DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to fuel systems in vehicles and more particularly, to an anti-theft system and a method, which comprises a fuel system locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle, and a drain plug locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of the vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank of vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, a fuel system in a vehicle is used for storing and supplying fuel to an engine for propulsion of the vehicle. The fuel system comprises a fuel tank, a main fuel pipe, a fuel filter, a fuel injection pump (FIP) and may include other standard components as present in standard vehicle fuel system. Usually the fuel tank in vehicles such as tractors or other similar vehicles is provided with a drain plug (bolt wing type drain plug) for discharging undesirable fluid out of the fuel tank. The drain plug can be easily removed by a person’s hand to draw fuel out of the fuel tank without the need of using any tools thereof. Hence, the possibility of fuel theft is high if the vehicle is not parked in a secure location or if the vehicle is left unguarded. Further, the vehicle can be started by manually short circuiting in a starter motor without the need for using an ignition key for starting the vehicle thereby resulting in vehicle theft and/or unauthorized use of the vehicle.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for an anti-theft system and a method for restricting at least one of a flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle, and a flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of the vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a fuel system locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle, and a drain plug locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of the vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank of vehicle.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an anti-theft system for a vehicle, which comprises a fuel system locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle, and a drain plug locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of the vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank of vehicle.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank of vehicle.
[007] The objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[009] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a fuel system locking apparatus of an anti-theft system in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of a solenoid unit of the fuel system locking apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a plunger and a sealing means of the fuel system locking apparatus in assembled condition; according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a connecting means of the fuel system locking apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of an anti-theft system for the vehicle, where the solenoid unit of the fuel system locking apparatus is in de-energized condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of the anti-theft system, where the solenoid unit of the fuel system locking apparatus is in energized condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a photographic view of the anti-theft system assembled to a fuel tank of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a drain plug locking apparatus of the anti-theft system, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of a solenoid unit of the drain plug locking apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a plunger and a sealing means of the drain plug locking apparatus in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a connecting means of the drain plug locking apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 12 depicts a schematic view of the anti-theft system for the vehicle, where a solenoid unit of drain plug locking apparatus is in de-energized condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 13 depicts a schematic view of the anti-theft system for the vehicle, where the solenoid unit of drain plug locking apparatus is in energized condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 14 depicts a cross-sectional view of a drain plug of the drain plug locking apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0023] FIG. 15 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of the vehicle; according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0024] FIG. 16 depicts a depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following 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.
[0026] The embodiments herein achieve an anti-theft system for a vehicle, which comprises a fuel system locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle, and a drain plug locking apparatus for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of the vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank of vehicle. Further, embodiments herein achieve a method for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle. Furthermore, embodiments herein achieve a method for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a drain plug of a vehicle thereby restricting (preventing) theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank of vehicle. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1 through 16, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0027] In general, vehicles such as tractors or other similar vehicles are provided with a drain plug (bolt wing type drain plug) removably connected to a fuel tank of the vehicle. The drain plug can be easily removed by a person’s hand to draw fuel out of the fuel tank without the need of using any tools thereof. Hence, the possibility of fuel theft is high if the vehicle is not parked in a secure location or if the vehicle is left unguarded. Further, the vehicle can be started by manually short circuiting in a starter motor without the need for using an ignition key for starting the vehicle thereby resulting in vehicle theft and/or unauthorized use of the vehicle. Therefore, an anti-theft system 10 is required for restricting the theft of fuel from the fuel tank, and the theft of vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle.
[0028] In an embodiment, the vehicle (not shown) includes an anti-theft system 10 (as shown in fig. 5, fig. 6, fig. 7, fig. 12 and fig. 13), a power source B (as shown in fig. 5, fig. 6, fig. 12 and fig. 13), a fuel system (not shown), an ignition switch (not shown), an ignition key (not shown) and may include other standard components or systems as present in standard vehicle. In an embodiment, the anti-theft system 10 includes a fuel system locking apparatus 100 and a drain plug locking apparatus 200. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the anti-theft system 10 is explained herein below with reference to be provided to a tractor. It is also within the scope of the invention to practice/implement the components of the fuel system locking apparatus 100 and the components of the drain plug locking apparatus 200 in an off-road vehicle or any other type of vehicles. The fuel system (not shown) is used for storing and supplying fuel to an engine for propulsion of the vehicle. The fuel system (not shown) comprises a fuel tank T, a main fuel pipe line (not shown) having a fuel pipe P (as shown in fig. 5, fig. 6 and fig. 7), a fuel filter (not shown), a fuel injection pump (not shown) and may include other standard components as present in standard vehicle fuel system. The anti-theft system 10 is used for restricting flow of fuel in the fuel system (not shown) of the vehicle on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown) thereby restricting (preventing) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle, and also restricts flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the drain plug D (as shown in fig. 7, fig. 8, fig. 12, fig. 13 and fig. 14) on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown) thereby restricting theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T of the vehicle.
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a fuel system locking apparatus 100 of an anti-theft system 10 in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the fuel system locking apparatus 100 includes a solenoid unit 102, a plunger 104, a resilient means 106, a sealing means 108 and a connecting means 110.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of a solenoid unit 102 of the fuel system locking apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the solenoid unit 102 is adapted to receive electric current from the power source B therein to energize the solenoid unit 102 to move the plunger 104 in a downward direction towards the solenoid unit 102 thereby moving the sealing means 108 away from a fluid passage 110f (as shown in fig. 4) of a body 110b (as shown in fig. 4) of the connecting means 110 therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T (not shown) to flow to an outlet 110o (as shown in fig. 4) of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 through an inlet 110i (as shown in fig. 4) of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown), where outlet 110o (as shown in fig.) of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 is provided in fluid communication with the fuel pipe P. In an embodiment, the solenoid unit 102 is de-energized on dis-engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown) therein to enable the resilient means 106 to move the plunger 104 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby moving the sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle. The solenoid unit 102 is electrically connected to the power source B through the ignition switch (not shown) when the ignition key (not shown) is engaged with the ignition switch (not shown). In an embodiment, the solenoid unit 102 includes a solenoid housing 102a (also called as solenoid frame or solenoid case), a coil of wires (not shown) and may include other standard components as present in standard solenoid unit. The solenoid housing 102a of the solenoid unit 102 is used for housing the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102, a portion of the plunger 104 and at least a portion of the resilient means 106. The solenoid housing 102a of the solenoid unit 102 is electrically connected to a negative terminal of the power source B. The solenoid housing 102a of the solenoid unit 102 is removably connected to a base 110a (as shown in fig. 4) of the connecting means 110. The solenoid housing 102a of the solenoid unit 102 defines a plurality of external locking threads (not shown, also called as male threads) corresponding to the internal locking threads (not shown) of a solenoid member receiving portion 110s (as shown in fig. 4) of the base 110a of the connecting means 110. The plurality of external locking threads (not shown) of the solenoid housing 102a of the solenoid unit 102 is used to facilitate locking and unlocking of the solenoid unit 102 to/from the connecting means 110. The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 is energized on receiving electric current from the power source B due to which an electromagnetic force is created to attract (move) the plunger 104 in a downward direction towards the center of coil (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 thereby moving the sealing means 108 away from the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 through the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 is de-energized on switching off of electric current from the power source B to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 therein to enable the resilient means 106 to move plunger 104 in the upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby moving the sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with the ignition switch (not shown) thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle. The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 is electrically connected to a positive terminal of the power source B through the ignition switch (not shown) when the ignition key (not shown) is engaged with ignition switch (not shown). The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 defines a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p adapted to receive a portion of a second portion 104b (as shown in fig. 3) of the plunger 104 and corresponding portion of the resilient means 106. The plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p defined by the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 can be considered to be a cavity. The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 surrounds a portion of the second portion 102b of the plunger 104 and corresponding portion of the resilient means 106. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any types of hydraulic operated control valves or pneumatically operated control valves or electrically operated control valves or any other type of devices for restricting the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the fuel pipe P.
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a plunger 104 and a sealing means 108 of the fuel system locking apparatus 100 is in assembled condition; according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the plunger 104 is used to move the sealing means 108 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby enabling the sealing means 108 to seal the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on retraction/de-compression of the resilient means 106 during on dis-engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). In an embodiment, the plunger 104 is moved by the resilient means 106 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby moving the sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby restricting the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). In an embodiment, the plunger 104 includes a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b. The first portion 104 of the plunger 104 is used for connecting/attaching the sealing means 108 to the plunger 104. The second portion 104b of the plunger 104 is transversely extending from the first portion 104a of the plunger 104 in a downward direction towards the center of coil (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102. The second portion 104b of the plunger 104 defines a resilient member receiving portion 104r adapted to receive the resilient means 106. The resilient member receiving portion 104r of the second portion 104b of the plunger 104 can be considered to a cavity. A portion of the second portion 104b of the plunger 104 is disposed inside the plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p of the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102.
[0032] In an embodiment, the resilient means 106 is used to provide a predefined force to the plunger 104 thereby moving the plunger 104 and the sealing means 108 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to enable the sealing means 108 to seal the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). The resilient means 106 is received by the resilient member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104b of the plunger. One end (top end) of the resilient means 106 is engaged with corresponding portion of the plunger 104 and another end (bottom end) of the resilient means 106 is engaged with corresponding portion of the solenoid unit 102. In an embodiment, the resilient means is at least a spring. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of means or cushioning means to move the plunger 104 on dis-engagement of the ignition key (no shown) with ignition switch (not shown).
[0033] In an embodiment, the sealing means 108 is adapted to seal the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to restrict the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the outlet 110 of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). The sealing means 108 is connected to the first portion 104a of the plunger 1014 by adhesive bonding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the sealing means 108 to the first portion 104a of the plunger 104 by any other means. In an embodiment, the sealing means 108 substantially defines a cone shape configuration.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a connecting means 110 of the fuel system locking apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the connecting means 110 is used for holding the solenoid unit 102 and also acts as a connecting means for transfer of fuel from the fuel tank T to the fuel pipe P. In an embodiment, the connecting means 110 includes a base 110a and a body 110b. The base 110a of the connecting means 110 defines a solenoid member receiving portion 110s adapted to receive corresponding portion of the solenoid unit 102 thereby holding the solenoid unit 102. The solenoid member receiving portion 110s of the base 110a of the connecting means 10 can be considered to be a cavity. The base 110a of the connecting means 110 is removably connected to the solenoid housing 102a of the solenoid unit 110. The solenoid member receiving portion 110s of the base 110a of the connecting means 10 defines a plurality of internal locking threads (not shown, called as female threads) corresponding to external locking threads (not shown, male threads) of the solenoid housing 102a of the solenoid unit 102. The plurality of internal locking threads (not shown) of the base 110a of the connecting means 110 is used to facilitate locking and unlocking of the solenoid unit 102 to/from the connecting means 110. The body 110b of the connecting means 110 is transversely extending from the base 110a. The body 110b of the connecting means 110 defines an inlet 110i, a fluid passage 110f, a plunger receiving portion 110p and an outlet 110o. The inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 is provided in fluid communication with at least one of the fuel tank T, an inlet (not shown) of the fuel filer (not shown), an outlet (not shown) of the fuel filter (not shown), a fuel injection pump (not shown), an injector overflow pipe (not shown) and a fuel line. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 in fluid communication with any other components in the fuel system (not shown). The fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 is provided in fluid communication with the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110. The fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 is operatively (engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch) provided in fluid communication with the outlet 110 of the body 110b of the connecting means 110. The plunger receiving portion 110p of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 is between the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 1110 and the solenoid member receiving portion 110s of the base 110a of the connecting means 110. The plunger receiving portion 110p of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 is used to receive the first portion 104a of the plunger 104 and at least a portion of the second portion 104b of the plunger 104. The outlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 is operatively provided in fluid communication with the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 and the fuel pipe P.
[0035] The power source B is used to supply/provide electric current to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 through the ignition switch (not shown) on engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). In an embodiment, the power source B is at least a main battery unit of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the power source B is a rechargeable battery unit. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means for supplying electric current to the coil wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 through the ignition switch (not shown) on engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown).
[0036] FIG. 15 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method 20 for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of the vehicle; according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The method 20 for restricting flow of fuel in the fuel system (not shown) of the vehicle is as follows, the method 20 comprising, providing a plunger 104 having a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b transversely extending from first portion 104a, the second portion 104a defining a resilient member receiving portion 104r (step 21); disposing a resilient means 106 to the resilient member receiving portion 104r of the second portion 104b of the plunger 104 (step 22); providing a solenoid unit 102 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 104b of the plunger 104 and corresponding portion of the resilient means 106, the solenoid unit 102 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of an ignition key with ignition switch (step 23); providing a connecting means 110 having a base 110a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 110s adapted to receive corresponding portion of the solenoid unit 102 therein to connect the solenoid unit 102 to the connecting means 110, and a body 110b transversely extending from the base 110a, the body 110b defining an inlet 110i provided in fluid communication with at least one of a fuel tank T, an inlet of a fuel filter, an outlet of the fuel filter, a fuel injection pump and an injector overflow pipe; a fluid passage 110f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 110i; a plunger receiving portion 110p between the fluid passage 110f and the solenoid member receiving portion 110s of the base 110a, the plunger receiving portion 110p adapted to receive the first portion 104a and corresponding portion of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104; and an outlet 110o operatively provided in fluid communication with a fuel pipe P, and the inlet 110i through the fuel passage 110f (step 24); providing a sealing means 108 adapted to be connected to the first portion 104a of the plunger 104 and engages the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to seal the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch (step 25); allowing the power source B to provide an electric current to the solenoid unit 102 therein to energize the solenoid unit 102 to move the plunger 104 in a downward direction towards the solenoid unit 102 thereby moving the sealing means 108 away from the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 to flow to the fuel pipe P through the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch (step 26); and switching off the electric current from the power source B to the solenoid unit 102 therein to de-energize the solenoid unit 102 to enable the resilient means 106 to move the plunger 104 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby moving the sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to restrict the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle (step 27).
[0037] The working of the anti-theft system 10 in conjunction with the method 20 for restricting flow of fuel in the fuel system (not shown) of the vehicle is as follows. When, the driver engages the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown), the power source B provides/supplies electric current to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 through the ignition switch (not shown). The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 is energized on receiving electric current from the power source B due to which an electromagnetic force is created to attract (move) the plunger 104 in a downward direction towards the center of coil (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 thereby moving the sealing means 108 away from the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 through the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110. Thereafter, the fuel from the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 flows to the fuel filter (not shown) through the fuel pipe P. Now, when, the driver dis-engages the ignition key (not shown) with the ignition switch (not shown), the electric current is switched off from the power source B to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 102 therein to de-energize the coil of wires (no shown) of the solenoid unit 102 thereby enabling the resilient means 106 to move plunger 104 in the upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby moving the sealing means 108 to engage (seal) the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle. Therefore, a fuel system locking apparatus 100 for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system (not shown) of a vehicle therein to restrict (prevent) theft of the vehicle and/or un-authorized use of the vehicle is provided.
[0038] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a drain plug locking apparatus 200 of the anti-theft system 10, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the drain plug locking apparatus 200 includes a solenoid unit 202, a plunger 204, a resilient means 206, a sealing means 208 a, a connecting means 210 and a drain plug D (as shown in fig. 7, fig. 8, fig. 12, fig. 13 and fig. 14).
[0039] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of a solenoid unit 202 of the drain plug locking apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the solenoid unit 202 is adapted to receive electric current from the power source B therein to energize the solenoid unit 202 to move the plunger 204 in a downward direction towards the solenoid unit 202 thereby moving the sealing means 208 away from a fluid passage 210f (as shown in fig. 11) of a body 210b (as shown in fig. 11) of the connecting means 210 therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to an outlet O (as shown in fig. 14) of the drain plug D through the outlet 210o (as shown in fig. 11) of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 on engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown) when the drain plug is in open position. In an embodiment, the solenoid unit 202 is de-energized on dis-engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown) therein to enable the resilient means 206 to move the plunger 204 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby moving the sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D when the drain plug D is in open position thereby restricting theft of the fuel stored in the fuel tank T of the vehicle. The solenoid unit 202 is electrically connected to the power source B through the ignition switch (not shown) when the ignition key (not shown) is engaged with the ignition switch (not shown). In an embodiment, the solenoid unit 202 includes a solenoid housing 202a (also called as solenoid frame or solenoid case), a coil of wires (not shown) and may include other standard components as present in standard solenoid unit. The solenoid housing 202a of the solenoid unit 202 is used for housing the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202, a portion of the plunger 204 and at least a portion of the resilient means 206. The solenoid housing 202a of the solenoid unit 202 is electrically connected to a negative terminal of the power source B. The solenoid housing 202a of the solenoid unit 202 is removably connected to a base 110a of the (as shown in fig. 11) of the connecting means 210. The solenoid housing 202a of the solenoid unit 202 defines a plurality of external locking threads (not shown, also called as male threads) corresponding to the internal locking threads (not shown) of a solenoid member receiving portion 210s (as shown in fig. 11) of the base 210a of the connecting means 210. The plurality of external locking threads (not shown) solenoid housing 202a of the solenoid unit 202 is used to facilitate locking and unlocking of the solenoid unit 202 to/from the connecting means 210. The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 is energized on receiving electric current from the power source B due to which an electromagnetic force is created to attract (move) the plunger 204 in a downward direction towards the center of coil (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 thereby moving the sealing means 208 away from the fluid passage 210f of the body 2110b of the connecting means 210 therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T (not shown) to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D through the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown) when the drain plug D is in open position. The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 is de-energized on switching off of electric current from the power source B to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 therein to enable the resilient means 206 to move plunger 204 in the upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby moving the sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T (not shown) to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with the ignition switch (not shown) when the drain plug D is in open position thereby restricting theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T the vehicle. The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 is electrically connected to a positive terminal of the power source B through the ignition switch (not shown) when the ignition key (not shown) is engaged with ignition switch (not shown). The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 defines a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p adapted to receive a portion of a second portion 204b (as shown in fig.) of the plunger 204 and corresponding portion of the resilient means 206. The plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p defined by the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 can be considered to be a cavity. The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 surrounds a portion of the second portion 202b of the plunger 204 and corresponding portion of the resilient means 206. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any types of hydraulic operated control valves or pneumatically operated control valves or electrically operated control valves or any other type of devices for restricting the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T (not shown) to the drain plug D.
[0040] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a plunger 204 and a sealing means 208 of the drain plug locking apparatus 200 in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the plunger 204 is used to move the sealing means 208 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby enabling the sealing means 208 to seal the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 on retraction/de-compression of the resilient means 206 during dis-engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). In an embodiment, the plunger 204 is moved by the resilient means 206 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby moving the sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby restricting the fuel from the fuel tank T (not shown) to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown) when drain plug D is in open position. In an embodiment, the plunger 204 includes a first portion 204a and a second portion 204b. The first portion 204 of the plunger 204 is used for connecting/attaching the sealing means 208 to the plunger 204. The second portion 204b of the plunger 204 is transversely extending from the first portion 204a of the plunger 204 in a downward direction towards the center of coil (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202. The second portion 204b of the plunger 204 defines a resilient member receiving portion 204r adapted to receive the resilient means 206. The resilient member receiving portion 204r of the second portion 204b of the plunger 204 can be considered to a cavity. A portion of the second portion 204b of the plunger 204 is disposed inside the plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p of the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202.
[0041] In an embodiment, the resilient means 206 is used to provide a predefined force to the plunger 204 thereby moving the plunger 204 and the sealing means 208 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to enable the sealing means 208 to seal the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). The resilient means 206 is received by the resilient member receiving portion 204p of the second portion 204b of the plunger 104. One end (top end) of the resilient means 206 is engaged with corresponding portion of the plunger 204 and another end (bottom end) of the resilient means 206 is engaged with corresponding portion of the solenoid unit 202. In an embodiment, the resilient means 206 is at least a spring. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of means or cushioning means to move the plunger 104 on dis-engagement of the ignition key (no shown) with ignition switch (not shown).
[0042] In an embodiment, the sealing means 208 is adapted to seal the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to restrict the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). The sealing means 208 is connected to the first portion 204a of the plunger 204 by adhesive bonding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the sealing means 208 to the first portion 204a of the plunger 204 by any other means. In an embodiment, the sealing means 208 substantially defines a cone shape configuration.
[0043] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a connecting means 210 of the drain plug locking apparatus 210, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the connecting means 210 is used for holding the solenoid unit 202 and also acts as a connecting means for transfer of fuel from the fuel tank T (no shown) to the drain plug D. In an embodiment, the connecting means 210 includes a base 210a and a body 210b. The base 210a of the connecting means 210 defines a solenoid member receiving portion 210s adapted to receive corresponding portion of the solenoid unit 202 thereby holding the solenoid unit 202. The solenoid member receiving portion 210s of the base 210a of the connecting means 210 can be considered to be a cavity. The base 210a of the connecting means 210 is removably connected to the solenoid housing 202a of the solenoid unit 210. The solenoid member receiving portion 210s of the base 210a of the connecting means 210 defines a plurality of internal locking threads (not shown, called as female threads) corresponding to external locking threads (not shown, male threads) of the solenoid housing 202a of the solenoid unit 202. The plurality of internal locking threads (not shown) of the base 210a of the connecting means 210 is used to facilitate locking and unlocking of the solenoid unit 202 to/from the connecting means 210. The body 210b of the connecting means 210 is transversely extending from the base 210a. The body 210b of the connecting means 210 defines an inlet 210i, a fluid passage 210f, a plunger receiving portion 210p and an outlet 210o. The inlet 210i of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 is provided in fluid communication with the fuel tank T. The fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 is provided in fluid communication with the inlet 210i of the body 210b of the connecting means 210. The fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 is operatively (engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch) provided in fluid communication with the outlet 210 of the body 210b of the connecting means 210. The plunger receiving portion 210p of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 is between the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 and the solenoid member receiving portion 210s of the base 210a of the connecting means 210. The plunger receiving portion 210p of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 is used to receive the first portion 204a of the plunger 204 and at least a portion of the second portion 204b of the plunger 204. The outlet 210i of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 is operatively provided in fluid communication with the inlet 210i of the body 210b of the connecting means 210, and the drain plug D.
[0044] FIG. 14 depicts a cross-sectional view of a drain plug D of the drain plug locking apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The drain plug D is used for discharging undesirable fluid from the fuel tank T of the vehicle. The drain plug D is also used for drawing fuel from the fuel tank T. The drain plug D is connected to the body 210b of the connecting means 210. The drain plug D is movable between an open position (ON) and a closed position (OFF). The drain plug D includes an inlet I and outlet O. The inlet I of the drain plug D is provided in fluid communication with the fuel tank T through the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110. The outlet O of the drain plug D is provided in fluid communication with the inlet I of the drain plug D.
[0045] The power source B is used to supply/provide electric current to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 through the ignition switch (not shown) on engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown). In an embodiment, the power source B is at least a main battery unit of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the power source B is a rechargeable battery unit. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means for supplying electric current to the coil wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 through the ignition switch (not shown) on engagement of ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown).
[0046] FIG. 16 depicts a depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method 30 for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank T to a drain plug D of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method 30 for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank T to a drain plug D of the vehicle is as follows. The method 30 comprising, providing a plunger 204 having a first portion 204a and a second portion 204b transversely extending from first portion 204a, the second portion 204a defining a resilient member receiving portion 204r (step 31); disposing a resilient means 206 to the resilient member receiving portion 204r of the second portion 204a of the plunger 206 (step 32); providing a solenoid unit 202 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 204b of the plunger 204 and corresponding portion of the resilient means 206, the solenoid unit 202 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of a ignition key with ignition switch (step 33); providing a connecting means 210 having a base 210a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 210s adapted to receive corresponding portion of the solenoid unit 202 therein to connect the solenoid unit 202 to the connecting means 210, and a body 210b transversely extending from the base 210a, the body 210b defining an inlet 210i provided in fluid communication with the fuel tank T; a fluid passage 210f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 210i; a plunger receiving portion 210p between the fluid passage 210f and the solenoid member receiving portion 210s of the base 210a, the plunger receiving portion 210p adapted to receive the first portion 204a and corresponding portion of the second portion 204b of the plunger 204; and an outlet 210o operatively provided in fluid communication with an outlet O of the drain plug D through an inlet I of the drain plug D, and the inlet 210i through the fuel passage 210f (step 34); providing a sealing means 208 adapted to be connected to the first portion 204a of the plunger 204 and engages the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to seal the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the outlet 210o of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch (step 35); allowing the power source B to provide an electric current to the solenoid unit 202 therein to energize the solenoid unit 202 to move the plunger 204 in a downward direction towards the solenoid unit 202 thereby moving the sealing means 208 away from the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D through the outlet 210o of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 on engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position (step 36); and switching off the electric current from the power source B to the solenoid unit 202 therein to de-energize the solenoid unit 202 to enable the resilient means 206 to move the plunger 204 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby moving the sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position thereby restricting theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T (step 37).
[0047] The working of the anti-theft system 10 in conjunction with the method 30 for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank T to a drain plug D of the vehicle is as follows. When, the driver engages the ignition key (not shown) with ignition switch (not shown), the power source B provides/supplies electric current to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 through the ignition switch (not shown). The coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 is energized on receiving electric current from the power source B due to which an electromagnetic force is created to attract (move) the plunger 204 in a downward direction towards the center of coil (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 thereby moving the sealing means 208 away from the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D through the outlet 210o of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 when the drain plug D is in open position. Now, when, the driver dis-engages the ignition key (not shown) with the ignition switch (not shown), the electric current is switched off from the power source B to the coil of wires (not shown) of the solenoid unit 202 therein to de-energize the coil of wires (no shown) of the solenoid unit 202 thereby enabling the resilient means 206 to move plunger 204 in the upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby moving the sealing means 208 to engage (seal) the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D when the drain plug is in open position thereby restricting theft of fuel stored in fuel tank T of the vehicle. Therefore, a drain plug locking apparatus 200 for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank T (not shown) to a drain plug D in a vehicle therein to restrict (prevent) theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T (not shown) of the vehicle is provided.
[0048] The following 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.

,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. An anti-theft system 10 for a vehicle, said anti-theft system 10 comprising, a fuel system locking apparatus 100 and a drain plug locking apparatus 200,
said fuel system locking apparatus 100 comprising,
a resilient means 106;
a plunger 104 having a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b transversely extending from first portion 104a, the second portion 104a defining a resilient member receiving portion 104r adapted to receive said resilient means 106;
a solenoid unit 102 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104 and corresponding portion of said resilient means 106, said solenoid unit 102 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of a ignition key with the ignition switch;
a connecting means 110 having a base 110a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 110s adapted to receive corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 102 therein to connect said solenoid unit 102 to said connecting means 110, and a body 110b transversely extending from the base 110a, the body 110b defining an inlet 110i provided in fluid communication with at least one of a fuel tank T, an inlet of a fuel filter, an outlet of the fuel filter, a fuel injection pump and an injector overflow pipe; a fluid passage 110f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 110i; a plunger receiving portion 110p between the fluid passage 110f and the solenoid member receiving portion 110s of the base 110a, the plunger receiving portion 110p adapted to receive the first portion 104a and corresponding portion of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104; and an outlet 110o operatively provided in fluid communication with a fuel pipe P, and the inlet 110i through the fuel passage 110f; and
a sealing means 108 adapted to be connected to the first portion 104a of said plunger 104 and engages the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 therein to seal the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch,
wherein
the power source B is adapted to provide an electric current to said solenoid unit 102 therein to energize said solenoid unit 102 to move said plunger 104 in a downward direction towards said solenoid unit 102 thereby moving said sealing means 108 away from the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to flow to the fuel pipe P through the outlet 110o of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch; and
switching off the electric current from the power source B to said solenoid unit 102 therein to de-energize said solenoid unit 102 to enable said resilient means 106 to move said plunger 104 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 thereby moving said sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 therein to restrict the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to flow to the outlet 110o to flow to the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle,
said drain plug locking apparatus 200 comprising,
a resilient means 206;
a plunger 204 having a first portion 204a and a second portion 204b transversely extending from first portion 204a, the second portion 204a defining a resilient member receiving portion 204r adapted to receive said resilient means 206;
a solenoid unit 202 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 204b of said plunger 204 and corresponding portion of said resilient means 206, said solenoid unit 202 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of a ignition key with ignition switch;
a connecting means 210 having a base 210a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 210s adapted to receive corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 202 therein to connect said solenoid unit 202 to said connecting means 210, and a body 210b transversely extending from the base 210a, the body 210b defining an inlet 210i provided in fluid communication with the fuel tank T; a fluid passage 210f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 210i; a plunger receiving portion 210p between the fluid passage 210f and the solenoid member receiving portion 210s of the base 210a, the plunger receiving portion 210p adapted to receive the first portion 204a and corresponding portion of the second portion 204b of said plunger 204; and an outlet 210o operatively provided in fluid communication with an outlet O of the drain plug D through an inlet I of the drain plug D, and the inlet 210i through the fuel passage 210f; and
a sealing means 208 adapted to be connected to the first portion 204a of said plunger 204 and engages the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 therein to seal the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the outlet 210o of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch,
wherein
the power source B is adapted to provide an electric current to said solenoid unit 202 therein to energize said solenoid unit 202 to move said plunger 204 in a downward direction towards said solenoid unit 202 thereby moving said sealing means 208 away from the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D through the outlet 210o of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 on engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position; and
switching off the electric current from the power source B to said solenoid unit 202 therein to de-energize said solenoid unit 202 to enable said resilient means 206 to move said plunger 204 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 thereby moving said sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position thereby restricting theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T of the vehicle.

2. The anti-theft system 10 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a tractor and an off road vehicle.

3. A fuel system locking apparatus 100 for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle, said fuel system locking apparatus 100 comprising:
a resilient means 106;
a plunger 104 having a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b transversely extending from first portion 104a, the second portion 104a defining a resilient member receiving portion 104r adapted to receive said resilient means 106;
a solenoid unit 102 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104 and corresponding portion of said resilient means 106, said solenoid unit 102 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of a ignition key with the ignition switch;
a connecting means 110 having a base 110a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 110s adapted to receive corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 102 therein to connect said solenoid unit 102 to said connecting means 110, and a body 110b transversely extending from the base 110a, the body 110b defining an inlet 110i provided in fluid communication with at least one of a fuel tank T, an inlet of a fuel filter, an outlet of the fuel filter, a fuel injection pump and an injector overflow pipe; a fluid passage 110f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 110i; a plunger receiving portion 110p between the fluid passage 110f and the solenoid member receiving portion 110s of the base 110a, the plunger receiving portion 110p adapted to receive the first portion 104a and corresponding portion of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104; and an outlet 110o operatively provided in fluid communication with a fuel pipe P, and the inlet 110i through the fuel passage 110f; and
a sealing means 108 adapted to be connected to the first portion 104a of said plunger 104 and engages the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 therein to seal the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch,
wherein
the power source B is adapted to provide an electric current to said solenoid unit 102 therein to energize said solenoid unit 102 to move said plunger 104 in a downward direction towards said solenoid unit 102 thereby moving said sealing means 108 away from the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to flow to the fuel pipe P through the outlet 110o of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch; and
switching off the electric current from the power source B to said solenoid unit 102 therein to de-energize said solenoid unit 102 to enable said resilient means 106 to move said plunger 104 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 thereby moving said sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 therein to restrict the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to flow to the outlet 110o to flow to the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle.

4. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein said solenoid unit 102 is an electromagnetic solenoid.

5. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein said solenoid unit 102 comprises a solenoid housing 102a (solenoid frame) adapted to be electrically connected to a negative terminal of the power source B, and a coil of wires adapted to be electrically connected to a positive terminal of the power source B through the ignition switch on engagement of ignition key with ignition switch, where the coil of wires is disposed inside the solenoid housing 102a.

6. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein the coil of wires of said solenoid unit 102 is energized on receiving electric current from the power source B due to which an electromagnetic force is created to attract (move) the plunger 104 in a downward direction towards the center of coil of said solenoid unit 102 thereby moving the sealing means 108 away from the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to allow the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 to flow to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch.

7. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the coil of wires of said solenoid unit 102 is de-energized on switching off the electric current from the power source B to the coil of wires of the solenoid unit 102 therein to enable the resilient means 106 to move plunger 104 in the upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 thereby moving the sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 therein to restrict the flow of fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of the connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of the ignition key with the ignition switch thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle.

8. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p of said solenoid unit 102 is defined by the coil of wires of the solenoid unit 102, wherein the plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p is at least a cavity.

9. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein said resilient means 106 is at least a spring.

10. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein one end of said resilient means 106 is engaged with corresponding portion of said plunger 104 and another end of said resilient means 106 is engaged with corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 102, where said resilient means 106 is in compressed condition and de-compressed condition during engagement and dis-engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch respectively.

11. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein said connecting means 110 is at least a banjo body.

12. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power source B is at least one of a main battery unit of the vehicle and a rechargeable battery unit.

13. The fuel system locking apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sealing means 108 substantially defines a cone shape configuration.

14. A drain plug locking apparatus 200 for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank T to a drain plug D of a vehicle, said drain plug locking apparatus 200 comprising:
a resilient means 206;
a plunger 204 having a first portion 204a and a second portion 204b transversely extending from first portion 204a, the second portion 204a defining a resilient member receiving portion 204r adapted to receive said resilient means 206;
a solenoid unit 202 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 204b of said plunger 204 and corresponding portion of said resilient means 206, said solenoid unit 202 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of a ignition key with ignition switch;
a connecting means 210 having a base 210a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 210s adapted to receive corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 202 therein to connect said solenoid unit 202 to said connecting means 210, and a body 210b transversely extending from the base 210a, the body 210b defining an inlet 210i provided in fluid communication with the fuel tank T; a fluid passage 210f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 210i; a plunger receiving portion 210p between the fluid passage 210f and the solenoid member receiving portion 210s of the base 210a, the plunger receiving portion 210p adapted to receive the first portion 204a and corresponding portion of the second portion 204b of said plunger 204; and an outlet 210o operatively provided in fluid communication with an outlet O of the drain plug D through an inlet I of the drain plug D, and the inlet 210i through the fuel passage 210f; and
a sealing means 208 adapted to be connected to the first portion 204a of said plunger 204 and engages the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 therein to seal the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the outlet 210o of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch,
wherein
the power source B is adapted to provide an electric current to said solenoid unit 202 therein to energize said solenoid unit 202 to move said plunger 204 in a downward direction towards said solenoid unit 202 thereby moving said sealing means 208 away from the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D through the outlet 210o of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 on engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position; and
switching off the electric current from the power source B to said solenoid unit 202 therein to de-energize said solenoid unit 202 to enable said resilient means 206 to move said plunger 204 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 thereby moving said sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position thereby restricting theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T.

15. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 14, wherein said solenoid unit 202 is an electromagnetic solenoid.

16. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 15, wherein said solenoid unit 202 comprises a solenoid housing 202a (solenoid frame) adapted to be electrically connected to a negative terminal of the power source B, and a coil of wires adapted to be electrically connected to a positive terminal of the power source B through the ignition switch on engagement of ignition key with ignition switch, where the coil of wires is disposed inside the solenoid housing 102a.

17. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 16, wherein the coil of wires of said solenoid unit 202 is energized on receiving electric current from the power source B due to which an electromagnetic force is created to attract (move) the plunger 204 in a downward direction towards the center of coil of said solenoid unit 202 thereby moving the sealing means 208 away from the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D through the outlet 210o of the body 210b of said connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch.

18. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 17, wherein the coil of wires of said solenoid unit 202 is de-energized on switching off the electric current from the power source B to the coil of wires of the solenoid unit 202 therein to enable the resilient means 206 to move plunger 204 in the upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 thereby moving the sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of the connecting means 210 therein to restrict the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of the ignition key with the ignition switch thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle.

19. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p of said solenoid unit 202 is defined by the coil of wires of the solenoid unit 202, wherein the plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p is at least a cavity.

20. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 14, wherein said resilient means 206 is at least a spring.

21. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 20, wherein one end of said resilient means 206 is engaged with corresponding portion of said plunger 204 and another end of said resilient means 206 is engaged with corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 202, where said resilient means 206 is in compressed condition and de-compressed condition during engagement and dis-engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch respectively.

22. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 14, wherein said connecting means 110 is at least a banjo body.

23. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 14, wherein the power source B is at least one of a main battery unit of the vehicle and a rechargeable battery unit.

24. The drain plug locking apparatus 200 as claimed in claim 14, wherein said sealing means 208 substantially defines a cone shape configuration.

25. A method 20 of providing a fuel system locking apparatus 100 for restricting flow of fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle, said method 20 comprising:
providing a plunger 104 having a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b transversely extending from first portion 104a, the second portion 104a defining a resilient member receiving portion 104r;
disposing a resilient means 106 to the resilient member receiving portion 104r of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104;
providing a solenoid unit 102 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 102p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104 and corresponding portion of said resilient means 106, said solenoid unit 102 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of a ignition key with the ignition switch;
providing a connecting means 110 having a base 110a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 110s adapted to receive corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 102 therein to connect said solenoid unit 102 to said connecting means 110, and a body 110b transversely extending from the base 110a, the body 110b defining an inlet 110i provided in fluid communication with at least one of a fuel tank T, an inlet of a fuel filter, an outlet of the fuel filter, a fuel injection pump and an injector overflow pipe; a fluid passage 110f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 110i; a plunger receiving portion 110p between the fluid passage 110f and the solenoid member receiving portion 110s of the base 110a, the plunger receiving portion 110p adapted to receive the first portion 104a and corresponding portion of the second portion 104b of said plunger 104; and an outlet 110o operatively provided in fluid communication with a fuel pipe P , and the inlet 110i through the fuel passage 110f;
providing a sealing means 108 adapted to be connected to the first portion 104a of said plunger 104 and engages the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 therein to seal the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to the outlet 110o of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch;
allowing the power source B to provide an electric current to said solenoid unit 102 therein to energize said solenoid unit 102 to move said plunger 104 in a downward direction towards said solenoid unit 102 thereby moving said sealing means 108 away from the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to flow to the fuel pipe P through the outlet 110o of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on engagement of the ignition key with ignition switch; and
switching off the electric current from the power source B to said solenoid unit 102 therein to de-energize said solenoid unit 102 to enable said resilient means 106 to move said plunger 104 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 thereby moving said sealing means 108 to engage the fluid passage 110f of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 therein to restrict the fuel from the inlet 110i of the body 110b of said connecting means 110 to the outlet 110o to flow to the body 110b of said connecting means 110 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch thereby restricting at least one of a theft of the vehicle and an un-authorized use of the vehicle.

26. A method 30 of providing a drain plug locking apparatus 200 for restricting flow of fuel from a fuel tank T to a drain plug D of a vehicle therein to restrict the theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T of the vehicle, said method 30 comprising:
providing a plunger 204 having a first portion 204a and a second portion 204b transversely extending from first portion 204a, the second portion 204a defining a resilient member receiving portion 204r;
disposing a resilient means 206 to the resilient member receiving portion 204r of the second portion 204a of said plunger 206;
providing a solenoid unit 202 having a plunger and resilient member receiving portion 202p adapted to receive a portion of the second portion 204b of said plunger 204 and corresponding portion of said resilient means 206, said solenoid unit 202 adapted to be electrically connected to a power source B of the vehicle through an ignition switch of the vehicle on engagement of a ignition key with ignition switch;
providing a connecting means 210 having a base 210a defining a solenoid member receiving portion 210s adapted to receive corresponding portion of said solenoid unit 202 therein to connect said solenoid unit 202 to said connecting means 210, and a body 210b transversely extending from the base 210a, the body 210b defining an inlet 210i provided in fluid communication with the fuel tank T; a fluid passage 210f provided in fluid communication with the inlet 210i; a plunger receiving portion 210p between the fluid passage 210f and the solenoid member receiving portion 210s of the base 210a, the plunger receiving portion 210p adapted to receive the first portion 204a and corresponding portion of the second portion 204b of said plunger 204; and an outlet 210o operatively provided in fluid communication with an outlet O of the drain plug D through an inlet I of the drain plug D, and the inlet 210i through the fuel passage 210f;
providing a sealing means 208 adapted to be connected to the first portion 204a of said plunger 204 and engages the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 therein to seal the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 thereby restricting the flow of fuel from the fuel tank T to the outlet 210o of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch;
allowing the power source B to provide an electric current to said solenoid unit 202 therein to energize said solenoid unit 202 to move said plunger 204 in a downward direction towards said solenoid unit 202 thereby moving said sealing means 208 away from the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 in the downward direction therein to allow the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D through the outlet 210o of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 on engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position; and
switching off the electric current from the power source B to said solenoid unit 202 therein to de-energize said solenoid unit 202 to enable said resilient means 206 to move said plunger 204 in an upward direction towards the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 thereby moving said sealing means 208 to engage the fluid passage 210f of the body 210b of said connecting means 210 therein to restrict the fuel from the fuel tank T to flow to the outlet O of the drain plug D on dis-engagement of ignition key with ignition switch when the drain plug D is in open position thereby restricting theft of fuel stored in the fuel tank T.

Dated: 31st May 2017 Signature:
Somashekar Ramakrishna