Description:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

“COMPARTMENT OF A VEHICLE HAVING ANTI-THEFT MECHANISM”

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a compartment of a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a compartment having an anti-theft mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, in a vehicle such as a motorcycle there is provided a compartment. The compartment may be adapted to carry either one or more components of the motorcycle or one or more user articles. The compartment comprises housing and a cover element. The housing is coupled to a first set of predetermined positions of the vehicle while the cover element is coupled to a second predetermined position of the vehicle, a third predetermined position of the vehicle, and at least one location of the compartment via a lock element. The coupling of the cover element to the compartment via the lock element is such that the cover element is securely held with respect to the housing in a first state of lock element while the cover element is releasable held with respect to the housing in the second state of the lock element. Thus, to gain access to an internal portion of the housing, the cover element is de-coupled from the second predetermined position of the vehicle, the third predetermined position of the vehicle, and the lock element has to be maintained in the second state.

[003] However, it has been observed that in some instances that merely by de-coupling the cover element from the second predetermined position of the vehicle, the third predetermined position of the vehicle by pulling the cover element in outside direction and by rotating the cover element i.e. without bringing the lock element has to the second state, access to the internal portion of the housing can be gained. Thus, the contents of the compartment can be stolen and therefore there is a need to address the aforesaid disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[005] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a compartment of a vehicle, said compartment comprising a housing comprising an opening; a cover element operable to cover at least a part of the housing; and a lock element carried by the cover element. In an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the lock element traverses through the opening and co-operates with the housing to securely hold the cover element with respect to the housing in a first lock state (S1) and to releasably hold the cover element with respect to the housing in the second lock state (S2). In an embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a first restriction means restricting a movement of the cover element in a second predetermined direction.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the lock element comprises a latch element actuated by a reactor assembly, the reactor assembly adapted to receive a key element for actuating the reactor assembly. In another embodiment of the invention, the latch element traverses through the opening.

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the latch element moves in a first predetermined direction (D1) with respect to an axis of the lock element within the opening to attain the second lock state (S2) and moves in the second predetermined direction (D2) with respect to the axis of the lock element which is opposite to the first predetermined direction (D1) to attain the first lock state (S1).

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the cover element comprises a first set of holding means for attaching the cover element to a first predetermined part of the vehicle and a second set of holding means for attaching the cover element to a second predetermined part of the vehicle.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, a movement of the cover element in a first predetermined direction (D1) with respect to an axis of the lock element is prohibited by a predetermined part of the vehicle and a movement of the cover element in the second predetermined direction (D2) with respect to the axis of the lock element is prohibited by the first restriction means.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first restriction means is located in close proximity of the opening.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the first restriction means is formed on a first side of a wall facing a centre portion of the vehicle.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first restriction means is in the form of a raised platform formed in along the predetermined direction (D2).

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising: a frame member extending in a downward and rearward direction of the vehicle from a head pipe; and a compartment supported by the frame member. In an embodiment of the invention, the compartment comprises a housing comprising an opening; a cover element operable to cover at least a part of the housing; and a lock element carried by the cover element. In an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the lock element traverses through the opening and co-operating with the housing, the lock element being adapted to be maintained in a first lock state (S1) or a second lock state (S2). In another aspect of the invention, the cover element is securely held with respect to the housing in the first lock state (S1) and the cover element is releasable held with respect to the housing in the second lock state (S2). In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the housing including a first restriction means restricting a movement of the cover element in a second predetermined direction (D2).

[0014] An advantage of the invention is that the housing and the cover element are structured such that the cover element cannot be released from the housing when the lock element is maintained in the first lock state. Another advantage of the invention is that the housing comprises a first restriction means for restricting a movement of the cover element in a first predetermined direction. Yet another advantage of the invention is that a number of components which are used for attaining the anti-theft mechanism are minimum. Thus, the compartment is provided with an effective an anti-theft mechanism.

[0015] Because of the least number of components that are used for the attaining the anti-theft mechanism, a cost of the vehicle is minimized. Also, a space occupied by the anti-theft mechanism is minimum and hence, the storage space available within the housing is not adversely affected.

[0016] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0017] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a close-up view of the compartment and the surrounding area from a first side of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates close-up view of the compartment from a second side of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates close-up view of the compartment and the surrounding area from the second side of the vehicle showing the lock element being in a second lock state thereby maintaining the cover element in a releasable state with respect to the housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates close-up view of the compartment and the surrounding area from the second side of the vehicle showing the lock element being in a first lock state thereby maintaining the cover element in a secured state with respect to the housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates close-up view of the compartment with the cover element being securely held with respect to the housing and the cover element being restricted to exhibit a movement in a second predetermined direction and also in a first predetermined direction in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 7 illustrates close-up view of the compartment from a second side of the vehicle showing the first restriction means and the way the first restriction means restricts movement of the cover element in the second predetermined direction; and

[0025] Figure 8 illustrates close-up view of the compartment from a first side of the vehicle showing the second restriction means and the way the second restriction means restricts movement of the cover element in the first predetermined direction.

[0026] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0027] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0031] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0032] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0034] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0038] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a head pipe (12) steerably supporting a front fork (14). A front ground engaging member (16) is provided on a bottom end of the front fork (14) and a handle bar (18) is provided on a top end of the front fork (14) for steering the front ground engaging member (16). There may be disposed a front fender (20) above the front ground engaging member (16). There may be additionally provided in a front cowl element (22) disposed above the front fender (20) and being held by the head pipe (12).

[0040] The vehicle (10) further comprises a frame member (24) extending in a downward and rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from the head pipe (12). The frame member (24) is adapted to support a power unit (26). The power unit (26) may be any of an internal combustion engine or an electrical powering unit, such as a motor. In case power unit (26) is an internal combustion engine, the vehicle (10) further comprises a fuel tank (28) that stores fuel for supply to the internal combustion engine. Likewise, in case the case power unit (26) is an internal combustion engine, the vehicle (10) further comprises an exhaust purification system (30) coupled to the internal combustion engine for purifying an exhaust gas generated by the internal combustion engine.

[0041] The vehicle (10) further comprises a seat member (32) for seating of a driver and optionally a pillion rider of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear ground engaging member (34) disposed below the seat (32) and connected to the frame member (24). The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear fender (36) disposed above the rear ground engaging member (34) and below the seat (32). A rear end of the vehicle (10) further comprises a rear brake illumination device (38). The vehicle (10) further comprises a compartment (100) configured to carry either one or more components of the motorcycle or one or more user articles. In the illustrated example, each of the front ground engaging member (16) and the rear ground engaging member (34) embodies a wheel. While in Figure 1, the compartment (100) is shown as disposed below the fuel tank (28), the compartment (100) may be located in other positions of the vehicle (10). The compartment (100) may be adapted to carry one or more components of the vehicle (10) or one or more user articles.

[0042] Now referring to Figure 2, by way of a non-limiting example, the compartment (100) may be adapted to carry a battery (40) for supplying electricity to one or more electrical or electronic components carrier by the vehicle (10). By way of another non-limiting example, the compartment (100) may be adapted to carry an electronic control unit (ECU) (42) forming part of the vehicle (10). By way of yet another non-limiting example, the compartment (100) may be adapted to carry a telemetric unit (TU) (44) forming part of the vehicle (10). Although not illustrated, by way of still another non-limiting example, the compartment (100) may be adapted to carry a tool kit. By way of a further non-limiting example, the compartment (100) may be adapted to carry a first aid kit. By way of a furthermore non-limiting example, the compartment (100) may be vacant and can therefore be adapted to carry one or more user articles.

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the compartment (100) comprises a housing (102) and a cover element (106) operable to cover at least a part of the housing (102). The cover element (106) may further be adapted to cover parts of the vehicle (10) other than the housing (102). By way of a non-limiting example, the cover (106) may also cover an electronic component (46) adapted to be carried by the vehicle (10).The compartment (100) further comprises a lock element (108) carried by the cover element (106). The lock element (108) co-operates with the housing (102) to securely hold the cover element (106) with respect to the housing (102) or to releasably hold the cover element (106) with respect to the housing (102).

[0044] No referring particularly to Figure 3, which illustrates a close-up view of the compartment (100) from a second side of the vehicle (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the compartment (102) comprise an opening (104). The lock element (108) carried by the cover element (106) traverses through the opening (104) and co-operates with the housing (102). In particular, the lock element (108) comprises a latch element (112) actuated by a reactor assembly (114). Although not shown, the reactor assembly (114) is adapted to receive a key element for actuating the reactor assembly (114). In an embodiment of the invention, the latch element (112) traverses through the opening (104) and co-operates with the housing (102) thus, maintaining the lock element (108) in a first lock state (S1) as shown in Figure 5 or in a second lock state (S2) as shown in Figure 4. Also, upon actuation by the key element, the latch element (112) moves between the first lock state (S1) and the second lock state (S2). In an embodiment of the invention, when the lock element (108) is maintained in the first lock state (S1), the latch element (112) is securely held with respect to the housing (102) and hence, the cover element (106) is securely held with respect to the housing (102). On the other hand, when the lock element (108) is maintained in the second lock state (S2), the latch element (112) is releasably held with respect to the housing (102) and hence, the cover element (106) is releasably held with respect to the housing (102).

[0045] Thus, it can be said that the latch element (112) moves in a second predetermined direction (D2) with respect to an axis of the lock element (108) within the opening (104) to attain the first lock state (S1) and moves in the first predetermined direction (D1) with respect to the axis of the lock element (108) which is opposite to the second predetermined direction (D2) to attain the second lock state (S2)

[0046] Referring back to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention, the housing (102) is coupled to a first predetermined position (116) of the vehicle (10). The housing (102) may be coupled to additional positions of the vehicle (10) not explicitly shown. In an embodiment of the invention, the cover element (108) is coupled to a second predetermined position (118) and a third predetermined position (120) of the vehicle (10).

[0047] In a conventional case, the cover element (108) can be de-coupled from the second predetermined position (118) and the third predetermined position (120) of the vehicle (10) without inserting the key element in the reactor assembly (114). Also, in such a conventional case, once the cover element (108) has been de-coupled from the second predetermined position (118) and the third predetermined position (120), the cover element (106) can be moved in a second predetermined direction (D2) with respect to the axis of the lock element (108) as well as in a first predetermined direction (D1) with respect to an axis of the lock element (108).

[0048] However, referring to Figure 6, in the present invention, the housing (102) includes a first restriction means (110). The first restriction means (110) restricts a movement of the cover element (106) in a second predetermined direction (D2). Additionally, there may be provided a second restriction means (122) that restrict a movement of the cover element (106) in a first predetermined direction (D1) with respect to an axis of the lock element (110).

[0049] Now referring particularly to Figure 7, the first restriction means (110) is located in close proximity of the opening (104) provided in the housing (102). By way of a non-limiting example, the first restriction means (110) is in the form of a raised platform formed along the second predetermined direction (D2). The first restriction means (110)in particular restricts the latch element (112) from reaching the position corresponding to the second lock state (S2) (as shown in Figure 4) by moving the cover element (106) in the second predetermined direction.

[0050] Now referring particularly to Figure 8, the second restriction means (122) comprises a first part (124) formed on a rear surface of the cover element (106) and a second part (126) formed on a lateral surface of the housing (102). When an attempt is made to rotate the cover element (106) in the first predetermined direction (D1), the first part (124) formed on the rear surface of the cover element (106) comes in abutting relation with the second part (126) formed on the lateral surface of the housing (102) and thus, restricts rotation of the cover element (106) in the first predetermined direction (D1).

[0051] An advantage of the invention is that the housing (102) and the cover element (106) are structured such that the cover element (106) cannot be released from the housing (102) when the lock element (108) is maintained in the first lock state (S1). Another advantage of the invention is that no additional parts are used for restricting movement of the cover element (106) in the second predetermined direction (D2). Since the latch element (112) in itself co-operates with the housing (102) and restricts movement of the cover element (106) in the second predetermined direction (D2), the latch element (112) is re-used for restricting movement of the cover element (106) in the second predetermined direction (D2). Also, by providing the first restriction means (110) in the form of a raised platform formed in along the predetermined direction (D2), no separate additional element is provided in the housing (102). Thus, the housing (102) itself is re-used for restricting movement of the cover element (106) in the second predetermined direction (D2).

[0052] Another advantage of the invention is that no additional parts are used for restricting movement of the cover element (106) in the first predetermined direction (D1). Since the lateral surface of the housing is provided with a second part (126) which may be in the form of an abutting surface and the rear surface of the cover element (106) is provided with a first part which may also be in the form of an abutting surface, the housing (102) and the cover element (106) are re-used for restricting movement of the cover element (106) in the second predetermined direction (D2).

[0053] Thus, a number of components which are used for attaining the anti-theft mechanism are minimum and in particular no additional element is used for attaining the anti-theft mechanism. Thus, the compartment (100) is provided with an effective an anti-theft mechanism in the most in-expensive manner, as no additional elements are being incorporated. The raised platform (which acts as the first restriction means (110)) and the abutting surface (which acts as the second part (126) of the second restriction means (110)) may be formed at the time of making the housing (102). Also, the abutting surface (which acts as the first part (126) of the second restriction means (110)) may be formed at the time of making the cover element (106).

[0054] Thus, no extra efforts have to be made to introduce the anti-theft mechanism as part of the compartment (100). Also, a weight of the vehicle and a time period for incorporating the anti-theft mechanism is not increased.

[0055] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0056] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, C , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A compartment (100) of a vehicle (10), said compartment (100) comprising:
a housing(102) comprising an opening (104);
a cover element (106) operable to cover at least a part of the housing (102);
a lock element (108) carried by the cover element (106), at least a part of the lock element (108) traversing through the opening (104) and co-operating with the housing (102), the lock element (108) being adapted to be maintained in a first lock state (S1) or a second lock state (S2), the cover element (106) is securely held with respect to the housing (102) in the first lock state (S1) and the cover element (106) is releasable held with respect to the housing (102) in the second lock state (S2); and
the housing(102) including a first restriction means (110) restricting a movement of the cover element (106) in a second predetermined direction (D2).

2. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock element (108) comprises a latch element (112) actuated by a reactor assembly (114), the reactor assembly (114) adapted to receive a key element for actuating the reactor assembly (114).

3. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the latch element (112) traverses through the opening (104).

4. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the latch element (112) moves in a second predetermined direction (D2) with respect to an axis of the lock element (108) within the opening (104) to attain the first lock state (S1) and moves in the first predetermined direction (D1) with respect to the axis of the lock element (108) which is opposite to the second predetermined direction (D2) to attain the second lock state (S2).

5. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) being coupled to a first predetermined position (116) of the vehicle, and the cover element (108) being coupled to a second predetermined position (118) and a third predetermined position (120) of the vehicle.

6. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein a movement of the cover element (106) in a first predetermined direction (D1) with respect to an axis of the lock element (110) is prohibited by a second restriction means (122), the second restriction means (122) comprising a first part (124) formed on a rear surface of the cover element (106) and a second part (126) formed on a lateral surface of the housing (102).

7. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first restriction means (110) is located in close proximity of the opening (104).

8. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first restriction means (110) is in the form of a raised platform formed in along the predetermined direction (D2).

9. The storage compartment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first restriction means (110) is formed on a first side (128) of a wall (130) facing a centre portion of the vehicle (10).

10. A vehicle, comprising:
a frame member (24) extending in a downward and rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a head pipe (12); and
a compartment (100) supported by the frame member (24), the compartment (100) comprising:
a housing (102) comprising an opening (104);
a cover element (106) operable to cover at least a part of the housing (102);
a lock element (108) carried by the cover element (106), at least a part of the lock element (108) traversing through the opening (104) and co-operating with the housing (102), the lock element (108) being adapted to be maintained in a first lock state (S1) or a second lock state (S2), the cover element (106) is securely held with respect to the housing (102) in the first lock state (S1) and the cover element (106) is releasable held with respect to the housing (102) in the second lock state (S2); and
the housing (102) including a first restriction means (110) restricting a movement of the cover element (106) in a second predetermined direction (D2).