A bonnet lock assembly is provided in a tractor for locking a bonnet of the tractor with a chassis thereof to prevent unauthorized access to an engine block of the tractor. Conventional bonnet lock assembly includes a spring loaded latch lever which is configured to engage with a bracket provided on an inner surface of the bonnet. Typically, a push button is used to disengage the latch lever from the bracket. The push button is typically provided on the bonnet of a tractor. The push button is coupled with the latch lever via a mechanical linkage, such that when the push button is pressed, the latch lever is disengaged from the bracket, thereby unlocking the bonnet of the tractor. However, the conventional bonnet lock assembly does not require any kind of authentication to operate the push button. Any unauthorized person can directly operate the push button to open the bonnet of the tractor, and therefore, can gain access to an engine compartment of the tractor. Such unauthorized access makes the tractor vulnerable to theft of costly engine components.
Therefore, there is felt a need of an anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus for a tractor that alleviates the abovementioned drawbacks of the conventional bonnet lock assemblies.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus for a tractor that restricts unauthorized access to a bonnet of the tractor.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus for a tractor that can be retrofitted in existing tractors.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus for a tractor. The apparatus comprises a latching mechanism, a push button mechanism, a locking mechanism, and an unlocking mechanism. The latching mechanism has a latch. The latch is configured to latch a bonnet to the chassis of the tractor. The push button mechanism is configured to be activated to release the latching mechanism and de-latch the bonnet from the chassis. The locking mechanism is configured to lock said latch and to deactivate the de-latching operation of the push button mechanism. The unlocking mechanism is operable from the dashboard of the tractor. The unlocking mechanism is configured to unlock the locking mechanism, and thereby configured to activate the de-latching operation of the push button mechanism.
The present disclosure envisages a method for preventing unauthorized access to a bonnet of a tractor. The method comprises following steps. The bonnet is latched to the chassis of the tractor using the latching mechanism. The latching mechanism can be released and the bonnet can be de-latched from the chassis upon activation of a push button mechanism. The latch is locked by a locking mechanism and the de-latching operation of the push button mechanism is de¬activated. The locking mechanism is unlocked by an unlocking mechanism, thereby activating the de-latching operation of said push button mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus for a tractor, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100-Apparatus
110-Battery
115 - Latching mechanism
120 - Jaws
125 -Locking pin
130 - Control unit
135 - Ignition key socket
140 - First indicator
145 - Second indicator
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure envisages an anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus for a tractor that prevents unauthorized access to a bonnet of the tractor.
The anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as "apparatus"), of the present disclosure, is now described with reference to figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The apparatus 100 comprises a latching mechanism 115, a push button mechanism (not shown in figure), a locking mechanism, and an unlocking mechanism.
The latching mechanism 115 has a latch. The latch is configured to latch a bonnet to the chassis of the tractor. The latch includes a pair of jaws 120. The jaws 120 are configured on an inner surface of the bonnet. Further, the latching mechanism 115 includes a locking pin 125. The locking pin 125 is configured on the chassis of the tractor. The jaws 120 are spring loaded jaws. During latching, the locking pin 125 is received in the jaws 120.
The push button mechanism is configured to be activated to release the latching mechanism and to de-latch the bonnet from the chassis. The push button mechanism includes a push button coupled to the jaws 120 via a mechanical linkage such that pressing of the push button releases the locking pin 125 from the jaws 120, thereby unlocking the bonnet from the chassis. In an embodiment, the push button is configured proximal to the latch on the outer surface of the bonnet.
The locking mechanism is configured to lock the latch, and further configured to deactivate the de-latching operation of the push button mechanism. More specifically, when the locking mechanism is activated, the bonnet can not be opened even by pressing the push button.
The locking mechanism comprises a coil and a control unit 130. The coil is wound on each of the jaws 120 to form electromagnets upon receiving current. The control unit 130 is configured to cooperate with a battery 110 of the tractor. Further, the control unit 130 is coupled to the coils for supplying a current in a controlled manner to each of the coils. This induces opposite polarities in the electromagnets which develops attractive forces between the jaws 120 for latching the jaws 120 with the locking pin 125. The battery 110 continuously supplies the current to the electromagnets. Thus, the jaws 120 are latched with the locking pin 125. In this scenario, the jaws 120 can not be de-latched even by pressing the push button.

The unlocking mechanism is operable from the dashboard of the tractor. The unlocking mechanism is configured to unlock the locking mechanism, and thereby configured to activate the de-latching operation of the push button mechanism. The unlocking mechanism comprises an ignition key socket 135. The ignition key socket is coupled to the control unit 130, and configured to receive an ignition key therein. The control unit 130 is further configured to disconnect the coils from the battery 110, when the ignition key is inserted in the ignition key socket 135. This unlocks the locking mechanism and activates the de-latching operation of the push button mechanism. More specifically, when the ignition key is inserted in the ignition key socket, a first trigger signal is generated. The control unit 130 receives the first trigger signal and cuts off the current flowing to the coils. This deactivates the electromagnets, and the jaws 120 are no more magnetized. In such scenario, the bonnet can be unlocked by simply pressing the push button.
The apparatus further includes a first overriding mechanism configured to override the unlocking mechanism, when the engine of the tractor is in operative state. More specifically, when the ignition key is rotated to crank the engine, or is in "ON" position, a second trigger signal is generated. The control unit 130 is configured to receive the second trigger signal, and reconnect the coils to the battery, thereby supplying the current again to the coils. Further, the control unit 130 again de-activates the push button mechanism. Due to this, the bonnet can not be opened, even by pressing the push button, when the tractor is moving or is steady but the engine is in operation.
The apparatus further includes a second overriding mechanism mechanically linked to the latch. The second overriding mechanism is configured to mechanically de-latch the bonnet from the chassis in the event of failure of either the push button or the unlocking mechanism. More specifically, when the control unit 130 fails to cut-off the supply of the current to the coils or when the push button mechanism fails, the second overriding mechanism is actuated to mechanically de-latch the bonnet from the chassis.

In an embodiment, second overriding mechanism comprises a mechanical means. The mechanical means is configured to de-latch the bonnet, in case of emergency, upon rotationally displacing the ignition key in the ignition key socket 135 of the tractor to a predetermined position. More specifically, the mechanical means is configured to de-latch the bonnet in case the electromagnet fails to operate. In an embodiment, the mechanical means include a cable, or any other suitable mechanical linkage that is coupled to the latching mechanism 115 and the ignition key socket 135. In an embodiment, the predetermined position of the ignition key is between "OFF" position and "ON" position. To displace the ignition key to the predetermined position, the ignition key is slightly pushed in "ON" position and is then angularly displaced towards the "OFF" position.
Further, the control unit 130 includes a detector and a comparator. The detector is configured to cooperate with the battery 110 of the tractor. The detector is further configured to determine a state of charge (SOC) of the battery 110. Further, the comparator is configured to cooperate with the detector. The comparator is further configured to compare the state of charge of the battery 110 with a threshold value.
The apparatus 100 includes a first indicator 140 configured to cooperate with the comparator. The first indicator provides visual indication to a user, when the SOC of the battery 110 is less than or equal to the threshold value. The provision of the first indicator 140, the detector, and the comparator is made to ensure that the engine of the tractor gets enough battery charge during start of the engine. In an embodiment, the threshold value refers to a minimum value of the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 110 required to crank the engine of the tractor.
In an embodiment, the first indicator 140 is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode (LED), an OLED, a bulb, and any combination thereof.
The apparatus 100 further includes a second indicator 145. The second indicator is configured to cooperate with the control unit 130. The second indicator 145 is configured to provide a visual indication to a user for re-actuating the push button

mechanism, when the push button mechanism fails to de-latch the bonnet in a first attempt of actuation of the push button mechanism.
In an embodiment, the second indicator 145 is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode (LED), an OLED, a bulb, and any combination thereof.
In an operative configuration, the battery 110 continuously supplies current to the coils via the control unit 130. Thus, the latching mechanism 115 remains latched. Further, to unlatch the latching mechanism 115, the ignition key is inserted in the ignition key socket 135. As soon as the ignition key is inserted in the ignition key socket 135, the control unit 130 cuts off the current supply to the coils. Thus, the electromagnets are de-activated. Further, the push button is pressed to de-latch the latching mechanism, thereby opening the bonnet. When the ignition key is rotated to crank the engine or is in "ON" position, the control unit 130 supplies the current to the latching mechanism 115, thereby locking the bonnet to the chassis of the tractor.
However, if the bonnet does not get de-latched, the user needs to check the first indicator 140 and the second indicator 145.
In case the first indicator 140 shows any visual indication, it means that there is not enough charge in the battery 110. In such a case, the bonnet needs to be opened mechanically, using the second overriding mechanism, by turning the ignition key in its predetermined position.
If the first indicator 140 does not show any indication and the bonnet is still not de-latched, the user needs to check the second indicator 145. If the second indicator 145 shows the visual indication, the push button needs to be pressed again and again until the bonnet de-latches from the chassis. In case, the second indicator 145 does not show any indication, it means that the electromagnet is not working properly. In such a case, the bonnet needs to be de-latched mechanically by turning the ignition key in its predetermined position using the second overriding mechanism.

As the apparatus 100 can not be operated without the ignition key, any
unauthorized access to the engine compartment of the tractor is prevented. This
prevents the theft of valuable engine components of the tractor. Further, there are
less moving parts in the apparatus 100. Thus, the apparatus 100 requires lesser
5 maintenance and is lesser prone to failure as compared to conventional bonnet
opening assemblies which primarily rely on mechanical linkages for opening the bonnet.
The present disclosure further envisages a method for preventing unauthorized access to a bonnet of a tractor. The method comprises following steps.
10 Initially, the bonnet is latched to the chassis of the tractor using the latching
mechanism 115. The latching mechanism 115 can be released and the bonnet can be de-latched from the chassis when the push button mechanism is activated.
The latch is locked by the locking mechanism and the de-latching operation of the
push button mechanism is deactivated. The step of locking the latch includes
15 following sub-steps. The coil is wound on each of the jaws 120 of the latching
mechanism to form electromagnets when the coil receives the current. The coils are connected to the battery 110 of the tractor via the control unit 130. The current is supplied in a controlled manner to each of the coils. This induces opposite polarities in the electromagnets.
20 Further, the method includes a step of unlocking the locking mechanism using the
unlocking mechanism, thereby activating the de-latching operation of the push button mechanism. The step of unlocking the locking mechanism includes following sub-steps. The ignition key is inserted in the ignition key socket of the tractor. The coils are disconnected from the battery 110 via the control unit 130,
25 when the ignition key is received in the ignition key socket. The push button
mechanism is actuated to de-latch the bonnet after disconnecting the coils from the battery 110.
9

The method further comprises a step of generating a visual alert for checking a
state of charge of the battery 110. The state of charge (SOC) of the battery 110 is
determined by the detector. The state of charge (SOC) of the battery 110 is
compared with the threshold value using the comparator. Further, a visual alert is
5 generated, using the first indicator, when the state of charge (SOC) is lesser than
or equal to the threshold value.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages
including, but not limited to, the realization of an anti-theft bonnet de-latching
10 apparatus for a tractor that:
• restricts unauthorized access to a bonnet of the tractor; and
• can be retrofitted in existing tractors.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying
embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The
15 description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof
are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques
are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The
20 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 so fully reveal the general
25 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
10

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
5 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
10 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
15 of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or 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
20 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
25 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 components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred
11

embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure 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

WE CLAIM

An anti-theft bonnet de-latching apparatus for a tractor, said apparatus comprising:
• a latching mechanism having a latch configured to latch a bonnet to the chassis of said tractor;
• a push button mechanism configured to be activated to release the latching mechanism and de-latch said bonnet from the chassis;
• a locking mechanism for locking said latch and configured to deactivate the de-latching operation of said push button mechanism; and
• an unlocking mechanism operable from the dashboard of said tractor, said unlocking mechanism configured to unlock the locking mechanism, and thereby configured to activate the de-latching operation of said push button mechanism.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said apparatus comprising a first overriding mechanism configured to override said unlocking mechanism, when the engine of said tractor is in an operative state.
The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 1 or 2, which includes a second overriding mechanism mechanically linked to said latch, and configured to mechanically de-latch said bonnet from said chassis in the event of failure of either said push button mechanism or said unlocking mechanism.
The apparatus as claimed in 3, wherein said second overriding mechanism includes mechanical means configured to de-latch said bonnet upon rotationally displacing an ignition key in an ignition key socket of said tractor.

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch has a pair of spring loaded jaws configured on an inner surface of said bonnet, and said latching mechanism comprises a locking pin configured on said chassis of said tractor.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism comprises:
• a coil wound on each of said jaws to form electromagnets upon receiving a current; and
• a control unit configured to cooperate with the battery of said tractor, and coupled to said coils for supplying a current in a controlled manner to each of said coils to induce opposite polarities in said electromagnets, thereby developing attractive forces between said jaws for latching said jaws with said locking pin.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said unlocking mechanism comprises an ignition key socket coupled to said control unit and configured to receive an ignition key, wherein said control unit is further configured to disconnect said coils from said battery, upon insertion of said ignition key in said ignition key socket, thereby unlocking said locking mechanism and activating the de-latching operation of the push button.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said control unit is configured to receive a trigger signal upon insertion of said ignition key in said ignition key socket, and is further configured to cut-off the current flowing to said coils based on said trigger signal.

The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said control unit includes:
• a detector configured to determine a state of charge (SOC) of said battery; and
• a comparator configured to cooperate with said detector, and is further configured to compare said SOC of said battery with a threshold value.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said apparatus includes a first indicator configured to cooperate with said comparator, and is further configured to provide visual indication to a user, when said SOC of said battery is less than or equal to said threshold value.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said apparatus includes a second indicator configured to cooperate with said control unit, said second indicator configured to provide a visual indication to a user for re-actuating said push button mechanism, upon failure to de-latch said bonnet in a first attempt of actuation of said push button mechanism.
A method for preventing unauthorized access to a bonnet of a tractor, said method comprising following steps:
• latching said bonnet to the chassis of said tractor using a latching mechanism having a latch;
• releasing the latching mechanism and de-latching said bonnet from the chassis upon activation of a push button mechanism;
• locking said latch by a locking mechanism, and deactivating the de-latching operation of said push button mechanism; and

• unlocking said locking mechanism by an unlocking mechanism,
and thereby activating the de-latching operation of said push button
mechanism.
The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of locking said latch includes following sub-steps:
• wounding a coil on each of jaws of said latching mechanism to form electromagnets upon receiving current;
• connecting said coils to the battery of said tractor via a control unit; and
• supplying a current in a controlled manner to each of said coils for inducing opposite polarities in said electromagnets.
The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the step of unlocking the locking mechanism includes following sub-steps:
• inserting an ignition key in an ignition key socket of said tractor;
• disconnecting said coils from said battery upon receiving said ignition key in said ignition key socket; and
• actuating said push button mechanism to de-latch said bonnet after the disconnection of said coils from said battery.
. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said method comprises following steps:
• determining a state of charge (SOC) of said battery by a detector;
• comparing, by a comparator, said state of charge (SOC) of said battery with a threshold value; and

• generating a visual alert by a first indicator, when said state of charge (SOC) is lesser than or equal to said threshold value.