Claims:We claim:
1. A latch assembly (100) for securing a hood (102) to a chassis (104) of a vehicle, comprising:
a first member (110) affixed to a frame (104) of said vehicle;
a second member (114) hingedly connected to said first member (110),
a flange (116) pivotably connected to said first member (110),
a first resilient member (118) and a second resilient member (120) connected to one side of said second member (114) and said flange (116), respectively; and
a pulling rod (122) connected to other side of said second member (114).

2. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second member (114) and said flange (116) are adapted to rotate for a predetermined angle to shift a pin (106) attached to said hood (102) from an unlocked position to a locked position or to shift said pin (106) from said locked position to said unlocked position.

3. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first member (110) includes:
a base (150) configured to be mounted on said frame (104);
a first flat vertical wall(152) extending from said base (150);
a plurality of first openings (154) defined in said base (150);
a second opening(156) and a third opening(158) defined in said vertical wall (152) at predetermined locations;
at least one arc shaped aperture (160) defined in said vertical wall (152) at a predetermined location; and
at least one cup shaped groove (162) defined at a top end (152t) of said vertical wall (152);
wherein,
said each first opening (154) defined in said base (150) is adapted to receive corresponding first fastening member;
said second opening (156) is adapted to receive a hinge pin (164);
said third opening (158) is adapted to receive a corresponding fastening member;
said arc shaped aperture (160) is adapted to receive a portion of a stopper member (166); and
said cup shaped groove (162) is adapted to receive said pin (106) of said hood (102), when said pin (106) is in said locked position.

4. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second member (114) is hinged towards a bottom end of said first member (110), said second member (114) is rotatable relative to said first member (110), said second member (114) is disposed at a rear end of said first member (110); and
said flange (116) disposed at a front end of said first member (110), said flange (116) is rotatable relative to said first member (110).

5. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first resilient member (118) and said second resilient member (120) are configured to retrieve said second member (114) and said flange (116) from a rotated position to an original position upon shifting said pin (106) of said hood (102) from said unlocked position to said locked position, and thereby secure said hood (102) to said frame (104) of said vehicle.

6. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second member (114) includes:
a flat second vertical wall(170) having a sloped top end (170t) and a sloped bottom end (170b);
a side groove (172) defined on one side of said second vertical wall (170), said side groove (172) defined towards said top end (170t) of said second vertical wall (170); and
a fourth opening (174), a fifth opening (176), a sixth opening (178) and a second aperture (180) defined at predetermined locations in said second vertical wall (170),
wherein,
said fourth opening (174) is adapted to receive said hinge pin (164);
said fifth opening (176) is adapted to receive said stopper (166);
said sixth opening (178) is adapted to receive one end of said first resilient member (118); and
said second aperture (180) is adapted to receive one end of said pulling rod (122).

7. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flange (116) includes:
a horizontal strip member (182);
a vertical strip member (184) extending from one end of said horizontal strip member (182), said vertical strip member (184) having a sloped head portion (184h); and
a connecting wall member (186) extending from one side of said vertical strip member (184);
a first hole (188f) and a second hole (188s) defined at predetermined locations in said connecting wall member (186),
wherein,
said sloped head portion (184h) and said connecting wall member (186) combinedly define a c-shaped groove;
said first hole (188f) is adapted to receive a corresponding fastening member to connect said flange (116) with said first member (110); and
said second hole (188s) is adapted to receive one end of said second resilient member (120).
8. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said latch assembly (100) includes at least two support members (190) which are affixed to said frame (104) at predetermined locations, said support members (190) are configured to hold corresponding other ends of said first and second resilient members (118 and 120).

9. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pulling rod (122) includes a first rod portion (122f) having a bend head (122h) at first end and a second rod portion (122s) extending transversely from a second end of said first rod portion (122f).

10. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said latch assembly (100) includes a knob (108) which is connected to an extreme end of said pulling rod (122), said knob (108) is operated to unlock said pin (106) from said second member (114).

11. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first and second resilient members (118 and 120) are at least springs which are configured to retrieve said second member (114) and said flange (116) from said rotated position to said original position upon shifting said pin (106) of said hood (102) from said unlocked position to said locked position and retrieve said second member (114) and said flange (116) from said rotated position to said original position upon shifting said pin (106) of said hood (102) from said locked position to said unlocked position, said first and second resilient members (118 and 120) are at least pre-tensioned springs.

12. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claims 3 and 7, wherein said fastening member is at least bolt and nut assembly.

13. A method (200) for locking one body portion, such as a hood (102), to another body portion, such as a chassis or frame (104) of a vehicle, said method (200) comprising:
pushing a pin (106) attached to said hood (102) of said vehicle with a predetermined force to rotate a flange (116) about a hinge point to move said flange (116) from an original position to a rotated position by exceeding a tension of a second resilient member (120) connected to one end of said flange (116);
moving said pin (106) downwards by pushing a second member (114) of said latch assembly (100) to rotate about said hinge point thereby moving said second member (114) from an original position to a rotated position by exceeding a tension of a first resilient member connected to one end of said second member (114);
resting said pin (106) in a cup shaped groove (162) defined in a first member (110) of said latch assembly (100); and
retrieving said flange (116) and said second member (114) to said original position by said second resilient member (120) and said first resilient member (118), respectively, to lock said pin (106) to said first member (110) of said latch assembly (100).

14. A method (300) for unlocking a body portion, such as a hood (102), from another body portion, such as said chassis (104) includes:
pulling a rod (122) with a predetermined force which is greater than a pretension of a first resilient member (118) by a user to cause rotation of a second member (114) about a hinge point;
moving a pin (106) of said hood (102) upwards by a pair of gas springs attached to said hood (102) of said vehicle;
moving a flange (116) with a predetermined force which is greater than a pretension of a second resilient member (120) by said user to cause rotation of said flange (116) about said hinge point; and
allowing said pin (106) to move above said flange (116) by said pair of gas springs attached to said hood (102) of said vehicle to shift said pin (106) to said unlocked position.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relates to latches, and more particularly to a latch assembly for releasably securing one body portion, such as a hood, to another body portion, such as a body (or chassis or cowl) of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Agricultural and industrial tractors typically have hoods which cover an engine compartment and extend from an operator's station to a front portion of the tractor. Typically, tractor hood may include a top panel and left and right side panels that are integral, so that the hood may open as a single unit. Tractor hoods traditionally have been sheet metal, but increasingly are made of molded plastic. Tractor hood is secured to tractor’s body during its operation and opened only for servicing or repair works. However, the hood may unlock itself due to failure of proper locking or opened by mistake during an operation, which may thereby cause severe or fatal accident.
[003] Tractor hoods have been secured to the cowl of the tractor by a variety of latches. In one type of latch, a spring-loaded piston is movable inside a metal cylindrical member mounted on one body portion of the tractor, the piston being movable outwardly with respect to the cylindrical member against a bias of a spring. A metal hook member is connected to a metal U-shaped structure or yoke extending outwardly from the piston, the hook member being pivotable with respect to the yoke to hook or latch onto a hook on the other body portion and pull the piston outwardly with respect to the cylindrical member, thereby securing the hood and cowl together. However, this type of latch is expensive to manufacture and assemble because of the complexity of the design and the close tolerances required for the moving parts.
[004] Another type of latch comprises an elastomeric strap formed or molded with a lateral bore at one end for securing the end to one body portion of the truck-tractor and with a spherical or ball structure adjacent the other (free) end. The free end of the strap is pulled away from the secured end to stretch the strap until the spherical structure can be placed in a cup on the other body portion, there-by securing the two body portions together. Problems with this design include the difficulty of stretching the strap sufficiently to place the spherical structure in the cup and the tendency of the spherical structure to "pop" out of the cup, thereby releasing the latch.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a latch assembly for releasably securing one body portion, such as a hood, to another body portion, such as a body of a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a latch assembly for releasably securing one body portion, such as a hood, to another body portion, such as a body of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the present invention is to provide the latch assembly which secures and provides double locking for hood of the tractor.
[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the latch assembly which provides double locking for the hood using an independent arrangement thereby ensuring safety in all conditions.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the latch assembly which is light in weight, less complex and inexpensive.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of opening the hood of the tractor.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of closing the hood of the tractor.
[0012] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and 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
[0013] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts a front view of a latch assembly for a tractor hood, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 2 depicts a rear view of the latch assembly for the tractor hood, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a first member of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a second member of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of a flange of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of a mounting frame of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of a pulling rod of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of a locking pin attached to hood of the tractor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view of a knob connected to the pulling rod, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 10 depicts an exploded view of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 11 depicts another exploded view of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 12 depicts a perspective view of the hood of the tractor in closed condition, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] Figs. 13a and 13b depict a perspective rear view and perspective front view of the hood of the tractor in closed condition, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0027] Fig. 14 depicts a flowchart of a method of opening the hood of the tractor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0028] Fig. 15 depicts a flowchart of a method of closing the hood of the tractor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] 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.
[0030] The embodiments herein achieve a latch assembly for releasably securing one body portion, such as a hood, to another body portion, such as a body of a vehicle. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the latch assembly which secures and provides additional locking for hood of the tractor. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the latch assembly which provides double locking for the hood using an independent arrangement thereby ensuring safety in all conditions. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve the latch assembly which is light in weight, less complex and inexpensive. Also, the embodiments herein achieve a method of opening the hood of the tractor and a method of closing the hood of the tractor. Referring now to the drawings, particularly through Figs 1 to 15, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0031] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the latch assembly (100) is explained herein with below reference to a tractor hood (102) and tractor chassis (or frame) (104). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice and/or use the latch assembly in any other type of vehicle or doors, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the latch assembly (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The tractor hood (102) is hinged at one end and latched to the chassis at the other end. The hood (102) includes a pin (106) (as shown in Fig. 8) which is mounted to front wall of the hood (102). Further, the hood (102) is moved from a locked position to an unlocked position using a pair of gas springs (not shown).
[0032] Fig. 1 depicts a front view of a latch assembly for a tractor hood, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts a rear view of the latch assembly for the tractor hood, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the latch assembly (100) includes a first member (110), a second member (114), a flange (116), a first resilient member (118), a second resilient member (120), and a pulling rod (122).
[0033] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a first member of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The latch assembly (100) includes the first member (110) which is mounted on the frame (104) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first member (110) may be mounted on a mounting bracket (or frame) which is attached to a predetermined part of said vehicle body (or chassis) (as shown in Fig. 6). In an embodiment, the first member (110) includes a base (150) which is configured to be mounted on the frame (104). The base (150) includes predetermined dimensions. Further, the base (150) defines a plurality of first openings (154) which are adapted to receive corresponding fastening members. In an embodiment, the fastening members are at least bolt and nut. Furthermore, the first member (110) includes a first flat vertical wall (152) which extends from the base (150). The first vertical wall (152) includes predetermined dimensions. The first vertical wall (152) further includes a second opening (156) and a third opening (158) defined at predetermined locations. The second opening (156) is adapted to receive a hinge pin (164). The third opening (158) is adapted to mount flange (116). Furthermore, the first vertical wall (152) includes at least one arc shaped aperture (160) defined at a predetermined location and at least one cup shaped groove (162) defined at a top end (152t) of said vertical wall (152). The arc shaped aperture (160) is adapted to receive a portion of a stopper member (166) while the cup shaped groove (162) is adapted to receive the pin (106) of the hood (102), when the pin (106) is in said locked position.
[0034] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a second member of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The latch assembly (100) includes the second member (114) which is hinged to the first member (110). The second member (114) is connected to first member (110) towards a bottom end of the first member (110). In an embodiment, the second member (114) includes a flat second vertical wall (170) having a sloped top end (170t) and a sloped bottom end (170b). Further, the second member (114) defines a side groove (172) on one side of the second vertical wall (170). The side groove (172) is defined towards the top end (170t) of the second vertical wall (170). Furthermore, the second member (114) defines a fourth opening (174), a fifth opening (176), a sixth opening (178) and a second aperture (180) defined at predetermined locations in the second vertical wall (170). The fourth opening (174) is adapted to receive the hinge pin (164). The fifth opening (176) is adapted to receive the stopper (166). The sixth opening (178) is adapted to receive one end of said first resilient member (118). The second aperture (180) is adapted to receive one end of said pulling rod (122).
[0035] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of a flange of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The latch assembly (100) includes the flange (116) which is pivotably connected to the first member (110). The flange (116) is disposed at a front end of the first member (110). The flange (116) includes a horizontal strip member (182) of predetermined dimensions. Further, the flange (116) includes a vertical strip member (184) which extends from one end of the horizontal strip member (182). The vertical strip member (184) includes a sloped head portion (184h). Furthermore, the flange (116) includes a connecting wall member (186) extending from one side of the vertical strip member (184). The flange (116) further defines a first hole (188f) and a second hole (188s) defined at predetermined locations in the connecting wall member (186). In an embodiment, the sloped head portion (184h) and the connecting wall member (186) combinedly define a c-shaped groove. The first hole (188f) is adapted to receive a corresponding hinge to connect the flange (116) with the first member (110). In an embodiment, the fastening member is at least bolt and nut assembly. The second hole (188s) is adapted to receive one end of said second resilient member (120).
[0036] Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of a pulling rod of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The pulling rod (122) is connected to one side of the second member (114) so that when the pulling rod is pulled by a user, the second member (114) rotates about a hinge point to unlock the pin (106) from the chassis of the vehicle. The pulling rod (122) includes a first rod portion (122f) having a bend head (122h) at first end and a second rod portion (122s) extending transversely from a second end of said first rod portion (122f). The second rod portion (122s) is configured to extend outside the tractor hood so that a user may operate easily. Further, the latch assembly (100) includes a knob (108) (as shown in Fig. 9) which is connected to an extreme end of the pulling rod (122) i.e., the knob is connected to the extreme end of the second rod portion (122s) so that the user may pull the knob (108) to unlock the pin (106) from the second member (114).
[0037] Fig. 10 depicts an exploded view of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 11 depicts another exploded view of the latch assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The latch assembly (100) includes at least two support members (190) which are affixed to the mounting frame at predetermined locations. The support members (190) are configured to hold corresponding other ends of the first and second resilient members (118 and 120).
[0038] Fig. 12 depicts a perspective view of the hood of the tractor in closed condition, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 13 depicts a perspective rear view of the hood of the tractor in closed condition, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The latch assembly (100) further includes the first and second resilient members (118 and 120) which are at least springs. The springs are configured to retrieve the second member (114) and the flange (116) from a rotated position to an original position upon shifting the pin (106) of the hood (102) from the unlocked position to the locked position and retrieve the second member (114) and the flange (116) from the rotated position to the original position upon shifting the pin (106) of the hood (102) from the locked position to the unlocked position. The first and second resilient members (118 and 120) are at least pre-tensioned springs having the ability of hold the flange (116) and the second member (114) at a predetermined constant position.
[0039] Figs. 13a and 13b depict a perspective rear view and perspective front view of the hood of the tractor in closed condition, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Working of the latch assembly (100) is explained herein below. When the hood (102) needs to be locked, the hood (102) is pushed such that the second member (114) and the flange (116) are rotated (or moved) for a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction to shift the pin (106) of the hood (102) from an unlocked position to a locked position. Further, the first resilient member (118) and the second resilient member (120) are configured to retrieve the second member (114) and the flange (116) from a rotated position to an original position upon shifting the pin (106) of the hood (102) from the unlocked position to the locked position, and thereby secure the hood (102) to the frame (104) of said vehicle. Similarly, when the hood (102) needs to be unlocked, the pulling rod (122) is pulled from outside manually by the user, whereby the second member (114) is rotated to a predetermined angle to shift the pin (106) towards the flange (116). The hood (102) moves towards the flange (116) due to the gas springs which are connected to the hood. Further, the flange (116) is rotated to a predetermined angle by the user to move the pin (106) away from the flange (116), thereby unlocking the hood (102) from the chassis (104).
[0040] Fig. 14 depicts a flowchart of a method of closing the hood of the tractor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (200) for locking one body portion, such as a hood (102), to another body portion, such as a chassis or frame (104) of a vehicle is disclosed. The method (200) includes pushing a pin (106) attached to said hood (102) of said vehicle with a predetermined force to rotate a flange (116) about a hinge point to move said flange (116) from an original position to a rotated position by exceeding a tension of a second resilient member (120) connected to one end of said flange (116) (at step 202). Further, the method (200) includes moving said pin (106) downwards by pushing a second member (114) of said latch assembly (100) to rotate about said hinge point thereby moving said second member (114) from an original position to a rotated position by exceeding a tension of a first resilient member connected to one end of said second member (114) (at step 204). Furthermore, the method (200) includes resting said pin (106) in a cup shaped groove (162) defined in a first member (110) of said latch assembly (100) (at step 206). Additionally, the method (200) includes retrieving said flange (116) and said second member (114) to said original position by said second resilient member (120) and said first resilient member (118), respectively, to lock said pin (106) to said first member (110) of said latch assembly (100) (at step 208).
[0041] Fig. 15 depicts a flowchart of a method of opening the hood of the tractor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The method (300) includes pulling a rod (122) with a predetermined force which is greater than a pretension of a first resilient member (118) by a user to cause rotation of a second member (114) about a hinge point (at step 302). Further, the method (300) includes moving a pin (106) of said hood (102) upwards by a pair of gas springs attached to said hood (102) of said vehicle (at step 304). Furthermore, the method (300) includes moving a flange (116) with a predetermined force which is greater than a pretension of a second resilient member (120) by said user to cause rotation of said flange (116) about said hinge point (at step 306). Additionally, the method (300) includes allowing said pin (106) to move above said flange (116) by said pair of gas springs attached to said hood (102) of said vehicle to shift said pin (106) to said unlocked position (at step 308).
[0042] The technical advantages disclosed by the embodiments herein include light in weight, less complex and inexpensive.
[0043] The foregoing 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 embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.