Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a guard assembly for the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In a saddle type vehicle, a knuckle guard and a lever guard are used. The knuckle guard is a protective element used to protect knuckles or hands of a rider during vehicle riding conditions, while the lever guard is also a protective element used to protect hand levers such as brake lever/clutch lever of the saddle type vehicle during conditions, such as vehicle hit or fall etc. Generally, the knuckle guard is installed around the handlebar of a saddle type vehicle, covering an area where the hands of the rider grip the handlebar. The primary function of the knuckle guard is to shield the rider's knuckles and fingers from potential impacts with external objects, debris, or other vehicles, especially during close encounters or collisions. The knuckle guard, therefore, contributes to reducing risk of injuries to the rider's hands and fingers.
[003] The lever guard, on the other hand, is designed to shield the hand levers such as brake and/or clutch levers located on the handlebar of the saddle type vehicle. It is usually positioned near the hand levers, creating a protective barrier around them. The lever guard serves multiple purposes. For example, in case of a collision or contact with another object, the lever guard acts as a shield that prevents unintentional activation of the brake or clutch levers. This can be crucial in avoiding sudden braking or clutch disengagement that might lead to loss of control. Further, in an event of a fall or a tip-over, the lever guard can offer protection to the brake and clutch levers, reducing the risk of such critical components getting bent or broken. This is particularly important for maintaining the operability of the saddle type vehicle after minor accidents.
[004] Thus, both the knuckle guard and lever guard play essential roles in enhancing rider safety and maintaining the functionality of the vehicle. Both the knuckle guard and the lever guard contribute to creating a safe riding environment by reducing the risk of injuries to the rider's hands and fingers, preventing unintended lever activations, and safeguarding vital control components.
[005] Conventionally, both the knuckle guard and the lever guard are separate components. Thus, a customer will have to buy two separate and individual components for the saddle type vehicle. Moreover, having a separate knuckle guard and lever guard results in higher complexity during the design, manufacturing, and assembly phases. Two distinct guards necessitate additional components and attachment points, potentially increasing the risk of assembly errors. Furthermore, the spatial requirements of both guards might collectively occupy a significant portion of the handlebar, limiting the available space for other essential controls or accessories. This, not only compromises the ergonomic design, but also raises concerns about the overall aesthetics of the saddle type vehicle. Moreover, the combined weight of two separate guards could contribute to a noticeable increase in the overall weight of the saddle type vehicle. From an economical point of view, the cost implications of producing, installing, and maintaining two separate guards can be higher compared to a unified/integrated guard assembly. Additionally, compatibility issues might arise in case certain vehicles are not designed to accommodate both types of guards simultaneously, requiring modifications or limiting options for the customers.
[006] In view thereof, it is clear that separate knuckle guard and lever guard introduce complexity during vehicle design as well as during assembly of separate guards on the saddle type vehicle. Further, designing, producing, installing, and maintaining two separate guards can be more expensive than an integrated solution. Furthermore, replacing components and storing original parts might introduce logistical challenges during installation and maintenance of the saddle type vehicle. Moreover, saddle type vehicle might not accommodate both guards simultaneously, leading to compatibility issues and potential modifications in the saddle type vehicle and/or guard assembly
[007] To overcome the above-said problems, an integrated assembly having both knuckle guard and lever guard has been provided in the prior arts. However, this solution has its own set of limitations. The primary concern with such integrated assembly is that the customers are obliged to purchase the entire guard assembly as a package, even if they do not require one of the guards. This lack of flexibility leaves the customer feeling constrained and forced into buying components they do not necessarily need, thereby, leading to potential dissatisfaction.
[008] Additionally, the installation process of such integrated guard assembly is complex and cumbersome. On one end of the integrated assembly, the replacement of a handlebar damper with a two-part handlebar damper leads to a fundamental alteration in the existing vehicle layout. This change potentially disrupts the original design’s balance and feel, which might not align with the rider’s preferences. The need to keep aside and store the original handlebar damper also introduces an additional logistical challenge.
[009] On the other end of the integrated guard assembly, mounting to the handlebar rod poses another set of challenges. The contact area between the guard assembly and the handlebar is susceptible to rust due to paint peeling over a period of time. To counteract this, an extra rubber component is required to be introduced, which adds an additional part and additional layer of complexity. The curved profile of the handlebar further compounds the mounting complexity, as aligning and securing the guard assembly to such curved shape proved intricate and potentially time-consuming.
[010] In view thereof, it is clear that, with integrated guard assembly, customers might be obligated to buy the entire guard assembly, even if they only need one part, limiting choice and potentially causing dissatisfaction to the customer. Further, integrated guard assembly might involve replacing existing vehicle components, altering the original layout and possibly affecting balance and feel of the saddle type vehicle. Furthermore, mounting the guard assembly to handlebar could result in rust due to paint peeling, necessitating additional solutions like rubber components. Also, the curved profile of handlebar can complicate the installation of the integrated guard assembly. Moreover, complex installation might lead to increased manufacturing, assembly, and servicing challenges.
[011] In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[012] In one aspect of the invention, a guard assembly for a saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The guard assembly comprises a lever guard and a knuckle guard. The lever guard is adapted to guard hand lever of the saddle type vehicle. The hand lever includes clutch lever and/or brake lever. The knuckle guard is adapted to guard knuckles of a rider riding the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard and the knuckle guard are detachably attached to each other. The knuckle guard extends between a knuckle guard first end portion and a knuckle guard second end portion in a lateral direction of the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard also extends between a lever guard first end portion and a lever guard second end portion in a longitudinal direction of the saddle type vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the guard assembly additionally comprises a connecting member extending between a connecting member first end portion and a connecting member second end portion. In such an embodiment, the knuckle guard first end portion is detachably attached to the connecting member. The connecting member first end portion is mounted on a stem of a rear view mirror assembly and the connecting member second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard first end portion. The lever guard first end portion is adapted to be sandwich mounted between a handlebar of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper and the lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. The lever guard first end portion comprises an opening adapted to receive a first fastener. The first fastener is adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion with the handlebar and the handlebar damper. The lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. In a non-limiting example, the knuckle guard second end portion comprises a dipped portion and the lever guard second end portion is adapted to be received in the dipped portion of the knuckle guard and fastened with one or more second fasteners. In a non-limiting example, a spacer is mounted on the stem of the rear view mirror assembly. The spacer is mounted between the connecting member first portion and a receiving member. The receiving member is provided on the handlebar and adapted to receive the stem of the rear view mirror assembly.
[014] In another embodiment, no connecting member is provided. The integrated assembly comprises only the lever guard and the knuckle guard. The lever guard first end portion is adapted to be sandwich mounted between a handlebar of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper and the lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. The lever guard first end portion comprises an opening adapted to receive a first fastener. The first fastener is adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion with the handlebar and the handlebar damper. The lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. In a non-limiting example, the lever guard second end portion is an elongated portion having one or more protrusion/depressions. The knuckle guard, in such an embodiment, comprises a slot extending from the knuckle guard second end portion to a substantially middle portion of the knuckle guard. The slot of the knuckle guard comprises one or more depressions/protrusions. The slot of the knuckle guard is adapted to slidably receive the second portion of the lever guard and the one or more protrusions/depressions of the lever guard are adapted to engage with the one or more depressions/protrusions of the knuckle guard to prevent rotation and vibration of the lever guard.
[015] In an embodiment, the knuckle guard comprises an upper portion and a lower portion on each side of longitudinal axis passing through a centre of the knuckle guard. Each of the upper portion and the lower portion of the knuckle guard having a concave curved surface.
[016] In another aspect of the present invention, a saddle type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle type vehicle comprises a head pipe, a steering shaft, a handlebar and a guard assembly. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by the head pipe. The handlebar is operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle in a rotatable range. The handlebar extends in a lateral direction of the saddle type vehicle to define a left handlebar extending in left direction of the saddle type vehicle and a right handlebar extending in right direction of the saddle type vehicle. The guard assembly is disposed on at least one of the left handlebar and the right handlebar. The guard assembly comprises a lever guard and a knuckle guard. The lever guard is adapted to guard hand lever of the saddle type vehicle. The hand lever includes clutch lever and/or brake lever. The knuckle guard is adapted to guard knuckles of a rider riding the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard and the knuckle guard are detachably attached to each other.
[017] The knuckle guard extends between a knuckle guard first end portion and a knuckle guard second end portion in a lateral direction of the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard also extends between a lever guard first end portion and a lever guard second end portion in a longitudinal direction of the saddle type vehicle.
[018] In an embodiment, the guard assembly additionally comprises a connecting member extending between a connecting member first end portion and a connecting member second end portion. In such an embodiment, the knuckle guard first end portion is detachably attached to the connecting member. The connecting member first end portion is mounted on a stem of a rear view mirror assembly and the connecting member second portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard first end portion. The lever guard first end portion is adapted to be sandwich mounted between a handlebar of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper and the lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. The lever guard first end portion comprises an opening adapted to receive a first fastener. The first fastener is adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion with the handlebar and the handlebar damper. The lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. In a non-limiting example, the knuckle guard second end portion comprises a dipped portion and the lever guard second end portion is adapted to be received in the dipped portion of the knuckle guard and fastened with one or more second fasteners. In a non-limiting example, a spacer is mounted on the stem of the rear view mirror assembly. The spacer is mounted between the connecting member first portion and a receiving member. The receiving member is provided on the handlebar and adapted to receive the stem of the rear view mirror assembly.
[019] In another embodiment, no connecting member is provided. The integrated assembly comprises only the lever guard and the knuckle guard. The lever guard first end portion is adapted to be sandwich mounted between a handlebar of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper and the lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. The lever guard first end portion comprises an opening adapted to receive a first fastener. The first fastener is adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion with the handlebar and the handlebar damper. The lever guard second end portion is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion. In a non-limiting example, the second end portion of the lever guard is an elongated portion having one or more protrusion/depressions. The knuckle guard, in such an embodiment, comprises a slot extending from the knuckle guard second end portion to a substantially middle portion of the knuckle guard. The slot of the knuckle guard comprises one or more depressions/protrusions. The slot of the knuckle guard is adapted to slidably receive the second portion of the lever guard and the one or more protrusions/depressions of the lever guard are adapted to engage with the one or more depressions/protrusions of the knuckle guard to prevent rotation and vibration of the lever guard.
[020] In an embodiment, the knuckle guard comprises an upper portion and a lower portion on each side of longitudinal axis passing through a centre of the knuckle guard. Each of the upper portion and the lower portion of the knuckle guard having a concave curved surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[021] 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 illustrates a schematic view of a front portion of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a front portion of the saddle type without a knuckle guard, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle cut along line A-A shown in Figure 3, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a left portion of the left handlebar of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates perspective views of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a partially exploded view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates schematic view of the front portion of the saddle type without a knuckle guard, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a left side perspective view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle cut along line A-A shown in Figure 10, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the guard assembly, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates an exploded view of the guard assembly, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 illustrates perspective view of the lever guard, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 illustrates a sectional view of the second portion of the lever guard being received in the second portion of the knuckle guard, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[022] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[023] Furthermore, a lateral axis (L1-L1) refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said saddle type vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction and a longitudinal axis (L2-L2) refers to a front to rear axis relative to the saddle type vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[024] Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the saddle type vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes a front direction, an arrow R indicates a rearward direction, an arrow Lt denotes a left direction of the saddle type vehicle and an arrow Rt denotes a right direction of the saddle type vehicle.
[025] The term “saddle type vehicle” in the present invention relates to all saddle type vehicles comprising hand levers such as, not being limited to, scooters and motorcycles. The construction and details of different type of saddle type vehicles are already known in the art and have not been discussed in detail for the sake of brevity.
[026] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a front portion of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[027] The saddle type vehicle comprises a head pipe (not shown), a steering shaft (not shown), a handlebar 12 and a guard assembly 100. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by the head pipe. The handlebar 12 is operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle in a rotatable range. The handlebar 12 extends in a lateral direction (L1-L1) of the saddle type vehicle to define a left handlebar 12a extending in left direction of the saddle type vehicle and a right handlebar 12b extending in right direction of the saddle type vehicle. The guard assembly 100 is disposed on the left handlebar 12a and the right handlebar 12b.
[028] As shown in Figure 1, the guard assembly 100 comprises a lever guard 102 and a knuckle guard 104. The lever guard 102 is adapted to guard hand lever 10 (shown in Figure 2) of the saddle type vehicle. The hand lever 102 includes clutch lever and/or brake lever. The knuckle guard 104 is adapted to guard knuckles of a rider riding the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard 102 and the knuckle guard 104 are detachably attached to each other. The guard assembly 100 further comprises a connecting member 106. The knuckle guard 104 and the connecting member 106 are detachably attached to each other.
[029] The lever guard 102 extends between lever guard first end portion 102a and a lever guard second end portion 102b in the longitudinal direction (L2-L2) of the saddle type vehicle. The knuckle guard 104 extends between a knuckle guard first end portion 104a and a knuckle guard second end portion 104b in the lateral direction of the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard end portions 102a, 102b and the knuckle guard end portions 104a, 104b are shown in Figure 4 by means of dotted lines. The connecting member 106 extends between a connecting member first end portion 106a and a connecting member second end portion 106b.
[030] The lever guard first end portion 102a is adapted to be sandwich mounted between the handlebar 12 of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper 14 and the lever guard second end portion 102b is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion 104b .
[031] The knuckle guard first end portion 104a of the knuckle guard 104 is detachably attached to the connecting member 106. As already stated, the knuckle guard second end portion 104b is detachably attached to the lever guard second end portion 102b.
[032] The connecting member first end portion 106a is mounted on a stem 108a of a rear view mirror assembly 108 of the saddle type vehicle and the connecting member second portion 106b is detachably attached to the knuckle guard first end portion 104a .
[033] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a front portion of the saddle type without a knuckle guard 104, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[034] As shown, the lever guard first end portion 102a is adapted to be sandwich mounted between the handlebar 12 of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper 14. The lever guard first end portion 102a comprises an opening 112 (shown in Figure 7) adapted to receive a first fastener F1 (shown in Figure 4). The first fastener F1 is adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion 102a with the handlebar 12 and the handlebar damper 14. The lever guard second end portion 102b is adapted to be detachably attached to the knuckle guard second portion 104b . In one non-limiting example, the lever guard second end portion 102b is an elongated portion.
[035] Figure 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle cut along line A-A shown in Figure 3, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[036] As shown, the knuckle guard second end portion 104b comprises a dipped portion 122 and the lever guard second end portion 102b is adapted to be received in the dipped portion 122 of the knuckle guard 104 and fastened with one or more second fasteners F2. The dipped portion 122 provides anti-rotation feature to the lever guard 102. The dipped portion 122 prevents shaking of the knuckle guard 104 during vehicle riding conditions.It is to be understood that profile of the dipped portion 122 of the knuckle guard corresponds/maps to the profile of the lever guard second end portion 102b in order to accommodate the same in a flushed form.
[037] Figure 5 illustrates a left portion of the left handlebar of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[038] As shown in Figure 5, a spacer 110 is mounted on the stem 108a of the rear view mirror assembly 108. The spacer 110 is mounted between the connecting member first portion 106a and a receiving member 16. The receiving member 16 is provided on the handlebar 12 and adapted to receive the stem 108a of the rear view mirror assembly 108.
[039] It is to be understood that a nut (N) is generally used for mounting mirror stem 108a in the saddle type vehicle. To mount the connecting member first portion 106a on the mirror stem 108a, the nut (N) will be moved in a downward direction of the saddle type vehicle. Since the nut (N) is moved downwards, to maintain the height of the rear view mirror of the rear view mirror assembly 108, the spacer 110 of pre-defined dimension is used.
[040] Figure 6 illustrates perspective view of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a partially exploded view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The construction of lever guard 102, knuckle guard 104 and the connecting member 106 has already been explained in detail in Figure 1-7 and is not repeated herein for sake of brevity.
[041] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates schematic view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle without a knuckle guard 104, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 illustrates a left side perspective view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle cut along line A-A shown in Figure 10, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[042] As shown, the guard assembly 100 comprises the lever guard 102 and the knuckle guard 104. In other words, no connecting member 106 is provided in the present embodiment of the guard assembly 100. The knuckle guard 104 extends between a knuckle guard first end portion 104a and a knuckle guard second end portion 104b in a lateral direction (L1-L1) of the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard 102 also extends between the lever guard first end portion 102a and the lever guard second end portion 102b in a longitudinal direction (L2-L2) of the saddle type vehicle. The lever guard end portions 102a, 102b and the knuckle guard end portion 104a, 104b are shown in Figure 14 by means of dotted lines. The lever guard first end portion 102a is adapted to be sandwich mounted between a handlebar 12 of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper 14 and the lever guard second end portion 102b is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion 104b . The lever guard first end portion 102a comprises an opening 112 adapted to receive a first fastener (F1). The first fastener (F1) is adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion 102a with the handlebar 12 and the handlebar damper 14. The lever guard second end portion 102b is detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion 104b .
[043] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the guard assembly 100, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 illustrates an exploded view of the guard assembly 100, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 illustrates perspective views of the lever guard 102, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 illustrates a sectional view of the second portion of the lever guard being received in the second portion of the knuckle guard, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[044] As shown in Figure 14, the lever guard second end portion 102b comprises a top surface 102b1 and a bottom surface 102b2. The lever guard second end portion 102b comprises side protruding portions 132 provided between top surface 102b1 and the bottom surface 102b2. The bottom surface 102b2 of the lever guard second portion 102b comprises one or more protrusion/depressions 128. The knuckle guard 104, in such an embodiment, comprises a slot 118 (as shown in Figure 13) extending from the knuckle guard second end portion 104b to a substantially middle portion of the knuckle guard 104. The slot 118 of the knuckle guard 104 comprises receiving portions 134 to slidably receive the protruded side portions 132 of the lever guard second end portion 102b. The slot 118 of the knuckle guard 104 further comprises one or more depressions/protrusions 130 to receive the protrusions/depression 128 of the lever guard second end portion 102b. It is to be understood that the receiving portions134 of the slot 118 snugly receive the side protruding portions 132 of the lever guard second end portion 102b.
[045] As seen in Figure 12, 13 and 14, the side protruding portions 132 of the lever guard second end portion 102b are slidably received in the receiving portions 134 of the slot 118 of the knuckle guard 104. The cut section view in Figure 15 clearly illustrates the side protruding portions 132 being received in receiving portions 134 of the slot 118. Further, as shown in Figure 14, the protrusion 128 on the lever guard second end portion 102b is configured to be received in the depression 130 provided in the slot 118 of the knuckle guard 104. The side protruding portions 132 of the lever guard second end portion 102b are slidably received into the receiving portion 134 of the slot 118 of the knuckle guard followed by snap fitting of the protrusion 128 provided on the lever guard second end portion 102b into the depression 130 provided in the slot 118 of the knuckle guard 104. Such sliding and locking of the lever guard arrests translational as well as rotational degrees of freedom of the lever guard 102 when received in the knuckle guard 104.
[046] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 8-15, the mounting means i.e., the second fastener F2 is eliminated for mounting the lever guard second portion 102b on to the knuckle guard second portion 104b . Thus, the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 8-15 eliminates the need of an auxiliary element i.e., a second fastener, hence enhancing the handleability, and maneuverability of the handlebar of the saddle type vehicle. Further, the reduced weight of the guard assembly 100 along with ease of manufacturing of the guard assembly 100 is ensured along with economic benefits. Further, the snap fit locking of the lever guard to the knuckle guard also provides ease of disassembly in case the user wants to use only one of the lever guard 102 or lever guard 104.
[047] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the knuckle guard 104 comprises an upper portion 124 and a lower portion 126 on each side of longitudinal axis (K1-K1) passing through a centre of the knuckle guard 104. Each of the upper portion 124 and the lower portion 126 of the knuckle guard 104 comprises a concave curved surface which enhances the aerodynamic characteristics of the knuckle guard 104. This construction of knuckle guard is applicable to both the embodiments i.e., embodiment covered in Figure 1-10 and the embodiment covered in Figure 8-15.
[048] Advantageously, the present invention strikes a balance between comprehensive protection, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness to ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining the vehicle’s integrity and performance with minimal layout changes in the saddle type vehicle.
[049] The present invention increases safety of the rider as well as safety of the saddle type vehicle by providing the detachable knuckle guard and the lever guard.
[050] In the present invention, the mounting of the guard assembly does not alter the existing layout of the handlebar or any other parts of the vehicle.
[051] In the present invention, the connecting member is mounted to the mirror stem, which eliminates the complex mounting mechanism to a curved handlebar which also increases the durability of the saddle type vehicle.
[052] In the present invention, the construction of knuckle guard prevents rotation and vibration of the lever guard.
[053] In the present invention, the construction of the knuckle guard enhances aerodynamic features of the saddle type vehicle.
[054] In the alternative embodiment of the present invention covered in Figure 8-15, the mounting means i.e., the fastener is eliminated for mounting the lever guard to the knuckle guard. Thus, the alternative embodiment eliminates the need of an auxiliary element, hence enhancing the handleability, and maneuverability of the handlebar assembly of the vehicle. Further, the ease of manufacturing is ensured along with economic benefits.
[055] In the alternative embodiment of the present invention covered in Figure 8-21, the snap fit locking of the lever guard to the knuckle guard also provides ease of disassembly in case the user wants to use only a single guard.
[056] 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.

List of Reference Numerals
10- lever
12- handlebar
12a- left handlebar
12b-right handlebar
14- handlebar damper
16- receiving member
100- guard assembly
102- lever guard
102a- first end portion of the lever guard
102b- second end portion of the lever guard
102b1- top surface of second end portion of the lever guard
102b2- bottom surface of second portion of the lever guard
104- knuckle guard
104a-first end portion
104b- second end portion
106- connecting member
106a- first portion
106b- second portion
108- rear view mirror assembly
108a- stem of rear-view mirror assembly
110- spacer
112- opening
118- slot of the knuckle guard
122- dipped portion
124- upper portion
126- lower portion
128-protrusion/depression on lever guard
130- depression/protrusion on knuckle guard
132- side protruding portions of lever guard
134- receiving portions of the knuckle guard
L1-L1- lateral direction of the vehicle
L2-L2-longitudinal direction of the vehicle
K1-K1- longitudinal direction of the knuckle guard
F1- first fastener
F2- second fastener
, Claims:1. A guard assembly (100) for a saddle type vehicle, the guard assembly (100) comprising:
a lever guard (102) adapted to guard a hand lever (10) of the saddle type vehicle; and
a knuckle guard (104) adapted to guard knuckles of a rider riding the saddle type vehicle; wherein the lever guard and the knuckle guard being detachably attached to each other.

2. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knuckle guard (104) extends between a knuckle guard first end portion (104a) and a knuckle guard second end portion (104b) in a lateral direction (L1-L1) of the saddle type vehicle.

3. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the knuckle guard first end portion (104a) being detachably attached to a connecting member (106).

4. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the connecting member (106) extends between a connecting member first end portion (106a) and a connecting member second end portion (106b), the connecting member first end portion (106a) being mounted on a stem (108a) of a rear view mirror assembly (108) and the connecting member second end portion (106b) being detachably attached to the knuckle guard first end portion (104a).

5. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 4, wherein the lever guard (102) extends between a lever guard first end portion (102a) and a lever guard second end portion (102b) in a longitudinal direction (L2-L2) of the saddle type vehicle, the lever guard first end portion (102a) adapted to be sandwich mounted between a handlebar (12) of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper (14) and the lever guard second end portion (102b) being detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion (104b) .

6. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever guard first end portion (102a) comprises an opening (112) adapted to receive a first fastener (F1), the first fastener (F1) adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion (102a) with the handlebar (12) and the handlebar damper (14).

7. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the lever guard second end portion (102b) being detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion (104b).

8. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the knuckle guard second end portion (104b) having a dipped portion and the lever guard second end portion (102b) adapted to be received in the dipped portion of the knuckle guard and fastened with one or more second fasteners (F2).

9. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever guard second end portion (102b) comprises side protruding portions (132) and one or more protrusions/depressions (128), the side protruding portions (132) provided between a top surface (102b1) and a bottom surface (102b2) of the lever guard second end portion (102b) and the one or more protrusions/depressions (128) extending from the bottom surface (102b2) of the lever guard second end portion (102b).

10. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the knuckle guard (104) comprises a slot (118), the slot (118) extending from the knuckle guard second end portion (104b) to a substantially middle portion of the knuckle guard (104), the slot (118) of the knuckle guard (104) comprises receiving portions (134) and one or more depressions/protrusions (130), the receiving portions (134) adapted to slidably receive the side protruding portions (132) of the lever guard second portion 102b and one or more depressions/protrusions (130) adapted to receive the one or more protrusions/depressions (128) of the lever guard (102) to arrest the movement of the lever guard (102) in the knuckle guard (104).

11. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knuckle guard (104) comprises an upper portion (124) and a lower portion (126) on each side of longitudinal axis (K1-K1) passing through a center of the knuckle guard (104), each of the upper portion (124) and the lower portion (126) of the knuckle guard having a concave curved surface.

12. The guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a spacer (110) is mounted on the stem (108a) of the rear view mirror assembly (108), the spacer (108) being mounted between the connecting member first portion (106a) and a receiving member (16), the receiving member (16) provided on the handlebar (12) and adapted to receive the stem (108a) of the rear view mirror assembly (108).

13. A saddle type vehicle, the saddle type vehicle comprising:
a head pipe;
a steering shaft rotatably supported by the head pipe;
a handlebar (12) operably connected to the steering shaft for steering the saddle type vehicle in a rotatable range, the handlebar (12) extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle to define a left handlebar (12a) extending in left direction of the saddle type vehicle and a right handlebar (12b) extending in right direction of the saddle type vehicle; and a guard assembly (100) disposed on at least one of the left handlebar (12a) and the right handlebar (12b) wherein the guard assembly (100) comprises: a lever guard (102) adapted to guard a hand lever (10) of the saddle type vehicle; a knuckle guard (104) adapted to guard knuckles of a rider riding the saddle type vehicle; the lever guard (102) and the knuckle guard (104) being detachably attached to each other.

14. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the knuckle guard (104) extends between a knuckle guard first end portion (104a) and a knuckle second end portion (104b) in a lateral direction (L1-L1) of the saddle type vehicle.

15. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the knuckle guard first end portion (104a) being detachably attached to a connecting member (106).

16. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connecting member (106) extends between a connecting member first end portion (106a) and a connecting member second end portion (106b), the connecting member first end portion (106a) being mounted on a stem (108a) of a rear view mirror assembly (108) and the connecting member second end portion (106b) being detachably attached to the knuckle guard first end portion (104a).

17. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 14 or claim 16, wherein the lever guard (102) extends between a lever guard first end portion (102a) and a lever guard second end portion (102b) in a longitudinal direction (L2-L2) of the saddle type vehicle, the lever guard first end portion (102a) adapted to be sandwich mounted between the handlebar (12) of the saddle type vehicle and a handlebar damper (14) and the lever guard second end portion (102b) being detachably attached to the knuckle second end portion (104b) .

18. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the lever guard first end portion (102a) comprises an opening (112) adapted to receive a fastener (F1), the fastener (F1) adapted to fasten the lever guard first end portion (102a) with the handlebar (12) and the handlebar damper (14).

19. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the lever guard second end portion (102b) being detachably attached to the knuckle guard second end portion (104b).

20. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein the knuckle guard second end portion (104b) having a dipped portion and the second end portion (102b) of the lever guard adapted to be received in the dipped portion of the knuckle guard and fastened with one or more fasteners (F2).

21. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the lever guard second end portion (102b) comprises side protruding portions (132) and one or more protrusions/depressions (128), the side protruding portions (132) provided between a top surface (102b1) and a bottom surface (102b2) of the lever guard second end portion (102b) and the one or more protrusions/depressions (128) extending from the bottom surface (102b2) of the lever guard second end portion (102b).

22. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 20, wherein the knuckle guard (104) comprises a slot (118), the slot (118) extending from the knuckle guard second end portion (104b) to a substantially middle portion of the knuckle guard (104), the slot (118) of the knuckle guard (104) comprising receiving portions (134) and one or more depressions/protrusions (130), the receiving portions (134) adapted to slidably receive the side protruding portions (132) of the lever guard second portion 102b and one or more depressions/protrusions (130) adapted to receive the one or more protrusions/depressions (128) of the lever guard (102) to arrest the movement of the lever guard (102) in the knuckle guard (104).

23. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the knuckle guard (104) comprises an upper portion (124) and a lower portion (126) on each side of longitudinal axis (K1-K1) passing through a center of the knuckle guard (104), each of the upper portion (124) and the lower portion (126) having a concave curved surface.

24. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein a spacer (110) is mounted on the stem (108a) of the rear view mirror assembly (108), the spacer (108) being mounted between the connecting member first portion (106a) and a receiving member (16), the receiving member (16) provided on the handlebar (12) and adapted to receive the stem (108a) of the rear view mirror assembly (108).