DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention is related to seat holding mechanism used to hold or lock the seat in its unlocked or raised position. The invention is more particularly though not exclusively applicable to saddle type vehicles.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ARTS
A seat arrangement is provided in vehicles for sitting of rider/passengers. Seat is required to be removed or raised from it place for various reasons for e.g. doing repair work under seat, getting access to space under the seat when seat have a storage area under it to store articles or accessing fuel tank lid while filling fuel where fuel tank is mounted below the seat. For these reasons, seat is not required to completely dislocate from its position but sliding arrangement or hinge arrangement is usually provided to temporarily shift seat form its normal position. Once the desired work is done, seat is brought back to its original position.

In case of hinge arrangement, the seat is allowed swivel around the hinge point. Hinge arrangements are more popular in saddle type vehicles such as motorcycle or motor scooter. Generally, the seat is unlocked from its normal position and it is then lifted about the hinge point in vertical direction. To bring the seat to normal position, the seat is swiveled back and locked at its original position.

While the seat is in unlocked condition and lifted about the hinge point, it is desirable that seat needs to remain in that position till the time necessary work is done and it is moved back to its original position. In absence of any holding mechanism, seat may fall back to its normal position due to its own weight and gravitational force. This may lead to inconvenience and an unwanted and unsafe condition.

In some type of vehicles such as scooter type motorcycle, the seat also acts as a cover for the helmet box/storage compartment and/or hides the fuel tank filler opening. Seat usually raised from its normal position for either loading the helmet box/storage compartment or filling fuel in the tank. While seat is in its raised position, the seat may or may not remain in a raised position without any means to hold the seat in position. Usually rider has to hold or support the seat manually to keep it open/upright while fuel filling or accessing the storage box in absence of any seat holding means. While balancing the vehicle and accomplishing the task of opening fuel tank lid or accessing storage box, operator has to let go support provided to seat to keep it in upright position. It is quite inconvenient as well as unsafe if the seat falls down, unknowing to the rider, for e.g. due to a slightest push by a person or due to rotation of the handlebar. Hence, a means to hold the seat in open or raised condition is essential and desired.

Various prior arts show such type of holding arrangement associated with hinge arrangement. However these arrangements are space consuming, having more part counts, complex & costly and may consume more time for assembly.

JP11334667 describes a seat holding mechanism which includes a hinge mechanism about which seat can rotate and a leaf spring. When seat is lifted to open position, an engagement portion of the hinge mechanism engages with a bend portion of the leaf spring. This engagement helps to keep the seat in upright position without the need of holding the seat manually. However, in such arrangement dimensional accuracy of matching part for smooth functioning of mechanism is critical. Further, the seat holding mechanism is dependent on spring stiffness. The mechanism may not work properly once spring loses required stiffness. Such mechanism is costly as well.

In view of the above, there exists a need for an improved seat locking mechanism in order to address issues and overcome the limitations stated above.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly objective of the invention is to provide as seat holding mechanism that is less complex and cost effective.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide as seat holding mechanism that has less part count, easy to manufacture & assemble and consumes less space in the vehicle.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide as seat holding mechanism that is durable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
A seat holding mechanism comprising a hinge arrangement having a first end, a second end and at least one hinge point rotatably fixed to a vehicle element at the hinge point through a fixing arrangement and a seat connected to the first end of the hinge arrangement wherein the hinge arrangement is provided with at least one holding element at the second end and the vehicle element has a locking means for the holding element, said holding element being locked in said locking means while the seat is in raised position.

When the seat is raised from its normal position by rotating/ swiveling around the hinge point; said holding element provided on the hinge arrangement engages with said locking provision provided on the vehicle element. The seat holding mechanism thus holds the seat at raised position and does not allow the seat to rotate back to its normal position due to its own weight or gravity.

As one of the embodiment of the invention, said hinge arrangement comprises a hinge plate and a hinge pin. The hinge plate has S-shaped profile with a first end, a second end and a hinge point between the first end and the second end. The seat is attached to first end of the hinge plate. The hinge plate along with seat is roatatably fixed to the vehicle element such as helmet/ storage box at the hinge point through the hinge pin. A holding element made up of hard flexible material is secured to the second end of the hinge plate. The vehicle element/ storage box is provided with a locking means to engage the holding element and restricting its reverse moment. The locking means may be formed integrally with the storage box. The locking means may be a relieve on the storage box and the relieve may be substantially conforming to shape/contour of the holding element. Thus, forming a snap fitment between the relieve and the holding means. When the seat is raised from its normal position about the hinge point, the holding means engages with locking means. The locking means hold the holding means firmly and thus keeps seat in raised upright position.

Alternatively, as another embodiment of the invention, said hinge arrangement comprises a hinge plate having a first end and a second end and a hinge pin. The seat is attached to the first end of the hinge plate and the hinge plate along with the seat is roatatably fixed to a vehicle element such as chassis or frame structure through the hinge pin at a hinge point of the hinge plate. A holding element made up of hard flexible material having engaging provision is secured to the second end of the hinge plate. The chassis or frame structure is provided with a locking means to engage the holding element and restricting its reverse moment. The locking means may be formed integrally with the chassis or frame structure. The locking means may be a relieve on the chassis structure of vehicle or a locking bracket structure employed on the frame or chassis structure of the vehicle. The relive or the locking bracket substantially conforms to shape/ contour of the holding element so as to facilitate smooth engagement with the holding element.

The holding means may have a cross section which has opening at its one end to secure it over the edge of the hinge plate of the hinge arrangement ensuring rigid connection. Preferably, the holding means is provided with a C-shaped or U-shaped cross section.

The holding element may be made of a hard flexible/ resilient material which can be engaged in said locking means with a slight force. Preferably the holding means is manufactured from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPO) or Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) having a good wear resistance and able to deflect for snapping will be required.

The holding element is provided with a securing arrangement for rigidly fixing to the hinge plate of the hinge arrangement for e.g. the holding element may be fitted over the hinge plate by snap joint. In another aspect of the invention, the holding element may be fixed to the hinge plate by using any other suitable fixing means for e.g. glue, nut and bolt, rivets, etc.

Preferably the locking means and holding means are forming snap fitment with each other.

Seat holding mechanism of the present invention is less costly with enhanced durability and involves less number of parts. Further, while manufacturing not many tolerances issues for each component are required to be considered. The mechanism of invention also provides ease of assembly and facilitates easy replacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1a and 1b is a side view and top view of a vehicle showing a seat holding mechanism according to one of the embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a seat holding mechanism according to one of the embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3a is an isometric view of a hinge plate the seat holding mechanism shown in figure 2, with a holding element/a holding cap mounted on its one end.

Figure 3b is sectional view of the hinge plate with a holding element/a holding cap mounted on its one end as shown in figure 3a.

Figure 4a is an assembled view of the hinge plate with the holding element /the holding cap

Figure 4b is an exploded view of the hinge plate and the holding element /the holding cap.

Figure 5a is side view of the seat holding mechanism as shown in figure 2 along with seat and storage box, when the seat is in close condition.

Figure 5b is side view of the seat holding mechanism as shown in figure 2 along with seat and storage box, when the seat is in open/raised condition.

Figure 6a to 6e are sequential views of the seat holding mechanism as shown in figure 2 from seat close condition to seat open condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Description along with accompanying drawings depicts only embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope.

Figure 1a and 1b shows a vehicle 100 comprising a frame structure 10, a seat 5, a storage box 15, a fuel tank 20 and a seat holding mechanism 40 according to one of the embodiments of the present invention. The storage box 15 and the fuel tank 20 are supported by the frame structure 10. The seat 5 covers the storage box 15 and the fuel tank 20 from the top. The seat 5 can be unlocked and moved in vertically upward direction about the seat holding mechanism 40. A rider needs to access the space inside the storage box 15 to keep and remove helmet or other goods. Further, the rider also needs to access the fuel tank lid for refilling of the fuel tank 20. However, as seat 5 of the vehicle covers the storage box 15 and the fuel tank 20 from the top, while accessing the storage box 15 or the fuel tank lid (not shown), the seat 5 needs to be raised from its original position. It is desirable that when seat 5 is moved in upright position, it remain in such position till the rider accomplish desired task. The seat locking arrangement 40 enables this requirement.

Referring to Figure 2 to 4b, the seat holding mechanism 40 according to one of the embodiment of the invention comprises a hinge mounting bracket 45 integrally formed with the storage box 15 and a hinge arrangement 39. The hinge arrangement 39 comprises a hinge plate 41, a holding element or a cap 42, bolts 46 and a hinge pin 43. The hinge plate 41 has S-shaped profile with a first end 41a and a second end 41b. The hinge plate 41 is hingedly connected to the hinge mounting bracket 45 with the help of a hinge pin 43 at a hinge point 50. The hinge pin is inserted through the holes 43a provided on the side surfaces of the hinge plate 41 so as to secure it with the hinge mounting bracket 45. The seat 5 of the vehicle 100 is attached to the first end 41a of the hinge plate 41 by means of bolts 46. The seat 5 along with the hinge plate 41 is rotatable about the hinge point 50.

The holding element or the cap 42 attached at the second end 41b of the hinge plate 41. The holding element or cap 42 has a U-shaped cross section. Referring to Figure 3a and 3b, the holding element or the cap 42 is secured at the second end 41b of the hinge plate 41 by a snap joint. The cap 42 is secured in such a way that, the two lip sections of U-shaped cap are placed one each on either side of the hinge plate 41. The Figure 3b shows a section view along the axis a-a’ as shown in Figure 3a. The hinge plate 41 is provided with kidney shaped openings 42b for facilitating entry of lugs 42a provided on concave face of U-shaped holding element 42.

For mounting of the holding element 42 on the hinge plate 41 as shown in figure 4a and 4b, the second end 41b of the hinge plate 41 is inserted and pressed inside the U-shaped holding element 42. Due to pressing action, the lugs 42a are inserted into the openings 42b and the holding element 42 is snap fitted onto the hinge plate 41. Alternately, the holding element 42 may be fitted to the hinge plate 41 by using other methods such pasting, bolting, riveting, etc. In another aspect of the invention, the holding element 42 may be formed integrally with the hinge plate 41.

Referring to figure 5a and 5b, a locking means or a slot 44 is provided on the hinge mounting bracket 45. The locking means 44 are in the form of a concave slot or a relieve in the hinge mounting bracket 45. The inner profile of the locking means 44 is substantially conforming to shape/ contour of the holding element 42. When the seat 5 is moved in the upright position about the hinge point 50, the holding element 42 move inside the locking means 44 and forms a snap fitment between the slot and holding element 42. The locking means 44 hold the holding element 42 and restrict its reverse movement retaining the seat in upright position. The locking means 44 may be formed integrally with the storage box 15. In another embodiment, the locking means may be provided on the frame or the chassis structure of the vehicle.

The holding element 42 is preferably made of hard plastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or Low density polyethylene (LDPE). These materials having a good wear resistance which ensure durability. Further, these materials able to deflect/compress up to 1.6 mm which helps to ensure a snap fitment between the holding element 42 and the locking means 44. Thus, the hard plastic material such as TPU or LDPE ensures effective operation of the seat holding mechanism and durability.

Figure 5a and 5b shows a disengaged and an engaged position of the seat holding mechanism 40. Referring to figure 5a, during the disengaged position of the seat holding mechanism 40, the seat 5 remain substantially horizontal. The hinge plate 41 remains substantially vertical and the holding element 42 remains outside the locking means 44. However, when the raider lifts the seat 5 about the hinge point 50 for accessing space below the seat, the hinge plate 41 starts moving from vertical to horizontal position. In the seat upright position, the holding element 42 moves into the locking means 44. The locking means prevents the reverse movement of the holding element 42 and keeps the seat in upright position.

Figure 6a to 6e shows a sequential operation of the seat holding mechanism 40 when seat is moved from a horizontal position to vertical position about the hinge point 50.

Referring to figure 6a, during the disengaged position of the seat holding mechanism 40, the hinge plate 41 remain substantially vertical and the holding element 42 remains outside the locking means 44. When the raider unlocks the seat 5 and lift the seat about the hinge point 50 to access the space below the seat, the hinge plate 41, starts moving from the vertical position to horizontal position. Referring to figure 6b to 6d, after certain movement of the seat in upward direction, the holding element 42 abuts on the internal surface of the locking means 44. On further lifting of the seat 5, the holding element 42 gets pressed against the internal surface of the locking means 44. As the holding element 42 is made of hard plastic material, its gets compressed and slides inside the locking means 44. In seat upright position, the holding element 42 moves completely inside the locking means 44 as shown in figure 6e.

As the inner profile of the locking means 44 is substantially conforming to shape/ contour of the holding element 42, it facilitates the movement of the holding element 42 inside the locking means 44 and form a snap fitment. Further, the inner profile of the locking means 44 is such that it does not allow reverse moment of the holding element 42 due to seat own weight or accidental push due to handle movement. The holding element 42 remains inside locking means 44 till a large enough external force is applied such that the holding element 42 gets out of the locking means 44. Thus, the seat holding mechanism 40 keeps the seat in upright position without need of holding it manually and prevents accidental fall of the seat 5.

To bring back the seat 5 to its original position a downward force need to be applied on the seat 5. The force applied should be such that the holding element 42 gets out of the locking means 44. In reverse movement of the holding element 42, the abutting surface of the holding element 42 gets compressed and slides over the inner surface of the locking means 44 and gets out of the locking means 44.

Thus the seat holding mechanism 40 helps to keep the seat 5 in raised position without the risk of its accidental fall due to its own weight or accidental push by handle movement or any other means. The arrangement helps to create a safe and convenient condition for accessing space below the seat without need of manually holding the seat in raised position.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The applicant also relies on the provisional specification and drawings annexed to the provisional specification in support of this specification
,CLAIMS:1. A seat holding mechanism comprising a hinge arrangement having a first end, a second end and at least one hinge point; the hinge arrangement rotatably fixed to a vehicle element at the hinge point through a fixing arrangement and a seat connected to the first end of the hinge arrangement wherein the hinge arrangement is provided with at least one holding element at the second end and the vehicle element has a locking means for locking the holding element, said holding element being locked in the locking means while the seat is in raised position.

2. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking means and the holding means forms a snap fitment with each other when the seat is in raised position.

3. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding element is made of a hard flexible/resilient material which can be inserted in the locking provision with a slight force.

4. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the holding element is preferably made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPO) or Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE).

5. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding element has cross sectional profile with at least one open face and the holding element is secured to the hinge arrangement by inserting the second end of the hinge arrangement in to the open face of the holding element.

6. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding element is provided with a fixing arrangement for rigidly securing the holding element to the hinge arrangement.

7. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein the fixing arrangement is of the lug & kidney type.

8. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein the holding element is fixed to the hinge arrangement by a snap joint or pasting or bolting or riveting or combination thereof.

9. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding element is integrally formed with the hinge arrangement.

10. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hinge arrangement is in the form of a hinge plate with S-shaped profile.

11. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vehicle element is a storage box or a vehicle frame or chassis.

12. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein the locking means is provided on a storage box or on a vehicle frame or chassis.

13. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein the locking means is formed integrally with the storage box or the vehicle frame or chassis.

14. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein the locking means is a relieve or a slot on the storage box or the vehicle frame or chassis.

15. The seat holding mechanism as claimed in claim 14 wherein the relive or the slot of the locking means substantially conforms to shape/contour of the holding element such that the relive or the slot prevents the reverse movement of the holding element.