The present disclosure relates to a load hook device for a vehicle
BACKGROUND
[002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure. [003] Typically, a hook or loop based locking unit is provided on a vehicle, for example, in a middle portion/ body frame of the scooter, or under the seat, for securing or hanging parcels, handbags, luggage, etc. Said locking units are made of a plurality of parts/components and are generally kept in a folded or retracted state, when the locking unit is not in use. However, under all circumstances, the components of the locking unit are exposed to environment and over a period of time, dust particles, debris and/or other contaminants tend to accumulate on mechanical components of the said locking unit, thereby affecting the operation and life of the locking unit. [004] Also, in known vehicles, said hook or loop based locking unit is provided under the seat and is not within the direct reach of the rider, eventually leading the rider to bend to access the locking unit, while the rider is seated on the seat of the vehicle. [005] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved device that overcomes at least one of the problems identified above, and that provides better aesthetics with regard to the vehicle, is easily accessible by the rider, and offers easy serviceability and easy assembly.
SUMMARY
[006] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the device/system/assembly as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the device/system/assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[007] Pursuant to the embodiments of the present disclosure, in an aspect, a load hook device for a vehicle is provided. The load hook device comprises a housing, a cover, a load hook and a striker. The housing defines a groove therein. The cover is adapted to be coupled with the housing and defines a passage. The passage is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the groove of the housing and comprises an initial portion and

a terminal portion broader than the initial portion. The load hook is adapted to be
received within and slide along the groove of the housing. The load hook comprises a
first end biased away from an end wall of the housing by a biasing member. The striker
is adapted to be mounted on and movable with the load hook and is configured to slide
along the initial portion of the passage of the cover during a sliding movement of the
load hook along the groove of the housing, and the striker is configured to slide and
rotate from a first position to a second position within the terminal portion of the
passage of the cover to lock the striker and the load hook within the passage and the
groove, respectively.
[008] The present disclosure provides the load hook device in which all the
mechanical components, for example, the load hook, striker, biasing member, etc. are
disposed within the housing and further provided with the cover, and accordingly, the
mechanical components of the load hook device are not exposed to the external
environment, thereby preventing deterioration/ wear and tear of the load hook device
and thus increasing the service life of the load hook device. Also, the load hook device
of the present disclosure offers easy serviceability and assembly, is easy to use/ operate
and enhances the aesthetics of the vehicle.
[009] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first position
of the striker corresponds to an orientation of the striker in which a length of the striker
is aligned along the initial portion of the passage of the cover.
[010] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second
position of the striker corresponds to an orientation of the striker in which a length of
the striker is inclined to the initial portion of the passage of the cover.
[011] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second
position of the striker corresponds to an orientation of the striker in which the length of
the striker is perpendicular to the initial portion of the passage of the cover.
[012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the
striker is more than a width of the initial portion of the passage of the cover.
[013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the striker is
rotatable over the load hook.
[014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the striker
comprises a plate and a pin, wherein the pin is adapted to be received in a hole formed
in the load hook and the plate is adapted to slide along and rotate in the passage of the
cover with the sliding movement of the load hook in the groove of the housing.

[015] The load hook device according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure provides a structure configuration of the device, and the components thereof, which makes the operations of the load hook device easy and convenient. [016] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal portion of the passage of the cover is formed of a plurality of walls defining a contoured profile for guiding rotation of the striker from the first position to the second position to lock the striker and the load hook within the passage and the groove, respectively. [017] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the contoured profile of the terminal portion of the passage comprises concave and convex intersections formed between the plurality of walls for guiding rotation of the striker from the first position to the second position.
[018] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the striker comprises a rectangular plate defining cutouts on a pair of opposite sides of the rectangular plate, wherein the sides of the rectangular plate and the cutouts of the striker are configured to strike and/or abut against the contoured profile of the terminal portion for guiding rotation of the striker from the first position to the second position. [019] The load hook device according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure provides complimentary surfaces and walls that facilitates smooth and desired opening and closing of the load hook device.
[020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force at the first end of the load hook to slide the load hook along the groove of the housing.
[021] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the striker is further configured to rotate and slide from the second position to a third position within the terminal portion of the passage of the cover to unlock the striker and the load hook, and the third position of the striker corresponds to an orientation of the striker in which a length of the striker is aligned along the initial portion of the passage of the cover. [022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat for a vehicle is disclosed. The seat comprises a seat frame adapted to be mounted on a body frame of the vehicle, and a load hook device as recited and described in the above paragraphs. [023] The seat according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure comprises the load hook device disposed at the front portion of the seat, and said configuration facilitates easy and ready accessibility of the load hook device. The rider is not required to bend all the way down to access the load hook device.

[024] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a body frame, front and rear wheels, an engine unit, a seat adapted to be mounted on the body frame of the vehicle, and a load hook device as recited and described in the above paragraphs.
[025] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[026] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[027] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising a seat having a load hook
device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front portion of the seat of the vehicle including
the load hook device, in which the load hook device is in a closed condition, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front portion of the seat including the load
hook device of FIG. 2, in which the load hook device is in an open condition, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[031] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the load hook device and a seat frame of the seat,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[032] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the load hook device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;

[033] FIG. 6 is an assembled view of the load hook device and the seat frame of the seat, without a top cover plate of the load hook device, corresponding to a first position of the load hook device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [034] FIG. 7 is an assembled view of the load hook device and the seat frame of the seat, without a top cover plate of the load hook device, corresponding to an intermediate position of the load hook device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[035] FIG. 8 is an assembled view of the load hook device and the seat frame of the seat, without a top cover plate of the load hook device, corresponding to a second position of the load hook device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[036] FIGS. 9A to 9K illustrate different positions of a striker of the load hook device, during an operation of the load hook device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[037] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not 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 embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[038] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the FIGS, and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[039] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a load hook device for a vehicle, a seat for a vehicle and a vehicle including the load hook device. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the load hook device, the seat, and the vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details

that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not
to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[040] In the present disclosure, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving
as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the
present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[041] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of
components does not include only those components but may include other components
not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more
elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the
system or apparatus.
[042] The terms like "at least one" and "one or more" may be used interchangeably
or in combination throughout the description.
[043] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however,
load hook device and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of
vehicles as well. The terms "modular vehicle", "vehicle", "two-wheeled vehicle",
"electric vehicle", "EV" and "motorcycle" have been interchangeably used throughout
the description. The term "vehicle" comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters,
bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, and the like.
[044] 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.
[045] Pursuant to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a load hook device for a
vehicle is disclosed. The load hook device comprises a housing, a cover, a load hook
and a striker. The housing defines a groove therein. The cover is adapted to be coupled
with the housing and defines a passage. The passage is configured to overlap with at
least a portion of the groove of the housing and comprises an initial portion and a
terminal portion broader than the initial portion. The load hook is adapted to be received
within and slide along the groove of the housing. The load hook comprises a first end
biased away from an end wall of the housing by a biasing member. The striker is
adapted to be mounted on and movable with the load hook and is configured to slide

along the initial portion of the passage of the cover during a sliding movement of the load hook along the groove of the housing, and the striker is configured to slide and rotate from a first position to a second position within the terminal portion of the passage of the cover to lock the striker and the load hook within the passage and the groove, respectively.
[046] The first position of the striker corresponds to an orientation of the striker in which a length of the striker is aligned along the initial portion of the passage of the cover. The second position of the striker corresponds to an orientation of the striker in which a length of the striker is inclined to the initial portion of the passage of the cover. In some embodiments, the second position of the striker corresponds to an orientation of the striker in which the length of the striker is perpendicular to the initial portion of the passage of the cover. In an embodiment, the length of the striker is more than a width of the initial portion of the passage of the cover.
[047] In an embodiment, the striker is rotatable over the load hook. In some embodiments, the striker comprises a plate and a pin, wherein the pin is adapted to be received in a hole formed in the load hook and the plate is adapted to slide along and rotate in the passage of the cover with the sliding movement of the load hook in the groove of the housing.
[048] In an embodiment, the terminal portion of the passage of the cover is formed of a plurality of walls defining a contoured profile for guiding rotation of the striker from the first position to the second position to lock the striker and the load hook within the passage and the groove, respectively. The contoured profile of the terminal portion of the passage comprises concave and convex intersections formed between the plurality of walls for guiding rotation of the striker from the first position to the second position. Further, the striker comprises a rectangular plate defining cutouts on a pair of opposite sides of the rectangular plate, wherein the sides of the rectangular plate and the cutouts of the striker are configured to strike and/or abut against the contoured profile of the terminal portion for guiding rotation of the striker from the first position to the second position.
[049] In an embodiment, the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force at the first end of the load hook to slide the load hook along the groove of the housing. [050] The striker is further configured to rotate and slide from the second position to a third position within the terminal portion of the passage of the cover to unlock the striker and the load hook. The third position of the striker corresponds to an orientation

of the striker in which a length of the striker is aligned along the initial portion of the passage of the cover.
[051] In another aspect, a seat for a vehicle is disclosed. The seat comprises a seat frame adapted to be mounted on a body frame of the vehicle, and a load hook device as recited and described in the above paragraphs.
[052] In yet another aspect, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a body frame, front and rear wheels, an engine unit, a seat adapted to be mounted on the body frame of the vehicle, and a load hook device as recited and described in the above paragraphs.
[053] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9K. In FIGS. 1 to 9K, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[054] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle (1), for example, a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a scooter, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle (1) comprises a vehicle body frame (2), a pair of front forks (3), a front fender (4), a rear fender (5), a front wheel (6), a steering handle bar (7), a fuel tank (not shown) provided below a seat (11) of the vehicle (1), a utility box (8), an engine unit (not shown), an exhaust system (not shown), an engine cooling fan unit (not shown), a side body cover (9), a front cover (10), a leg shield (12), a lower front cover (13), a tail light (14), a headlight (15), a foot board (16), a rear suspension (17), a rear grip (18), and a rear wheel (19). The vehicle body frame (2) comprises a pair of seat sub-frames (not shown) for mounting the seat (11).
[055] With reference to FIG. 1, a head tube (20) of the vehicle body frame (2) is steerably connected to the front forks (3) and the front wheel (6) is attached to a lower end (21) of the front forks (3). The handlebar (7) is attached to an upper end (22) of the head tube (21). The head light (15) is arranged in front of the handlebar (7). The front fender (4) is provided so as to cover an upper portion of the front wheel (6). The seat (11) on which a rider straddles is supported by the seat sub frames. The leg shield (12) that protects legs of the rider is provided on the front side. The tail light (14) and the rear fender (5) are provided at a rear portion of the vehicle body frame (2). The engine unit is arranged under the seat (11) of the vehicle (1).

[056] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, the seat (11) of the vehicle (1) comprises a load hook device (100) provided in a front-end periphery of the seat (11), as shown in FIG. 1. The seat (11) includes an underlying seat frame (102) (or a seat base) (at least partially shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 6-8) which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle body frame (2). A cushioning material (not shown) may be provided on the seat frame (102), and a cover (not shown) of leather and/or other suitable material may extend over the entire exposed top and side surfaces of the seat (11) and may be secured to a lower surface of the seat frame (2). In accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided the load hook device (100) at a front portion of the seat (11). As illustrated in FIG. 2, a bezel (104) may be provided at the front-end periphery of the seat (11) such that the bezel (104) facilitates engaging the load hook device (100) with the seat frame (102) (and the cushioning material and cover) of the seat (11) to enhance aesthetics of the seat (11) of the vehicle (1). [057] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the front-end portion of the seat (11), without the cushioning material and the cover of leather, of the vehicle (1). The front-end portion of the seat (11) includes the seat frame (102), and the load hook device (100) is adapted to be coupled with the seat frame (102) of the seat (11). With reference to FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the load hook device (100) in a closed condition is illustrated. Further, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front-end portion of the seat (11), without the cushioning material and the cover of leather, including the seat frame (102) and the load hook device (100). With reference to FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the load hook device (100) in an open condition is illustrated.
[058] Further, FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the seat frame (102) and the load hook device (100), and the components thereof. In accordance with the present disclosure, the load hook device (100) is configured to be coupled with the seat frame (102) at a front platform of the seat frame (102), as shown in FIG. 4. In an embodiment, the load hook device (100) may be coupled with the seat frame (102) by fastening means (106), such as fasteners, screws, etc. For said coupling of the load hook device (100) with the seat frame (102), mounting provisions (107), such as holes, may be provided on the load hook device (100) and the seat frame (102), as shown in FIG. 4. In alternate embodiments, the load hook device (100) may be coupled with the seat frame (102) by adhesion or other suitable means.

[059] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the load hook device (100) comprises a housing (120), a cover (140), a load hook (170) and a striker (190) adapted to be operatively coupled with each other. Additionally, the load hook device (100) may comprise the bezel (104) adapted to be disposed at an open end of the housing (120) of the load hook device (100). The bezel (104) may further be adapted to be sandwiched between the housing (120) and the load hook (170) in the closed condition of the load hook device (100).
[060] In accordance with the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing (120) is a cuboidal-shaped structure having five walls and an open end (122). The housing (120) comprises two lateral sides (124) along a length of the housing (120), a bottom wall (126), a top wall (128), and a side wall (130) adjacent the lateral sides (124), the bottom wall (126) and the top wall (128). An end of the housing (120) opposite the side wall (130) is the open end (122) that facilitate receiving the load hook (170) within a cavity (121) defined between the walls (124, 126, 128, 130) of the housing (120). The housing (120) may include mounting flanges (132) formed at the lateral sides (124) of the housing (120) to facilitate coupling of the load hook device (100) with the seat frame (102) by the fastening means (106). The housing (120) may further include a groove (134) defined in the top wall (128) of the housing (120) to allow a portion of the load hook (170) to protrude out of the groove (134) of the housing (120).
[061] The load hook (170) of the load hook device (100) may also be formed as a cuboidal-shaped adapted to be reciprocally received within the cavity (121) of the housing (120). The load hook (170) comprises a first end (172) that is adapted to be received in the cavity (121) of the housing (120) and a second end (174) opposite the first end (172). A tab (176) may be provided at the first end (172) of the load hook (170) such that the tab (176) is disposed proximal to the side wall (130) of the housing (120). Also, a tapered surface (178) may be provided at the second end (174) of the load hook (170) to facilitate ease in actuation of the load hook (170) during the operation of the load hook device (100). Also, the tapered surface (178) may facilitate completely closing the open end (122) of the housing (120) in the closed condition of the load hook device (100). In an embodiment where the bezel (104) is disposed at the open end (122) of the housing (120), a shape and profile of the tapered surface (178) of the load hook (170) may correspond to a shape of the bezel (104) to completely close the open end (122) of the housing (120) in the closed condition of the load hook device (100).

[062] Further, the load hook (170) comprises a stepped profile (180) along lateral sides (182) of the load hook (170) such that a width of a top wall (184) of the load hook (170) is less than a width between the lateral sides (182) of the load hook (170). The width at the top wall (182) of the load hook (170) corresponds to a width of the groove (134) of the housing (120) such that the top wall (182) of the load hook (170) protrudes out from the groove (134) of the housing (120) during an assembly and operation of the load hook device (100). Additionally, the stepped profile (180) of the load hook (170) facilitates receiving the load hook (170) within the cavity (121) of the housing (120) and a sliding movement of the load hook (170) along the groove (121) of the housing (120).
[063] The load hook device (100) further comprises a biasing member (200) adapted to be disposed within the cavity (121) of the housing (120) and positioned between the side wall (130) of the housing (120) and the load hook (170). In accordance with the present disclosure, one end of the biasing member (200) is disposed to abut at the side wall (130) of the housing (120) and the other end of the biasing member (200) is mounted/ disposed/ abutted on the tab (176) formed at the first end (172) of the load hook (170). In an embodiment, the biasing member (200) is a spring. [064] During operation of the load hook device (100), when the load hook (170) is actuated to slide within the cavity (121) of the housing (120), the biasing member (200) expands and/or compresses to facilitate sliding movement of the load hook (170) within the housing (120) of the load hook device (100) along the lateral walls (124) of the housing (120). In accordance with the present disclosure, the biasing member (200) is configured to exert a biasing force at the first end (172) of the load hook (170) to slide the load hook (170) within and/or out of the groove (134) of the housing (120) along the lateral walls (124) of the housing (120). In accordance with the present disclosure, when the rider/operator presses on or actuates the tapered surface (178) of the load hook (170), the load hook (170) is pushed in a first direction within the cavity (121) of the housing (120) thereby causing the biasing member (200) to compress. Consequently, and when the pressing force is released, the compressed biasing member (200) tend to expand between the first end (172) of the load hook (170) and the side wall (130) of the housing (120), causing the load hook (170) to slide in a second direction opposite the first direction.
[065] The load hook device (100) further includes the cover (140). The cover (140) is adapted to couple with the housing (120) of the load hook device (100). In accordance

with the present disclosure, the cover (140) may be formed of a top cover plate (141) and a bottom cover plate (142) coupled to the top cover plate (141). The bottom cover plate (142) is disposed between the top cover plate (141) and the housing (120). For the ease of understanding and for better visualization of the components of the load hook device (100), the top cover plate (141) has not been shown in FIGS. 6 to 9K and only the bottom cover plate (142) has been shown in said FIGS. 6 to 9K. [066] The bottom cover plate (142) of the cover (140) has a passage (144) defined along a length of the cover (140). In accordance with the present disclosure, the passage (144) is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the groove (134) of the housing (120) during the assembly of the load hook device (100). The passage (144) defined in the bottom cover plate (142) comprises an initial portion (146) and a terminal portion (148). The terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) is broader than the initial portion (146) of the passage (144). Within the scope of the present disclosure, a width of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) is more than a width of the initial portion (146) of the passage (144). Further, in an assembled state of the load hook device (100), the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) is disposed proximal to the open end (122) of the housing (120) and the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) is disposed proximal to the side wall (130) of the housing (120).
[067] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9K, the terminal portion (148) of the passage comprises a plurality of walls (150). The plurality of walls (150) defines a contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144). Said contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) is configured to facilitate rotation of the striker (190) during the operation of the load hook device (100). As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9K, the contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) is composed of nine walls defining concave and convex intersections therebetween. At least within the scope of the present disclosure, the term "concave intersection" may be understood as a line of contact/junction formed between the adjacent walls of the contoured profile, in which the angle defined between the said two walls is less than 180 degree when measured along anti-clockwise/counter¬clockwise direction. Similarly, the term "convex intersection" may be understood as a line of contact/junction formed between the adjacent walls of the contoured profile, in which the angle defined between the said two walls exceeds 180 degree when measured along anti-clockwise/counter-clockwise direction.
[068] In accordance with the present disclosure, the walls (150) and the concave and convex intersections of the terminal portion (148) guides the movement and/or rotation

of the striker (190) from/ to the initial portion (146) and within the terminal portion (148) during the operation of the load hook device (100). In a specific embodiment, during the operation of the load hook device (100), walls and/or sides of the striker (190) strikes and/or abuts against the walls (150) and/or the concave and convex intersections of the terminal portion (148) to guide the movement and/or rotation of the striker (190) within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144). [069] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140) is composed of walls (150-1 to 150-9) as shown in FIGS. 9Ato 9K. The walls (150-1 to 150-9) of the terminal portion (148) are arranged such that the concave and convex intersections are formed therebetween as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9K. In said exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, as seen in a top view of the load hook device (100) with the second end (174) of the load hook (170), and correspondingly the striker (190), being present at the farthest end from the side wall (130) of the housing (120), the wall (150-1) may be aligned inclined to a first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146) and extend in a right direction, thereby forming a convex intersection between the first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146) and the wall (150-1). In the illustrated embodiment, the wall (150-1) is aligned substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146) and extends in the right direction to form the convex intersection between the first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146) and the wall (150-1). Further, the wall (150-2) may extend at an angle to the wall (150-1) in a downward direction and parallel to the first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146), thereby forming a concave intersection between the walls (150-1, 150-2). In the illustrated embodiment, the wall (150-2) extends substantially perpendicular to the wall (150-1) in the downward direction and parallel to the first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146) to form the concave intersection between the walls (150-1, 150-2).The wall (150-3) may extend at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the wall (150-2) in a left direction and parallel to the wall (150-1), thereby forming a concave intersection between the walls (150-2, 150-3). The wall (150-4) may extend at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the wall (150-3) in the downward direction and parallel to the wall (150-2), thereby forming a convex intersection between the walls (150-3, 150-4).
[070] Further, in said exemplary embodiment, the wall (150-5) may extend at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the wall (150-4) in the left direction and parallel to the

wall (150-1), thereby forming a concave intersection between the walls (150-4, 150-5). The wall (150-6) may extend at an angle with respect to the wall (150-5) in the counter¬clockwise direction, thereby forming a concave intersection between the walls (150-5, 150-6). Furthermore, the wall (150-9) of the terminal portion (148) may extend at an angle with respect to a second longitudinal wall (146-2) of the initial portion (146) in the counter-clockwise direction, thereby forming a convex intersection between the second longitudinal wall (146-2) of the initial portion (146) and the wall (150-9). The wall (150-8) may extend from an end of the wall (150-9) in the downward direction and parallel to the second longitudinal wall of the initial portion (146), thereby forming a concave intersection between the walls (150-8, 150-9). The wall (150-7) may extend at an angle with respect to the wall (150-8) in the clockwise direction, thereby forming a concave intersection between the walls (150-7, 150-8). Consequently, the walls (150-6, 150-7) of the terminal portion (148) may be adapted to intersect with each other to form a convex intersection between the walls (150-6, 150-7).
[071] In view of the above paragraphs and FIGS. 9A to 9K, a person skilled in the art can readily contemplate the configuration of the contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[072] In an embodiment, the cover (140) may be coupled with the housing (120) by fastening means (151), such as fasteners, screws, etc. For said coupling, mounting provisions (152), such as holes, may be provided on the cover (140) and the housing (120) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In alternate embodiments, the cover (140) may be coupled with the housing (120) by adhesion or other suitable means. [073] The load hook device (100) further includes the striker (190). The striker (190) is adapted to be rotatably mounted on the load hook (170) of the load hook device (100). Further, the striker (190) is adapted to move with the load hook (170) of the load hook device (100). In an embodiment, the striker (190) is mounted proximal to the first end (172) of the load hook (170). In accordance with the present disclosure, during the assembly of the load hook device (100), the striker (190) is adapted to protrude out from the groove (134) of the housing (120) and is positioned within the passage (144) of the cover (140). In the assembled state and during the operation of the load hook device (100), a sliding movement of the load hook (170) along the groove (134) of the housing (120) causes a sliding movement of the striker (190) along the passage (144) of the cover (140). With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 to 9K, a person skilled in the art can

readily comprehend that the striker (190) is configured to move from the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) to the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) and from the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144), on basis the operation of the load hook device (100) from the open condition to the closed condition and from the closed condition to the open condition, respectively. [074] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the striker (190) comprises a plate (192) and a pin (194). The pin (194) is formed under the plate (192). The pin (194) is adapted to be received in a hole (186) formed in the load hook (170) for mounting the striker (190) on the load hook (170). In accordance with the present disclosure, during the operation of the load hook device (100), the pin (194) of the striker (190) retains the striker (190) in its position and the plate (192) of the striker (190) is adapted to slide along the passage (144) of the cover (140). In an embodiment, the plate (192) of the striker (190) is composed of a rectangular profile having sides (196) and defining cutouts (197, 198) on a pair of opposite remaining sides of the rectangular plate (192). Within the scope of the present disclosure, the sides (196) of the rectangular plate (192) and the cutouts (198) of the striker (190) are configured to strike and/or abut against the contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) for guiding a movement and/or rotation of the striker (190) from/ to the initial portion (146) and within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140).
[075] Further, the pin (194) of the striker (190) is configured to facilitate a rotation of the striker (190) over the load hook (170) of the load hook device (100). In a specific embodiment, the pin (194) of the striker (190) is configured to facilitate a rotation of the plate (192) of the striker (190) over the load hook (170) within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140). Within the scope of the present disclosure, during the operation of the load hook device (100), the plate (192) of the striker (190) is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140). Rotation of the striker (190) from the first position to the second position facilitates locking the striker (190) and the load hook (170) within the passage (144) and the groove (134), respectively. Also, the plate (192) of the striker (190) is further configured to rotate from the second position to a third position within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140). Rotation of the striker (190) from the second position to the third position facilitates unlocking the striker (190) and the load hook (170) to allow sliding movement of the

striker (190) and the load hook (170) within the passage (144) and the groove (134), respectively.
[076] In accordance with the present disclosure, the first position of the plate (192) of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which a length of the striker (190) is aligned along the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), i.e., the longest dimension of the plate (192) of the striker (190) is parallel to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the second position of the plate (192) of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which the length of the striker (190) is inclined to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), i.e., the longest dimension of the plate (192) of the striker (190) is inclined to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9E. In a specific embodiment, the second position of the plate (192) of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which the length of the striker (190) is perpendicular to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), i.e., the longest dimension of the plate (192) of the striker (190) is perpendicular to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), as shown in FIG. 8. Within the scope of the present disclosure, in the second position of the plate (192), to lock the striker (190) and the load hook (170) within the passage (144) of the cover (140) and the groove (134) of the housing (120), respectively, the length of the plate (192) of the striker (190) is more than a width of the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140) such that the length of the plate (192) of the striker (190) abuts against an end of the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) as shown in FIG. 8.
[077] Furthermore, the third position of the plate (192) of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which the length of the striker (190) is aligned along the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), i.e., the longest dimension of the plate (192) of the striker (190) is parallel to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), as shown in FIG. 6.
[078] Within the scope of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9K, for rotation of the plate (192) of the striker (190) over the load hook (170) within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140), the walls and/or sides (196, 197, 198) of the plate (192) of the striker (190) strikes and/or abuts against the walls (150) and/or the concave and convex intersections of the terminal portion (148) to guide the movement and/or rotation of the striker (190), within the terminal portion

(148), from the first position to the second position and/or from the second position to the third position, thereby facilitating closing and opening of the load hook device (100), respectively. In accordance with the present disclosure, to complete the process of closing and opening the load hook device (100), the rider/ user actuates the load hook (170) of the load hook device (100) twice. For instance, when the load hook device (100) is in open condition, a first force is applied at the tapered surface (178) of the load hook (170) to slide and/or rotate the plate (192) of the striker (190) from the first position to the second position for closing the load hook (170)/ the load hook device (100); and when the load hook device (100) is in closed condition, a second force is applied at the tapered surface (178) of the load hook (170) to slide and/or rotate the plate (192) of the striker (190) from the second position to the third position for opening the load hook (170)/ the load hook device (100)
[079] FIGS. 9A to 9K illustrates various positions of the striker (190) within the passage (144) of the cover (140), during the operation of the load hook device (100), in which the striker (190) moves and/or rotates from the first position to the second position and/or further from the second position to the third position. In an embodiment, during operation, the rider or the operator presses or actuates the tapered surface (178) of the load hook (170) causing, starting from the position shown in FIG. 9A, the sliding movement of the load hook (170) within the groove (134) of the housing (120) and the sliding and/or rotational movement of the striker (190) within the passage (144) of the cover (140) leading to an intersection of the sides (197-2, 196-2) of the striker (190) to strike the wall (150-7) as shown in FIG. 9B, and further rotating the striker (190) such that the side (197-1) of the striker (190) strikes the convex intersection between the walls (150-6, 150-7) of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144), as shown in FIG. 9C, and thereby compressing the biasing member (200). Consequently, the biasing member (200) biases the load hook (170) away from the end wall (130) and the striker (190) rotates and moves towards the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) resulting in an intersection of the sides (198-2, 196-1) of the striker (190) to strike the wall (150-1) as shown in FIG. 9D, and further rotating the striker (190) such that the side (198-2) of the striker (190) strikes the convex intersection between the first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) and the wall (150-1) of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144), as shown in FIG. 9E, thereby closing the load hook device (100).

[080] Further, to open the load hook device (100), the rider or the operator presses or actuates the tapered surface (178) of the load hook (170), causing the sliding movement of the load hook (170) within the groove (134) and the sliding and/or rotational movement of the striker (190) within the terminal portion (148) resulting in the intersection of the sides (197-1, 196-1) of the striker (190) to strike the wall (150-7) as shown in FIG. 9F, and further rotating the striker (190) such that the side (196-1) of the striker (190) strikes the wall (150-7) of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144), as shown in FIG. 9G, and thereby compressing the biasing member (200). Consequently, the biasing member (200) biases the load hook (170) away from the end wall (130) and the striker (190) rotates and moves towards the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) resulting in a second side (196-2) of the striker (190) to strike against wall (150-1) and slide against the convex intersection between the first longitudinal wall (146-1) of the initial portion (146) of the passage and the wall (150-1), as shown in FIGS. 9H and 91, and causing the intersections between sides (196-2, 197-2) and (196-1, 197-1) to slide against the wall (150-9) of the terminal portion (148) to align and move the striker (190) along the initial portion (146), as shown in FIGS. 9J and 9K, thereby opening the load hook device (100).
[081] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the load hook device (100) of the present disclosure is adapted to be made separately and then assembled on the seat frame (102) of the seat (11). Alternatively, the load hook device (100) of the present disclosure may be made with the seat frame (102) and be preassembled with the seat frame (102) of the seat (11).
[082] Within the scope of the present disclosure, although the load hook device (100) of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described to be coupled with the seat (11) of the vehicle; however, the load hook device (100) of the present disclosure may be configured to couple with the other components/ parts of the vehicle, for example, the utility box (8), etc. Also, the load hook device (100) of the present disclosure provides better aesthetics with regard to the seat (11), easy accessibility to the rider, easy serviceability, and easy assembly.
[083] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In

the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity. [084] Herein, the terms "attached", "connected", "interconnected", "contacting", "mounted", "coupled" and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.
[085] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[086] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[087] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

EQUIVALENTS:
[088] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the 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.
[089] 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 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.
[090] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. [091] The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. [092] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. [093] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values

higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

We Claim:

1. A load hook device (100) for a vehicle (1), the load hook device (100)
comprising:
a housing (120) defining a groove (134) therein;
a cover (140) adapted to be coupled with the housing (120) and defining a passage (144), the passage (144) configured to overlap with at least a portion of the groove (134) of the housing (120) and comprising an initial portion (146) and a terminal portion (148) broader than the initial portion (146);
a load hook (170) adapted to be received within and slide along the groove (134) of the housing (120), the load hook (170) comprises a first end (172) biased away from an end wall (130) of the housing (120) by a biasing member (200); and
a striker (190) adapted to be mounted on and movable with the load hook (170) and configured to slide along the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140) during a sliding movement of the load hook (170) along the groove (134) of the housing (120),
wherein the striker (190) is configured to slide and rotate from a first position to a second position within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140) to lock the striker (190) and the load hook (170) within the passage (144) and the groove (134), respectively.
2. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which a length of the striker (190) is aligned along the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140).
3. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second position of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which a length of the striker (190) is inclined to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140).
4. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second position of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which

the length of the striker (190) is perpendicular to the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140).
5. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the length of the striker (190) is more than a width of the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140).
6. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the striker (190) is rotatable over the load hook (170).
7. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the striker (190) comprises a plate (192) and a pin (194), wherein the pin (194) is adapted to be received in a hole (186) formed in the load hook (170) and the plate (192) is adapted to slide along and rotate in the passage (144) of the cover (140) with the sliding movement of the load hook (170) in the groove (134) of the housing (120).
8. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140) is formed of a plurality of walls (150) defining a contoured profile for guiding rotation of the striker (190) from the first position to the second position to lock the striker (190) and the load hook (170) within the passage (144) and the groove (134), respectively.
9. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) comprises concave and convex intersections formed between the plurality of walls (150) for guiding rotation of the striker (190) from the first position to the second position.
10. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the striker (190) comprises a rectangular plate (192) defining cutouts (197, 198) on a pair of opposite sides of the rectangular plate (192), wherein the sides of the rectangular plate (192) and the cutouts (197, 198) of the striker (190) are configured to strike and/or abut against the contoured profile of the terminal portion (148) for guiding rotation of the striker (190) from the first position to the second position.

11. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing member (200) is configured to exert a biasing force at the first end (172) of the load hook (170) to slide the load hook (170) along the groove (134) of the housing (120).
12. The load hook device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the striker (190) is further configured to rotate and slide from the second position to a third position within the terminal portion (148) of the passage (144) of the cover (140) to unlock the striker (190) and the load hook (170), and
wherein the third position of the striker (190) corresponds to an orientation of the striker (190) in which a length of the striker (190) is aligned along the initial portion (146) of the passage (144) of the cover (140).
13. A seat (11) for a vehicle (1), the seat (11) comprising:
a seat frame (102) adapted to be mounted on a body frame (2) of the vehicle (1); and
a load hook device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 and that is configured to be coupled to a front portion of the seat frame.
14. A vehicle (1), comprising:
a body frame (2);
front and rear wheels (18, 19) coupled with the body frame (2); an engine unit;
a seat (11) adapted to be mounted on the body frame (2) of the vehicle (1); and
a load hook device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.