Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A cover (100) for a tank guard tube (202) of a vehicle (200), the cover (100) comprising:
a front cover (102) disposed on an outer surface (204a) of a side portion (204) of the tank guard tube (202); and
a rear cover (104) disposed on an opposing outer surface (204b) of the side portion (204), the rear cover (104) adapted to engage with the front cover (102) for sandwich mounting of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) with the side portion (204) of the tank guard tube (202).

2. The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front cover (102) is defined with a thread insert (106), the thread insert (106) aligned along a hole (206) defined on the side portion (204) of the tank guard tube (202).

3. The cover (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the thread insert (106) is a metal thread insert.

4. The cover (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear cover (104) is defined with a first slot (112) for receiving a fastener (110), the fastener (110) adapted to engage the rear cover (104) and the front cover (102) for sandwich mounting with the tank guard tube (202) via the thread insert (106).

5. The cover (100) as claimed in claim 4 comprises a flanged bush (108) inserted into the hole (206) and positioned above the thread insert (106), the flanged bush (108) adapted to facilitate insertion of the fastener (110) into the thread insert (106) via the hole (206).

6. The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is defined with a tapered portion (114) having a pointed end (114a), the pointed end (114a) oriented towards an inner side of the vehicle (200).

7. The cover (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rear cover (104) is defined with a second slot (116) provided proximal to the pointed end (114a) and adapted to receive a self-tap screw (118), the self-tap screw (118) adapted to engage with a self-tap hole (120) defined on the front cover (102) for engagement therebetween, wherein the self-tap screw (118) prevents split between the tapered portion (114) of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104).

8. The cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is defined with a plurality of ribs (122) on its inner surface, the plurality of ribs (122) adapted to enhance structural rigidity of each of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104).

9. A tank guard (208) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
a tank guard tube (202) adapted to be mounted onto a frame member and extending on either side of the vehicle (200) from the frame member, wherein the tank guard tube (202) includes a side portion (204) extending on either side of the vehicle (200); and
a cover (100) mounted on each of the side portion (204), the cover (100) comprising:
a front cover (102) disposed on an outer surface (204a) of the side portion (204); and
a rear cover (104) disposed on an opposing outer surface (204b) of the side portion (204), the rear cover (104) adapted to engage with the front cover (102) for sandwich mounting of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) with the side portion (204) of the tank guard tube (202).

10. The tank guard (208) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front cover (102) is defined with a thread insert (106), the thread insert (106) aligned along a hole (206) defined on the side portion (204) of the tank guard tube (202).

11. The tank guard (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the thread insert (106) is a metal thread insert.

12. The tank guard (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rear cover (104) is defined with a first slot (112) for receiving a fastener (110), the fastener (110) adapted to engage the rear cover (104) and the front cover (102) for sandwich mounting with the tank guard tube (202) via the thread insert (106).

13. The tank guard (208) as claimed in claim 10, comprises a flanged bush (108) inserted into the hole (206) and positioned above the thread insert (106), the flanged bush (108) adapted to facilitate insertion of the fastener (110) into the thread insert (106) via the hole (206).

14. The tank guard (208) as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is defined with a tapered portion (114) having a pointed end (114a), the pointed end (114a) oriented towards an inner side of the vehicle (200).

15. The tank guard (208) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the rear cover (104) is defined with a second slot (116) provided proximal to the pointed end (114a) and adapted to receive a self-tap screw (118), the self-tap screw (118) adapted to engage with a self-tap hole (120) defined on the front cover (102) for engagement therebetween, wherein the self-tap screw (118) prevents split between the tapered portion (114) of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104).

16. The tank guard (208) as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104) is defined with a plurality of ribs (122) on its inner surface, the plurality of ribs (122) adapted to enhance structural rigidity of each of the front cover (102) and the rear cover (104).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a tank guard tube of a two-wheeled vehicle, more particularly relates to a cover for the tank guard tube of the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In recent past, two-wheeled vehicles are commonly employed for transportation from one location to another, particularly in urban areas, due to hassle free transportation experience and the ease of driving in the traffic. As such, the two-wheeler community is growing at a rapid pace. Unfortunately, the two-wheeled vehicle may sometimes be inadvertently dropped or may be accidentally knocked over. In such instances, the two-wheeled vehicle may be subjected to dents, paint scrapes and other minor impairing incidents, which is undesirable.
[003] In order to overcome such limitations, two-wheeled vehicles are typically provided with a tank guard tube. The tank guard tube, typically made of a metallic material, is mounted onto a frame member at a front side of the vehicle. The tank guard tube extends on either side of the vehicle such that, the tank guard tube sticks out a few inches from the sides of the vehicle. As such, the tank guard tube prevents the vehicle from laying on its side in the event of dropping, thereby preventing the vehicle to have a direct contact with a ground surface. The tank guard tube also acts as a prop to the vehicle, thereby enabling a rider to move away from the bike by pulling his/her leg out, in the event of an accident and preventing further injury. Additionally, the tank guard tube also aids in rescue efforts to the rider, when the rider sustains a serious injury in the event of an accident.
[004] However, when the vehicle falls on the ground due to dropping or an accident, the tank guard tube is subjected to paint scrapes or scratches or bending, resulting in poor aesthetics of the vehicle. Moreover, bending of the tank guard tube compromises safety of the vehicle, as the tank guard tube might not be able to sufficiently contact the ground surface in the event of dropping of the vehicle on its sides. These limitations can be mitigated by replacing the tank guard tube, however, the replacement cost is typically expensive. Moreover, the dismantling and assembly process of the tank guard tube is cumbersome and laborious, which is undesirable.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need for a cover for the tank guard tube of the vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a cover for a tank guard tube of a vehicle is disclosed. The cover includes a front cover disposed on an outer surface of a side portion of the tank guard tube. A rear cover is disposed on an opposing outer surface of the side portion. The rear cover is adapted to engage with the front cover for sandwich mounting of the front cover and the rear cover with the side portion of the tank guard tube.
[007] In an embodiment, the front cover is defined with a thread insert. The thread insert aligned along a hole defined on the side portion of the tank guard tube. In an embodiment, the thread insert is a metal thread insert.
[008] In an embodiment, the rear cover is defined with a first slot for receiving a fastener. The fastener is adapted to engage the rear cover and the front cover for sandwich mounting with the tank guard tube via the thread insert.
[009] In an embodiment, a flanged bush is inserted into the hole and positioned above the thread insert. The flanged bush is adapted to facilitate insertion of the fastener into the thread insert via the hole.
[010] In an embodiment, each of the front cover and the rear cover is defined with a tapered portion having a pointed end, the pointed end is oriented towards an inner side of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the rear cover is defined with a second slot provided proximal to the pointed end and adapted to receive a self-tap screw. The self-tap screw is adapted to engage with a self-tap hole defined on the front cover for engagement therebetween, wherein the self-tap screw prevents split between the tapered portion of the front cover and the rear cover.
[012] In an embodiment, each of the front cover and the rear cover is defined with a plurality of ribs on its inner surface. The plurality of ribs are adapted to enhance structural rigidity of each of the front cover and the rear cover.
[013] In another aspect, a tank guard for a vehicle is disclosed. The tank guard includes the tank guard tube adapted to be mounted onto a frame member and extending on either side of the vehicle from the frame member. The tank guard tube includes a side portion and the cover mounted on each of the side portion. The cover includes the front cover disposed on an outer surface of the side portion. The rear cover is disposed on an opposing outer surface of the side portion and is adapted to engage with the front cover for sandwich mounting of the front cover and the rear cover with the side portion of the tank guard tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] 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 schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tank guard including a tank guard tube and a cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a side view of the tank guard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the tank guard about axis A-A of Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of portion B of Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tank guard depicting mounting of the cover onto the tank guard tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is perspective view of the tank guard tube depicting mounting of the cover onto the tank guard tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 200 comprises a prime mover 204 that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the prime mover 204 is an internal combustion engine, which is preferably a single-cylinder engine. In an embodiment, the prime mover 204 is an electric motor. The vehicle 200 comprises a front wheel 240, a rear wheel 242, a frame member (not shown), a seat 210 and a fuel tank 212. The frame member includes a head pipe (not shown), a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and a seat rail (not shown). The head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a telescopic suspension unit 214 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The telescopic suspension unit 214 supports the front wheel 240.
[017] Further, the upper portion of the front wheel 240 is covered by a front fender 216 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic suspension unit 214 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 218 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 200. A headlight 220, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster 222 is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. The frame member comprises a down tube (not shown) that may be positioned in front of the prime mover 204 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe. The main tube of the frame member is located above the prime mover 204 and extends rearward from head pipe.
[018] The fuel tank 212 is mounted on the main tube. Seat rails are joined to main tube and extend rearward to support the seat 210. A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 242 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm. Generally, the rear swing arm is supported by a mono rear suspension 226 (as illustrated in the present embodiment) or through two suspensions on either side of the vehicle 200. A taillight unit 228 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat 210. A grab rail 230 is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel 242 arranged below the seat 210 rotates by the motive force of the prime mover 204 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown).
[019] Further, a rear fender 232 is disposed above the rear wheel 242. An exhaust pipe 234 of the vehicle 200 extends vertically downward from the prime mover 204 and then extends below the prime mover 204, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 200 before terminating in a muffler 236. The muffler 236 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 242.
[020] Further, the vehicle 200 includes a tank guard 208 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 2) mounted onto the frame member. The tank guard 208 includes a tank guard tube 202 adapted to prevent damage to prime mover 204 and/or tank 212 in the event of a drop or fall of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the tank guard tube 202 is an engine guard tube. In another embodiment, the tank guard tube 202 is mounted in front of the prime mover 204. Also, in the present embodiment, the tank guard tube 202 includes a central portion 202a mounted onto the frame member. From the central portion 202a, a side portion 204 extends on either side of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the side portion 204 extending on either side is dimensioned to extend beyond the width of the vehicle 200, so that the tank guard tube 202 engages on a ground surface in the event of drop or fall of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the tank guard tube 202 is made of a metallic material or any other suitable material capable of withstanding impact of fall onto the ground surface. In an embodiment, the tank guard tube 202 is mounted onto the frame member via conventional mounting techniques such as welding, fastening and the like. In another embodiment, the tank guard tube 202 is defined with one or more mountings 238 (shown in Figure 2)
[021] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the tank guard tube 202 includes a cover 100. In an embodiment, the cover 100 is mounted on each of the side portion 204 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4) of the tank guard tube 202. The cover 100 is adapted to protect the tank guard tube 202 from first impact in the event of falling or dropping of the vehicle 200. Consequently, preventing dents, paint scrapes and other minor impairing incidents on the tank guard tube 202 are mitigated.
[022] The cover 100 includes a front cover 102 and a rear cover 104, which engage with one another and enclose the side portion 204 of the tank guard tube 202. The front cover 102 is disposed on an outer surface 204a of the side portion 204 of the tank guard tube 202 and the rear cover 104 is disposed on an opposing outer surface 204b (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4) of the side portion 204. The rear cover 104 engages with the front cover 102 for sandwich mounting of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 with the side portion 204 of the tank guard tube 202.
[023] In an embodiment, the term “outer surface” corresponds to the surface of the tank guard tube 202 that is visible when viewed from the side of the vehicle 200. Accordingly, the term “opposing outer surface” corresponds of the tank guard tube 202 available subsequent to mounting of the front cover 102.
[024] In an embodiment, the front cover 102 is mounted on the opposing outer surface 204b of the side portion 204, while the rear cover 104 is mounted on the outer surface 204a of the side portion 204. In an embodiment, the term “front cover” corresponds to a forward or foremost part of the cover 100, while the term “rear cover” corresponds to a rearward part of the cover 100.
[025] Further, for enabling engagement between the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104, the front cover 102 is defined with a thread insert 106. The thread insert 106 is aligned along a hole 206 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 5) defined on the side portion 204 of the tank guard tube 202. In an embodiment, the thread insert 106 provided to the front cover 102 is a metal thread insert. Correspondingly, the rear cover 104 is defined with a first slot 112 for receiving a fastener 110 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 6 and 7). The fastener 110 is adapted to engage the rear cover 104 and the front cover 102, thereby facilitating sandwich mounting with the tank guard tube 202 via the thread insert 106. Additionally, a flanged bush 108 is inserted into the hole 206 and positioned above the thread insert 106. The flanged bush 108 facilitates insertion of the fastener 110 into the thread insert 106 via the hole 206, while also ensuring alignment of the fastener 110 during the insertion. In an embodiment, the dimension and configuration of each of the thread insert 106, first slot 112 and hole 206 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement, while also considering the structural strength and stability requirements.
[026] Further, each of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 is defined with a tapered portion 114 (as shown in Figure 3). The tapered portion 114 is provided in order to optimize the surface area provided for the cover 100. The tapered portion 114 includes a pointed end 114a which is oriented towards an inner side of the vehicle 200. Such a configuration of the cover 100 provides a fail-safe measure to avoid any injury to a rider of the vehicle 200 and/or to a passerby.
[027] Furthermore, the rear cover 104 is defined with a second slot 116 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 5) provided proximal to the pointed end 114a. The second slot 116 is adapted to receive a self-tap screw 118 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 5). The self-tap screw 118 is adapted to engage with a self-tap hole 120 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 5) defined on the front cover 102 for engagement therebetween. The self-tap screw 118 acts as a secondary securing means to prevent split between the tapered portion 114 of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104, thereby ensuring engagement between the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 throughout. In an embodiment, the dimension and configuration of each of the second slot 116, the self-tap screw 118 and the self-tap hole 120 may be selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
[028] Additionally, each of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 is defined with a plurality of ribs 122 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 6 and 7) on its inner surface. The plurality of ribs 122 are adapted to enhance structural rigidity of each of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104, thereby enhancing protective capabilities of the cover 100 for the tank guard tube 202 In an embodiment, contours or surface projection 124 are provided on outer surface of each of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104. The projections 124 also add onto the structural rigidity, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal of the cover 100.
[029] In an embodiment, during assembly of the cover 100, the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 are aligned with the hole 206. Thereafter, the fastener 110 is inserted via the first slot 112 and the thread insert 106 via the hole 206. The fastener 110 engages with the thread insert 106 for sandwich mounting of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 with the tank guard tube 202. To further reinforce the engagement between the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104, the self-tap screw 118 is inserted from the second slot 116 into the self-tap hole 120 for engagement at the tapered portion 114 of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104.
[030] Advantageously, the present invention provides a cover 100 which provides protection to the tank guard tube 202 in the event of fall or drop of the vehicle 200. Consequently, preventing dents, paint scrapes and other minor impairing incidents on the tank guard tube 202 are mitigated. Additionally, the cover 100 enhances structural strength of the tank guard tube 202, thereby preventing deformation or bending of the tank guard tube 202 in the event of fall of the vehicle 200. Also, the cover 100 enhances aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 200, while ensuring ease of serviceability. The cover 100 also ensures replacement on the tank guard tube 202, while being cost-effective or inexpensive.
[031] 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.