hinge axis (A-A), the user may correspondingly displace the handle (17) to at least one of the first operating position (FOP) and the second operating position (SOP), based on required axes about which the door (10) is required to be opened. In the illustrative embodiment, the door (10) may be operated to pivot about at least one axis of the two hinge axes (A-A), and subsequently be operated to the open condition, by displacing one end of the handle (17) to the first operating position (FOP) from the lock position (LP) [for examples, towards left-hand side of the user or in clock-wise direction and contrarily in opposing directions to the said].

Figures 4 and 5 are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure illustrating the mechanism (100) employed in the door assembly (200). In an embodiment, the at least one latch member (12) extends in either sides of the handle (17) and the ends of the at least one latch member (12) opposite to the end coupled to the handle (17) may be defined with a sloping edge or a tapered edge.

Upon displacing the one end of the handle (17) in the first operating position (FOP), the other end of the handle (17) within the door (10) may displace in a direction opposite to that of displacement of the one end of the handle (10). Due to the displacement of the handle (17) to the first operating position (FOP), the at least one latch member (12) at corresponding side of the handle (17) may displace away from the hinge post (20). That is, the at least one latch member (12) corresponding to the first operating position (FOP) direction of the handle (17) retracts inside the door (10), thereby disengaging from the hinge post (20). At this juncture, the at least one hinge bracket (15) in the direction of the first operating position (FOP) of the handle (17) may be free from biasing of the hinge post (20) and may be operable to the open state, for operating the door (10) to the open condition about such hinge post (20) and corresponding hinge axes of the two hinge axes (A-A). Simultaneously, due to displacement of the other end of the handle (17) in opposite direction, the portion of the at least one latch member (12) at opposite side of the first operating position (FOP) of the handle (17) may further displace from the door (10). The further displacement of the at least one latch member (12) may infer in engagement with each end of the at least one hinge bracket (15), whereby circumferentially enclosing the hinge post (20), at the second operating position (SOP) direction of the handle (17). The circumferential enclosure of the hinge post (20) in the direction of the second operating position (SOP) of the handle (17) may render the at least one hinge bracket (15) to act in the closed state, whereby allowing the door (10) to pivot about such hinge post (20) and in-turn about corresponding hinge axis of the two hinge axes (A-A). In such a way, the door (10) may be pivotable about the hinge post (20) proximal to the second operating position (SOP) of the handle (17) [or that which is away from the first operating position (FOP)] and the door (10) may be operable to the open condition about the hinge post (20) proximal to the first operating position (FOP) of the handle (17).

Upon displacing the one end of the handle (17) to the second operating position (SOP), the other end of the handle (17) within the door (10) may displace in a direction opposite to that of displacement of the one end of the handle (10). Due to the displacement of the handle (17) to the second operating position (SOP), the at least one latch member (12) at corresponding side of the handle (17) may displace away [or also termed as retract] from the hinge post (20). That is, the at least one latch member (12) corresponding to the second operating position (SOP) direction of the handle (17) retracts inside the door (10), thereby disengaging from the hinge post (20). At this juncture, the at least one hinge bracket (15) in the direction of the second operating position (SOP) of the handle (17) may be free from biasing of the hinge post (20) and may be operable to the open state, for operating the door (10) to the open condition about such hinge post (20) and corresponding hinge axes of the two hinge axes (A-A). Simultaneously, due to displacement of the other end of the handle (17) in opposite direction, the portion of the at least one latch member (12) at opposite side of the second operating position (SOP) of the handle (17) may further displace from the door (10). The further displacement of the at least one latch member (12) may infer in engagement with each end of the at least one hinge bracket (15), whereby circumferentially enclosing the hinge post (20), at the first operating position (FOP) direction of the handle (17). The circumferential enclosure of the hinge post (20) in the direction of the first operating position (FOP) of the handle (17) may render the at least one hinge bracket (15) to act in the closed state, whereby allowing the door (10) to pivot about such hinge post (20) and in-turn about corresponding hinge axis of the two hinge axes (A-A). In such a way, the door (10) may be pivotable about the hinge post (20) proximal to the first operating position (FOP) of the handle (17) [or that which is away from the second operating position (SOP)] and the door (10) may be operable to the open condition about the hinge post (20) proximal to the second operating position (SOP) of the handle (17).

In an embodiment, the mechanism may consist of two hinge brackets (15) provisioned in each side of the door (10).

Furthermore, the mechanism (100) consists of at least one locking lever (16), which is connectable to each of the at least one hinge brackets (15) at either side of the door (10). In an embodiment, the at least one latch member (12) and the at least one locking lever (16) are supported by plurality of brackets (18). The plurality of brackets (18) guide and hold the at least on latch member (12) and the at least one locking member (16) during operation of the mechanism (100). The at least one locking lever is adapted to displace upon retraction of the at least one hinge bracket (15) from the closed state to the open state. The displacement of the locking lever (16) upon retraction of the at least one hinge bracket (15) in the door open condition, urges the locking lever (16) to come in contact with the gear profile (21) of the handle (17). The contact between the locking lever (16) and the gear profile (21) arrests any movement of the gear profile (21) and thereby arrests any movement of the handle (17). The handle (17) upon engaging with the locking lever (16) is restricted from any movement and results in the handle (17) being locked in the locked position (LP) when the door is in open condition. Further, upon the door achieving the open condition, the handle (17) is returned to the locked position (LP) from the either of the first operating position (FOP) or the second operating position (SOP) due to the force exerted by the resilient member (13) before the locking lever (16) locks the handle (17) in the locked position (LP).

In an embodiment, to operate the door (10) from the open condition to the closed condition, the user pushes the door (10) at the open side towards the door post (11) such that, the at least one latch member (12) protruding from the inner part of the door (10) engages with the hinge post (20). In an embodiment, the force applied by the user is directly transmitted onto the at least one latch member (12). Due to the construction of the at least one latch member (12) having the sloping surface or the tapered section at the end of the at least one latch member (12), the at least one latch member (12) is pushed inward into the door (1) and rides on the surface of the hinge post (20). The displacement of the at least one latch member (12) is facilitated by the provision of the resilient member (13) which is disposed with the at least one latch member (12). In an embodiment, the force applied on the sloping surface or the tapered section of the at least one latch member (12) allows the resilient member (13) to compress and permits the at least one latch member (12) to displace inward into the door (10). This inward movement of the at least one latch member (12) allows the hinge post (20) to get positioned between the at least one latch member (12) and the at least one hinge bracket (15). In an embodiment, after the at least one latch member (12) is ridden on the surface of the hinge post (20), the biasing force of the resilient member (13) displaces the at least one latch member (12) back to its original position, thereby locking the door with the door posts.

In an embodiment, the at least one latch member (12) upon riding over the hinge post (20), the hinge post (20) comes in contact with the at least one hinge bracket (15) in the open state. Upon contacting the hinge post (20) the at least one hinge bracket (15) rides over the surface of the at least one hinge post (20), such that the at least one hinge bracket (15) is displaced to the closed state. In an embodiment, the at least one hinge bracket (15) in the closed state and the at least one latch member (12) surround the hinge post (20) to enable the hinge post (20) to act as a pivot point about the hinge axes (A-A) (22).

In an embodiment, the at least one latch member may be connected to the handle (17) through ropes, cables, chords, wires and the like.

In an embodiment, the door (10) is a side door or a tail gate of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the at least one latch member (12) may be formed by fixing a latch at the end of a latch extension rod.

In an embodiment, the resilient member (13) is provisioned with locks to fix the resilient member (13) with the at least one latch member (12). The resilient member may be at least one of a compression spring and a torsion spring.

In an embodiment, the plurality of fasteners (19) used for fastening the at least one hinge bracket (15) with the door (10) are one of, screws, bolts, nuts, rivets and the like.

In an embodiment, the at least one latch member (12) and the at least one locking lever (16) are supported in the mechanism (100) by a plurality of support brackets (18). In an embodiment, the plurality of brackets (18) are fixed to the inner panels of the door (10).

In an embodiment, the plurality of support brackets (18) are positioned adjacent to the handle (17). In an embodiment, the plurality of support brackets (18) may be defined with a cavity at one end, such that the at least one latch member (12) and the at least one locking lever (16) pass through the cavity.

In an embodiment, the at least one hinge bracket (15) in its open state engages with one end of the at least one latch member (12) which is opposite to the end coupled to the handle (17). This engagement between the at least one hinge bracket (15) and the at least one latch member (12) restricts the at least one hinge bracket (15) from displacing any further.

In an embodiment, the locking lever (16) acts as a positive locking link.

In an embodiment, the handle (17), the at least one latch member (12) and the at least one hinge bracket (15) may be manufactured using variety of metals, polymers, fibers and alloys.

In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) allows the door (10) to open with respect to the hinge axes (A-A) on either sides of the door assembly (200).

In embodiment, the user can selectively operate the door (10) to the open condition at either ends of the door (10) as per the requirement or as per the surrounding conditions.

In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) prevents the door (10) to be opened on both ends at the same time, i.e. only one side of the door (10) can attain the open condition and the other side will have to act as the pivot point.

In an embodiment, the end of the handle (17) defined with the gear profile may be replaced with any other suitably means including, but not limited to, cam-follower profiles, pawl-ratchet mechanism, and the like.

Equivalents:

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Mechanism
200 Door assembly
10 Door
11 Door post
12 Latch member
13 Resilient member
15 Hinge bracket
16 Locking lever
17 Handle
18 Brackets
19 Fastener
20 Hinge post
21 Gear profile
A-A Hinge axes
FOP First operating position
LP Locked position
SOP Second operating position