The present disclosure relates to the technical field of lock and key for vehicles. More specifically, it pertains to a key assembly for a two-wheeler vehicle that indicates locked and unlocked conditions of the two-wheeler vehicle after the key has been withdrawn from the lock.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. [0003] As is well known, a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle, is equipped with a lock assembly such as an ignition and handle lock assembly for protection from unauthorized usage. A typical mechanical ignition and handle lock assembly installed on the two-wheeler vehicle (hereinafter, also referred to as vehicle for simplicity) includes a lock body and a lock cylinder to be rotated between various operative positions of the lock assembly when a key having a particular profile is inserted into the lock cylinder. Only a mechanically coded key that corresponds to the lock cylinder can enable rotation of the lock cylinder in the lock body for locking and unlocking the lock assembly. The various operative positions of the lock assembly include an ignition ON position in which the lock assembly allows ignition of an engine of the vehicle, an ignition OFF position in which the engine of the vehicle is turned OFF and cannot be started, and a LOCK position in which a steering handle of the vehicle is locked by a handle locking mechanism to restrain rotation of the steering handle for safety and/or security of the vehicle. The lock assembly prohibits ignition of the vehicle and the rotation of steering handle unless a proper key is inserted in the lock cylinder by prohibiting rotation of the lock cylinder from the LOCK position.
[0004] When the two-wheeler is not in a running condition or parked, it is known practice to turn the key to the ignition OFF position to shut down the vehicle engine. Sometimes, when a rider/user parks the vehicle he may only turn

the key to the ignition OFF position and forget to lock the steering handle, which is a major safety concern. The conventional key does not give any indication to the user whether the steering handle of the vehicle was locked, or left unlocked, when the vehicle is parked by the user. It is not uncommon to often see a forgetful user going back to the parked vehicle to check if the vehicle is locked, which is an unnecessary inconvenience to the user.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide an improved, simple and cost-effective key assembly which can overcome the abovementioned problem.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and
cost-effective solution which can obviate the abovementioned problem of
conventional keys of vehicle locks.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved key
assembly for a lock assembly of two-wheeler vehicles that enhances safety and
security of the two-wheeler vehicles.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a key assembly
for an ignition and handle lock assembly of a two-wheeler vehicle, which
indicates whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked after the vehicle is parked and
key is removed from the lock.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and
cost-effective key assembly that enhances security of a two-wheeler by indicating
to a user if a steering handle of the two-wheeler is locked or unlocked after the
two-wheeler has been parked by the user.
[0010] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily
apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure relates to a lock and key for two-wheeler vehicles. More specifically, it pertains to an indication key assembly for a two-wheeler vehicle that incorporates an indication for the user about locked and unlocked condition of the two-wheeler vehicle.
[0012] In an aspect, the proposed key assembly incorporates a key having a first portion for insertion in a passage of a lock cylinder of a lock assembly of the vehicle, and a second portion that is coupled to a key head. The key is configured to move the lock cylinder between an ignition ON position, an ignition OFF position, and a LOCK position of the lock assembly when the key is rotated after insertion in the lock cylinder. In the LOCK position of the lock assembly a steering handle of the vehicle is locked. The key head includes an inner body portion coupled to the second portion of the key and an outer cover portion covering the inner body portion with an annular space therebetween. The outer cover portion is provided with an opening. The key head includes a holding portion coupled to the outer cover portion of the key head to allow a user to grip the key head for rotating the key.
[0013] The proposed key assembly further includes a rotor rotatably configured within the key head in the annular space between the inner body portion and the outer cover portion of the key head. When the first portion of the key is inserted in the lock cylinder, the rotor engages with a lock body of the lock assembly to restrict rotation of the rotor with respect to the lock assembly as the key is rotated after insertion in the lock cylinder to different positions, resulting in relative rotation between the rotor and the key head.
[0014] The rotor can include one or more of any or a combination of recesses and protrusions that engage with corresponding features in the lock body of the lock assembly to restrict rotation of the rotor with respect to the lock assembly. [0015] The rotor includes predefined indications on an outer surface of the rotor. The predefined indications are provided at predefined positions on the rotor such that one of the predefined indications is visible through the opening of the outer cover portion of the key head to indicate the corresponding position of the of

the lock assembly. The predefined indications are selected from a group comprising set of letters including OFF, LOCK and ON, markings, color codes, and the like. The predefined indications are provided on outer surfaces of outer sectors of a plurality of outer sectors of the rotor. The plurality of outer sectors are configured circumferentially on the rotor.
[0016] The rotor includes one or more outwardly protruding ribs configured circumferentially on an outer circumference of the rotor. The one or more ribs are configured to engage with corresponding circumferential recesses on an inner surface of the outer cover portion of the key head, which engagement prevents relative axial movement between the rotor and the key head. The ribs of the rotor and the corresponding circumferential recesses on the inner surface of the outer cover portion are configured to allow snap fitting of the rotor within the annular space of the key head. The ribs of the rotor and the corresponding circumferential recesses on the outer cover portion are configured to allow, after the snap fitting of the rotor within the annular space, rotation of the rotor with respect to the key head.
[0017] The rotor further includes one or more semi-circular dent locks that engage with corresponding cavities on the inner surface of the outer cover portion. The dent locks are configured such that, after the rotor is snap fitted within the annular space, the dent locks are biased against the inner surface of the outer cover portion of the key head and their engagement with the corresponding cavities on the inner surface of the outer cover portion to prevent free rotation of the rotor with respect to the key head. The one or more semi-circular dent locks and the corresponding cavities on the inner surface of the outer cover portion can be configured such that their engagement occurs when the rotor is in positions corresponding to the predefined indications being visible through the opening of the outer cover portion.
[0018] Moreover, the rotor includes a first protruded stopper on an inner surface of the rotor. The first protruded stopper is configured such that the first protruded stopper touches a second protruded stopper configured on an outer surface of the inner body portion of the key head when the key is rotated to any of

the ignition ON position from the ignition OFF position by rotating the key in a clockwise direction and the LOCK position from the ignition OFF position by rotating the key in an anti-clockwise direction to prevent further rotation of the key.
[0019] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of
illustrative embodiment's, is better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure,
exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However,
the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed
herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to
scale.
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIGs. 1A to ID illustrate an exploded view, an assembled view, a side
view, and a rear view respectively of the proposed key assembly, in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled view of a key and key head of the
proposed key assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a key head of the proposed key assembly, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIGs. 4A to 4C illustrate a rotor of the proposed key assembly, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of a rotor and a key head of the proposed key assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0029] Embodiments explained herein relate to an improved key assembly for a lock assembly in a two-wheeler vehicle to indicate a driver about locked and unlocked conditions of the two-wheeler vehicle.
[0030] In an aspect, the proposed key assembly is based on a rotor that is rotatably configured within a key head of the key assembly. When a key that is coupled to the key head is inserted in a lock cylinder of the lock assembly, the rotor engages with a lock body of the lock assembly to restrict rotation of the rotor

with respect to the lock assembly as the key is rotated after insertion in the lock cylinder to different positions, resulting in relative rotation between the rotor and the key head. The rotor includes predefined indications at predefined positions on an outer surface of the rotor such that one of the predefined indications is visible through an opening of the key head to indicate the corresponding position of the of the lock assembly. For example, when a driver turns the key to an ignition OFF position to shut down the engine of the vehicle and removes the key forgetting to lock the steering handle, an indication, such as OFF, is visible through an opening in the key head, which indicates to the user that only the engine of the vehicle is turned OFF and a steering handle of the vehicle is not locked. As a result, the driver may further lock the steering handle the vehicle.
[0031] It is to be appreciated that though the embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained with reference to a key assembly for a lock assembly in a two-wheeler vehicle to indicate a position of the lock assembly to improve safety of the two-wheeler vehicle, the concept of the present invention can be used for other locks assembly in other devices and system and all such applications are within the scope of the present application without any limitations whatsoever.
[0032] Referring to FIGs. 1A to ID, where an exploded view, an assembled view, a side view, and a rear view, respectively, of the key assembly 100 for a two-wheeler vehicle are shown, the proposed key assembly 100 includes a key 102, a key head 104 and a rotor 106. The key 102 includes a first portion 108 at a front end potion for insertion in a passage of a lock cylinder of a lock assembly (not shown) of the vehicle and a second portion 110 at a rear end portion of the key 102. The first portion 108 of the key 102 is provided with a predetermined profile. The second portion 110 can be insert molded to the key head 104, as shown in FIG. IB and FIG 2. The rotor 106 is rotatably configured within the key head 104 to rotate about an axis along length of the key assembly 100 as shown in FIGs. IB and 1C.
[0033] The lock cylinder can be rotatably configured in a lock body or stator of the lock assembly. For instances, the lock assembly can be cylinder lock. A

plurality of locking tumblers can be mounted within the lock cylinder and having their axes arranged radially, the tumblers being provided for engagement with the predetermined profile on the first portion 108 of the key 102 in order to be arranged in a condition in which they allow the free rotation of the lock cylinder within the lock body after insertion of the key 102 in the lock cylinder. [0034] The key 102 can be configured to move the lock cylinder between an ignition ON position, an ignition OFF position, and a LOCK position of the lock assembly when the key 102 is rotated after insertion in the lock cylinder. In the ignition ON position the lock assembly allows ignition of an engine of the vehicle and in the ignition OFF position the engine of the vehicle is turned OFF. In the LOCK position a steering handle of the vehicle is locked by a handle locking mechanism to restrain rotation of the steering handle for safety and/or security of the vehicle.
[0035] As shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the key head 104 can include an inner body portion 302 fixed to the second portion 110 of the key 102 through a passage 304 and an outer cover portion 306 covering the inner body portion 302 with an annular space 312 therebetween. The rotor 106 is rotatably configured in the annular space 312 between the inner body portion 302 and the outer cover portion 306 of the key head 104, as shown in FIG. IB. The outer cover portion 306 is provided with an opening 308. The key head 104 further includes a holding portion 310 coupled to the outer cover portion 306 to allow a user to grip the key head 104 for rotating the key 102 between different operative position of the lock assembly of the vehicle. The inner body portion 302 is provided with a second protruded stopper 314 on an outer surface of the inner body portion 302.
[0036] Referring to FIGs. 4A to 5, in an embodiment, the rotor 106 can be generally hollow cylindrical shaped for fitment within the key head. The rotor 106 can include a cylindrical shaped protrusion 402 with notches 404-1 and 404-2 (collectively referred to as notches 404). When the first portion 108 of the key 102 is inserted in the lock cylinder, the protrusion 402 with notches 404 of the rotor 106 detachably engage with corresponding features in the lock body of the lock

assembly. The engagement of the protrusion 402 with notches 404 to the corresponding features in the lock body restricts rotation of the rotor 106 with respect to the lock assembly when the key 102 is rotated after insertion in the lock cylinder to different operative positions of the lock assembly, resulting in relative rotation between the rotor 106 and the key head 104.
[0037] The rotor 106 includes a plurality of outer sectors such as sectors 406-1, 406-2, 406-3 and 406-4 (collectively referred to as outer sectors 406) configured circumferentially on the rotor 106, and inner sectors 408-1 and 408-2 (collectively referred to as inner sectors 408).
[0038] The rotor 106 includes predefined indications configured at predefined positions on the rotor for indicating position of the lock assembly. The predefined indications are provided on outer surfaces of outer sectors of outer sectors 406 of the rotor 106. The predefined indications are configured such that one of the predefined indications is visible through the opening 308 of the outer cover portion 306 to indicate the corresponding position of the of the lock assembly. The predefined indications can include a set of letters including OFF, LOCK and ON engraved on the outer surfaces of the outer sectors, where OFF corresponds to the ignition OFF position, ON corresponds to the ignition ON position and the LOCK corresponds to the LOCK position of the lock assembly. For instance, to turn the ignition OFF, when the driver/user turns the key 102 from the ignition ON position to the ignition OFF position in an anti-clockwise direction, the letters OFF engraved on the outer surface of the rotor 106 get aligned with the opening 308 on the outer cover portion 306 of the key head 104, which indicates/symbolizes that the vehicle is parked but not locked, i.e. vehicle is in OFF condition only. Subsequently the user turns the key 102 from the ignition OFF position to the LOCK position by rotating the key in the anti-clockwise direction, the letters LOCK engraved on the outer surface of the rotor 106 get aligned with the opening 308 on the outer cover portion 306 of the key head 104, which indicates/symbolizes that the vehicle is in locked condition. [0039] In alternate embodiment, the predefined indications can include, but not limited to, markings and colour codes, such as red colour to symbolizing

danger indicating that the vehicle is not locked and green colour to symbolizing safe indicating that the vehicle is locked.
[0040] The rotor 106 can further include a first protruded stopper 410 on an inner surface of an inner sector 408-1 of the rotor 106. The first protruded stopper 410 is configured such that the first protruded stopper 410 touches the second protruded stopper 314 configured on the outer surface of the inner body portion 302 of the key head 104 when the key 102 is rotated to any of the ignition ON position from the ignition OFF position by rotating the key in a clockwise direction and the LOCK position from the ignition OFF position by rotating the key 102 in the anti-clockwise direction to prevent further rotation of the key 102. [0041] Moreover, the rotor 106 can include outwardly protruding semi¬circular ribs 412 configured circumferentially on an outer circumference of the rotor 106. The ribs 412 are configured to engage with corresponding circumferential recesses 502 on an inner surface of the outer cover portion 306 of the key head 104. The engagement of the ribs 412 with recesses 502 on the outer cover portion 306 prevents relative axial movement between the rotor 106 and the key head 104. The ribs 412 of the rotor 106 and the corresponding circumferential recesses 502 on the inner surface of the outer cover portion 306 can be configured to allow snap fitting of the rotor 106 within the annular space 312 of the key head 104. Further, the ribs 412 of the rotor 106 and the circumferential recesses 502 of the outer cover portion 306 can be configured to allow, after the snap fitting of the rotor 106 within the annular space 312, rotation of the rotor 106 with respect to the key head 104.
[0042] The rotor 106 further includes semi-circular dent locks 414-1 and 414-2 (collectively referred to as dent locks 414) that can be configured such that, after the rotor 106 is snap fitted within the annular space 312, the dent locks 414 are biased against the inner surface of the outer cover portion 306 to remain in engagement with inner surface of the outer cover portion 306 and keep the rotor 106 in position relative to the key head 104 unless forced to rotate, such as by rotation of the key and the key head while the rotor is engaged to the lock body.

As can be understood, if the rotor 106 undergoes rotation in the key head 104 on its own, a user may get a false indication.
[0043] In an embodiment, the inner surface of the outer cover portion 306 can include corresponding cavities (not shown) where the semi-circular dent locks 414 may engage to prevent rotation of the rotor with respect to the key head 104 in the predefined positions. The one or more semi-circular dent locks 414 and the corresponding cavities on the inner surface of the outer cover portion can be configured such that their engagement occurs when the rotor is in positions corresponding to the predefined indications being visible through the opening of the outer cover portion.
[0044] Thus, the present disclosure provides an improved, simple and cost-effective indication key assembly for a lock assembly of a two-wheeler to indicate a driver about locked and unlocked conditions of the two-wheeler vehicle, thereby improving safety and security of the vehicle.
[0045] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0046] The present disclosure provides a simple and cost-effective solution which can overcome drawbacks of a convention key of two-wheeler vehicles. [0047] The present disclosure provides an improved key assembly for a lock of two-wheeler vehicles to enhance safety and security of the two-wheeler vehicles.
[0048] The present disclosure provides a key assembly for an ignition and handle lock of a two-wheeler vehicle, which indicates whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked when the vehicle is parked.

[0049] The present disclosure provides a simple and cost-effective key assembly that enhance security of a two-wheeler by indicating to a driver whether a steering handle of the two-wheeler is locked or unlocked when the two-wheeler is parked by the driver.

We Claim:
1. A key assembly for a vehicle, the key assembly comprising:
a key having a first portion for insertion in a passage of a lock cylinder of a lock assembly, and a second portion, the key being configured to, on being rotated after insertion in the lock cylinder, to move the lock cylinder between an ignition ON position, an ignition OFF position, and a LOCK position of the lock assembly;
a key head having an inner body portion coupled to the second portion of the key and an outer cover portion covering the inner body portion with an annular space therebetween, the outer cover portion comprising an opening; and
a rotor rotatably configured in the annular space between the inner body portion and the outer cover portion of the key head, the rotor being configured to, when the first portion of the key is inserted in the lock cylinder, engage with the lock assembly to restrict rotation of the rotor with respect to the lock assembly as the key is rotated after insertion in the lock cylinder to different operative positions, resulting in relative rotation between the rotor and the key head; wherein the rotor comprises predefined indications at predefined positions on an outer surface of the rotor, such that one of the predefined indications is visible through the opening of the outer cover portion of the key head to indicate the corresponding position of the of the lock assembly.
2. The key assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor comprises one or more of any or a combination of recesses and protrusions that engage with corresponding features in a lock body of the lock assembly to restrict rotation of the rotor with respect to the lock assembly.
3. The key assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor comprises one or more outwardly protruding ribs configured circumferentially on an outer circumference of the rotor, the one or more ribs being configured to engage with corresponding circumferential recesses on an inner surface of the outer

cover portion of the key head, which engagement prevents relative axial movement between the rotor and the key head.
4. The key assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more ribs of the
rotor and the corresponding circumferential recesses on the inner surface of
the outer cover portion of the key head are configured to allow snap fitting of
the rotor within the annular space of the key head; and wherein the one or
more ribs of the rotor and the corresponding circumferential recesses on the
inner surface of the outer cover portion of the key head are configured to
allow, after the snap fitting of the rotor within the annular space, rotation of
the rotor with respect to the key head.
5. The key assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rotor comprises one or more semicircular dent locks that engage with corresponding cavities on the inner surface of the outer cover portion, wherein the dent locks are configured such that, after the rotor is snap fitted within the annular space, the dent locks are biased against the inner surface of the outer cover portion of the key head to prevent free rotation of the rotor with respect to the key head.
6. The key assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of outer sectors configured circumferentially on the rotor, wherein the predefined indications are provided on outer surfaces of outer sectors of the plurality of outer sectors.
7. The key assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor comprises a first protruded stopper on an inner surface of the rotor such that the first protruded stopper touches a second protruded stopper configured on an outer surface of the inner body portion of the key head when the key is rotated to any of the ignition ON position from the ignition OFF position by rotating the key in a clockwise direction and the LOCK position from the ignition OFF position by rotating the key in an anti-clockwise direction to prevent further rotation of the key.
8. The key assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined indications are selected from a group comprising a set of letters including OFF, LOCK and ON, markings, and color codes.

9. The key assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key head comprises a holding portion coupled to the outer cover portion of the key head to allow a user to grip the key head for rotating the key.
10. The key assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a two-wheeler vehicle; and wherein in the LOCK position of the lock assembly a handle of the vehicle is locked.