Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a guard member for a saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, vehicles such as a saddle-type vehicles, are provided with a tank guard assembly, which may also be termed as a crash guard assembly. The tank guard assembly comprises a left tank guard and a right tank guard, wherein the left tank guard is mounted on a left side of the vehicle, while the right tank guard is mounted on a right side of the vehicle. The left tank guard and the right tank guard (hereinafter selectively referred to as ‘tank guards’) are mounted onto a frame member of the vehicle. The tank guards extend perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. As such, in the event of a fall of the vehicle either on the left side or the right side, the left tank guard or the right tank guard respectively, contacts a ground surface, thereby preventing damage to a fuel tank or style panels or other components of the vehicle.
[003] However, the tank guard due to the perpendicular extension from the longitudinal extension, gets bent towards the style panel during fall of the vehicle. As such, the tank guard comes closer to the style panels and may damage the style panels of the vehicle, which is undesirable. Also, if the vehicle is used in for off-roading, the perpendicular extension of the tank guard may cause interference with stones, uneven road surface or the shrubbery on the ground surface. Moreover, the vehicle may also pivot about the tank guard during the fall, which may cause a front portion or a rear portion of the vehicle to contact the ground surface. The contact of the front portion or the rear portion on the ground surface may damage the vehicle, which is undesirable. Moreover, in off-roading vehicles, a frame member contains a front bottom frame member extending from a head tube. As such, body of the off-roading vehicles may be damaged due to pivoting of the perpendicular tank guard.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need for a guard member for a saddle-type vehicle and a guard assembly thereof, which addresses at least some of the limitations mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a guard member for a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. the guard member comprises a first support member oriented along a top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The first support member has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is detachably attached to a frame member of the saddle-type vehicle. A second support member is oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle and is positioned in front of the first support member in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The second support member has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is detachably attached to a crankcase of an engine. A coupling member connects the upper end of the first support member and the top end of the second support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member and the coupling member are oriented parallelly to a longitudinal axis of the saddle-type vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, the lower end of the first support member is provided with a mounting member that is adapted to engage with the frame member. The mounting member extends from the lower end of the first support member towards the frame member for mounting onto the frame member.
[007] In an embodiment, the bottom end of the second support member is provided with a connecting member that is adapted to engage with the crankcase. The connecting member extends from the bottom end of the second support member towards the frame member for engagement with the crankcase. In an embodiment, the connecting member engages with the crankcase through a spacer member.
[008] In an embodiment, an auxiliary support member is coupled to the first support member and the second support member. The auxiliary support member is oriented laterally to the first support member and the second support member.
[009] In another aspect. a guard assembly for the saddle-type vehicle is provided. The guard assembly comprises a left guard member mounted onto a left-side of the saddle-type vehicle. The left guard member comprises a first left support member oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The first left support member has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is detachably attached onto a left-side of a frame member. A second left support member is oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The second left support member is positioned in front of the first left support member in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The second left support member has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is detachably attached to a left-side of the crankcase of an engine. Further, a left coupling member connects the upper end of the first support member and the top end of the second left support member. Further, the guard assembly comprises a right guard member mounted onto a right-side of the saddle-type vehicle. The right guard member comprises a first right support member oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The first right support member has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is detachably attached onto a right-side of the frame member. The second right support member is oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The second right support member is positioned in front of the first right support member in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle. The second right support member has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is detachably attached to a right-side of the crankcase of the engine. A right coupling member connects the upper end of the first support member and the top end of the second left support member, wherein the left guard member and the right guard member are oriented parallelly to the longitudinal axis of the saddle-type vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the lower end of the first left support member is provided with a left mounting member that is adapted to engage with the left-side of the frame member. Also, the lower end of the first right support member is provided with a right mounting member that is adapted to engage with the right-side of the frame member.
[011] In an embodiment, the left mounting member extends from the lower end of the first left support member towards the frame member for mounting onto the frame member. Also, the right mounting member extends from the lower end of the first right support member towards the frame member for mounting onto the frame member.
[012] In an embodiment, the bottom end of the second left support member is provided with a left connecting member that is adapted to engage with the left-side of the crankcase. Also, the bottom end of the second right support member is provided with a right connecting member that is adapted to engage with the right-side of the crankcase.
[013] In an embodiment, the left connecting member extends from the bottom end of the second left support member towards the frame member for engagement with the crankcase. Also, the right connecting member extends from the bottom end of the second right support member towards the frame member for engagement with the crankcase.
[014] In an embodiment, the left connecting member engages with the left-side of the crankcase through a left spacer member. Also, the right connecting member engages with the right-side of the crankcase through a right spacer member.
[015] In an embodiment, a left auxiliary support member is coupled to the first left support member and the second left support member. The left auxiliary support member is oriented laterally to the first left support member and the second left support member. Also, a right auxiliary support member is coupled to the first right support member and the second right support member. The right auxiliary support member is oriented laterally to the first right support member and the second right support member.
[016] In an embodiment, a bridge member having a left end and a right end is provided. The left end is coupled to the left auxiliary support member, while the right end is coupled to the right auxiliary support member, wherein the bridge member is positioned in front of the engine in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMAPNYING DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a left-side view of a portion of a saddle-type vehicle, depicting mounting of a guard member onto a frame member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the guard member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a right guard member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a left guard member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a guard member for a saddle-type vehicle. The guard member is mounted onto the saddle-type vehicle so as to be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the saddle-type vehicle. As such, in an event of a fall of the saddle-type vehicle, pivoting of the vehicle about the guard member is prevented, and thereby preventing damage to a tank guard or style panels of the saddle-type vehicle. In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle is a motorcycle. In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle can be an off-roading vehicle, a touring vehicle or a city commuting vehicle as per requirement.
[019] In the present disclosure, arrow indications provided in Figures pertain to directional indications of the body cover assembly with respect to the saddle-type vehicle. As such, the terms “front side”, “rear side”, “right side”, “left side”, “upside” and “downside” respectively correspond to front, rear, right, left, up and down sides of the body cover assembly with respect to the saddle-type vehicle, until and unless specified otherwise.
[020] Figure 1 is a left-side view of a portion of a saddle-type vehicle 130 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 130 (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle 130’) is a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle. The vehicle 130 comprises a frame member 108 having a headtube 132 capable of supporting a steering shaft (not shown). A maintube 134 extends rearwardly from the headtube 132 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 130. In the present embodiment, the maintube 134 extends rearwardly and downwardly from the headtube 132 upto a center tube 136. Further, a downtube 138 extends rearwardly and downwardly from the headtube 132. The downtube 138 is also adapted to extend rearwardly upto the center tube 136.
[021] The frame member 108 is adapted to support an internal combustion engine (hereinafter referred to as “engine”) of the vehicle 130. The engine is coupled to at least one wheel (not shown) of the vehicle 130 through a transmission unit. The engine is adapted to supply torque to the at least one wheel for driving the vehicle 130. The engine is coupled to a fuel tank (not shown) disposed on the maintube 134.
[022] Further, the frame member 108 is capable of supporting one or more style panels (not shown). The one or more style panels are adapted to cover the components mounted on the frame member 108, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 130. In an embodiment, the one or more style panels cover one or more electrical components or one or more transmission components (not shown) that are mounted on the frame member 108.
[023] The vehicle 130 further comprises a guard member 100 mounted onto the frame member 108. The guard member 100 is adapted to protect the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels of the vehicle 130, in the event of a fall of the vehicle 130.
[024] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, a perspective view of the guard member 100 is depicted. The guard member 100 comprises a first support member 102 oriented along a top-down direction of the vehicle 130. The first support member 102 has an upper end 104 and a lower end 106. The upper end 104 is positioned adjacently to the downtube 138 towards the headtube 132 in order to protect the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels in the event of the fall of the vehicle 130. In an embodiment, the upper end 104 is forwardly positioned than the lower end 106 along the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the first support member 102 is forwardly inclined with respect to the top-down direction, in a side view of the vehicle 130. The inclination of the first support member 102 is selected as per position of the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels on the vehicle 130.
[025] Further, the lower end 106 is detachably attached to the frame member 108. In the present embodiment, the lower end 106 is mounted onto the downtube 138 of the frame member 108. Alternatively, the lower end 106 may also be mounted at any location on the frame member 108 as per feasibility and design requirement in the vehicle 130. The lower end 106 is provided with a mounting member 122 that is adapted to engage with the frame member 108. The mounting member 122 may be a bracket that extends towards the frame member 108 from the lower end 106, for engagement with the frame member 108. The mounting member 122 is provided with a first mounting unit 140 that is adapted to engage with the downtube 138 of the frame member 108. In an embodiment, the first mounting unit 140 is adapted to engage with the downtube 138 through conventional engagement techniques such as a fastening technique, a snap-fit technique and the like, as per requirement.
[026] In an embodiment, the first mounting unit 140 is a fastening member or can be a spacer based on mounting requirements in the guard member 100. In an embodiment, the first mounting unit 140 is offset with the mounting member 122. The offset is provided in order to provide a stepped profile and/or to accommodate contours in the downtube 138 or the frame member 108 for ease of mounting the guard member 100. In an embodiment, the offset is provided to the first mounting unit 140 through a first offset bracket 142 that is oriented about a longitudinal axis (not shown) or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130.
[027] In an embodiment, the first support member 102 may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130, based on position or dimensions of the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels of the vehicle 130.
[028] Further, the guard member 100 comprises a second support member 110 that is oriented along the top-down direction of the vehicle 130. The second support member 110 is positioned in front of the first support member 102 in the front-rear direction. The second support member 110 has a top end 112 and a bottom end 114. The top end 112 is positioned in front of the upper end 104 in the front-rear direction.
[029] The bottom end 114 is detachably attached to a crankcase (not shown) of the engine. The bottom end 114 is provided with a connecting member 124 that is adapted to engage with the crankcase. The connecting member 124 may be a bracket that extends towards the frame member 108 from the bottom end 114, for engagement with the crankcase. The connecting member 124 is provided with a spacer member 126 that is adapted to engage with the crankcase. In an embodiment, the spacer member 126 is adapted to engage with the crankcase through conventional engagement techniques such as a press-fitting technique and the like, as per requirement.
[030] In an embodiment, the spacer member 126 is offset with the connecting member 124. The offset is provided in order to provide a stepped profile and/or to accommodate contours on the crankcase for ease of mounting the guard member 100. In an embodiment, the offset is provided to the spacer member 126 through a second offset bracket 144 that is oriented about a longitudinal axis (not shown) or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130.
[031] In an embodiment, the top end 112 of the second support member 110 is positioned forwardly than that of the bottom end 114. Accordingly, the second support member 110 is forwardly inclined along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130, in the side view of the vehicle 130. In an embodiment, the second support member 110 is positioned parallelly to the first support member 102.
[032] A coupling member 120 connects the upper end 104 of the first support member 102 and the top end 112 of the second support member 110 to form the guard member 100. In an embodiment, the coupling member 120 connects the upper end 104 of the first support member 102 and the top end 112 of the second support member 110 as per conventional connecting techniques known in the art such as a welding technique, a brazing technique and the like. Thus, the coupling member 120 acts as a linking member for the first support member 102 and the second support member 112. The first support member 102, the second support member 110 and the coupling member 120 is oriented parallelly to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 130. Such a construction prevents tipping of the vehicle 130 with respect to the guard member 100 in the event of fall of the vehicle 130.
[033] Further, an auxiliary support member 128 is coupled to the first support member 102 and the second support member 110. The auxiliary support member 128 is oriented laterally to the first support member 102 and the second support member 110 to form an inverted P-shaped structure. The auxiliary support member 128 acts as a reinforcement member to the first support member 102 and the second support member 110, thereby enhancing structural rigidity of the guard member 100. In an embodiment, dimensions of the auxiliary support member 128 is selected based on structural rigidity requirements of the guard member 100.
[034] In an embodiment, the first support member 102, the second support member 110 and the coupling member 120 may be a monolithic structure, or the individual members are connected to one another through conventional techniques to form the guard member 100. In an embodiment, dimensions of the first support member 102, the second support member 110 and the coupling member 120 are selected as per strength requirements in the guard member 100.
[035] In an embodiment, the guard member 100 is capable of being mounted on a left-side 108a (shown in Figure 1) and/or a right-side 108b (shown in Figure 1) of the frame member 108. In an embodiment, the guard member 100 mounted on the left-side 108a of the frame member 108 is termed as a left guard member 100a, while the guard member 100 mounted on the right-side 108b of the frame member 108 is termed as the right guard member 100b. Mounting of the left guard member 100a and the right guard member 100b onto the frame member 108 results in a guard assembly (not shown) in the vehicle 130. In other words, the guard assembly is formed in the vehicle 130 upon mounting of the left guard member 100a and the right guard member 100b onto the frame member 108.
[036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the left guard member 100a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The left guard member 100a is capable of being mounted onto a left-side of the vehicle 130. In other words, the left guard member 100a is mounted onto the left-side 108a of the frame member 108.
[037] The left guard member 100a comprises a first left support member 102a oriented along the top-down direction of the vehicle 130. The first left support member 102a has an upper end 104a and a lower end 106a. The upper end 104a is positioned adjacently to the downtube 138 towards the headtube 132 in order to protect the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels in the event of the fall on the left-side of the vehicle 130. In an embodiment, the upper end 104a is forwardly positioned than the lower end 106a along the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the first left support member 102a is forwardly inclined with respect to the top-down direction, in the side view of the vehicle 130. The inclination of the first left support member 102a is selected as per position of the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels provided on the left-side of the vehicle 130.
[038] Further, the lower end 106a is detachably attached to the frame member 108. In the present embodiment, the lower end 106a is mounted onto the downtube 138 of the frame member 108. Alternatively, the lower end 106a may also be mounted at any location on the frame member 108 as per feasibility and design requirement in the vehicle 130. The lower end 106a is provided with a left mounting member 122a that is adapted to engage with the left-side 108a of the frame member 108. The left mounting member 122a may be a bracket that extends towards the left-side 108a of the frame member 108 from the lower end 106a, for engagement with the left-side of the frame member 108. The left mounting member 122a is provided with a first left mounting unit 140a that is adapted to engage with the downtube 138 on the left-side of the frame member 108. In an embodiment, the first left mounting unit 140a is adapted to engage with the downtube 138 through conventional engagement techniques such as a fastening technique, a snap-fit technique and the like, as per requirement.
[039] In an embodiment, the first left mounting unit 140a is a fastening member or can be a spacer based on mounting requirements in the left guard member 100a. In an embodiment, the first left mounting unit 140a is offset with the left mounting member 122a. The offset is provided in order to provide a stepped profile and/or to accommodate contours in the downtube 138 or on the left-side 108a of the frame member 108 for ease of mounting the left guard member 100a. In an embodiment, the offset is provided to the first left mounting unit 140a through a first left offset bracket 142a that is oriented about the longitudinal axis (not shown) or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130.
[040] In an embodiment, the first left support member 102a may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130, based on position or dimensions of the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels provided on the left-side of the vehicle 130.
[041] Further, the left guard member 100a comprises a second left support member 110a that is oriented along the top-down direction of the vehicle 130. The second left support member 110a is positioned in front of the first left support member 102a in the front-rear direction. The second left support member 110a has a top end 112a and a bottom end 114a. The top end 112a is positioned in front of the upper end 104a in the front-rear direction.
[042] The bottom end 114a is detachably attached to a left-side (not shown) of the crankcase (not shown) of the engine. The bottom end 114a is provided with a left connecting member 124a that is adapted to engage with the left-side of the crankcase. The left connecting member 124a may be a bracket that extends towards the left-side of the frame member 108 from the bottom end 114a, for engagement with the left-side of the crankcase. The left connecting member 124a is provided with a left spacer member 126a that is adapted to engage with the left-side of the crankcase. In an embodiment, the left spacer member 126a is adapted to engage with the left-side of the crankcase through conventional engagement techniques such as a press-fitting technique and the like, as per requirement.
[043] In an embodiment, the left spacer member 126a is offset with the left connecting member 124a. The offset is provided in order to provide a stepped profile and/or to accommodate contours on the left-side of the crankcase for ease of mounting the left guard member 100a. In an embodiment, the offset is provided to the left spacer member 126a through a second left offset bracket 144a that is oriented about the longitudinal axis (not shown) or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130.
[044] In an embodiment, the top end 112a of the second left support member 110a is positioned forwardly than that of the bottom end 114a. Accordingly, the second left support member 110a is forwardly inclined along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130, in the side view of the vehicle 130. In an embodiment, the second left support member 110a is positioned parallelly to the first left support member 102a.
[045] A left coupling member 120a connects the upper end 104a of the first left support member 102a and the top end 112a of the second left support member 110a to form the left guard member 100a. In an embodiment, the left coupling member 120a connects the upper end 104a of the first left support member 102a and the top end 112a of the second left support member 110a as per conventional connecting techniques known in the art such as a welding technique, a brazing technique and the like. Thus, the left coupling member 120a acts as a linking member for the first left support member 102a and the second left support member 112a. The first left support member 102a, the second left support member 110a and the left coupling member 120a is oriented parallelly to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 130. Such a construction of the left guard member 100a prevents tipping of the vehicle 130 with respect to the left guard member 100a in the event of fall of the vehicle 130.
[046] Further, a left auxiliary support member 128a is coupled to the first left support member 102a and the second left support member 110a. The left auxiliary support member 128a is oriented laterally to the first left support member 102a and the second left support member 110a to form an inverted P-shaped structure. The left auxiliary support member 128a acts as a reinforcement member to the first left support member 102a and the second left support member 110a, thereby enhancing structural rigidity of the left guard member 100a. In an embodiment, dimensions of the left auxiliary support member 128a is selected based on structural rigidity requirements of the left guard member 100a. Also, the parallel orientation of the left guard member 100a with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 130 ensures that the left guard member 100a hugs onto the vehicle 130, rather than extending away from the vehicle 130 as seen in conventional tank guard members.
[047] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figure 3, a perspective view of the right guard member 100b is depicted. The right guard member 100b is capable of being mounted onto a right-side of the vehicle 130. In other words, the right guard member 100b is mounted onto the right-side 108b of the frame member 108.
[048] The right guard member 100b comprises a first right support member 102b oriented along the top-down direction of the vehicle 130. The first right support member 102b has an upper end 104b and a lower end 106b. The upper end 104b is positioned adjacently to the downtube 138 towards the headtube 132 in order to protect the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels in the event of the fall on the right-side of the vehicle 130. In an embodiment, the upper end 104b is forwardly positioned than the lower end 106b along the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the first right support member 102b is forwardly inclined with respect to the top-down direction, in the side view of the vehicle 130. The inclination of the first right support member 102b is selected as per position of the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels provided on the right-side of the vehicle 130.
[049] Further, the lower end 106b is detachably attached to the frame member 108. In the present embodiment, the lower end 106b is mounted onto the downtube 138 of the frame member 108. Alternatively, the lower end 106b may also be mounted at any location on the frame member 108 as per feasibility and design requirement in the vehicle 130. The lower end 106b is provided with a right mounting member 122b that is adapted to engage with the right-side 108b of the frame member 108. The right mounting member 122b may be a bracket that extends towards the right-side 108b of the frame member 108 from the lower end 106b, for engagement with the right-side of the frame member 108. The right mounting member 122b is provided with a first right mounting unit 140b that is adapted to engage with the downtube 138 on the right-side of the frame member 108. In an embodiment, the first right mounting unit 140b is adapted to engage with the downtube 138 through conventional engagement techniques such as a fastening technique, a snap-fit technique and the like, as per requirement.
[050] In an embodiment, the first right mounting unit 140b is a fastening member or can be a spacer based on mounting requirements in the right guard member 100b. In an embodiment, the first right mounting unit 140b is offset with the right mounting member 122b. The offset is provided in order to provide a stepped profile and/or to accommodate contours in the downtube 138 or on the right-side 108b of the frame member 108 for ease of mounting the right guard member 100b. In an embodiment, the offset is provided to the first right mounting unit 140b through a first right offset bracket 142b that is oriented about the longitudinal axis (not shown) or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130.
[051] In an embodiment, the first right support member 102b may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130, based on position or dimensions of the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels provided on the right-side of the vehicle 130.
[052] Further, the right guard member 100b comprises a second right support member 110b that is oriented along the top-down direction of the vehicle 130. The second right support member 110b is positioned in front of the first right support member 102b in the front-rear direction. The second right support member 110b has a top end 112b and a bottom end 114b. The top end 112b is positioned in front of the upper end 104b in the front-rear direction.
[053] The bottom end 114b is detachably attached to a right-side (not shown) of the crankcase (not shown) of the engine. The bottom end 114b is provided with a right connecting member 124b that is adapted to engage with the right-side of the crankcase. The right connecting member 124b may be a bracket that extends towards the right-side of the frame member 108 from the bottom end 114b, for engagement with the right-side of the crankcase. The right connecting member 124b is provided with a right spacer member 126b that is adapted to engage with the right-side of the crankcase. In an embodiment, the right spacer member 126b is adapted to engage with the right-side of the crankcase through conventional engagement techniques such as a press-fitting technique and the like, as per requirement.
[054] In an embodiment, the right spacer member 126b is offset with the right connecting member 124b. The offset is provided in order to provide a stepped profile and/or to accommodate contours on the right-side of the crankcase for ease of mounting the right guard member 100b. In an embodiment, the offset is provided to the right spacer member 126b through a second right offset bracket 144b that is oriented about the longitudinal axis (not shown) or about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130.
[055] In an embodiment, the top end 112b of the second right support member 110b is positioned forwardly than that of the bottom end 114b. Accordingly, the second right support member 110b is forwardly inclined along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130, in the side view of the vehicle 130. In an embodiment, the second right support member 110b is positioned parallelly to the first right support member 102b.
[056] A right coupling member 120b connects the upper end 104b of the first right support member 102b and the top end 112b of the second left support member 110b to form the right guard member 100b. In an embodiment, the right coupling member 120b connects the upper end 104b of the first right support member 102b and the top end 112b of the second right support member 110b as per conventional connecting techniques known in the art such as a welding technique, a brazing technique and the like. Thus, the right coupling member 120b acts as a linking member for the first right support member 102b and the second right support member 112b. The first right support member 102b, the second right support member 112b and the right coupling member 120b is oriented parallelly to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 130. Such a construction of the right guard member 100b prevents tipping of the vehicle 130 with respect to the right guard member 100b in the event of fall of the vehicle 130. Also, the parallel orientation of the right guard member 100b with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 130 ensures that the right guard member 100b hugs onto the vehicle 130, rather than extending away from the vehicle 130 as seen in conventional tank guard members.
[057] A right auxiliary support member 128b is coupled to the first right support member 102b and the second right support member 110b. The right auxiliary support member 128b is oriented laterally to the first right support member 102b and the second right support member 110b to form an inverted P-shaped structure. The right auxiliary support member 128b acts as a reinforcement member to the first right support member 102b and the second right support member 110b, thereby enhancing structural rigidity of the right guard member 100b. In an embodiment, dimensions of the right auxiliary support member 128b is selected based on structural rigidity requirements of the right guard member 100b.
[058] Further, a bridge member (not shown) connects the left guard member 100a and the right guard member 110b. The bridge member is adapted to prevent bending of the guard assembly in the event of fall of the vehicle 130. As such, the bridge member further enhances structural integrity and load beading characteristics of the guard assembly. The bridge member has a left end (not shown) and a right end (not shown). The left end of the bridge member is coupled to the left auxiliary support member 128a, while the right end of the bridge member is coupled to the right auxiliary support member 128b. As an example, in the event of fall of the vehicle 130 on the right-side, the load of the vehicle 130 would be on the right guard member 100b. In this scenario, the bridge member transfers at least a part of the load from the right guard member 100b to the left guard member 100a. Consequently, preventing bending of the right guard member 100b and thereby preventing damage to the fuel tank and/or the one or more style panels of the vehicle 130.
[059] In an embodiment, the bridge member is positioned in front of the engine in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 130. As such, while connecting the left auxiliary support member 128a and the right auxiliary support member 128b, the bridge member is positioned in front of the engine. In an embodiment, the bridge member is provided with a mounting lug (not shown) on each of the left end and the right end, wherein the mounting lug is adapted to be fastened onto a slot 146 provided in each of the left auxiliary support member 128a and the right auxiliary support member 128b through a fastener (not shown). Alternatively, the mounting lug may be fastened to the slot 146 through other conventional mounting techniques such as the welding technique, the snap-fit technique and the like. In an embodiment, dimensions of the bridge member are considered based on structural requirements in the guard assembly and/or based on the orientation and dimensions of the right guard member 100b and the left guard member 110a.
[060] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of providing the first support member, the second support member and the coupling member being oriented parallelly to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle ensures that the guard member is oriented parallelly to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Such an orientation prevents tipping over the vehicle in the event of fall of the vehicle, thereby preventing damage to the fuel tank and/or to the one or more style panels of the vehicle. Even when the guard member or the guard assembly is mounted onto a larger vehicle, tipping of the vehicle is prevented due to parallel orientation of the guard member or the guard assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Additionally, the guard member of the present invention provides an easy to assembly construction, which is also easy to dismantle from the vehicle during a maintenance requirement. Also, part count is reduced in the guard member or the guard assembly due to reduction in number of fasteners required for mounting onto the frame member, while maintaining the load bearing characteristics.
[061] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Reference Numerals and Characters
100 – Guard member
100a – Left guard member
100b – Right guard member
102 – First support member
102a – First left support member
102b – First right support member
104 – Upper end
104a – Upper end of first left support member
104b – Upper end of first right support member
106 – Lower end
106a – Lower end of first left support member
106b – Lower end of first right support member
108 – Frame member
108a – Left-side of the frame member
108b – Right-side of the frame member
110 – Second support member
110a – Second left support member
110b – Second right support member
112 – Top end
112a – Top end of the second left support member
112b – Top end of the second right support member
114 – Bottom end
114a – Bottom end of the second left support member
114b – Bottom end of the second right support member
120 – Coupling member
120a – Left coupling member
120b – Right coupling member
122 – Mounting member
122a – Left mounting member
122b – Right mounting member
124 – Connecting member
124a – Left connecting member
124b – Right connecting member
126 – Spacer member
126a – Left spacer member
126b – Right spacer member
128 – Auxiliary support member
128a – Left auxiliary support member
128b – Right auxiliary support member
130 – Saddle-type vehicle
132 – Headtube
134 – Maintube
136 – Center tube
138 – Downtube
140 – First mounting unit
140a – First left mounting unit
140b – First right mounting unit
142 – First offset bracket
142a – First left offset bracket
142b – First right offset bracket
144 – Second offset bracket
144a – Second left offset bracket
144b – Second right offset bracket
146 - Slot , Claims:
1. A guard member (100) for a saddle-type vehicle (130), the guard member (100) comprising:
a first support member (102) oriented along a top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle, the first support member (102) having an upper end (104) and a lower end (106), the lower end (106) being detachably attached to a frame member (108) of the saddle-type vehicle (130);
a second support member (110) oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle (130), the second support member (110) positioned in front of the first support member (102) in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (130), the second support member (110) having a top end (112) and a bottom end (114), the bottom end (114) being detachably attached to a crankcase of an engine; and
a coupling member (120) connecting the upper end (104) of the first support member (102) and the top end (112) of the second support member (110),
wherein, the first support member (102), the second support member (112) and the coupling member (120) being oriented parallelly to a longitudinal axis of the saddle-type vehicle (130).

2. The guard member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower end (106) of the first support member (102) being provided with a mounting member (122), the mounting member (122) being adapted to engage with the frame member (108).

3. The guard member (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting member (122) extends from the lower end (106) of the first support member (102) towards the frame member (108), for mounting onto the frame member (108).

4. The guard member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom end (114) of the second support member (110) being provided with a connecting member (124), the connecting member (124) being adapted to engage with the crankcase.

5. The guard member (110) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the connecting member (124) extends from the bottom end (114) of the second support member (110) towards the frame member (108) for engagement with the crankcase.

6. The guard member (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the connecting member (124) engages with the crankcase through a spacer member (126).

7. The guard member (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising an auxiliary support member (128) being coupled to the first support member (102) and the second support member (110), the auxiliary support member (128) being oriented laterally to the first support member (102) and the second support member (110).

8. A guard assembly for a saddle-type vehicle (130), the guard assembly comprising:
a left guard member (100a) mounted onto a left-side of the saddle-type vehicle (130), the left guard member (100a) comprising:
a first left support member (102a) oriented along a top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle (130), the first left support member (102a) having an upper end (104a) and a lower end (106a), the lower end (106a) being detachably attached onto a left-side (108a) of a frame member (108);
a second left support member (110a) oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle, the second left support member (110a) positioned in front of the first left support member (102a) in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (130), the second left support member (110a) having a top end (112a) and a bottom end (114a), the bottom end (114a) being detachably attached to a left-side of the crankcase of an engine (118); and
a left coupling member (120a) connecting the upper end (104a) of the first support member (102a) and the top end (112a) of the second left support member (110a); and
a right guard member (100b) mounted onto a right-side of the saddle-type vehicle, the right guard member (100b) comprising:
a first right support member (102b) oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle, the first right support member (102b) having an upper end (104b) and a lower end (106b), the lower end (106b) being detachably attached onto a right-side (108b) of the frame member (108);
a second right support member (110b) oriented along the top-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle, the second right support member (110b) positioned in front of the first right support member (102b) in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle, the second right support member (110b) having a top end (112b) and a bottom end (114b), the bottom end (114b) being detachably attached to a right-side of the crankcase of the engine; and
a right coupling member (120b) connecting the upper end (104b) of the first support member (102b) and the top end (112b) of the second left support member (110b),
wherein, the left guard member (100a) and the right guard member (100b) being oriented parallelly to a longitudinal axis of the saddle-type vehicle.

9. The guard assembly as claimed in claim 8,
wherein the lower end (106a) of the first left support member (102a) being provided with a left mounting member (122a), the left mounting member (122a) being adapted to engage with the left-side (108a) of the frame member (108); and
wherein the lower end (106b) of the first right support member (102b) being provided with a right mounting member (122b), the right mounting member (122b) being adapted to engage with the right-side (108b) of the frame member (108).

10. The guard assembly as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the left mounting member (122a) extends from the lower end (106a) of the first left support member (102a) towards the frame member (108), for mounting onto the frame member (108); and
wherein the right mounting member (122b) extends from the lower end (106b) of the first right support member (102b) towards the frame member (108), for mounting onto the frame member (108)

11. The guard assembly as claimed in claim 8,
wherein the bottom end (114a) of the second left support member (110a) being provided with a left connecting member (124a), the left connecting member (124a) being adapted to engage with the left-side of the crankcase; and
wherein the bottom end (114b) of the second right support member (110b) being provided with a right connecting member (124b), the right connecting member (124b) being adapted to engage with the right-side of the crankcase.

12. The guard assembly as claimed in claim 11,
wherein the left connecting member (124a) extends from the bottom end (114a) of the second left support member (110a) towards the frame member (108) for engagement with the crankcase; and
wherein the right connecting member (124b) extends from the bottom end (114b) of the second right support member (110b) towards the frame member (108) for engagement with the crankcase.

13. The guard assembly (130) as claimed in claim 11,
wherein the left connecting member (124a) engages with the left-side of the crankcase through a left spacer member (126a); and
wherein the right connecting member (124b) engages with the right-side of the crankcase through a right spacer member (126b).

14. The guard assembly as claimed in claim 8 comprising:
a left auxiliary support member (128a) being coupled to the first left support member (102a) and the second left support member (110a), the left auxiliary support member (128a) being oriented laterally to the first left support member (102a) and the second left support member (110a); and
a right auxiliary support member (128b) being coupled to the first right support member (102b) and the second right support member (110b), the right auxiliary support member (128b) being oriented laterally to the first right support member (102b) and the second right support member (110b).

15. The guard assembly as claimed in claim 8 comprising a bridge member, the bridge member having a left end and a right end, the left end being coupled to the left auxiliary support member (128a), the right end being coupled to the right auxiliary support member (128b),
wherein the bridge member being positioned in front of the engine (118) in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (130).

Dated this 08 day of September 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471