Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for simultaneous disengagement of a pair of latches. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for simultaneous disengagement of a pair of latches from the latch strikers of lower tailgate of a vehicle and reducing the effort to disengage two latches on individual basis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles with split tailgates are present in the market which have two latches on the transverse ends which are disengaged simultaneously using electrical system present in the vehicles. However when the electrical system of the vehicle is not functioning, the user is required to disengage the latches one by one, which increases the efforts and time of the users, thus causing an inconvenience.

[003] A US Patent Application Number US2014110953A1 discloses a horizontal latch operating system comprising of dual latch system opening and closing of the latches for tailgates. However, the cited art is activated by pistons or cylinders (pneumatic or hydraulic), and cannot be operated manually.

[004] A US Patent Application Number US4273368A discloses a dual latching mechanism provided for latching two spaced locations of a flexible lid to a pair of similarly spaced anchors of a compartment to which the flexible lid is movably mounted. The latching mechanism has two latches mounted on the lid by housings each including a pawl pivotally mounted which is spring biased for movement, when released, to an anchor release position and a blocking dog which is spring biased to a pawl blocking position for locking the pawl to its respective anchor. However, the cited art utilizes dog clutches and pawl lever for disengagement of dual latches, which renders the mechanism complex and costly system.

[005] While known prior arts have proven to be commercially acceptable for certain application, however they all are associated with certain disadvantages and hence require improvements. For an instance, most of the disengagement of the pair of latches are assisted by the electrical circuits and cannot be operated when there is electric system failure. Thus, there is a requirement of mechanical system for disengagement of latches which is economical and simple in nature.

[006] In view of the above problems associated with the state of the art, there is a need of a slider mechanism which can disengage two latches simultaneously.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[007] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system for simultaneous disengagement of a pair of latches (125).

[008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for mechanically opening of the lower tailgate of the vehicle.

[009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for simultaneous disengagement of a pair of latches (125) which is inexpensive and simpler in design.

[0010] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:

[0012] Figure 1A and 1B illustrates different views of a slider of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates different views of base plate of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates different views of top plate of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an top view of assembled system without slider of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates an top view of assembled system with a pair of latches;

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the slider assembly;

[0018] Figure 7 illustrates sectional view of the vehicle having opened tailgate;

[0019] Reference numerals for the components of the present invention are enlisted herein:

Reference Numeral Component
5 Slider
10 Holding means
15 Upper protrusion
20 lower protrusion
25 guide hole
30 latch slot
35 base plate
40 securing means of base plate
45 bush holes
50 slot
55 screw hole
65 top plate
70 Top plate slot
90 guide pin
95 compression spring
100 adjustable screw
110 pulley mechanism
115 latch wire
125 Latch
130 Latch strikers
135 Lower tailgate
200 Slider assembly

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention relates to a system for simultaneous disengagement of latches from the latch strikers present in the chassis of the vehicle. The system enables mechanically opening of the lower tailgate of the vehicle reducing the effort and time of the user for disengaging the latches one by one. The system comprises of a slider assembly (200) configured to disengage a pair of latches (125). The slider assembly comprises of a slider (5) having a holding means (10) and an engaging means configured on the either side of the said slider (5). The engaging means have upper protrusion (15), a lower protrusion (20) with a guide hole (25) to accommodate a guide pin (90) and a pair of latch cable slot (30) configured on lateral sides of the engaging means. A channel is formed between the top plate (65) and the base plate (35) for accommodating the engaging means of the slider between the top plate and the base plate. The slider (5) slides on the guide pin having compression spring at the proximal end of the channel. The base plate (35) comprises of a plurality of securing means (40) to engage with a top plate (65), a pair of bush holes (45), a slot (50) to receive the guide pin (90), a screw hole (55) to receive an adjustment screw (100). The top plate (65) comprises of a plurality of securing means for engaging with the base plate (35) through a plurality of fastening means and a slot (70) which is compatible with the slot (50) of the base plate (35). A plurality of latch wires (115) passing through the pulley mechanisms (110) and engaging with the pair of latch slots (30) through the pair of locking mechanisms. An adjustment screw is provided to adjust the slack in the pair of latch wire (125).

[0021] When the user pulls the slider (5), it compresses the compression spring (95) which causes extension of the pair of latch wires (115) which rotates the pair of pulleys (110) and thereafter disengages the pair of latches (125) from the latch strikers (130). When the force is removed, the recoil action of the compression spring extends and pushes the slider (5) back to its initial position. The latches (125) are engaged again with the latch strikers when the user pushes the tailgate towards the chassis.

[0022] The present invention further relates to a method for simultaneous disengagement of latches from the latch strikers (130) present in the chassis of the vehicle. The user pulls the slider (5) towards itself or in opposite direction to the chassis which compresses the compression spring (130) and the pair of latch wires (115) connected to the slider (5) gets pulled, which causes the rotation of the pulley under the pulling action of the pair of latch wires (115). This leads to disengagement of the pair of latches (125) from the corresponding latch strikers (130) under the pulling action of the pair of latch wires (115). On release of the pulling force by the user, the slider (5) restores its initial position under the recoil action of the compression spring (130). However, the latches (125) are again locked with the latch strikers (130) under the pushing action of the user on the lower tailgate towards the chassis of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The following detailed description and embodiments set forth herein below are merely exemplary out of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0025] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0026] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0028] The present invention relates to a system for simultaneous disengagement of a pair of latches for a lower tailgate of the vehicle when there is no electrical power supply or automatic system or failure of electrical system to unlock the lower tailgate of the vehicle.

[0029] As per the main embodiment of the present invention, the slider assembly is configured to disengage a pair of latches from latch strikers which are mounted on the chassis of the vehicle. The slider assembly comprises of slider, base plate, top plate, adjustable screw, compression spring, pulley, latch wires etc.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the sliding assembly comprises of the following components:

[0031] A) Slider (5): Figure 1A and 1B illustrates different views of a slider of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment the slider (5) comprises of a holding means (10) and engaging means on the opposite ends of the slider (5). In the exemplary embodiment, the engaging means comprises of upper protrusion (15), lower protrusion (20) having a guide hole (25), a pair of latch slots (30) on the lateral sides of the engaging means. The guide hole (25) is configured to accommodate a guide pin (90). The holding means have a T shaped or L shaped or U shaped structure for holding it with hands. Further, the latch slot have shape atleast selected from the group of L shaped or U shaped or C shaped or V shaped or J shaped.

[0032] B) Base Plate (35): Figure 2 illustrates base plate (35), base plate (35) includes a plurality of securing means (40), a pair of bush holes (45), base plate slot (50) and screw hole (55). The plurality of securing means (40) is configured to fasten with top plate (65). The base plate slot (50) is configured with a guide pin (90) having a compressed spring (95) and the screw hole (55) partially accommodates adjustment screw (100). In an alternative embodiment, the screw hole (55) have internal threads.
[0033] C) Top Plate (65): Figure 3 illustrates the top plate (65), top plate (65) includes plurality of securing means (40) for getting fastened with the base plate (35), the top plate slot (70) is compatible with base plate slot (50). In an alternative embodiment, plurality of securing means have spacers or bushes for providing spacing between the two plates to accommodate slider (5).
[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, a channel is formed between the top plate (65) and base plate (35) on fastening both the plates using plurality of fastening means (i.e. bolts, bushes, lock nuts). In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of fastening means also comprises of spacers or bushes to provide space for the slider (5) to slide in the channel formed. The slider (5) is employed on the guide pin (90) with compression spring (95) and in between both the top plate slot (70) and base plate slot (50). The slider (5) is configured to slide on the guide pin (90). The compression spring (95) is mounted on the guide pin (90) at the proximal end of the channel.
[0035] D) Adjustable Screw (100): In the main embodiment, the adjustable screw (100) is employed such that it passes through the screw hole (55) of the base plate (35) and upto the engaging means of the slider (5). In an alternative embodiment, the adjustment screw partially accommodated in the screw hole (55) of the base plate (35) and the engaging means rests on the edge proximate to the screw hole (55). In another embodiment, the threads on the adjustable screw (100) matches the internal threads of the screw hole (55). The adjustment screw (100) is parallel to the guide pin (90) in the base plate slot (50).
[0036] E) Pulley: In the main embodiment, a pair of pulleys is mounted on the pair of bush holes (45) in the base plate (35). In an exemplary embodiment, the pulleys are mounted on bushes which are employed in the pair of bush holes (45). The pulley mechanism (110) comprises of a pulley and a bush.
[0037] F) Latch wires (155): In the main embodiment, plurality of latch wires (115) is engaged at one end with the pair of latch slots (30) passing through the pair of pulleys and attached to the latches at the other end. In an auxiliary embodiment, the latch wires (115) at one end shape atleast selected from the group of a knot or a node or a lump which engages with the pair of latch slots (30).
[0038] Figure 4 illustrates top view of assembled system without slider of the present invention, the latch wire (115) passes through the pulley mechanism (110) and the adjustable screw (100) is parallel to the guide pin (90) with compression spring (95).
[0039] Figure 5 illustrates the top view of the assembled system with a pair of latches (125). The latch wires (115) passing through the pulley is connected to the latches (125).
[0040] Figure 6 illustrates the isometric view of the slider assembly.
[0041] In the main embodiment when the holding means (10) of the slider (5) is pulled by the user, the compression spring (95) is compressed by the engaging means of the slider (5) and the pair of latch wires (115) are pulled by the pair of latch slots (30) present in the slider (5). The pulling of the pair of latch wires (115) causes the pulley to turn and subsequently pulling of the latches (125) which leads to the release of latches (125) from the latch strikers (130). In the preferred embodiment, the latch strikers (130) have shape atleast selected from the group of hook or clip or holder.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, when the pulling force exerted by the user is removed, the compression spring (95) recoils and slider (5) comes back to the initial position. Figure 7 illustrates the arrangement of the slider assembly (200) in an open position mounted on the lower tailgate (135) of the vehicle.
[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the latch wires (115) gets slacked, it is tightened by the adjustment screw (100).
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the opened pair of latches (125) are again locked under the closing/ pushing action of the user to close the lid, which leads to engagement of the latch strikers (130) and the latches (125).
[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the method for simultaneous disengagement of atleast a pair of latches (125) are as follows:
a. pulling the slider (5) outwardly which compresses the compression spring (95) and the pair of latch wires (115) connected to the slider (5) gets pulled;
b. rotation of the pulley under the pulling action of the pair of latch wires (115);
c. disengagement of the pair of latches (125) from the corresponding latch strikers (130) under the pulling action of the pair of latch wires (125);
d. releasing the pulling force by the user;
e. restoring its initial position by the slider (5) under the recoil action of the compression spring (95);
f. locking of the latches (125) with the latch strikers (130) under the pushing action of the user on the lower tailgate (135) towards the chassis of the vehicle.
[0046] The various embodiments of the present invention provides following advantages:
• Lowering the number of steps and effort to unlock the lower tailgate of the vehicle.
• Reducing the time to unlock the lower tailgate.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the slider assembly is used for but not limited for doors, trolleys, suitcases.

[0048] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system for simultaneous disengagement of at least one pair of latches (125) for a lower tailgate (135) of a vehicle comprising:
• a slider assembly (200) configured to disengage a pair of latches (125) comprising:
I. a slider (5) having a holding means (10) and an engaging means configured on the either side of the said slider(5), the said engaging means having an upper protrusion (15) and a lower protrusion (20), said lower protrusion having a guide hole (25) to accommodate a guide pin (90), a pair of latch cable slots (30) configured on lateral sides of the engaging means;
II. a base plate (35) having a plurality of securing means (40) to engage with a top plate (65), a pair of bush holes (45), a slot (50) to receive the guide pin (90), a screw hole (55) to receive an adjustment screw (100);
III. the top plate (65) configured with a plurality of securing means for engaging with the base plate (35) through a plurality of fastening means, the top plate having a slot (70) compatible with the slot (50) of the base plate (35) such that a channel is formed between the top plate (65) and the base plate (35) for accommodating the engaging means of the slider between the top plate (65) and the base plate (35);
IV. the channel having a rear end and a proximal end, the rear end having the screw hole (55) configured to receive the adjustable screw (100) and the proximal end having a compression spring (95) mounted on the guide pin (90);
V. the adjustable screw (100) configured to pass through the screw hole (55) of the base plate (35) and extend up to engaging means of the slider (5) positioned in the channel;
VI. a pair of pulley mechanisms (110) mounted on the pair of bush holes (45); and
VII. a plurality of latch wires (115) passing through the pair of pulley mechanisms (110) and engaging the pair of latch slots (30) with the pair of locking mechanisms.;
wherein,
the engaging means of the slider (5) is positioned between the compression spring (95) and the adjustment screw (100);
the plurality of fasteners configured to fasten the securing means of the top plate (65) with the securing means of the base plate (35);
the engaging means of the slider (5) is slidably positioned in between the top plate (65) and base plate (35) and configured to couple with the guide pin (90);
the slider (5) in extended position is configured to compresses the compression spring (95) which causes extension of the pair of latch wires (115) passes through the pair of pulley (110) and disengages the pair of latches (125);
the compression spring (95) is configured to extend and push the slider (5) to its initial position;
the adjustment screw (100) is configured to fasten so as to adjust the slack in the pair of latch wire (125).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider (5) configured to slide on the guide pin (90).

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the screw hole (55) comprises of internal threads to match threads of the adjustment screw (100).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shape of latch slot (30) of the slider (5) is selected from L shaped, J-shaped, U- shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pulley mechanism (110) comprises of a pulley and a bush.

6. The system as claimed 1, wherein the locking mechanism is selected from a knot, a lump ora node.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is atleast selected from the group of: an electric vehicle, a four wheeled vehicle and a truck.

8. The method for disengagement of at least one pair of latches (125) for a lower tailgate (135) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, comprising the following steps:
a. pulling the slider (5) outwardly to compresses the compression spring (95), wherein the pulling action of the slider initiates:
-pulls the pair of latch wires (115) connected to the slider (5) ;
-rotates the pulley ;
-disengages the pair of latches (125) from the corresponding latch strikers (130) ;
b. releasing the pulling force by the user;
c. to restore its initial position by the slider (5) under the recoil action of the compression spring (95);
d. locking of the latches with the latch strikers (130) under the pushing action of the user on the lower tailgate (135) towards the chassis of the vehicle.