Description:A FENDER COVER OF A VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fender cover of a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to structure of the fender cover of the vehicle that is having a smooth connecting profile and is establishing a stylistic connection with a front bumper garnish of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent times, owing to the competitive market, automobile manufacturers are stressing on improvement of aesthetic appearance of different segments of vehicle apart from taking care of the safety measures. This is due to the fact that in addition to safety features, the vehicle having a good aesthetic appearance attract buyers and appeals buyer’s self-image.
[0003] In existing arrangement (as shown in Figure 1), a fender cover (120-1) is designed to cover fender mounting bolts and also cover cables and harness of fender apron region. However, in the existing arrangement, connection with the fender cover (120-1), a front bumper garnish (120-2) and a headlamp mounting flange (120-3) of the vehicle is not continuous and therefore degrades aesthetic appearance of an engine compartment of the vehicle. Further, due to narrow tapered profile of the fender cover (120-1), a fender bracket (120-4) connecting fender apron member and fender, also remains visible when a person opens hood of the vehicle. Due to such improper matching, the vehicle loses aesthetic appeal.
[0004] Towards this direction, the present disclosure intends to propose a fender cover of a vehicle that is able to overcome the above mentioned limitations related to visual appearance.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0006] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0007] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to develop a fender cover that is having a continuous connection with a front bumper garnish of the vehicle.
[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the fender cover that is designed to cover a fender bracket of the vehicle and providing better aesthetic appearance.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the fender cover that is designed to resist vibration and movement of the part due to vehicle running.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the fender cover that is rigid and robust.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taking into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a fender cover of a vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a fender cover of a vehicle. The fender cover comprises a top surface having a first region and a second region. The first region is a continuous flat surface extending along length of the fender cover and where the first region comprises of an upper portion and a lower portion. The second region is extending from the upper portion of the first region in transverse direction facing engine compartment, where cumulative width (‘W’) of the upper portion of the first region and the second region is greater than width (‘w’) of the lower portion of the first region. There is also provided a plurality of flanges, having a first flange extending laterally from a first lateral end along length of the first region where the first flange is protruding in an upward direction and is in contact with a fender of the vehicle. There is provided a second flange extending laterally from a second lateral end along length of the second region and the lower portion of the first region, where the second flange is protruding in a downward direction to partially cover a fender bracket.
[0014] In an aspect, the upper portion of the first region and the second region are integrally joined by means of an inclined portion, the inclined portion creates level difference between the upper portion of the first region and the second region to maintain clearance with lower surface of hood of the vehicle during hood closing operation.
[0015] In an aspect, the upper portion and the lower portion of the first region comprises of a plurality of first set of mounting holes to enable mounting of the fender cover with the fender of the vehicle.
[0016] In an aspect, the second region comprises of a second mounting hole to enable coupling of the fender cover with the fender bracket of the vehicle.
[0017] In an aspect, a bottom surface of the fender cover is provided with a plurality of ribs in transverse direction throughout the bottom surface and extending continuously from the first flange to the second flange to increase rigidity of the fender cover.
[0018] In an aspect, the fender cover match with afront bumper garnish to provide smooth connecting profile.
[0019] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0020] 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 numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
[0021] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
[0022] Figures 1 depicts an existing arrangement of fender cover of a vehicle;
[0023] Figure 2 (a-c) depicts perspective views of a fender cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a bumper garnish and the fender cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0025] Figure 4 depicts fitment of the fender cover in an engine compartment of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail 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] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0029] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0030] The present disclosure provides a fender cover for a vehicle, where the fender cover has been designed in order to maintain a styling connection with a bumper garnish of the vehicle thereby contributing to aesthetic appearance of an engine compartment of the vehicle. The different structural attributes of the proposed fender cover have been detailed in subsequent sections.
[0031] Figures 2 (a-c) depicts different isometric views of the fender cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an isometric view of the fender cover (100) as shown in Figure 2 (a) and a rear isometric view as depicted in Figure 2 (b), it may be evidenced that the fender cover (100) may be said to have a top surface (102) and a bottom surface (106), respectively.
[0032] In an aspect, the top surface (102) comprises of a first region (102-1) and a second region (102-2). The first region (102-1) is a continuous flat surface extending horizontally along length of the fender cover (100) and further may be said to comprise an upper portion (102-1U) and a lower portion (102-1L), respectively.
[0033] In an aspect, as it may be observed from Figure 2 (a-c), the second region (102-2) is extending from the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) in transverse direction such that the extended portion is facing an engine compartment of the vehicle. Moreover, the second region (102-2) is designed in a manner such that cumulative width (say ‘W’) of the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) and that of the second region (102-2) is greater than width (say ‘w’) of the lower portion (102-1L) of the first region (102-1).
[0034] In an aspect, the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) and the second region (102-2) are integrated to each other via an inclined portion (108) as shown in Figures 2 (a) and 2 (c). This inclined portion (108) resembles a step profile and creates a level difference between the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) and the second region (102-2) in order to maintain clearance with lower surface of hood of the vehicle during hood closing operation.
[0035] In an aspect, the fender cover (100) further comprises of a plurality of flanges, namely a first flange (104-1) and a second flange (104-2) to add on rigidity to the fender cover (100). The first flange (104-1) is extending laterally from a first lateral end along length of the first region (102-1) of the fender cover (100). The first flange (104-1) is protruding in an upward direction and is in contact with a fender of the vehicle.
[0036] In an aspect, the second flange (104-2) is extending laterally from a second lateral end along length of the second region (102-2) and the lower portion (102-1L) of the first region (102-1). The second flange (104-2) is protruding in downward direction in order to partially cover a fender bracket (302). The partial cover of the fender bracket (302) by the fender cover (100) enhances aesthetic appearance of the engine compartment thereby hiding different attachments and mountings.
[0037] In an aspect, further as can be evidenced from Figure 2 (c), the upper portion (102-1U) and the lower portion (102-1L) of the first region (102-1) comprises of a plurality of first set of mounting holes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3) to enable mounting with the fender of the vehicle. The second region (102-2) of the fender cover (100) further comprises of a second mounting hole (112) to enable coupling of the fender cover (100) with the fender bracket (302) of the vehicle.
[0038] In an aspect, as it can be observed from Figure 2 (b), the bottom surface (106) of the fender cover (100) is further provided with a plurality of ribs (116). The plurality of ribs (116) is positioned in transverse direction covering entire bottom surface (106) and extending continuously from the first flange (104-1) to the second flange (104-2). The plurality of ribs (116) imparts mechanical strength and enhances rigidity of the fender cover (100). Additionally, the plurality of ribs (116) also helps to control vibrations that occur otherwise during vehicle’s running condition.
[0039] Figure 3 illustrates the bumper garnish (202) and the fender cover (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein, it may be observed that the fender cover (100) is designed in order to provide a continuous flow with the bumper garnish (202) and the headlamp mounting flange (304) (shown in Figure 4) of the vehicle unlike the existing arrangement as discussed previously with reference to Figure 1. This incorporates enhanced aesthetics to the engine compartment thereby nullifying the gap prevailing between the fender cover and the bumper garnish in existing arrangements.
[0040] Figure 4 illustrates fitment of the fender cover (100) in an engine compartment of a vehicle. The fender cover (100) partially covers a fender bracket (302) and enhances appearance quality of the engine compartment of the vehicle. As already mentioned, due to presence of second region (102-2) in the fender cover (100), width (‘W’) of the fender cover (100) is more near the fender bracket (302) mounting region and thus hides the fender bracket (302) along with the attachments for example, bolts, cables and harness of fender apron region, to a considerable extent.
[0041] Therefore, in this manner, the fender cover (100) disclosed in the present subject matter is not only adding strength and rigidity inside the engine compartment and hood area but also is enhancing overall appearance of the engine compartment of the vehicle.
[0042] Technical Advantages
[0043] All in all, the invention described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
a) The fender cover is capable of providing a smooth connecting profile by matching with the bumper garnish of the vehicle.
b) The structure of the fender cover is robust and rigid.
c) The structural features of fender cover are capable of resisting vibrations and movement of the part during running condition of the vehicle.
d) The fender cover contributes to aesthetic appearance of the engine compartment of the vehicle.
.

Equivalents
[0044] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0045] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0046] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0047] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A fender cover (100) of a vehicle, the fender cover (100) comprising:
- a top surface (102) having
a first region (102-1), wherein the first region (102-1) is a continuous flat surface extending along length of the fender cover (100) and wherein the first region (102-1) comprises of an upper portion (102-1U) and a lower portion (102-1L),
a second region (102-2) extending from the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) in transverse direction facing engine compartment, wherein cumulative width (‘W’) of the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) and the second region (102-2) is greater than width (‘w’) of the lower portion (102-1L) of the first region (102-1); and
- a plurality of flanges, having
a first flange (104-1) extending laterally from a first lateral end along length of the first region (102-1) wherein the first flange (104-1) is protruding in an upward direction and is in contact with a fender of the vehicle,
a second flange (104-2) extending laterally from a second lateral end along length of the second region (102-2) and the lower portion (102-1L) of the first region (102-1), wherein the second flange (104-2) is protruding in a downward direction to partially cover a fender bracket (302).

2. The fender cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) and the second region (102-2) are integrally joined by means of an inclined portion (108), the inclined portion (108) creates level difference between the upper portion (102-1U) of the first region (102-1) and the second region (102-2) to maintain clearance with lower surface of hood of the vehicle during hood closing operation.

3. The fender cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (102-1U) and the lower portion (102-1L) of the first region (102-1) comprises of a plurality of first set of mounting holes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3) to enable mounting of the fender cover (100) with the fender of the vehicle.

4. The fender cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region (102-2) comprises of a second mounting hole (112) to enable coupling of the fender cover (100) with the fender bracket (302) of the vehicle.

5. The fender cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bottom surface (106) of the fender cover (100) is provided with a plurality of ribs (116) in a transverse direction throughout the bottom surface (106) and extending continuously from the first flange (104-1) to the second flange (104-2) to increase rigidity of the fender cover (100).

6. The fender cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fender cover (100) matches with a front bumper garnish (202) to provide smooth connecting profile.