Motorcycle case and locking system for motorcycle case

Abstract

A motorcycle case fitted to the rear of a motorcycle can usually only be removed from the motorcycle. There are two reasons for this. The first is to prevent potential loss of the motorcycle case when riding the motorcycle, and the second is to prevent the case from being easily stolen. However, there is a need to have an easily removable motorcycle case, and this dilemma is solved by providing a motorcycle case that includes a container including a base having one or more walls extending upward and terminating in an open top, a container lid for closing the open top of the container, the lid being movable from a closed position to an open position, and a plurality of locks, including at least one lock for locking the container lid to the container in the closed position and at least one lock for operatively connecting the motorcycle case to the motorcycle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorcycle case and a locking system that allows the motorcycle case to be easily removed from the motorcycle. [Background technology]

[0002] For the avoidance of doubt, the term motorcycle, as used herein, is intended to include two-wheeled motor vehicles known as scooters and mopeds. Regardless of the type of motorcycle, be it a traditional two-wheeler with or without a sidecar, three-wheeler, or quad, there is a requirement for many users of such vehicles to have some form of weatherproof storage attached or mountable to the vehicle. Usually, such storage is lockable and typically takes the form of a single top-mountable motorcycle case or a pair of side-mountable motorcycle cases. For other types of motorcycles, the motorcycle case itself may be an integral part of the vehicle.

[0003] Although attachable motorcycle cases can be removed, this process is not easy and is inherently unintended for two reasons. First, the rider wants to be assured that once attached, the motorcycle case is unlikely to come loose and "fall off" while riding the motorcycle, especially since the motorcycle case is typically mounted behind the rider and is not typically seen when the motorcycle is in use. Second, if the motorcycle owner leaves the motorcycle for any length of time, it is to prevent a third party from quickly removing the motorcycle case from the motorcycle and walking off with it and its contents.

[0004] If a rider needs to leave the motorcycle and is concerned about the contents of the motorcycle box being stolen while away from the vehicle, the only real option they have is to open the motorcycle case and take the contents with them, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, motorcycle cases are provided with key-operated locks that require the key to either lock or unlock the motorcycle case. When the key is not used, the motorcycle case is either always open or always closed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to try to alleviate the above mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above, the present invention is embodied in a number of different forms, but linked to form part of a single general inventive concept.

[0007] Thus, in one aspect, the invention comprises: a container including a base having one or more walls extending upwardly and terminating in an open top; a container lid for closing an open top of the container, the lid being movable from a closed position to an open position; A plurality of locks, at least one lock for locking the container lid to the container in a closed position; and At least one lock for operatively connecting the motorcycle case to the motorcycle. Multiple locks including This type is widely used in motorcycle cases.

[0008] With this arrangement, all the motorcycle rider needs to do is unlock the or each lock that operatively connects the motorcycle case to the motorcycle, and if he or she intends to leave the motorcycle for even a short time, he or she can walk away with the motorcycle case without having to open the case and remove the contents.

[0009] Preferably, each lock includes a pair of complementary engagement members, a first of the pair operatively connected to the container and a second of the pair engaged to either the container lid or, directly or indirectly, the motorcycle. This has the advantage that, upon unlocking of the or each lock securing the container to the motorcycle, the motorcycle case can be quickly removed from the motorcycle without unlocking the motorcycle case.

[0010] Preferably, at least one lock comprises a housing adapted to support a component, the component comprising: a latch adapted to move from a first position to a second position when a latch actuator is used to actuate the latch; a first member provided with a biasing means, the first member being movable from a first position to a second position such that potential energy is stored by the biasing means during movement of the first member from the first position to the second position; a second member provided with a biasing means, the second member being movable from a first position to a second position such that potential energy is stored by the biasing means when the second member is in the first position, and at least a portion of the stored potential energy is released as kinetic energy during movement of the second member from the first position to the second position; The arrangement of the components is as follows: When the latch is in the first position, it can limit movement of the first member, and when in the second position, movement of the first member is no longer limited; Movement of the first member from the first position to the second position allows the second member to move from its first position to its second position, and once in the second position, the second member is adapted to lock the first member in its second position.

[0011] Each lock may be an electronically actuable lock, but preferably each lock is actuable by a physical key, the latch is fitted to a key-operated cylinder, the latch actuator is a physical key, and the latch is adapted to move from a first position to a second position when the key is inserted into the key-operated cylinder and rotated about a longitudinal axis of the key-operated cylinder.

[0012] Preferably, the latch is located within the housing throughout its movement from its first position to its second position. This is advantageous as it prevents weathering of the latch and limits the amount of fluid (e.g., rainwater) that can enter the lock.

[0013] Preferably, the housing includes two parts, a first part housing part of the component and a second part housing the remainder of the component, and the arrangement between the two parts of the housing is such that only one part of the housing moves relative to the other during engagement and disengagement of a pair of complementary engaging members of the lock.

[0014] Preferably, one of the housing parts is fitted with a first pivot operatively connected to a second pivot fitted to the other part of the housing via each end of the connecting arm, so that rotation of one end of the connecting arm about the first pivot causes the second pivot at the other end of the connecting arm to rotate about the first pivot to separate the housing into its two parts during disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members. The part of the housing to which the second pivot is fitted is free to rotate about its second pivot when disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members occurs. In such a configuration, the part of the housing to which the first pivot is fitted is that part of the housing that is not movable relative to the other part during engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members of the lock. Also, in such a configuration, the first of the pair of complementary engagement members is fitted to a part of the housing that moves relative to the other part during engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members of the lock to the container.

[0015] Preferably, the first member is located in that part of the housing that is not movable. In such a configuration, the part of the housing that is movable relative to the part of the housing that is not movable and the first member are each preferably provided with complementary interlocking catches that are capable of locking both parts of the housing to each other when a pair of complementary engagement members of the lock are engaged. Also, in such a configuration, movement of the first member from its first position to its second position disengages the interlocking catches and allows the part of the housing that is movable relative to the part of the housing that is not movable to move. In such an arrangement, even if the motorcycle case is unlocked via the latch actuator, the motorcycle case cannot be opened until the first member has moved from its first position to its second position.

[0016] Preferably, the second member is located in that part of the housing which is not movable. In such a configuration, the movement of the first member is in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second member. This has the advantage that it aids in disassembly of both parts of the housing when the first member moves from its first position to its second position.

[0017] For at least one lock, preferably both of the parts of the housing are connected to each other via a first pivot and a second pivot is connected to that part of the housing that is movable relative to the other part during engagement and disengagement of a pair of complementary engagement members.

[0018] The pivots are each arranged such that rotation of the portion of the housing that is movable relative to the other portion about the first pivot axis causes the second pivot axis to rotate about the first pivot axis to separate the housing into its two portions during disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members. In such a configuration, the first complementary engagement member of the pair is engaged to the portion of the housing that is movable relative to the other portion via the second pivot axis. Also in such a configuration, the first complementary engagement member of the pair is free to rotate about the second pivot axis when the pair of complementary engagement members are disengaged.

[0019] Preferably, each lock in the plurality of locks includes identical components. In such a configuration, the or each lock that operatively connects the motorcycle case to the motorcycle case base plate is visually distinct from the or each lock that locks the container lid in the closed position to the container. Including locks that have the same components but are visually distinct minimizes the number of different parts for each type of lock.

[0020] The invention in a second aspect is a motorcycle case base plate that can be attached to a motorcycle; A case for a motorcycle as specified herein above; There are widely used locking systems for motorcycle cases comprising:

[0021] Preferably, in the locking system, the motorcycle case and the base plate are each provided with a complementary interlocking member to allow the motorcycle case to be fitted to the base plate. In such a configuration, preferably, when the interlocking members interlock via a sliding action, this ensures that the only way the motorcycle case can be loosened from the motorcycle case base plate is by sliding in the opposite direction. Also, in such a configuration, the or each lock operatively connecting the motorcycle case to the motorcycle does so by locking the motorcycle case to the motorcycle case base plate, the latter base plate being fitted to the motorcycle. This arrangement prevents any such sliding action in the direction of unlocking the motorcycle case from the motorcycle case base plate.

[0022] Preferably, in the locking system, each lock includes a pair of complementary engagement members, a first complementary engagement member of the pair being fitted to the container and a second complementary engagement member of the pair being fitted to either the container lid or the motorcycle base plate.

[0023] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a front view (FIG. 1(a)), a side view (FIG. 1(b)) and an isometric view (FIG. 1(c)) of a locking system for a motorcycle case according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a motorcycle case base plate firmly attached to a motorcycle base plate receiving frame, with the motorcycle case of the present invention fitted to and locked onto the base plate. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B show an isometric overall side view (FIG. 2A) and a bottom view (FIG. 2B) of the locking system for the motorcycle case shown in FIG. 1, in which the motorcycle case has been separated from the motorcycle case base plate, but the base plate is still tightly fitted into the motorcycle receiving frame. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3(a) shows a front view of the locking system for a motorcycle case shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, followed by various views of the upper key-operated lock (FIGS. 3(b) to 3(i)), some of which are partial cross-sections, at various stages of unlocking. [Figure 4] 4(h) shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the top key-operated lock shown in FIG. 3 at various stages of locking, along with various side views (FIGS. 4(a)-4(e)) and front views (FIGS. 4(f) and 4(g)). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5(a) shows a front elevational view of the locking system for a motorcycle case shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, followed by various views of the bottom key-operated lock (FIGS. 5(b) to 5(i)), some of which are partly in cross section, at various stages of unlocking. [Figure 6] 6(h) shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the top key-operated lock shown in FIG. 5 at various stages of locking, along with various side views (FIGS. 6(a)-6(e)) and front views (FIGS. 6(f)-6(g)). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] 1(a) to 1(c) show various views of an embodiment of a locking system 11, 12 for a motorcycle case 11 of the present invention, generally designated by reference number 10. In FIG.

[0026] The locking system 11, 12 shows the motorcycle case base plate 12 firmly attached to the motorcycle base plate receiving frame 13, with the motorcycle case 11 fitted to the base plate 12 and locked onto the base plate.

[0027] The stainless steel four-sided motorcycle case 11 is in the form of an open-top container 14 including a base 15 having four walls 16 and a container lid 17 covering the open top of the container 14, the container lid 17 being connected to the container 14 via a hinge 18 along a rear edge 19 of the container 14 such that the lid 17 (when unlocked) can be moved from a closed position to an open position. The motorcycle case 11 is fitted with two locks 20, 21, one above the other, fitted between opposite sides of a front surface 22 of the motorcycle case 11, the upper lock 20 locking the container lid 17 in the closed position to the container 14 and the lower lock 21 locking the motorcycle case 11 to the motorcycle case base plate 12.

[0028] Each lock 20, 21 includes a pair of complementary engagement members 23, 24 (lock 20), 25, 26 (lock 21), a first complementary engagement member 23, 25 of the pair being fitted to each lock 20, 21 and a second complementary engagement member 24, 26 of the pair being fitted to either the container lid 17 (in the case of upper lock 20) ​​or the motorcycle base plate 12 (in the case of lower lock 21).

[0029] The internal arrangement of each lock 20, 21 will now be described. Each lock 20, 21 comprises a housing 27, 28 adapted to support the following component parts: First, a latch 29 rotatably mounted on a steel cylinder 30 which is actuated by a key 31. The latch 29 is movable from a first position to a second position when the key 31 is inserted into the cylinder 30 and rotated about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 30.

[0030] The next components are a compressibly elongated first member 32 moulded from a relevant plastic material and a biasing means in the form of a helical steel spring 33. The first member 32 is located below the cylinder 30, the main axis of the first member 32 passes through the orthogonal main axis of the cylinder 30, and the first member 32 is vertically movable from a first position to a second position (when the motorcycle case 11 is in the intended operating position).

[0031] During such movement, potential energy is stored by the helical spring 33 as the first member 32 moves from the first position to the second position. The second member 34, also moulded from a plastic material which is also elongated "T" shaped, is also provided with biasing means in the form of a helical steel spring 35, the second member 34 also being movable from the first position to a second position, this movement being horizontal to the front face of the container 14. As this movement occurs, the potential energy stored by the helical spring 33 when the second member 34 was in the first position is at least partly released as kinetic energy and the second member 34 moves to the second position.

[0032] The arrangement of each of these components is such that when the latch 29 is in a first position, it is located directly above the first member 32 and is able to restrict the movement of the first member 32, and when the latch 29 is rotated to its second position by rotation of the key 31, in the cylinder 30, it no longer restricts the vertical movement of the first member 32.

[0033] It is apparent from the figures that movement of latch 29 from its first position to its second position occurs entirely within housings 27, 28. Movement of first member 32 from its first position to its second position also allows second member 34 to move from its first position to its second position, and once in its second position, second member 34 locks first member 32 in its second position.

[0034] This latter arrangement is possible because the first member 32 is provided with a catch member 36 which overlies each cross bar of the "T" of the second member 34 when both the first member 32 and the second member 34 are in their respective first positions. When the first member 32 reaches its second position, the catch members 36 are no longer over the cross bars of the "T" of the second member 34 and the potential energy stored by the helical spring 35 can be released, with the depth of the cross bars of the "T" now acting as another catch member 37 (in a similar manner as catch member 36) to prevent movement of the first member 32 with the potential energy stored in its helical spring 33.

[0035] The housing 27, 28 of each lock 20, 21 is integrally constructed from two connecting parts 27, 28, the first part 27 which fits against the front of the container 14 and houses the first member 32 and the second member 34, and the second part 28 made of steel houses the latch 29, the engagement member 23 and the cylinder 30.

[0036] The arrangement between the two parts 27,28 of the housing 27,28 is such that only the second part 28 of the housing 27,28 moves relative to the fixed part 27 during full engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members 23,24 or 25,26 of the locks 20,21.

[0037] In the upper lock 20, the first part 27 of the housing 27, 28 is fitted with a first pivot 38 which is operatively connected, via each end of a connecting arm 40, to a second pivot 39 fitted to the other part 28 of the housing 27, 28, so that upon rotation about the first pivot 38 at one end of the connecting arm 40, during disengagement of the pair of complementary engaging members 23, 24, the second pivot 39 at the other end of the connecting arm 40 rotates about the first pivot 38 to separate the housing 27, 28 into its two parts 27, 28, and the second part 28 of the housing 27, 28 is free to rotate about the second pivot 39 when disengagement of the pair of complementary engaging members 23, 24 has occurred.

[0038] In the lower lock 21, the first and second parts 27, 28 of the housing 27, 28 are connected to each other via a first pivot 38, and a second pivot 45 is connected to the second part 28 of the housing which is movable relative to the first part 27 during engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members 43, 44. The respective arrangements of the pivots 38, 45 are such that rotation about the first pivot 38 of the second part 28 of the housing 27, 28 which is movable relative to the first part 27 causes the second pivot 45 to rotate about the first pivot 38 to separate the housing 27, 28 into its two parts 27, 28 during disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members 43, 44. A first complementary engagement member 44 of the pair is engaged with the second portion 28 of the housing 27, 28 via a second pivot 45 and is free to rotate about the second pivot 45 when the pair of complementary engagement members 43, 44 are disengaged.

[0039] In order to lock the respective parts 27, 28 of the housing 27, 28 to one another, e.g. when the container lid 17 is closed and locked to the container 14 and / or when the motorcycle case 11 is fixed to the motorcycle case base plate 12, the first part 32 and the second part 28 of the housing 27, 28 are provided with complementary interlocking catches 41, 42, respectively. Together, these interlocking catches 41, 42 are able to lock the second part 28 of the housing 27, 28 to the first part 32, and thus lock both parts 27, 28 of the housing 27, 28 to one another, even if the locks 20, 21 are unlocked by the key 31.

[0040] However, when movement of the first member 32 occurs from its first position to the second position, the interlocking catch 41 moves relative to the interlocking catch 42, disengaging the pair and allowing the second portion 28 of the housing 27, 28 to be separated from the fixed portion 27 of the housing 27, 28.

[0041] From these figures, it is apparent that the movement of the first member 32 is in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second member 34, which, in the intended operating position, is such that the rear surface of the second portion 26 of the housing 27, 28 is brought into abutment against the base of the second portion 28. Such movement assists in disengaging the second portion 28 of the housing 27, 28 from the first portion 27 as the first member 32 moves from its first position to its second position.

[0042] The pair of complementary engagement members 23, 24 or 25, 26 in each lock 20, 21 are visually different in design. In top lock 20, each engagement member 23, 24 of the pair has an elongated "U" and an inverted elongated "U" shape, respectively, across their respective lengths when viewed in cross section. When engaged, the "U" shapes interlock.

[0043] In the lower lock 21, the locking member 26 fitted to the motorcycle case base plate 12 is an elongated cylindrical bar 43 and the engagement member 25 fitted to the lock 21 comprises a pair of elongated, overlapping, parallel, spaced apart pivoting hooks 44. When engaged, the bar 43 and hooks 44 interlock.

[0044] The base 15 of the motorcycle case 11 has a raised frame riveted to it. The frame has four taped slots, each adapted to receive a flange 46 on a stem connected to the base plate 12, with each flange / slot pair acting as a complementary interlocking member so that the motorcycle case 11 can fit onto the base plate 12. When the base plate 12 is fitted onto the motorcycle and the widest portions of the tapered slots overlap and drop onto the flanges 46, the interlocking members interlock via a sliding action. Once the sliding action is complete, the motorcycle case can be locked into this position via the use of the bottom lock 21 and complementary engagement members 25, 26.

[0045] In operation, to unlock the motorcycle case 11, a two-stage double unlocking is performed.

[0046] First, the key 31 is inserted into the cylinder 30 of the upper lock 20 and rotated 90 degrees, which rotates the latch 29 from its first position to its second position. At this point, the motorcycle case remains locked by the action of the interlocking catches 41, 42.

[0047] Secondly, the first member 32 is then pushed vertically from its first position to the second position such that the interlocking catch 41 moves relative to the interlocking catch 42, disengaging the pair of interlocking catches 41, 42 and allowing the second portion 28 of the housing 27, 28 to be separated from the fixed portion 27 of the housing 27, 28.

[0048] When the first member 32 reaches its second position, catch member 36 is no longer over the cross bar of the "T" of the second member 34 and the potential energy stored by helical spring 35 can be released, with the depth of the cross bar of the "T" acting as catch member 36 (in a manner similar to catch member 36) to prevent the first member 32 from returning from its second position to the first position, where the potential energy is now stored in helical spring 33.

[0049] The conversion of the stored potential energy held in the helical spring 35 to kinetic energy allows the second member 34 to strike the interior rear surface of the second portion of the housing 28 with sufficient force to enable it to be disassembled from the first portion of the housing 27. At this point, the pair of complementary engaging members 23, 24 in the lock 20 are still engaged. When the second member 34 is lifted away from the first member 32, the second pivot 39 at the other end of the connecting arm 40 rotates about the first pivot 38 to completely separate the housing 27, 28 into its two portions 27, 28 and disengage the pair of complementary engaging members 23, 24 so that the container lid 17 can be opened.

[0050] To "double lock" the motorcycle case 11, the pair of complementary engaging members 23, 24 on the lock 20 are first re-engaged, the second member 34 is forced downwardly towards the first member 32 and the second pivot 39 on the other end of the connecting arm 40 is rotated about the first pivot 38 to reconnect the separated portions of the housings 27, 28 back together.

[0051] In doing so, this action forces the rear face of the second portion 26 of the housing 27, 28 against the catch member 36 (in the form of a cross bar of the "T" of the second member 34) until it no longer acts as a catch member 36, allowing the potential energy stored by the helical spring 33 to be released, moving the first member 32 from its second position back to its first position and re-engaging the interlocking catches 38, 39. The key 31 is then reinserted into the cylinder 30 and rotated 90 degrees back, moving the latch 29 from its second position back to its first position and preventing movement of the first member 32.

[0052] The operation of the second lock 21 is similar, the only difference being the second part of the housing rotating to act as the "connecting arm" in the upper lock, the position of the engagement member 26 fitted to the motorcycle case base plate 12, and the pivotal arrangement of the hook 44 effected by the second pivot 45, which is necessary to facilitate the engagement of the bar 43 with the hook 44 to lock the motorcycle case 11 to the locking member 25 of the motorcycle case base plate 12.

[0053] It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and combinations of the features described above are not substitutes or replacements, but may be combined to form further embodiments that fall within the intended scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A case for a motorcycle, a container including a base having one or more walls extending upwardly and terminating in an open top; a container lid for closing the open top of the container, the lid being movable from a closed position to an open position; A plurality of locks, at least one lock for locking the container lid to the container in the closed position; and At least one lock configured to operatively connect the motorcycle case to a motorcycle, the at least one lock comprising a housing adapted to support a component, the component comprising: a latch adapted to move from a first position to a second position when a latch actuator is used to actuate the latch; a first member provided with a biasing means, the first member being movable from a first position to a second position such that potential energy is stored by the biasing means during movement of the first member from the first position to the second position; a second member provided with biasing means, the second member being movable from a first position to a second position such that potential energy is stored by the biasing means when the second member is in the first position, and at least a portion of the stored potential energy is released as kinetic energy during movement of the second member from the first position to the second position; The arrangement of the components is as follows: when the latch is in the first position, the latch can limit movement of the first member, and when in the second position, the latch no longer limits movement of the first member; Movement of the first member from the first position to the second position allows the second member to move from its first position to its second position, and once in its second position, the second member is adapted to lock the first member in its second position. At least one lock Multiple locks including A case for a motorcycle comprising:

2. 2. The motorcycle case of claim 1, wherein each lock comprises a pair of complementary engagement members, a first of the pair being operatively connected to the container and a second of the pair being configured to mate with either the container lid or, directly or indirectly, the motorcycle.

3. 3. The motorcycle case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the latch is fitted to a key-operated cylinder, the latch actuator is a key, and the latch is adapted to move from the first position to the second position when the key is inserted into the key-operated cylinder and rotated about a longitudinal axis of the key-operated cylinder.

4. 3. The motorcycle case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the latch is located within the housing throughout its movement from its first position to its second position.

5. 4. The motorcycle case according to claim 3, wherein the housing includes two portions, a first portion accommodating some of the components and a second portion accommodating the remainder of the components, and an arrangement between the two portions of the housing is such that only one portion of the housing moves relative to the other portion during engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members of the lock.

6. 6. The motorcycle case according to claim 5, wherein one of the portions of the housing is fitted with a first pivot operatively connected to a second pivot fitted to the other portion of the housing via respective ends of connecting arms such that rotation of one end of the connecting arm about the first pivot causes the second pivot at the other end of the connecting arm to rotate about the first pivot to separate the housing into its two portions during disengagement of the pair of complementary engaging members.

7. 7. The motorcycle case according to claim 6, wherein the portion of the housing to which the first pivot is fitted is that portion of the housing that is not movable relative to the other portion during engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members of the lock.

8. 6. The motorcycle case according to claim 5, wherein the first of the pair of complementary engagement members is fitted to the portion of the housing that moves relative to the other portion during engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members of the lock to the container.

9. 6. The motorcycle case according to claim 5, wherein both of the portions of the housing are connected to each other via a first pivot, and a second pivot is connected to that portion of the housing that is movable relative to the other portion during engagement and disengagement of the pair of complementary engagement members.

10. 10. The motorcycle case according to claim 9, wherein the first complementary engagement member of the pair is fitted to a portion of the housing that is movable relative to the other portion via the second pivot.

11. 11. The motorcycle case according to claim 10, wherein the first complementary engagement members of the pair are free to rotate about the second pivot when the pair of complementary engagement members are disengaged.

12. The motorcycle case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first member is located in a portion of the housing that is not movable.

13. 8. The motorcycle case according to claim 7, wherein the part of the housing that is movable relative to the part of the housing that is not movable and the first member are each preferably provided with complementary interlocking catches that are capable of locking both parts of the housing to each other when the pair of complementary engaging members of the lock are engaged.

14. 14. The motorcycle case of claim 13, wherein movement of the first member from its first position to its second position disengages the interlocking catch and allows movement of the portion of the housing that is moveable relative to the portion of the housing that is not moveable.

15. 6. The motorcycle case according to claim 5, wherein the second member is located in that portion of the housing that is not movable.

16. The motorcycle case according to claim 15, wherein the movement of the first member is in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the second member.

17. 3. The motorcycle case according to claim 1, wherein each of the locks in the plurality of locks comprises an identical component.

18. 18. The motorcycle case of claim 17, wherein the or each lock operatively connecting the motorcycle case to the motorcycle case base plate is visually distinct from the or each lock locking the container lid to the container in the closed position.

19. a motorcycle case base plate that can be attached to a motorcycle; A case for a motorcycle according to claim 1 or 2; A locking system for a motorcycle case comprising:

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the motorcycle case and the base plate are each provided with complementary interlocking members to enable the motorcycle case to be mated to the base plate.

21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the interlocking members interlock via a sliding action.

22. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the or each lock configured to operatively connect the motorcycle case to a motorcycle does so by locking the motorcycle case to a motorcycle case base plate, the base plate being fitted to an electric motorcycle.

23. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein each lock includes a pair of complementary engagement members, a first complementary engagement member of the pair mated with the container and a second complementary engagement member of the pair mated with either the container lid or the base plate.

24. A motorcycle incorporating a locking system for a motorcycle case or a motorcycle case according to claim 1 or 2.

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