The present disclosure relates to the field of covers for propeller shafts. BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Often, foreign entities such as mud or twigs get stuck to the propeller shaft of a tractor, eventually hampering the overall working of the shaft. To protect the propeller shaft from the accumulated foreign entities, the propeller shaft is concealed completely or partially inside a cover.
The conventional cover is configured to completely conceal the propeller shaft, thus making it a costly arrangement. Further, assembling and disassembling the cover is a tedious and time-consuming process due to which maintenance or replacement becomes cumbersome.
The cover, which partially conceals the propeller shaft, has an inverted U shaped configuration which is formed by connecting a pair of L-shaped members at an operative bottom portion, thus keeping the operative upper portion open. Although economical and easy to maintain, this type of cover encourages accumulation of mud or twigs from the open upper portion, thereby meddling with the working of the propeller shaft. Even if slots are provided in the lower half of this arrangement to facilitate maintenance, shrubs/twigs are still collected in the non-slotted areas. Further during applications such as puddling operations, mud is collected in the non-slotted areas of the cover, which is again not easy to clean.
There is therefore felt a need for a cover for a propeller shaft of a vehicle that alleviates the above mentioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cover for a propeller shaft of a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cover for a propeller shaft that allows easy removal of entities such as mud, twigs or shrubs accumulated therein.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cover for a propeller shaft that is easy to maintain, service and clean.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cover for a propeller shaft that restricts the entry of twigs or shrubs therein.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a cover for a propeller shaft of a vehicle. The cover comprises a first and a second elongate member. Each elongate member has a first flange and a second flange. The first flanges are configured to be fixed to each other to form the cover for concealing a propeller shaft therein. The second flanges are configured to project operatively outwards such that a gap is defined between the second flanges to allow foreign material accumulated in the cover to slide out of the gap-

In an embodiment, either first elongate member or second elongate member is concave. In another embodiment, both first elongate member and second elongate member are concave.
In another embodiment, in a coupled configuration the second flange of the first elongate member eclipses the gap in an operative vertical direction.
In yet another embodiment, in a coupled configuration the second flange of the second elongate member eclipses the gap in an operative vertical direction
In still another embodiment, the second flanges are planar and inclined in an operative downward direction to define a symmetrical V-shape therebetween, in a coupled configuration.
In an embodiment, the second flanges are planar and inclined in an operative downward direction to define an asymmetrical V-shape therebetween, in a coupled configuration.
In another embodiment, the cover is fastened to the chassis of the vehicle.
In yet embodiment, the second flange of the first elongate member is configured to be attached to the second flange of the second elongate member at predefined intervals.
In still another embodiment, the cover includes a plurality of brackets configured to facilitate attachment of the second flange of the first elongate member to the second flange of the second elongate member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A cover for a propeller shaft of a vehicle, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of the cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure IB and 1C illustrates a front view of the cover of Figure la;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the cover of Figure la coupled to the front axle and the rear chassis member of a tractor;
Figure 3 illustrates a zoom-in view of the cover of Figure 2 coupled to the front axle of the tractor; and
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the cover of Figure 1, attached to the rear chassis member of the tractor.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100-Cover
102 - First elongate member
104 - Second elongate member
102A, 104A- First flange
102B, 104B - Second flange
106 - Propeller shaft
108-Gap
110-Bracket
112A - Rear chassis member
112B -Front axle

113 – Fastener
114 – Connecting member
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the
5 accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the
present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth,
relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the
10 art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the
scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the
15 scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a”, "an",
and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", and “including” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or
20 addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the
25 present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one
6

element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
A preferred embodiment of a cover (100) for a propeller shaft (106) of a vehicle of
5 the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1A
through Figure 4. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.
The cover (100) is configured to protect a propeller shaft (106) against foreign
entities such as twigs or rocks, and at the same time allow mud that may get lodged in
10 the cover (100) to be removed with ease.
The cover (100) comprises a first and a second elongate member (102, 104). Each elongate member (102, 104) has a first flange (102A, 104A) and a second flange (102B, 104B). The first flange (102A) of the first elongate member (102) and the first flange (104A) of the second elongate member (104) are configured to be fixed to
15 each other at predefined locations to form the cover (100) which is configured to
conceal the propeller shaft (106) therein. More specifically, (as illustrated in Figure 1C) the first flange (104A) of the second elongate member (104) is configured to overlap the first flange (102A) of the first elongate member (102). This ensures that no gap is formed in the operative upper half of the cover (100), thereby preventing
20 the entry of mud or twigs into the cover (100). The second flange (102B) of the first
elongate member (102) and the second flange (104B) of the second elongate member (104) are configured to project operatively outwards such that a gap (108) is defined between the second flanges (102B, 104B), more specifically throughout the length the cover (100). The gap (108) is configured to allow foreign material accumulated in
25 the cover (100) to slide out of the gap (108). More specifically, the outward
projection of the second flanges (102B, 104B) forms a taper that facilitates sliding of the accumulated mud or twigs.
7

In an embodiment, either first elongate member (102) or second elongate member (104) is concave. In another embodiment, both first elongate member (102) and second elongate member (104) are concave.
The elongate members (102, 104) are configured such that, in a coupled
5 configuration, either the second flange (102B) of the first elongate member (102)
eclipses the gap (108) in an operative vertical direction (as illustrated in Figure 3), or the second flange (104B) of the second elongate member (104) eclipses the gap (108) in an operative vertical direction. The former configuration is achieved by extending the second flange (102B) of the first elongate member (102) beyond the imaginary
10 line of coincidence of the second flange (102B) of the first elongate member (102)
and the second flange (104B) of the second elongate member (104). The latter configuration is achieved by extending the second flange (104B) of the second elongate member (104) beyond the imaginary line of coincidence of the second flange (102B) of the first elongate member (102) and the second flange (104B) of the
15 second elongate member (104). Both the coupled configurations of the elongate
members (102, 104) facilitate prevention of the entry of twigs or shrubs in the cover (100) or contact of rocks with the propeller shaft (106).
In a working embodiment, the cover (100) is employed in applications such as
tractors that are used in river bed applications and puddling applications. During river
20 bed applications, soil can be easily removed due to continuous water currents that
wash off the accumulated entities. However, in puddling applications, where mud is easily stuck inside the cover (100), the outward projection of the second flanges (102B, 104B) makes it easy for the mud to slide off.
In an embodiment, the second flanges (102B, 104B) have a planar configuration, and
25 are inclined in an operative downward direction to define a symmetrical V-shape
therebetween, in a coupled configuration.
8

In another embodiment, the second flanges have a planar configuration, and are inclined in an operative downward direction to define an asymmetrical V-shape therebetween, in a coupled configuration.
In one embodiment, the first flanges (102A, 104A) have an L-shaped configuration.
5 In another embodiment, the first flanges (102A, 104A) have an arcuate configuration
to define an oval shaped operative upper portion of the cover (100).
In an embodiment, the cover (100) is fastened to the chassis of the vehicle,
specifically the rear chassis member (112A) and the front axle (112B) by means of
fasteners (113). The cover (100) is provided with connecting members (114) that
10 facilitate fastening of the cover (100) to the rear chassis member (112A) and the front
axle (112B).The first flange (102A) of the first elongate member (102) is configured to be fastened to the first flange (104A) of the second elongate member (104) with the help of fasteners (113).
The second flange (102B) of the first elongate member (102) is configured to be
15 attached to the second flange (104B) of the second elongate member (104) at
predefined locations.
The cover (100) includes a plurality of brackets (110) configured to facilitate
attachment of the second flange (102B) of the first elongate member (102) to the
second flange (104B) of the second elongate member (104). More specifically, the
20 brackets are welded to the first elongate member (102), and thereafter clamped to the
second elongate member (104) by means of fasteners (113).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of
illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual
components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular
25 embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
9

departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages 5 including, but not limited to, the realization of a cover for a propeller shaft of a vehicle that:
• allows easy removal of entities such as mud, twigs or shrubs;
• is easy to maintain, service and clean; and
• restricts the entry of twigs or shrubs therein.
10 The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
15 embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
20 readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not
25 of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms
10

of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

WE CLAIM:

A cover (100) for a propeller shaft (106) of a vehicle comprising a first and a second elongate member (102, 104), each elongate member (102, 104) having a first flange (102A, 104A) and a second flange (102B, 104B), wherein said first flanges (102A, 104A) are configured to be fixed to each other to form said cover (100) for concealing a propeller shaft therein, and said second flanges (102B, 104B) are configured to project operatively outwards such that a gap (108) is defined between said second flanges (102B, 104B) to allow foreign material accumulated in said cover (100) to slide out of said gap (108).
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein either first elongate member (102) or second elongate member (104) is concave.
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein both first elongate member (102) and second elongate member (104) are concave.
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a coupled configuration said second flange (102B) of said first elongate member (102) eclipses said gap (108) in an operative vertical direction.
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a coupled configuration said second flange (104B) of said second elongate member (104) eclipses said gap (108) in an operative vertical direction.
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second flanges (102B, 104B) are planar and inclined in an operative downward direction to define a symmetrical V-shape therebetween, in a coupled configuration.

The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second flanges (102B, 104B) are planar and inclined in an operative downward direction to define an asymmetrical V-shape therebetween, in a coupled configuration.
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover (100) is fastened to the chassis of the vehicle.
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second flange (102B) of said first elongate member (102) is configured to be attached to said second flange (104B) of said second elongate member (104) at predefined intervals.
The cover (100) as claimed in claim 9, which includes a plurality of brackets (110) configured to facilitate attachment of said second flange (102B) of said first elongate member (102) to said second flange (104B) of said second elongate member (104).