CLIAMS:1. An under-run protection device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising:
a plurality of supporting legs (3);
a plurality of brackets (4) fixed to the vehicle (2) and configured to removably connect to one end of the plurality of supporting legs (3); and
a rail assembly (5) configured on other end of the plurality of supporting legs (3) comprising plurality of horizontal rails (5a, 5b) connecting the plurality of supporting legs (3) adjacent to each other, wherein at least one of the horizontal rail comprising a path to allow the adjacent horizontal rail to slide on the path.

2. The under-run protection device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a nut (6) is welded onto the bracket (4) for connecting the bracket (4) with a load body of the vehicle (2) using a bolt.

3. The under-run protection device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal rails (5a, 5b) are configured as an outer C channel to form the path and an inner C channel, said outer C channel comprises a closed type flanges (5d) to accommodate the inner C channel.

4. The under-run protection device as claimed in clam 1, wherein the horizontal rails (5a, 5b) are provided with plurality of bracket (5c) at predetermined locations onto the horizontal rails (5a, 5b) for locking the slidable rail.

5. The under-run protection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the path is configured into both the horizontal rails (5a, 5b) on its surfaces.

6. The under-run protection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the path for sliding the rails is provided with sliding means selected from a group comprising a guiding ways, ball bearings and rollers.

7. The under-run protection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rails (5a, 5b) are configured to accommodate one inside another telescopically and horizontally along the path defined by the rails (5a, 5b).

8. The under-run protection device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the under-protection device (1) is mounted to sides of a load body (2a) of the vehicle (2) to configure as a Side Under-run Protection Device (SUPD), and mounted at front end of the vehicle to configure as a Front Under-run Protection Device (FUPD) and at rear end of the vehicle to configure as a Rear Under-run protection device (RUPD).

9. The under-run protection device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (4) is configured with a slot (4c) and a guide way (4d) and plurality of mounting holes (4a).

10. The under-run protection device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (4) is selected from a group comprising L-bracket, U bracket, Z bracket, C bracket and angled brackets and its combination thereof. .

11. A method of operating the under-run protection device (1) as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising acts of:
unfastening one of the plurality of supporting legs (3) from the bracket (4), wherein the at least one of the supporting legs (3) is connected to the at least one of the horizontal rail; and
sliding the at least one horizontal rail onto the path configured on the adjacent horizontal rail.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the slid horizontal rail is locked after predetermined distance using a nut and bolt mechanism.

13. An under-run protection device and a method of operating the under-run protection device are substantially as herein above described and as illustrated in accompanying drawings.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to under-run protection device for motor vehicles. More particularly relates to a side under-run protection device (SUPD) to provide effective protection to unprotected road side users against risk of falling under the sides of the motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE AND PRIOR ARTS
The term ‘motor vehicles’ used herein is to be construed as including drawbar trailers, semi-trailers and rigid chassis vehicles. It is obligatory that certain sizes of motor vehicles to be fitted with side under-run protection equipment. The
Side under-run protection equipment is generally provided along both sides of a vehicle body between front and rear axles or forward axles and rearward axles, the front axle or forward axles in the case of semi-trailers being provided by the tractor.

Typical side under-run equipment comprises a pair of vertical pillars secured to the vehicle chassis and located above the ground level by a predetermined distance. The pillars are spaced horizontally along the vehicle side and are bridged by a pair of horizontal spaced beams. There may only be one beam and may be one or more beams.
Such device is provided along each side of the vehicle is configured as a rigid barrier preventing other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from passing under the chassis between the wheel axles in the case of collision or other accident. Also this rigid barrier protects components such as spare tyres or fuel tank or battery box which may be carried under-slung of the vehicle chassis. These side under-run devices are installed by welding with vehicle body. As the SUPD is a fixed type, with all the parts welded and being bolted to load body of the vehicle, it restricts the user to access and maintenance of vehicle aggregates and there is no provision for better accessibility to parts attached to chassis of the vehicle.

Another type of side under-run protection device (SUPD) used in motor vehicles are of foldable type. The foldable SUPD allows accessibility of vehicle aggregates by lifting and folding the SUPD. As the SUPD is folded, it has disadvantage of becoming obstacle for passengers walking around side of the vehicle while accessing vehicle aggregates like air filter, fuel tank, battery box etc. attached to frame/chassis of the vehicle. Further, as the SUPD is having length of about 3 meters and weight of about 10 to 12 kgs, it becomes difficulty for the users to move the SUPD upwards and downwards manually while accessing the vehicle aggregates.

In view of the aforementioned limitations, there is a need to provide a SUPD which provides better accessibility to parts attached to frame/chassis of the vehicle. The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more of the problems as set forth above.

STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for an under-run protection device for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of supporting legs; a plurality of brackets fixed to the vehicle and configured to removably connectable to one end of the plurality of supporting legs; and a rail assembly configured on other end of the plurality of supporting legs comprising plurality of horizontal rails connecting the plurality of supporting legs adjacent to each other, wherein at least one of the horizontal rail comprising a path to allow the adjacent horizontal rail to slide on the path, and also provides for a method of operating the under-run protection device, the method comprising acts of unfastening one of the plurality of supporting legs from the bracket, wherein the at least one of the supporting legs is connected to the at least one of the horizontal rail; and sliding the at least one horizontal rail onto the path configured on the adjacent horizontal rail.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
One object of the present disclosure is to provide for a sliding side under-run protection device for a vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide easy accessibility for vehicle aggregates like air filter, fuel tank, battery box etc. attached to frame.

SUMMARY
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for an under-run protection device for a vehicle. The under-run protection device comprises a plurality of supporting legs, a plurality of brackets fixed to the vehicle and configured to removably connectable to one end of the plurality of supporting legs, and a rail assembly configured on other end of the plurality of supporting legs comprising plurality of horizontal rails connecting the plurality of supporting legs adjacent to each other. The at least one of the horizontal rail comprising a path allows the adjacent horizontal rail to slide on the path.

In one embodiment, a nut is welded onto the bracket for connecting the bracket with a load body or chassis of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the horizontal rails are configured as an outer C channel and an inner C channel. The outer C channel further comprises a closed type flanges to accommodate the inner C channel.

In one embodiment, the horizontal rails are provided with plurality of brackets at predetermined locations onto the horizontal rails for locking the slidable rail at predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the path is configured into both the horizontal rails (5a, 5b) on its surfaces.

In one embodiment, the path for sliding the rails comprises a sliding means selected from a group comprising a guiding ways, ball bearings and rollers.

In one embodiment, the horizontal rails are configured to accommodate one inside another telescopically and horizontally.

In one embodiment, the under-run protection device is mounted to sides of the load body of the vehicle to configure as a Side Under-run Protection Device (SUPD), mounted at front end of the vehicle to configure as a Front Under-run Protection Device (FUPD) and at rear end of the vehicle to configure as a Rear Under-run Protection Device (RUPD).

In one embodiment, the bracket is configured with a slot and a guide way and plurality of mounting holes.

In one embodiment, the bracket is selected from a group comprising L-bracket, U bracket, Z bracket, C bracket and angled bracket and its combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides for a method of operating the under-run protection device. The method comprising acts of unfastening one of the plurality of supporting legs (3) from the bracket (4), wherein the at least one of the supporting legs (3) is connected to the at least one of the horizontal rail; and sliding the at least one horizontal rail onto the path configured on the adjacent horizontal rail.

In one embodiment, the slid horizontal rail is locked after predetermined distance using a nut and bolt mechanism.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 shows perspective view of a bracket used for connecting the supporting legs to the vehicle according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 shows front view of the bracket of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 shows perspective view of supporting leg according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 shows perspective view of rail assembly according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 shows side view of the rail assembly according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 shows perspective view of the under-run protection device according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 shows perspective view of the under-run protection device installed with a vehicle before sliding of the under-run protection device according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 shows perspective view of the under-run protection device installed with a vehicle after sliding of the under-run protection device according to the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure.

It is to be noted at this point that all of the components, whether alone or in any combination, are claimed as being essential to the invention, in particular the details depicted in the drawings and reference numerals in the drawings are as given below.

Table of Referral Numerals:
Referral numeral Description
1 Under-run protection device
2 Vehicle
2a Load body
2c Chassis
3 Supporting legs
3a Bracket of the supporting leg
3b Leg portion of the supporting legs
3c Mounting holes made on the supporting legs
4 Bracket
4a Mounting holes on top surface of the bracket
4b Nut for connecting supporting leg with bracket (4)
4c Slot on the bracket (4)
4d Guide way on the bracket (4)
5 Rail assembly
5a, 5b Horizontal rails
5c Bracket
5d Flanges
5e and 6 Nut

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating the bracket (4) used in the under-run protection device (1). The bracket (4) is used for removably connecting one or more supporting legs (3) with the vehicle (2). The bracket (4) comprises plurality of mounting holes (4a) on its top surface for joining with the load body (2a) or chassis (2c) (not shown) of the vehicle (2). A top surface of the bracket (4) is defined as the surface which contacts the load body (2a) or chassis (2c) of the vehicle (2). The top surface can be joined by process such as but not limited to ‘nut and bolt’ arrangement or welding. The bracket (4) can be in the form of but not limited L-bracket or bracket having two angled portions/surfaces for joining with the load body (2a) or chassis (2c) of the vehicle. The bracket (4) is welded with a nut (4b) for connecting with the supporting leg (3) using bolts (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the bracket (4) is configured into an open type bracket (4), wherein both sides of the bracket (4) are open for allowing the supporting leg (3) free to slide after removing from joint, i.e. the supporting leg mounted at slot (4c) of the bracket (4) can be set free and guided along guide way (4d) of the bracket (4) during sliding.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the supporting leg (3). The supporting leg (3) is a structure having but not limited to a linear structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the supporting leg (3) can be but not limited a ‘C’ cross section structure. The supporting leg comprises a bracket (3a), a leg portion (3b) and mounting holes (3c) for connecting with the bracket (4) (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a rail assembly (5) (FIG. 4). The supporting leg (3) shape and configuration is made in such a way that, the supporting leg (3) would be able to connect between a rail assembly (FIGS. 4 and 5) and the bracket (4).
In an exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a rail assembly (5). The rail assembly (5) comprises pair of horizontal rails (5a and 5b) slidably joined with each other and plurality of bracket (5c) for locking the slid rail at predetermined distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal rails (5a and 5b) are configured into an inner C-section and an outer C- section. The outer C-section has closed type flanges (5d) for facilitating the inner C-channel to rest inside the outer C-section. In one embodiment, the rails are configured with a path on its surfaces. The path for sliding the rails comprises a sliding means selected from a group but not limited a guiding ways, ball bearings and rollers. The bracket (5c) is provided with a nut (5e) welded onto it and a mounting hole aligning with the nut (5e) for locking the sliding horizontal rail using a bolt at predetermined distance.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates perspective view of the under-run protection device (1). The under-run protection device (1) for a vehicle (2) comprises a plurality of supporting legs (3), a plurality of brackets (4) fixed to the vehicle (2) and configured to removably connectable to one end of the plurality of supporting legs (3). The under-run protection device is also provided with a rail assembly (5) configured on other end of the plurality of supporting legs (3). The rail assembly (5) comprising plurality of horizontal rails (5a, 5b) connecting the plurality of supporting legs (3) adjacent to each other. The at least one of the horizontal rail comprises a path to allow the adjacent horizontal rail to slide on the path.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrates perspective view of the under-run protection device (1) installed in a vehicle (2). The under-run protection device (1) is installed at both sides of the vehicle (2). The under-run protection device (1) can be connected to load body (2a) or chassis (2c) (not shown) of the vehicle (2).

In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a method of operating the side under-run protection device (1). The method comprises acts of unfastening the bolts connected to the bracket (4) and the supporting legs (3) and sliding the slidable rail to a predetermined distance and locking the slid rail with the stationary rail by bolting, i.e. the inner C-section slides over the outer C-section to a predetermined distance.

Advantages
In one embodiment, the side under-run protection device facilitates ease of serviceability.

In one embodiment, the side under-run protection device provides advantage of easy handling & operation.

In one embodiment, the side under-run protection device provides advantage of commonization of parts.

In one embodiment, the sliding side under-run protection device design enhances user’s access and maintenance of vehicle aggregates like air filter, fuel tank, battery box etc. attached to frame of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the side under-run protection device meets regulatory norms AIS 14682 and CMVR.

Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.