FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]
TITLE: “A MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A LID OF A COMPARTMENT IN A
VEHCILE”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS PASSENGER VEHICLES LIMITED of Floor 3, 4, Plot-18, Nanavati Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra, 400001 India
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to operation of a lid, adapted to cover a compartment in a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a mechanism for operating the lid of the compartment in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, in vehicles such as passenger cars, busses, commercial vehicles and the like, a cabin may be provided to accommodate a driver and passengers. The cabin of the vehicle typically includes one or more compartments for storage. For example, the cabin of the vehicle includes a glove box which may be defined in an instrument panel or the dashboard of the vehicle. The compartments include a main body which is installed and recessed in a cavity defined in the cabin of the vehicle. Further, the compartments include a lid or a cover rotatably or hingedly affixed to a portion of the compartment. The lid is configured to open and close the compartment for securely storing items.
Further, the compartments include a locking member and an opening/closing mechanism. The locking member (latch mechanism) is used to lock the lid in a closed condition. Further, the opening/closing mechanism is employed to operate the locking member to selectively open the lid of the compartment.
Conventionally, the compartment includes latches which may be adapted to lock and unlock the lid. The latches may be connected to a lever or a button through latch rods and connecting members. The lever is configured to be operated by a user which in-turn actuates the latch rods and the connecting members to displace the latches to operate the lid of the compartment. However, the latches, the latch rods and the connecting members are bulky, complex and consume large amount of space, thereby reducing storage space within the compartment. Further, manufacturing of the latches, the latch rods and the connecting members are time consuming and expensive. Additionally, the conventional mechanisms for operating the lid of the compartment have a tendency to malfunction as the tolerances are limited and the number of movable parts are more which leads to requirement of frequent replacement of parts. Furthermore, the high number

of movable components and friction between such components creates mechanical wear over time and lead to generation of noise, which is undesired.
Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a device as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the 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 one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a mechanism for operating a lid of a compartment in a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism includes an actuator operable to displace between a first position and a second position upon actuation. Further, the mechanism includes at least one pre-tensioned cable which is connected to the actuator. The actuator is adapted to displace the at least one pre-tensioned cable in the second position. Additionally, the mechanism includes at least one lever connected to an end of the at least one pre-tensioned cable which is positioned away from the actuator and is configured to displace corresponding to displacement of the at least one pre-tensioned cable. Furthermore, the mechanism includes at least one locking member disposed on the lid and is configured to receive the at least one lever. The at least one lever received in the at least one locking member is adapted to lock the lid in a closed condition. Further, the at least one lever is adapted to displace outwardly from the at least one locking member corresponding to the second position of the actuator to unlock the lid.
In an embodiment, the actuator is disposed proximal to the compartment.
In an embodiment, the mechanism includes a resilient member connectable to the actuator and configured to bias the actuator towards the first position.

In an embodiment, the mechanism includes one or more pulleys disposed between the actuator and the at least one locking member, where the at least one pre-tensioned cable is routed around the one or more pulleys.
In an embodiment, the at least one pre-tensioned cable is at least one of a Bowden cable and a push-pull cable.
In an embodiment, the mechanism includes at least one bracket disposed proximal to the at least one locking member. The at least one bracket is configured to movably support the at least one lever.
In an embodiment, the at least one locking member is defined with a cavity to receive the at least one lever.
In an embodiment, at least one lever is defined with a curved profile away from the end of the at least one pre-tensioned cable. The curved profile is adapted to be received within the cavity of the at least one locking member. Further, the curved profile of the at least one lever is adapted to ride over an outer surface of the at least one locking member and enter the cavity to lock the lid.
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 THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a mechanism for operating a lid of a compartment with an actuator operated to a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the mechanism for operating the lid of the compartment with the actuator operated to a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a mechanism for operating the lid of the compartment, in accordance with another 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 system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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 forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other mechanisms, devices, systems and 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 characteristics of the disclosure, 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 inclusions, such that a system or a 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. 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.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1-3.
Figs. 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrates a mechanism (100) for operating a lid of a compartment in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the compartment may be including but not limited to a glovebox, a storage in a center console and any type of compartment capable of storing items or components of the vehicle. For simplicity, a figure depicting the compartment and the lid are not illustrated as these may vary based on application and use. However, illustrations of the mechanism (100) have been provided which are further elucidated in the following paragraphs. The mechanism (100) may include an actuator (1). The actuator (1) may be disposed proximal to the compartment and may be operable to displace between a first position and a second position. In an embodiment, the actuator (1) may be push type or a pull type actuator which may be adapted to displace to the second position upon actuation. For illustrative purposes, a push type actuator has been illustrated in the Figs. 1-3, however, the same should not be construed as a limitation as the mechanism (100) may work with the pull type actuator to operate the lid of the compartment. Further, the mechanism (100) may include a resilient member (2) that may be connectable to the actuator (1). The resilient member (2) may be configured to bias the actuator (1) towards the first position. In an embodiment, the resilient member (2) may be including but not limited to a compression spring, extension spring, a helical spring, a torsion spring, and the like. In an embodiment, the actuator (1) may be a spring loaded actuator (1).
Further, the mechanism (100) may include at least one pre-tensioned cable (3). The at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) may be connected to the actuator (1) and may be adapted to displace along with movement of the actuator (1). The actuator (1) may be adapted to displace the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) in the second position. In an embodiment, the at least one pre-tensioned

cable (3) may be including but not limited to a Bowden cable, a push-pull cable and the like. In an embodiment, the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) may be a steel braided cable. Furthermore, the mechanism (100) may include at least one lever (5). The at least one lever (5) may be connected to an end of the of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) and may be positioned away from the actuator (1). The at least one lever (5) may be configured to displace corresponding to displacement of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3). Additionally, the mechanism (100) may include at least one locking member (6), The at least one locking member (6) may be disposed on the lid of the compartment and may be configured to receive the at least one lever (5). Further, the at least one locking member (6) may be defined with a cavity to receive the at least one lever (5). The at least one lever (5) received within the cavity of the at least one locking member (6) may be adapted to lock the lid in a closed condition.
In an embodiment, at least one lever (5) may be defined with a curved profile away from the end of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3). The curved profile of the at least one lever (5) may be adapted to be received within the cavity of the at least one locking member (6).
In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) may include at least one bracket [not shown in Figs] which may be disposed proximal to the at least one locking member (6). The at least one bracket may be configured to movably support the at least one lever (5), such that upon displacement of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3), the at least one lever (5) may displace through the at least one bracket into and out of the at least one locking member (6).
Furthermore, the mechanism (100) may include one or more pulleys (4). The one or more pulleys (4) may be disposed between the actuator (1) and the at least one locking member (6) at predefined locations, such that the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) may be routed around the one or more pulleys (4). The predefined locations for fixing the one or more pulleys (4) may be based on the path in which the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) may be disposed between the actuator (1) and the at least one locking member (6). In an embodiment, the one or more pulleys (4) may be adapted to convert the displacement attained by the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) during displacement of the actuator (1) between the first position and the second position, into lateral displacement of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) along a cable length to displace in and out of the at least one locking member (6). Furthermore, the one or more pulleys (4) may be employed

to accommodate change in direction of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) in the path of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) between the actuator (1) and the at least one locking member (6). For example, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the actuator (1) may be positioned at any location above the lid of the container and the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) may have to be routed around the opening of the container and may be directed towards the at least one locking member (6) through the one or more pulleys (4).
In an embodiment, the actuator (1) may be including but not limited to a button, a lever, a flexible member like a string and the like.
In an embodiment, the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) may be routed from the actuator (1) towards the at least one locking member (6) through routing means including but not limited to, hooks, guides, grooves, slots and the like which may be defined in at least one of the compartment, the lid and the panels proximal to the compartment and the lid.
In a embodiment, the actuator (1) may be an electronically controlled actuator (1) and may displace between the first position and the second position due to operation of electronic devices such as but not limited to an electric motor, an electric plunger and the like.
In an operational embodiment of the disclosure as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the mechanism (100) may include the actuator (1) which may be positioned away from the lid of the container. For example, the actuator (1) may be position above the lid and may be defined in a panel of the cabin proximal to the container. In the closed condition of the lid, the actuator (1) may be in the first position and the at least one lever (5) may be accommodated within the at least one locking member (6) to securely lock the lid in the closed condition [as seen in Fig. 1]. A user upon actuating the actuator (1) against the biasing force of the resilient member (2) may push or pull the actuator (1) thereby displacing the actuator (1) to the second position. The actuator (1) in the second position may displace the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) which may result in displacement of the at least one lever (5) outwardly from the at least one locking member (6). The displacement of the at least one lever (5), may be away from the at least one locking member (6) and may result in the at least one lever (5), displacing out of the at least one locking member (6) [as seen in Fig. 2] to unlock the lid and facilitate operation of the lid to an open condition.

Additional, upon opening of the lid, the user may remove load on the actuator (1) which may lead to the actuator (1) displacing back to the first position due to the biasing force applied by the resilient member (2). The actuator (1) in the first position may displace the at least one lever (5) back to the original position. Further, upon closing of the lid from the open condition, the at least one locking member (6) may contact the curved profile of the at least one lever (5). The curved profile of the at least one lever (5) may be adapted to ride over an outer surface of the at least one locking member (6) and enter the cavity to lock the lid in the closed condition.
In an another embodiment of the present disclosure, the mechanism (100) may be provisioned in the lid of the container. Referring to Fig. 3, the actuator (1) may be defined in the lid and the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) may be routed across the lid through the one or more pulleys (4) towards the at least one locking member (6). The at least one locking member (6) may be disposed on the container or any panel of the cabin proximal to the lid. The actuator (1) upon actuation from the first position to the second position, may displace the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) and thereby displacing the at least one lever (5) outwardly from the at least one locking member (6). The displacement of the at least one lever (5) may unlock the lid and facilitate opening of the lid to the open condition.
It should be noted that in exemplary embodiments, as seen in the Figs. 1-3 the construction, profile, arrangement, layout and connections of the mechanism (100) should not be construed as a limitation as the mechanism (100) may include any other type of construction, profile, arrangement, layout and connection or any other combinations for operating the lid of the container.
In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) may be retrofitted to conventional lids of the containers in the vehicle. Further, the mechanism (100) is simple in construction and has less number of components due to the employment of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) which results in low-cost manufacturing and easy maintenance.
In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) having the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) results in fewer malfunctions due to less number of movable parts and connections.

In an embodiment, the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) facilitates compact and simple construction of the mechanism (100) which may consume less amount of space and thereby increasing storage space within the compartment. Furthermore, the low number of components and the negligible wear between the components in the mechanism (100) prevents wear of the components and eliminates generation of noise.
It should be imperative that the construction and configuration of the mechanism and any other elements or components described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such structural configuration of the elements or components should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.
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 “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” 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). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). 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.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
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 being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Mechanism
1 Actuator
2 Resilient member
3 Pre-tensioned cable
4 Pulley
5 Lever
6 Locking member

We Claim:
1. A mechanism (100) for operating a lid of a compartment in a vehicle, the mechanism (100)
comprising:
an actuator (1), operable to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) upon actuation;
at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) connected to the actuator (1), wherein the actuator (1) is adapted to displace the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) in the second position (SP);
at least one lever (5) connected to an end of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) positioned away from the actuator (1) and configured to displace corresponding to displacement of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3); and
at least one locking member (6) disposed on the lid and configured to receive the at least one lever (5), wherein the at least one lever (5) received in the at least one locking member (6) is adapted to lock the lid in a closed condition;
wherein the at least one lever (5) is adapted to displace outwardly from the at least one locking member (6) corresponding to the second position (SP) of the actuator (1) to unlock the lid.
2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (1) is disposed proximal to the compartment.
3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a resilient member (2) connectable to the actuator (1) and configured to bias the actuator (1) towards the first position (FP).
4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more pulleys (4) disposed between the actuator (1) and the at least one locking member (6), wherein the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) is routed around the one or more pulleys (4).
5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3) is at least one of a Bowden cable and a push-pull cable.

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one bracket disposed proximal to the at least one locking member (6) and configured to movably support the at least one lever (5).
7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member (6) is defined with a cavity to receive the at least one lever (5).
8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one lever (5) is defined with a curved profile away from the end of the at least one pre-tensioned cable (3), the curved profile is adapted to be received within the cavity of the at least one locking member (6).
9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the curved profile of the at least one lever (5) is adapted to ride over an outer surface of the at least one locking member (6) and enter the cavity to lock the lid.
10. A vehicle comprising a mechanism (100) for operating a lid of a compartment as claimed in claim 1.