Centralized lock device for vehicle storage container

#The present invention relates to locking devices for vehicle storage containers. More particularly, the invention involves a centralized locking arrangement utilizable on motorcycles, or the like, for selectively locking and unlocking plural storage containers, such as a trunk container and side containers spaced from said trunk containers.

#In motorcycles of large size there is commonly provided a trunk container or bag in a central upper portion of the rear of the vehicle body and saddle bags at left and right sides of the trunk bag. In the prior art, locking mechanisms are provided on each respective bag in order to secure the access to each. Such lock mechanisms generally provide an independent key cylinder device for each of the bags, the locking and unlocking, accordingly, being performed by inserting a key individually into each of the key cylinder devices.

#In the described prior art trunk bag and saddle bag arrangements, each of the locking mechanisms necessitates locking and unlocking each bag separately. Moreover, as is usual, in order to reduce the number of required keys, the same key is capable of operating each separate locking mechanism. Also, the key used for unlocking the bags is the same key used for the main electrical system switch of the vehicle.

#For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objectives obtained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and description which relate to a preferred embodiment thereof.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a motorcycle of the type for utilizing the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective representation illustrating operating parts of the present invention;

#FIG. 1 generally illustrates, a motorcycle carrying a trunk bag 2 and a pair of side or saddle bags 3 and having a centralized lock device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates, in an enlarged scale, the trunk and saddle bag arrangement of FIG. 1 and wherein certain of the operating parts in the interior of the bags can be viewed.

#As shown, in the center of the rear portion of the vehicle body 1 of the motorcycle is provided a trunk bag 2, to the left and right sides of which saddle bags 3, 3 are provided. Since the saddle bags 3, 3 are provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of the vehicle, the following description is directed principally to only the saddle bag on the left side thereof. The trunk bag 2 has a lid 2a that opens upwardly. Also, a base portion 2b of the trunk bag rests on a rear cover 1a closing the extending slightly rearwardly. Further, reference numeral 1b indicates a recess formed on the rear cover 1a beneath the extended portion of the base portion 2b. The lid 3a is provided on the saddle bag 3 for opening and closing, as shown by the arrow. Terminal lock mechanisms 4 and 5 are provided, respectively, in the trunk bag 2 and the saddle bag 3. The terminal lock mechanisms 4 and 5 are constituted respectively by rotary shafts 6, 7 rotatably mounted on brackets (not shown), latches 8, 9 mounted on each of the ends of the rotary shafts 6, 7, as well as hooks 10, 11 mounted on the lids 2a, 3a of the trunk bag 2 and the saddle bag 3. The hooks 10, 11, as shown, engage pawls 8a, 9a of latches 8, 9. Fixed for rotation on each of the respective rotary shafts 6, 7 are mounted rotary levers 12, 13. The shafts 6, 7 are adapted to be rotated and operated in a locking direction by means of return springs (not shown). Therefore, if the lids 2a and 3a are closed, locking is effected by the fact that the hook 10 or 11 engages automatically with the associated pawl 8a or 9a.

#On the lid 2a of the trunk bag 2 is provided a single key cylinder device 14 intended to lock and unlock the terminal lock mechanism 4. As best shown in FIG. 7, a rotary plate 15 is provided on an inner leading end or a rotating portion of the key cylinder device 14. The rotary plate 15, as described in detail hereinafter, is intended to engage with the rotary lever 12 for rotating the rotary shaft 6 whereby the pawls 8a are capable of engaging with, and disengaging from, the hooks 10.