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

A HANDLEBAR COVER

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

THEFOLLOWINGSPECIFICATIONPARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates toa vehicle handle bar cover. In particular, the present invention relates to a handlebar cover having first protruding portion which provide several functional advantages as well as enhances an aesthetical appeal of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, a vehicle comprises a handle bar for steering purpose. Also, there is provided a handle bar cover which covers the handle bar to enhance an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The handle bar cover generally comprises a front cover and a rear cover that are coupled in such a way that at least a portion of the handle bar gets located between the front cover and rear cover. In many instances, the handle bar also comprises at least a first switch console and a second switch console, which are located outside of the handle bar cover. In such a case, the handle bar cover is disposed between the first switch console and the second switch console.

[003] Because the handle bar cover comprises the front cover and the rear cover that are coupled, there is usually a space between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover through which, the portion of the handle bar which is supposed to be hidden as well as an internal portion of the handle bar cover may become visible. Presence of the space between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover leads to adversely affecting an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Presence of the space between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover may also allow entry of dust, water and other debris into an interior portion between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover.This can result in potential damage to the internal components of the handlebar and may impact the overall performance and longevity of the vehicle.Thus, there exists a need to arrive at a state wherein negligible space and more particularly, no space is formed between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover handle bar.

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.

[005] In one aspect of the invention, there is a handlebar cover covering at least a part of a handlebar of a vehicle. The handlebar cover comprises a front cover adapted to cover a front side of the handlebar;a rear cover adapted to cover a rear side of the handlebar;at least a first fastener member adapted to fasten the front cover to the rear cover; the front cover comprises at least a first surface having a first cutout portion; and the rear cover comprises a second surface comprising a first protruding portion extending towards the first cutout portion and covering the first cutout portion in a fastened state of the front cover to the rear cover.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the first protruding portion has a first level of elasticity, the second surface having a second level of elasticity, the first level of elasticity being greater than the second level of elasticity, such that the first protruding portion exhibits displacement relative to the second surface in response to receiving a force.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the first protruding portion comprises a first proximal portion located proximate to the second side surface and a first distal portion located distal to the second surface, a thickness of the first distal portion being greater than a thickness of the first proximal portion.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the front cover comprises a third surface having a second cutout portion and the rear cover comprises a fourth surface comprising a second protruding portion extending towards the second cutout portion and covering the second cutout portion in a fastened state of the front cover to the rear cover.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second protruding portion having a third level of elasticity, the fourth surface having a fourth level of elasticity, the third level of elasticity being greater than the fourth level of elasticity, such that the second protruding portion exhibits displacement relative to the fourth surface in response to receiving a force.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second protruding portion comprises a second proximal portion located proximate to the fourth surface and a second distal portion located distal to the fourth surface, a thickness of the second distal portion being greater than a thickness of the second distal portion.

[0011] In a furthermore another embodiment of the invention, a handlebar having a front side and a rear side, a first switch console mounted on a first side of the handlebar and a second switch console mounted on a second side of the handlebar;a handlebar cover positioned between the first switch console and the second switch console and covering at least a part of the handlebar; the handlebar cover comprising: a front cover adapted to cover a front side of the handlebar;a rear cover adapted to cover a rear side of the handlebar;at least a first fastener member adapted to fasten the front cover to the rear cover; the front cover comprises at least a first surface having a first cutout portion; and the rear cover comprises a second surface comprising a first protruding portion extending towards the first cutout portion and covering the first cutout portion in a fastened state of the front cover to the rear cover.

[0012] In a further aspect of the invention, the first cutout portion faces the first switch console, the first switch console being mounted on the handlebar vide at least a second fastening member, the first protruding portion restricting an access to the second fastening member in a first state and permitting access to the second fastening member in a second state.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the first protruding portion having a first level of elasticity, the second surface having a second level of elasticity, the first level of elasticity being greater than the second level of elasticity, such that the first protruding portion exhibits displacement relative to the second surface from the first state to the second state in response to receiving a force.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the front cover comprises a third surface having a second cutout portion and the rear cover comprises a fourth surface comprising a second protruding portion extending towards the second cutout portion and covering the second cutout portion in a fastened state of the front cover to the rear cover.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the second cutout portion faces the second switch console, the second switch console being mounted on the handlebar vide at least a third fastening member, the second protruding portion restricting an access to the third fastening member in a third state and permitting access to the third fastening member in a fourth state

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the secondprotruding portion having a third level of elasticity, the fourth surface having a fourth level of elasticity, the third level of elasticity being greater than the fourth level of elasticity, such that the second protruding portion exhibits displacement relative to the fourth surface from the third state to the fourth state in response to receiving a force.

[0017] One of the advantages of the present invention is that the first cutout portion which is created between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover is substantially and more particularly completely hidden by the first protruding portion. Thus, an internal portion between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover is hidden by the first protruding portion. Thus, an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is substantially improved.

[0018] Since the first cutout portion is substantially and more particularly completely hidden, the first protruding portion restricts entry of dust, water and other debris into an interior portion between the handle bar, the front cover and the rear cover. This tends to improve overall performance and longevity of the vehicle.

[0019] 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:
[0020] 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:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a handle bar in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a handle bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a right side view of a handle bar with a first protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a magnified view of a first protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates left side view of a handle bar with a second protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a magnified view of a second protruding portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates a right side exploded view of front cover and rear cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 illustrates a left side exploded view of front cover and rear cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a handle bar with switch console in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 illustrates a right side handle bar with a first switch console in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032] Figure 12 illustratesa left side handle bar with a second switch console in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] 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 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 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:
[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] 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 wheeledvehicle” 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.

[0045] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 illustrates aside view of an exemplary vehicle (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle inter alia comprises a front fork(12), front ground engaging member (14), and a handle bar (16). A bottom end of the front fork (12) rotatably supports the front ground engaging member (14) while a top end of the front fork (12) is operably connected to the handle bar (16). A user can steer the vehicle using the handle bar (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a front fender (18), and a leg guard (20) disposed above the front ground engaging member (14).

[0047] The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear ground engaging member (22), a rear fender (24) located above the rear ground engaging member (22), a tail light (26) disposed above the rear fender (24),and a seat (28) located above and betweenthe front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (22). The vehicle (10) further comprises a power unit (not shown) providing driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (22). The vehicle may further comprise other components which are not pertinent to understanding of the invention, and hence, not described. The vehicle (10) further comprises a handlebar cover (100) which at least partly covers the handle bar (16).

[0048] Now referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3,the handle bar cover (100)comprises a front cover (102) and a rear cover (104) that are joined together so as to at least partly cover the handle bar (16). In particular, as can be seen from Figure 2, the front cover (102) is disposed on a front side (34) of the handle bar (16) while as can be seen from Figure 3, the rear cover (104) is disposed on a rear side (36) of the handle bar (16). The handle bar (16) further comprises a first switch console (132) and a second switch console (136). It can be seen that the handle bar cover (100) gets sandwiched between the first switch console (132) and a second switch console (136). The handle bar (16) may comprise additional elements which are not pertinent to understanding the invention and hence, not described. The front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) are coupled to each other vide at least a first fastener member (140), best seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 8, it can be observed that the front cover (102) comprises a first surface (106) and the rear cover (104) comprises a second surface (110). As best seen in Figure 8, the first surface (106) has a first cutout portion (108) and the second surface (110) has a first protruding portion (112)that extends towards the first cutout portion (108). Now referring back to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the first protruding portion (112) covers the first cutout portion (108) in a fastened state of the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104).

[0050] It can be seen that the first cutout portion (108) which is created between the handle bar (16), the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is substantially and more particularly completely hidden by the first protruding portion (112). Thus, an internal portion between the handle bar (16), the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is hidden by the first protruding portion (112). Thus, an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10) is substantially improved. Additionally, the first protruding portion (112) restricts entry of dust, water and other debris into an interior portion between the handle bar (16), the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104). This tends to improve overall performance and longevity of the vehicle (10).

[0051] It was observed that instead of forming the first cutout portion (108) in the front cover (102) and the first protruding portion (112) in the rear cover (104), if the first cutout portion (108) is formed in the rear cover (104) and the first protruding portion (112) is formed in the front cover (102), a lot of technical challenges are faced. For instance, the formation of the front cover (102) becomes a challenge as the first protruding portion (112) will become an undercut with respect to a tool in which the front cover (102) is formed, which is undesirable. Also, the first protruding portion (112) creates hindrance during lifting / taking out the front cover (102) from a die which is used in making the front cover (102). On the other hand, if the first protruding portion (112) is formed in the rear cover (104), no challenge is faced in the formation of the front cover (102) as well as in formation of the formation of the second cover (104).

[0052] It was observed that if the first cutout portion (108) is formed in the rear cover (104) and the first protruding portion (112) is formed in the front cover (102), access to one or more components that are carried by the front cover (102) is substantially prohibited. On the other hand, if the first protruding portion (112) is formed on the rear cover (104),access to one or more components that are carried by the front cover (102) is not prohibited.

[0053] Now referring to Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 9, it can be observed that the front cover (102) further comprises a third surface (118) and the rear cover (104) comprises a fourth surface (122). As best seen in Figure 9, the third surface (118) has a second cutout portion (120) and the fourth surface (122) has a second protruding portion (124) that extends towards the second cutout portion (120). Now referring back to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the second protruding portion (124) covers the second cutout portion (120) in a fastened state of the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104).

[0054] It can be seen that the second cutout portion (120) which is created between the handle bar (16), the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is substantially and more particularly completely hidden by the second protruding portion (124). Thus, an internal portion between the handle bar (16), the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is hidden by the second protruding portion (124). Thus, an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10) is substantially improved. Additionally, the second protruding portion (124) restricts entry of dust, water and other debris into an interior portion between the handle bar (16), the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104). This tends to improve the overall performance and longevity of the vehicle (10).

[0055] It was observed that instead of forming the second cutout portion (120) in the front cover (102) and the second protruding portion (124) in the rear cover (104), if the second cutout portion (120) is formed in the rear cover (104) and the second protruding portion (124) is formed in the front cover (102), a lot of technical challenges are faced. For instance, the formation of the front cover (102) becomes a challenge as the second protruding portion (124) will become an undercut with respect to a tool in which the front cover (102) is formed. Also, the second protruding portion (124) creates hindrance during lifting / taking out the front cover (102) from a die which is used in making the front cover (102). On the other hand, if the second protruding portion (124) is formed in the rear cover (104), no challenge is faced in the formation of the front cover (102) as well as in formation of the second cover (104).

[0056] It was observed that if the second cutout portion (120) is formed in the rear cover (104) and the second protruding portion (124) is formed in the front cover (102), access to one or more components that are carried by the front cover (102) is substantially prohibited. On the other hand, if the second protruding portion (124) is formed in the rear cover (104) access to to one or more components that are carried by the front cover (102) is not prohibited.

[0057] Now referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11, in some instances the first switch console (132) may comprise a second fastening member (142) which is used for mounting the first switch console (132) on to the handle bar (16) and there can arise a scenario wherein the first protruding portion (112) restricts access to the second fastening member (142). In such a case, it may be desirable to form the first protruding portion (112) so as to have a first level of elasticity while the form the second surface (110) so as to have a second level of elasticity, wherein the first level of elasticity being greater than the second level of elasticity. In such a case, the first protruding portion (112) can exhibit displacement relative to the second surface (110) in response to receiving a force. Especially, the first protruding portion (112) can exhibit displacement relative to the second surface (110) as well as the second fastening member (142) in response to receiving a force. In particular, the first protruding portion (112) can be moved between a first state wherein the first protruding portion (112) restricts access to the second fastening member (142) and a second state wherein the first protruding portion (112) allows access to the second fastening member (142) by application of force thereupon. Thus, even if the first protruding portion (112) restricts access to the second fastening member (142), by making the first protruding portion (112) as having the first level of elasticity while the second surface (110) as having the second level of elasticity, wherein the first level of elasticity is greater than the second level of elasticity, access to the second fastening member (142) can be gained by application of force. Once the application of force on the first protruding portion (112) ceases, the first protruding portion (112) reverts back to the first state wherein the first protruding portion (112) restricts access to the second fastening member (142).

[0058] Now referring to Figure 10 and Figure 12, in some instances the second switch console (136) may comprise a third fastening member (144) which is used for mounting the second switch console (136) on to the handle bar (16) and there can arise a scenario wherein the second protruding portion (124) restricts access to the third fastening member (144). In such a case, it may be desirable to form the second protruding portion (124) so as to have a third level of elasticity while to form the fourth surface (122) so as to have a fourth level of elasticity, wherein the third level of elasticity being greater than the fourth level of elasticity. In such a case, the second protruding portion (124) can exhibit displacement relative to the fourth surface (122) in response to receiving a force. Especially, the second protruding portion (124) can exhibit displacement relative to the fourth surface (122) as well as the third fastening member (144) in response to receiving a force. In particular, the second protruding portion (124) can be moved between a third state wherein the second protruding portion (124) restricts access to the third fastening member (144) and a fourth state wherein the second protruding portion (124) allows access to the third fastening member (144) by application of force thereupon. Thus, even if the second protruding portion (124) restricts access to the third fastening member (144), by making the second protruding portion (124) as having the third level of elasticity while the fourth surface (122) as having the fourth level of elasticity, wherein the third level of elasticity is greater than the fourth level of elasticity, access to the third fastening member (144) can be gained by application of force. Once the application of force on the second protruding portion (124) ceases, the second protruding portion (124) reverts back to the third state wherein the second protruding portion (124) restricts access to the third fastening member (144).

[0059] Now referring to Figure 5 and Figure 11, in an embodiment of the invention, the first protruding portion (112) comprises a first proximal portion (114) located proximate to the second side surface (110) and a first distal portion (116) located distal to the second surface (110). One of the preferred ways to make the first protruding portion (112) so as to have the first level of elasticity while to make the second surface (110) so as to have the second level of elasticity, wherein the first level of elasticity being greater than the second level of elasticity, is to vary a thickness of the first distal portion (116) as compared to a thickness of the first proximal portion (114). In particular, a thickness of the first distal portion (116) can be made greater than a thickness of the first proximal portion (114). Under this scenario, the first protruding portion (112) can exhibit pivotal movement with regard to a first pivot point (146), best seen in Figure 10.

[0060] Now referring to Figure 7 and Figure 12, in an embodiment of the invention, the second protruding portion (124) comprises a second proximal portion (126) located proximate to the fourth surface (122) and a second distal portion (128) located distal to the fourth surface (122). One of the preferred ways to make the second protruding portion (124) so as to have the third level of elasticity while to make the fourth surface (122) so as to have the fourth level of elasticity, wherein the third level of elasticity being greater than the fourth level of elasticity, is to vary a thickness of the second distal portion (128) as compared to a thickness of the second proximal portion (126). In particular, a thickness of the second distal portion (128) can be made greater than a thickness of the second proximal portion (126). Under this scenario, the second protruding portion (124) can exhibit pivotal movement with regard to a second pivot point (148), best seen in Figure 12.

[0061] One of the advantages of the invention is that the switchconsole is seamlessly integrated, providing convenient access for the vehicle operator without compromising the overall aesthetic or functional aspects of the cover. Another advantage of the invention is the contribution in the vehicle's overall aesthetic appeal by providing by providing a handle bar cover. Yet another advantage of the invention to that the handlebar coverprovide a protective barrier, shielding the handlebar's internal components from environmental elements such as dust, water, and debris. Still the advantage of the present invention is thereduction vulnerability of internal components to environmental factors, contributing to the vehicle's resilience against external elements by introducing a handlebar cover. Additionally, the invention takes care of the challenges in manufacturing the front cover and provides a simple process formanufacturing the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104). In particular, there is no undercut either in a tool for manufacturing the front cover (102) or in a tool for manufacturing the rear cover (104). Also, there is no hindrance during lifting / taking out the front cover (102) from a die which is used in making the front cover (102). Further, there is no hindrance during lifting / taking out the rear cover (104) from a die used for making the rear cover (104).

[0062] Since the first protruding portion (112) and the second protruding portion (124) are formed as part of the rear cover (104), no challenge is faced in accessing one or more components that are carried by the front cover (102). In fact, the first protruding portion (112) and the second protruding portion (124) do not even hinder accessing one or more components that are carried by the rear cover (104).

[0063] While the first protruding portion (112) restricts access to the second fastening member (142) in a first state, by making the first protruding portion (112) as having the first level of elasticity, access to the second fastening member (142) can be easily gained. Similarly, while the second protruding portion (124) restricts access to the third fastening member (143) in a fourth state, by making the second protruding portion (124) as having the third level of elasticity, access to the third fastening member (144) can be easily gained.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A handlebar cover (100) covering at least a part of a handlebar (16) of a vehicle (10), the handlebar cover (100) comprising:
a front cover (102) adapted to cover a front side (34) of the handlebar (16);
a rear cover (104) adapted to cover a rear side (36) of the handlebar (16);
at least a first fastener member (140) adapted to fasten the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104);
the front cover (102) comprises at least a first surface (106) having a first cutout portion (108); and
the rear cover (104) comprises a second surface (110) comprising a first protruding portion (112) extending towards the first cutout portion (108) and covering the first cutout portion (108) in a fastened state of the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104).

2. The handlebar cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first protruding portion (112) having a first level of elasticity, the second surface (110) having a second level of elasticity, the first level of elasticity being greater than the second level of elasticity, such that the first protruding portion (112) exhibits displacement relative to the second surface (110) in response to receiving a force.

3. The handlebar cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first protruding portion (112) comprises a first proximal portion (114) located proximate to the second side surface (110) and a first distal portion (116) located distal to the second surface (110), a thickness of the first distal portion (116) being greater than a thickness of the first proximal portion (114).

4. The handlebar cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front cover (102) comprises a third surface (118) having a second cutout portion (120) and the rear cover (104) comprises a fourth surface (122) comprising a second protruding portion (124) extending towards the second cutout portion (120) and covering the second cutout portion (120) in a fastened state of the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104).

5. The handlebar cover (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second protruding portion (124) having a third level of elasticity, the fourth surface (122) having a fourth level of elasticity, the third level of elasticity being greater than the fourth level of elasticity, such that the second protruding portion (124) exhibits displacement relative to the fourth surface (122) in response to receiving a force.

6. The handlebar cover (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second protruding portion (124) comprises a second proximal portion (126) located proximate to the fourth surface (122) and a second distal portion (128) located distal to the fourth surface (122), a thickness of the second distal portion (128) being greater than a thickness of the second distal portion (126).

7. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a handlebar (16) having a front side (34) and a rear side (36), a first switch console (132) mounted on a first side (134) of the handlebar (16) and a second switch console (136) mounted on a second side (138) of the handlebar (16);
a handlebar cover (100) positioned between the first switch console (132) and the second switch console (136) and covering at least a part of the handlebar (16); the handlebar cover (16) comprising:
a front cover (102) adapted to cover a front side (34) of the handlebar (16);
a rear cover (104) adapted to cover a rear side (36) of the handlebar (16);
at least a first fastener member (140) adapted to fasten the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104);
the front cover (102) comprises at least a first surface (106) having a first cutout portion (108); and
the rear cover (104) comprises a second surface (110) comprising a first protruding portion (112) extending towards the first cutout portion (108) and covering the first cutout portion (108) in a fastened state of the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first cutout portion (108) faces the first switch console (132), the first switch console (132) being mounted on the handlebar (16) vide at least a second fastening member (142), the first protruding portion (112) restricting an access to the second fastening member (142) in a first state and permitting access to the second fastening member (142) in a second state.

9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first protruding portion (112) having a first level of elasticity, the second surface (110) having a second level of elasticity, the first level of elasticity being greater than the second level of elasticity, such that the first protruding portion (112) exhibits displacement relative to the second surface (110) from the first state to the second state in response to receiving a force.

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the front cover (102) comprises a third surface (118) having a second cutout portion (120) and the rear cover (104) comprises a fourth surface (122) comprising a second protruding portion (124) extending towards the second cutout portion (120) and covering the second cutout portion (120) in a fastened state of the front cover (102) to the rear cover (104).

11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second cutout portion (120) faces the second switch console (136), the second switch console (136) being mounted on the handlebar (16) vide at least a third fastening member (144), the second protruding portion (124) restricting an access to the third fastening member (144) in a third state and permitting access to the third fastening member (144) in a fourth state.

12. The vehicle as in claim 11, wherein the second protruding portion (124) having a third level of elasticity, the fourth surface (122) having a fourth level of elasticity, the third level of elasticity being greater than the fourth level of elasticity, such that the second protruding portion (124) exhibits displacement relative to the fourth surface (122) from the third state to the fourth state in response to receiving a force.