Description:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

WHEEL PROTECTOR OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a wheel protector of a vehicle, a method for making a wheel protector. Additionally, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising the wheel protector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Typically, a saddle type vehicle comprises a front wheel protector located above the front ground engaging member and a rear wheel protector located above the rear ground engaging member. In some cases, a distance between a rear cushion element and the rear wheel protector decreases sharply. This may happen for many reasons including for instance in case, a vehicle component which is placed in vicinity of either the rear cushion element or the rear wheel protector having an increased size. Wherever the distance between the rear cushion element and the rear wheel protector is very less, the rear cushion element has a tendency to rub with the rear wheel protector, which is undesired.

[003] Attempts to provide depression in the rear wheel protector (so as to increase the distance between the rear cushion element and the rear wheel protector) could not effectively address the aforesaid problem for the reasons that creation of depression in the mold for making the rear wheel protector interfered with cooling channels in the mold. Thus, there exists a need to overcome the aforesaid problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[004] 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.

[005] Accordingly, the present invention provides a wheel protector of a vehicle, comprising a curved wall portion disposed circumferentially above a rear ground engaging member; the curved wall portion comprises at least a first attachment portion for attaching to a frame body. The wheel protector further comprises at least a first lateral wall portion extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion. The first lateral wall portion comprises at least a second attachment portion for attaching to the frame body. The wheel protector further comprises a first customizable portion extending in a vehicle width direction and being attached to at least the first lateral wall portion.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the first customizable portion is different from at least one of the curved wall portion and the first lateral wall portion in terms of at least one of: material, color, a thickness, and texture.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the first customizable part comprises a first recessed portion which projects towards the rear ground engaging member.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first lateral wall portion comprises a first cut-out portion for receiving the first customizable portion.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first customizable portion is attached to the first lateral wall portion by at least one of a welding and pasting.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first customizable part is attached to the first lateral wall portion and the curved wall portion.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first lateral wall portion comprises the first cut-out portion and the curved wall portion comprises a second cut-out portion for receiving the first customizable portion.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the first customizable portion is attached to the first lateral wall portion and the curved wall portion by at least one of a welding and pasting.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the wheel protector comprises a second lateral wall portion extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion such that the second lateral wall portion is spaced apart from the first lateral wall in a vehicle width direction.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second lateral wall portion comprises at least a third attachment portion for attaching to the frame body.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, the wheel protector further comprises a second customizable portion extending in a vehicle width direction and being attached to at least the second lateral wall portion.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the second customizable portion is different from at least one of the curved wall portion and the second lateral wall portion in terms of at least one of: material, color, a thickness, and texture.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the second customizable part comprises a second recessed portion which projects towards the rear ground engaging member.

[0018] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second lateral wall portion comprises a third cut-out portion for receiving the second customizable portion.

[0019] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second customizable portion is attached the second lateral wall portion by at least one of a welding and pasting.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second customizable part is attached to the second lateral wall portion and the curved wall portion.

[0021] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second lateral wall portion comprises the third cut-out portion and the curved wall portion comprises a fourth cut-out portion for receiving the second customizable portion.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the second customizable portion is attached to the second lateral wall portion and the curved wall portion by at least one of a welding and pasting.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, the present invention further provides a method for making a wheel protector, said method comprising forming a first part comprising a curved wall portion adapted to be disposed circumferentially above a rear ground engaging member and at least a first lateral wall portion extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion. The method further comprises forming a first customizable portion of the wheel protector. The method furthermore comprises attaching the first customizable portion to at least the first lateral wall portion such that the first customizable portion extends in a vehicle width direction.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, attaching the first customizable portion to at least the first lateral wall portion comprises attaching the first customizable part to the first lateral wall portion by at least one of a welding or a pasting.

[0025] In yet another aspect of the invention, the invention further provides a vehicle comprising a front ground engaging member; a rear ground engaging member; a power unit generating power and transferring the power to at least one of the front ground engaging member and the rear ground engaging member; a frame body rotatably supporting the front ground engaging member and the rear ground engaging member; at least a first rear cushion element coupled between the rear ground engaging member and the frame body; and a wheel protector disposed above the rear ground engaging member. In an aspect of the invention, the wheel protector comprises a curved wall portion disposed circumferentially above a rear ground engaging member; the curved wall portion comprises at least a first attachment portion for attaching to the frame body. The wheel protector further comprises at least a first lateral wall portion extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion. The first lateral wall portion comprises at least a second attachment portion for attaching to the frame body. The wheel protector further comprises a first customizable portion extending in a vehicle width direction and being attached at least to the first lateral wall portion.

[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, wherein the first lateral wall portion comprises a first cut-out portion for receiving the first customizable portion such that the first customizable portion gets located between the first rear cushion element and the rear ground engaging member.

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, wherein at least a part of the first rear cushion element and at least a part of the first lateral wall portion overlap with each other as viewed in a side view of the vehicle and the first cut-out portion being along an axis of the first rear cushion element.

[0028] An advantage of the invention is that the rear cushion element is now spaced apart from the wheel protector and does not rub with the wheel protector.

[0029] Since the wheel protector comprises a first cut-out portion on the first lateral wall portion, the need to create a depression in the wheel protector is totally avoided. Thus, there is no interference in the cooling channels formed in the mold for making the wheel protector.

[0030] Since at least one of the material, color, and texture of the first customizable portion can be different from at least one of the curved wall portion and the first lateral wall portion, it is possible to enhance an aesthetic of the wheel protector.

[0031] Since a thickness of the first customizable portion can be different from at least one of the curved wall portion and the first lateral wall portion, it is possible to reduce a weight of the wheel protector (compared to a wheel protector having the same thickness for the first customizable portion, the curved wall portion and the first lateral wall portion). Thus, it is feasible to reduce a cost of the wheel protector.

[0032] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0033] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0034] Figure 1 represents a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 2 represents a rear side perspective view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 3 represents an exploded perspective view of the wheel protector and a rear cushion element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 4 represents an exploded view of the wheel protector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 5 represents a first perspective view of the wheel protector and the rear cushion element in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 6 represents a second perspective view of the wheel protector and the rear cushion element in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the wheel protector and the rear cushion element in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 8 represents a first exploded view of the wheel protector in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 9 represents a second exploded view of the wheel protector in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

[0043] Figure 10 represents a flow chart of a process for making the wheel protector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0045] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0046] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0047] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0048] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0049] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0050] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0052] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0053] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] 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.

[0056] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types 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 vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), rotatably supporting a front ground engaging member (14). The front fork (12) is coupled to a steering handle bar (16) which can be used by a user for steering the front ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises a front fender (18) positioned above the front ground engaging member (14) and a front cowl element (20) positioned above the front fender (18) and at least partly hiding the front fork (12). The vehicle (10) further comprises a head light (22) positioned above the front wheel protector (18).

[0058] The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear ground engaging member (24) and a rear fender (26) located above the rear ground engaging member (24). The vehicle (10) further comprises a tail light (28) located above the rear fender (26). The vehicle further comprises a seating unit (30) located above the rear ground engaging member (24) which provides seating arrangement for at least a driver of the vehicle (10).

[0059] The vehicle (10) further comprises a power unit (not shown) which generates power and supplies the same to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (24). The vehicle (10) further comprises a frame body (32) supporting at least the power unit (not shown), the seating unit (30), the tail light (28), the rear fender (26), the rear ground engaging member (24), the headlight (22), the front cowl element (20), the front fender (18), the steering handlebar (16), the front ground engaging member (14), and the front fork (12).

[0060] The vehicle (10) further comprises a first rear cushion element (34) coupling the rear ground engaging member (24) to the frame body (32). The vehicle (10) further comprises a wheel protector (100) positioned between the seating unit (30) and the rear ground engaging member (24) in a vehicle height direction. The wheel protector (100) is coupled to the frame body (32) at one or more positions. It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0061] Now referring to Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7, there is illustrated an exploded perspective view of the wheel protector (100) and the first rear cushion element (34), an exploded view of the wheel protector (100), a first perspective view of the wheel protector (100) and the first rear cushion element (34) in an assembled state, a second perspective view of the wheel protector (100) and the first rear cushion element (34) in an assembled state, and a top view of the wheel protector (100) and the first rear cushion element (34) in an assembled state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The wheel protector (100) in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 7 comprises a curved wall portion (102). When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the curved wall portion gets disposed circumferentially above the rear ground engaging member (24). In an embodiment of the invention, the curved wall portion (102) comprises at least a first attachment portion (112) for attaching to the frame body (12).

[0063] The wheel protector (100) further comprises a first lateral wall portion (104) extending from the curved wall portion (102). When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the first lateral wall (104) extends in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion (102). Additionally, the first lateral wall (104) gets disposed along a first side of the rear ground engaging member (24), when the wheel protector (100) gets assembled on the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the first lateral wall portion (104) comprises at least a second attachment portion (114) for attaching to the frame body (12).

[0064] The wheel protector (100) further comprises a first customizable portion (108) attached to at least the first lateral wall portion (104). When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the first customizable portion (108) extends a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first customizable portion (108) is different from at least one of the curved wall portion (102) and the first lateral wall portion (104) in terms of at least one of: material, color, a thickness, and texture.

[0065] In another embodiment of the invention, the first customizable part (108) comprises a first recessed portion (110). When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the first recessed portion (110) projects towards the rear ground engaging member (24). In an embodiment of the invention, the first lateral wall portion (104) comprises a first cut-out portion (118) for receiving the first customizable portion (108). In an embodiment of the invention, the first customizable portion (108) is attached to the first cut-out portion (118) by at least one of a welding and pasting. When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the first cut-out (118) gets located between the first rear cushion element (34) and the rear ground engaging member (24). Also, in an embodiment of the invention, when the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the first customizable portion (108) gets located between the first rear cushion element (34) and the rear ground engaging member (24).

[0066] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, when the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), at least a part of the first rear cushion element (34) and at least a part of the first lateral wall portion (104) overlap with each other as viewed in a side view of the vehicle (10). Thus, the first cut-out (118) gets located along an axis of the first rear cushion element (34).

[0067] Although not essential, the curved wall portion (102) may comprise a second cut-out portion (120). In this case, the first customizable portion (108) is received by the first cut-out portion (118) and the second cut-out portion (120) and is attached to both the first cut-out portion (118) and the second cut-out portion (120) by at least one of a welding and pasting.

[0068] Now referring to Figure 8, and Figure 9, there is illustrated a first exploded perspective view of the wheel protector (100) and a second exploded perspective view of the wheel protector (100) in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The construction of the wheel protector (100) shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 is substantially similar to the construction of the wheel protector (100) shown in Figures 3 to 7. Thus, the difference in the construction of the wheel protector (100) shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 and the construction of the wheel protector (100) shown in Figures 3 to 7 is described. While the wheel protector (100) shown in Figures 3 to 7 merely comprise the first lateral wall portion (104) extending from the curved wall portion (102), the wheel protector (100) shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 additionally comprises a second lateral wall portion (106) extending from the curved wall portion (102). When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the second lateral wall portion (106) extends in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion (102). Also, the second lateral wall portion (106) is spaced apart from the first lateral wall (104) in a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the second lateral wall portion (106) comprises at least a third attachment portion (116) for attaching to the frame body (12).

[0069] Although not essential, there may be provided a second customizable portion (122) attached to at least the second lateral wall portion (104). When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the second customizable portion (122) extends a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the second customizable portion (122) is different from at least one of the curved wall portion (102) and the second lateral wall portion (106) in terms of at least one of: material, color, a thickness, and texture.

[0070] In another embodiment of the invention, the second customizable part (122) comprises a second recessed portion (124). When the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the second recessed portion (124) projects towards the rear ground engaging member (20). In an embodiment of the invention, the second lateral wall portion (106) comprises a third cut-out portion (126) for receiving the second customizable portion (122). In an embodiment of the invention, the second customizable portion (122) is attached to the third cut-out portion (126) by at least one of a welding and pasting.

[0071] Although not essential, the curved wall portion (102) may comprise a fourth cut-out portion (128). In this case, the second customizable portion (122) is received by the third cut-out portion (126) and the fourth cut-out portion (128) and is attached to both the third cut-out portion (126) and the fourth cut-out portion (128) by at least one of a welding and pasting.

[0072] Although not shown, it may be noted that in case the vehicle (10) may comprise a second rear cushion element (not shown) coupling the rear ground engaging member (24) to the frame body (32). In such a case, the first rear cushion element (34) and the second rear cushion element (not shown) are spaced from each other in a vehicle width direction. In such an instance when the wheel protector (100) is assembled on the vehicle (10), the second lateral wall portion (106) gets located between the rear ground engaging member (24) and the second rear cushion element.

[0073] Now referring to Figure 10, there is illustrated a flow chart of a process (200) followed for preparing the wheel protector (100) in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 7. The process (200) comprises forming (202) a first part (130) comprising a curved wall portion (102) adapted to be disposed circumferentially above a rear ground engaging member (24) and at least a first lateral wall portion (104) extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion (102) and adapted to be disposed along a first side of the rear ground engaging member (20). The process further comprises forming (204) a first customizable portion (108). The process (200) further comprises attaching (206) the first customizable portion (108) to at least the first lateral wall portion (104) such that the first customizable portion (108) extends in a vehicle width direction.

[0074] It may be noted that the first customizable portion (108) may be located in the first cut-out portion (118) and may be coupled to the first lateral wall portion (104) via at least one of welding and pasting. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first customizable portion (108) may be located in the first cut-out portion (118) and the second cut-out portion (120) and may be coupled to the first lateral wall portion (104) and the curved wall portion (102) via at least one of welding and pasting.

[0075] Although not specifically illustrated, in case the intention is to prepare the wheel protector (100) in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the process further comprises forming the first customizable portion (122) and attaching the second customizable portion (122) to at least the second lateral wall portion (106) such that the second customizable portion (122) extends in a vehicle width direction. It may be noted that the second customizable portion (122) may be located in the third cut-out portion (126) and may be coupled to the second lateral wall portion (106) via at least one of welding and pasting. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second customizable portion (122) may be located in the third cut-out portion (126) and the fourth cut-out portion (128) and may be coupled to the second lateral wall portion (106) and the curved wall portion (102) via at least one of welding and pasting.

[0076] An advantage of the invention is that the rear cushion element (34) is now spaced apart from the wheel protector (100) and does not rub with the wheel protector (100).

[0077] Since the wheel protector (100) comprises a first cut-out portion (118) on the first lateral wall portion (104), the need to create a depression in the wheel protector (100) is totally avoided. Thus, there is no interference in the cooling channels formed in the mold for making the wheel protector (100).

[0078] Since at least one of the material, color, and texture of the first customizable portion (108) can be different from at least one of the curved wall portion (102) and the first lateral wall portion (104), it is possible to enhance an aesthetic appeal of the wheel protector (100).

[0079] Since a thickness of the first customizable portion (108) can be different from at least one of the curved wall portion (102) and the first lateral wall portion (104), it is possible to reduce a weight of the wheel protector (100) (compared to a wheel protector having the same thickness for the first customizable portion, the curved wall portion and the first lateral wall portion). Thus, it is feasible to reduce a cost of the wheel protector (100).

[0080] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0081] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A wheel protector (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a curved wall portion (102) disposed circumferentially above a rear ground engaging member (24); the curved wall portion (102) comprises at least a first attachment portion (112) for attaching to a frame body (12);
a first lateral wall portion (104) extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion (102) and being disposed along a first side of the rear ground engaging member (20); the first lateral wall portion (104) comprises at least a second attachment portion (114) for attaching to the frame body (32); and
a first customizable portion (108) extending a vehicle width direction and being attached to at least the first lateral wall portion (104).

2. The wheel protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first customizable portion (108) being different from at least one of the curved wall portion (102) and the first lateral wall portion (104) in terms of at least one of: material, color, a thickness, and texture.

3. The wheel protector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first customizable part (108) comprises a first recessed portion (110) which projects towards the rear ground engaging member (24) and the first lateral wall portion (104) comprises a first cut-out (118) for receiving the first customizable portion (108); the first customizable portion (108) being attached to the first cut-out portion (118) by at least one of a welding and pasting.

4. The wheel protector as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of:
the first lateral wall portion (104) comprises the first cut-out portion (118) and the curved wall portion (102) comprises a second cut-out portion (120) for receiving the first customizable portion (108); and
the first customizable portion (108) being attached to the first cut-out portion (118) and the second cut-out portion (120) by at least one of a welding and pasting.

5. The wheel protector as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second lateral wall portion (106) extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion (102) such that the second lateral wall portion (106) is spaced apart from the first lateral wall (104) in a vehicle width direction; the second lateral wall portion (106) comprises at least a third attachment portion (116) for attaching to the frame body (32); a second customizable portion (122) extending in a vehicle width direction and being attached to at least the second lateral wall portion (104).

6. The wheel protector (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of:
the second customizable portion (122) being different from at least one of the curved wall portion (102) and the second lateral wall portion (106) in terms of at least one of: material, color, a thickness, and texture;
the second customizable part (122) comprises a second recessed portion (124) which projects towards the rear ground engaging member (20);
the second lateral wall portion (106) comprises a third cut-out portion (126);
the curved wall portion (102) comprises a fourth cut-out portion (128);
the second customizable portion (122) being received by at least one of the third cut-out portion (126) and the fourth cut-out portion (128);
the second customizable portion (122) being attached to at least one of the third cut-out portion (126) and the fourth cut-out portion (128) by at least one of a welding and pasting.

7. A method (200) for making a wheel protector (100), said method comprising
forming (202) a first part (130) comprising a curved wall portion (102) adapted to be disposed circumferentially above a rear ground engaging member (20) and at least a first lateral wall portion (104) extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion (102) and adapted to be disposed along a first side of the rear ground engaging member (24);
forming (204) a first customizable portion (108); and
attaching (206) the first customizable portion (108) to at least the first lateral wall portion (104) such that the first customizable portion (108) extends in a vehicle width direction.

8. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a front ground engaging member (14);
a rear ground engaging member (24);
a power unit generating power and transferring the power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (24);
a frame body (32) rotatably supporting the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (24);
at least a first rear cushion element (34) coupled between the rear ground engaging member (24) and the frame body (32); and
a wheel protector (100) disposed above the rear ground engaging member (24), the wheel protector (100) comprising:
a curved wall portion (102) disposed circumferentially above a rear ground engaging member (24); the curved wall portion (102) comprises at least a first attachment portion (112) for attaching to a frame body (32);
a first lateral wall portion (104) extending in a vehicle downward direction from the curved wall portion (102) and being disposed along a first side of the rear ground engaging member (24); the first lateral wall portion (104) comprises at least a second attachment portion (114) for attaching to the frame body (32); and
a first customizable portion (108) extending a vehicle width direction and being attached to at least the first lateral wall portion (104).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first lateral wall portion (104) comprises a first cut-out (118) for receiving the first customizable portion (108) such that the first customizable portion (108) being located between the first rear cushion element (34) and the rear ground engaging member (24).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least a part of the first rear cushion element (34) and at least a part of the first lateral wall portion (104) overlap with each other as viewed in a side view of the vehicle (10) and the first cut-out (118) being along an axis of the first rear cushion element (34).