The present invention relates to two wheeled vehicles and, more particularly, to a combined key of the two wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the augmentation of technology in the automotive industry, there
has been an enormous development of technology in multiple verticals of the product line-ups and technology front for any vehicle. The vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorized scooter, motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle, and four-wheeled vehicle such as all-terrain vehicle (ATV), comprise storage compartments and especially under-seat storage spaces for storing belongings of a rider or a pillion passenger such as a helmet, a document, a tool kit etc.
[0003] Generally, to access such storage spaces a key is provided. However, when the user lost the key, in that condition the chances to access such storage spaces are grim. Often the service center and the vehicle dealer provides access of the storage spaces of the vehicle by unlocking the lock after removal of all the surrounding parts near the seat lock which is a cumbersome process. It consumes lot of time and causes huge amount of difficulties for service engineers or technicians for assembling and disassembling the surrounding parts near the seat lock. Therefore, there exists a need to provide a solution for accessing the space of the storage compartment without affecting the aesthetics of the vehicle and without causing inconvenience to the user.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, the present subject matter is providing a vehicle. The vehicle comprising a body frame, a seat, a storage compartment, a latch, a lock, a key and a combined key. The seat is openably and closably mounted to the body frame. The seat comprising a hook. The storage compartment is mounted to the body frame. The storage compartment comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The latch is disposed below the seat. The latch is mounted to one of the body frame and the storage compartment. The latch is operably connected and disconnected to the hook of the seat. The lock is mounted to the body frame. The lock operates the latch through the key. The combined key is adapted to selectively enable and disable the latch to open and close the seat. The combined key is mounted to one of the body frame and the storage compartment.
[0006] In an embodiment, a side cover assembly is adapted to be coupled to the body frame. The side cover member comprising a plurality of mounting provisions, a hole and a cap. The cap is detachably connected to the hole and the cap covers the combined key.
[0007] In an embodiment, the hole is provided in alignment with the combined
key. The hole is inclinedly located on the side cover assembly thereby ensuring that a top surface of the combined key remains within the surface area of the hole.
[0008] In an embodiment, the top surface of the combined key receives one of the user hand and the device through the hole after removal of the cap.
[0009] In an embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a fuel tank cap. The fuel tank cap covers the lock member along one of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the vehicle.
[00010] In an embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a combined cable is disposed in between the combined key and the latch. The combined cable is adapted to transfer force from the combined key to the latch to selectively enable and disable the latch to open and close the seat.

[00011] In an embodiment, the combined key comprises a plurality of input members and a push member. The plurality of input members (enable and disable the push member to operate the latch.
[00012] In an embodiment, the plurality of input members receives and compares user inputs against a pre-determined input available with the plurality of input members. When the user input matches with the pre-determined input then the plurality of input members enables the push member, and when the user input fails to match with the pre-determined input then the push member remains disabled.
[00013] In an embodiment, the plurality of input members enables the push member thereby resulting into disengagement of the hook from the latch and opens the seat.
[00014] In an embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a sensor push member and a combined sensor. The combined sensor is adapted to operably connected with the sensor push member to enable and disable the latch to open and close the seat.
[00015] One advantage of the present disclosure is that it removes the requirement of removing various components, such as the seat, the pair of side cover etc., to get access to the storage compartment, in case where the key is lost.
[00016] One advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides the combined key which is always attached with the vehicle and only be accessible when user inputs the true code to the plurality of input members of the combined key.
[00017] One advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides the easiest, and convenient method for accessing the storage compartment, in case where the key is lost, without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle.
[00018] One more advantage of the present disclosure is that it saves lot of time and eliminates difficulties in accessing the space of the storage compartment, in case where the key is lost, without affecting the without causing inconvenience to the user.

[00019] One more advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides the key and the combined key, both are adapted to selectively enable and disable the latch to open and close the seat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00020] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[00021] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00022] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a side cover assembly of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00023] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a storage compartment of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00024] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the side cover assembly, storage compartment and a combined key, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00025] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a latch and a hook of the seat, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00026] Figure 6a illustrates a combined view of a lock, a key, the combined key and the latch of the vehicle with other essential components, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00027] Figure 6b illustrates a combined view of a lock, a key, a sensor push member, a combined sensor, the combined key and the latch of the vehicle with other essential components, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00028] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature. The colored drawings, if provided along with this description are only meant to make the details of invention clear and have no effect whatsoever on the scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00029] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[00030] The term "comprises", comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. 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.
[00031] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[00032] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, a combined key and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms "vehicle", "two wheeled vehicle" and "motorcycle" have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term "vehicle"

comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[00033] The terms "front / forward", "rear / rearward / back / backward", "up / upper / top", "down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom", "left / leftward", "right / rightward" used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.
[00034] Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorized scooter vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as motorcycles, an electric scooter vehicle, an electric motorcycle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00035] The vehicle (100) comprises a front end structure (102), a rear end structure (104) and a footboard (106). The front end structure (102) forms the front portion of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (104) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The footboard (106) lies between the front end structure (102) and the rear end structure (104). The footboard (106) provides foot rest for a rider riding the vehicle (100).
[00036] The front end structure (102) comprises a front ground engaging member (114) and a steering mechanism (116). The front ground engaging member (114) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (116). The steering mechanism (116) comprises a handle bar (118). The handle bar (118) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). Further, the front end structure (102) comprises a leg shield (120). The leg shield (120) encloses the steering mechanism (116). The leg shield (120) comprises an inner leg shield (122) and an outer leg shield (121). The leg shield (120) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (100).
[00037] The front end structure (102) comprises a dash assembly (125) and a headlight (126). The dash assembly (125) comprises a display unit (not shown). The

assembly (125) may comprise additional components such as, LCD, GPS, and Graphical User Interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The headlight (126) is disposed in front direction of the vehicle (100). Further, the front end structure (102) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, head lamps, front fenders etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00038] Referring to Figure 1, the rear end structure (104) comprises a seat (108), a rear ground engaging member (112), a tail light (142), a rear grip (140) and a fuel tank cap (500). The seat (108) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (112) underlies the seat (108) and is driven by a power unit (not shown). The seat (108) comprises a hook (52). In present embodiment, the hook (52) is a U-shaped hook (52). However, in another embodiment, the hook (52) may have different kinds of in accordance with the manufacturer requirement.
[00039] In present embodiment, the power unit comprises an engine (not shown) and a transmission unit (not shown). However, in another embodiment, the power unit comprises an electric motor (not shown) and a transmission unit (not shown). The rear end structure (104) comprises a storage compartment (170-shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4). The storage compartment (170) is provided under the seat (108). More particularly, the storage compartment (170) is disposed within a space defined by the seat (108) and the power unit. In present embodiment, the fuel tank cap (500) covers a fuel tank opening (not shown) of a fuel tank (not shown). Further, the rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as suspension system/s, tail light/s etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00040] The vehicle (100) further comprises a body frame (130). The body frame (130) is formed by integrally joining number of steel members and the like, by welding or the like. In the illustrated example, the body frame (130) having a specific construction is disclosed. Alternatively, the body frame (130) may have different body frame constructions generally associated with motorcycles, without limiting the scope of the invention. The body frame (130) supports the front end structure (102), the

footboard (106), and the rear end structure (104). The body frame (130) comprises a head tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), a first cross member (not shown), a first seat rail member (not shown), a second seat rail member (not shown), a second cross member (not shown) and a third cross member (not shown). The head tube supports the steering mechanism (116). More particularly, the head tube pivotably supports the handle bar (118). The rear grip (140) is connected to body frame (130), as illustrated in Figure. 1.
[00041] Referring to Figure 1 to Figure 6b, the vehicle comprising a latch (53), a lock (600), a key (400) and a combined key (300). The seat (108) is openably and closably mounted to the body frame (130). The seat (108) comprising the hook (52). The storage compartment (170) is mounted to the body frame (130). The storage compartment (170) comprises an inner surface (171) and an outer surface (172). The latch (53) is disposed below the seat (108). The latch (53) is mounted to one of the body frame (130) and the storage compartment (170). The latch (53) is operably connected and disconnected to the hook (52) of the seat (108). The lock (600) is mounted to the body frame (130). The lock (600) operates the latch (53) through the key (400).
[00042] The combined key (300) is adapted to selectively enable and disable the latch (53) to open and close the seat (108). The combined key (300) is mounted to one of the body frame (130) and the storage compartment (170). In present embodiment, the combined key (300) is mounted to the outer surface (172) of the storage compartment (170). However, in another embodiment, the combined key (300) is mounted to any available safe and accessible location of the vehicle (100). Also, the combined key (300) is interchangeably termed as the auxiliary key (300).
[00043] Referring to Figure 2, the vehicle (100) comprises a side cover assembly (180). The side cover assembly (180) is adapted to be coupled to the body frame (130). The side cover assembly (180) comprising a plurality of mounting provisions (185a, 185b, 185c, 185d, 185e), a hole (181), and a cap (200). The plurality of mounting provisions (185a, 185b, 185c, 185d, 185e) are affixed to the body frame (130) thereby

coupling the side cover assembly (180) to the body frame (130). The cap (200) covers the combined key (300). The hole (181) is in alignment with the combined key (300). The hole (181) is inclinedly located on the side cover assembly (180) in a manner that the combined key (300) remains within the surface area of the hole (181). In present embodiment, the side cover assembly (180) is provided in right side of the vehicle (100). However, in another embodiment, the side cover assembly (180) may be provided in left side of the vehicle (100).
[00044] The cap (200) is detachably connected to the hole (181). In present embodiment, the cap (200) is snap fitted to the hole (181). However, in another embodiment, the cap (200) may be fitted to the hole (181) differently either through some mechanism or through bolting etc. Further, the cap (200) is adapted to be attached to the hole (181) along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100). However, in another embodiment, the cap (200) may be adapted to be attached to the hole (181) along a lateral direction of the vehicle (100).
[00045] In an embodiment, the cap (200) is shaped in accordance with the shape of the hole (181). As in the present embodiment, the hole (181) is having a trapezoidal shape and due to which the cap (200) is having trapezoidal shape. However, in other embodiment, the hole (181) may have different kind of shape and accordingly the cap (200) shape is decided by the manufacturer.
[00046] Referring to Figure 3, the combined key (300) comprises a top surface (301). The top surface (301) is disposed in such a way that the top surface (301) receives one of the user hand and the device through the hole (181) after removal of the cap (200). Further, the hole (181) is provided in alignment with the combined key (300). The hole (181) is inclinedly located on the side cover assembly (180) thereby ensuring that the top surface (301) of the combined key (300) remains within the surface area of the hole (181). Also, in present embodiment, the combined key (300) is mounted to the outer surface (172) of the storage compartment (170).
[00047] In another embodiment, the top surface (301) is disposed in such a way that the too surface (301) receives one of the user hand and the device through the hole

(181) after removal of the fuel tank cap (500). Thus, the combined key (300) may be provided anywhere on the vehicle (100) while ensuring the safety and accessibility of the combined key (300). Further, the fuel tank cap (500) covers the combined key (300) along one of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the vehicle (100). More particularly, in present embodiment, the fuel tank cap (500) covers the combined key (300) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, the fuel tank cap (500) covers the combined key (300) along the lateral direction of the vehicle (100).
[00048] Referring to Figure 6a and Figure 6b, the combined key (300) comprises a plurality of input members (311,312, 313) and a push member (305). The plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) enable and disable the push member (305) to operate the latch (53). More particularly, the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) are having three rotatable input members (311,312, 313) for receiving the inputs from the user. However, in another embodiment, the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) may have different kind of input members for receiving the inputs from the user. Also, in another embodiment, the push member (305) may be replaced by a pull member (not shown).
[00049] Further, the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) receives and compares user inputs against a pre-determined input available with the plurality of input members (311,312, 313), when the user input matches with the pre-determined input then the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) enables the push member (305), and when the user input fails to match with the pre-determined input then the push member (305) remains disabled. The pre-determined input is shared by one of the manufacturer and the dealer, to the user. Once, the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) enables the push member (305) thereby resulting into disengagement of the hook (52) from the latch (53) and opens the seat (108).
[00050] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the combined key (300) is extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100). However, in another embodiment, the combined key (300) may be extended along the lateral direction of

the vehicle (100). In present embodiment, the combined key (300) is positioned on the right hand side of the vehicle (100), below the side cover assembly (180). However, in another embodiment, the combined key (300) may be positioned on the left hand side of the vehicle (100), below the side cover assembly (180).
[00051] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5, the latch (53) is mounted to one of the body frame (130) and the storage compartment (170). More particularly, the latch (53) is mounted to the storage compartment (170). In present embodiment, the latch (53) is an L-shaped bracket comprising a first wall (61) and a second wall (70). The second wall (70) is at an angle to the first wall (61). In the exemplary embodiment, the second wall (70) is substantially perpendicular to the first wall (61). The first wall
(61) of the latch (53) is provided with at least one mounting hole (65) to mount the
latch (53) to the storage compartment (170). In the illustrated embodiment, at-least
two mounting holes (65) are shown, however there may be more or fewer number of
such mounting holes (65). In another embodiment, the latch (53) may be mounted to
the body frame (130). The mounting of the latch (53) may be done using suitable
techniques such as by using at least one fastener or by clamping in accordance with
the manufacturer requirements.
[00052] In the illustrated embodiment, the latch (53) comprises two cams such as a first cam (62) and a second cam (63). The first cam (62) and the second cam (63) are respectively pivoted through a first pin (67) and a second pin (68) to the second wall (70) of the latch (53). The first cam (62) rotates about the first pin (67) to lock or unlock the U shaped hook (52) of the seat (108). A spring (66) connects the first cam
(62) and the second cam (63).
[00053] Referring back to Figure 1, an engaged position of the latch (53) when the seat (108) is closed, is shown. When the seat (108) covering the storage compartment (170) is closed, the first cam (62) of the latch (53) is engaged with the U shaped hook (52) of the seat (108). When the lock (600) of the seat (108) is opened with the help of the key (400), the first cam (62) of the latch (53) releases the U shaped

hook (52) of the seat (108). As the lock (600) is connected to the latch (53) through a lock cable (610).
[00054] Referring to Figure 6a, the vehicle (100) further comprises a combined cable (310) disposed in between the combined key (300) and the latch (53). The combined cable (310) is adapted to transfer force from the combined key (300) to the latch (53) to selectively enable and disable the latch (53) to open and close the seat (108). Firstly, the user gives input to the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) and when the user input matches with the pre-determined input then the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) enables the push member (305). Secondly, the user gives push to the push member (305) thereby enabling the combined cable (310) to transfer force from the combined key (300) to the latch (53). Thereafter, due to the force on the latch (53), the latch (53) disengages the hook (52). This resulted into opening of the seat (108) by the combined key (300).
[00055] Referring to Figure 6b, the vehicle further comprises a sensor push member (350) and a combined sensor (320). The combined sensor (320) is adapted to operably connected with the sensor push member (350) to enable and disable the latch (53) to open and close the seat (108). Herein, the sensor push member (350) apply force to the latch (53), after receiving enabling input from the combined sensor (320). Thereafter, due to the force on the latch (53), the latch (53) disengages the hook (52). This resulted into opening of the seat (108) by the combined key (300).
[00056] With the above-mentioned data the user quickly get access to the storage compartment, in case where the key (400) is lost, without technician help or without removing various surrounding components of the vehicle (100) such as the seat (108), the side cover assembly (180) etc.
[00057] Further, the present invention provides the combined key (300) which is always attached with the vehicle (100) and only be accessible when user inputs the true code to the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) of the combined key (300).

[00058] Further, the present invention provides the easiest, and convenient method for accessing the storage compartment (170), in case where the key (400) is lost, without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle (100).
[00059] Further, the present invention saves lot of time and eliminates difficulties in accessing the space of the storage compartment, in case where the key (400) is lost, without affecting the without causing inconvenience to the user.
[00060] Further, the present invention ensures that the key (400) and the combined key (300), respectively, are adapted to selectively enable and disable the latch (53) to open and close the seat (108).
[00061] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[00062] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, 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 invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention 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 invention and not as a limitation.

We Claim:

1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a body frame (130);
a seat (108) openably and closably mounted to the body frame (130), the seat (108) comprising a hook (52);
a storage compartment (170) mounted to the body frame (130), the storage compartment (170) comprises an inner surface (171) and an outer surface (172);
a latch (53) disposed below the seat (108), the latch (53) mounted to one of the body frame (130) and the storage compartment (170), wherein the latch (53) operably connected and disconnected to the hook (52) of the seat (108);
a lock (600) mounted to the body frame (130), wherein the lock (600) operates the latch (53) through a key (400); and
a combined key (300), wherein the combined key (300) adapted to selectively enable and disable the latch (53) to open and close the seat (108), wherein the combined key (300) mounted to one of the body frame (130) and the storage compartment (170).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a side cover assembly (180)
adapted to be coupled to the body frame (130), the side cover assembly (180)
comprising:
a plurality of mounting provisions (185a, 185b, 185c, 185d, 185e); a hole (181); and
a cap (200), wherein the cap (200) is detachably connected to the hole (181) and the cap (200) covers the combined key (300).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the hole (181)
provided in alignment with the combined key (300), and the hole (181)
inclinedly located on the side cover assembly (180) thereby ensuring that a top

surface (301) of the combined key (300) remains within the surface area of the hole (181).
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 3, wherein the top surface (301) of the combined key (300) receives one of the user hand and the device through the hole (181) after removal of the cap (200).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) further comprises a fuel tank cap (500), wherein the fuel tank cap (500) covers the combined key (300) along one of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the vehicle (100).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) further comprises a combined cable (310) disposed in between the combined key (300) and the latch (53), wherein the combined cable (310) adapted to transfer force from the combined key (300) to the latch (53) to selectively enable and disable the latch (53) to open and close the seat (108).
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combined key (300) comprises a plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) and a push member (305), wherein the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) enable and disable the push member (305) to operate the latch (53).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 7, wherein the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) receives and compares user inputs against a pre-determined input available with the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313), when the user input matches with the pre-determined input then the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) enables the push member (305), and when the user input fails to match with the pre-determined input then the push member (305) remains disabled.

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of input members (311, 312, 313) enables the push member (305) thereby resulting into disengagement of the hook (52) from the latch (53) and opens the seat (108).
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) further comprises a sensor push member (350) and a combined sensor (320), wherein the combined sensor (320) adapted to operably connected with the sensor push member (350) to enable and disable the latch (53) to open and close the seat (108).