Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
CRASH-GUARD ASSEMBLY

Applicant:
River Mobility Private Limited
An Indian company having address as:
No. 25/3, KIADB EPIP Zone, Seetharampalya, Hoodi Road, Mahadevapura, Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India - 560048

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

CRASH-GUARD ASSEMBLY
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] The present application does not claim priority from any other application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an assembly of an attachment for a vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly for a crash-guard for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vehicles, such as motorcycles and scooters, are popular means of transportation due to their affordability, maneuverability, and ease of use in congested traffic. However, riding such vehicles also comes with certain risks, such as the possibility of accidents and collisions. The use of crash guards, also known as engine guards or bull bars, has become increasingly popular as a means of providing additional protection to the rider and the vehicle in the event of a crash.
[0004] Crash guards are designed to absorb the impact of a collision and prevent or minimize damage to the vehicle and the rider. They typically consist of a metal or a polymer frame that is attached to the front of the two-wheeler and extends outwards to provide a protective barrier.
SUMMARY
[0005] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular invention described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an assembly for a crash-guard for a vehicle. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0006] In one implementation, an assembly for a crash-guard is disclosed. The assembly may comprise a sub-assembly and a second set of fasteners. The sub-assembly may comprise a crash-guard, a crash-guard cover, a main bracket and a first set of fasteners. The first set of fasteners may connect the crash-guard, the crash-guard cover, and the main bracket to form the sub-assembly. The main bracket may comprise a rectangular metallic plate and a sheet metal bracket welded to the rectangular metallic plate. The sheet metal bracket may be a U-shaped structure. The crash-guard may have one of a U-shape, a C-shape, a square, and a polygon configuration. Further, the second set of fasteners may connect the sub-assembly with a frame of the vehicle using a mounting bracket attached to the frame of the vehicle. The crash-guard assembly may be mounted on at least one of a right side of a front body panel, a left side of the front body panel, the right side of a rear body panel, and the left side of the rear body panel. The first set of fasteners and the second set of fasteners may be at least one of bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, and studs.
[0007] In one implementation, a vehicle comprising the crash-guard assembly is disclosed. The vehicle may be a two-wheeler such as a motorcycle and a step-through vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the present document; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific assembly disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0009] The detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0010] Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of a crash-guard assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0011] Figure 1B illustrates an embodiment of a sub-assembly of a crash-guard assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates connection of the sub-assembly with a frame of a vehicle using a second set of fasteners and a mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates the position and fitting of the sub-assembly with respect to a side body panel of the vehicle and a side floorboard cover of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates the vehicle comprising the sub-assembly connected to the side frames of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0015] The figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion 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
[0016] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention.
[0017] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not others.
[0018] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, although many of the features of the present invention are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the invention is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the invention.
[0019] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the aspects of the present invention may be embodied as an assembly.
[0020] Certain challenges exist in crash-guard assemblies for two-wheelers. One challenge is that two-wheelers require high stability and balance. Traditional crash-guard assemblies are made up of a single structure that covers both sides of the vehicle. In case of an accident, mostly, only one side of the crash-guard assembly gets damaged. In such cases, to maintain the balance and stability of the two-wheeler, the entire crash-guard assembly is replaced instead of only the damaged part of the crash-guard assembly. The solution presented in the embodiments disclosed herein to address the above problem is a smaller and modular crash-guard assembly that may be connected separately at multiple locations om the two-wheeler. The crash-guard assembly may comprise one or more sub-assemblies and a second-set of fasteners. The one or more sub-assemblies may be easily replaced by removing the second set of fasteners without the need to replace the sub-assembly that is not damaged.
[0021] The present subject matter discloses a crash-guard assembly for a vehicle such as a two-wheeler. In an embodiment, the assembly may be used to protect the vehicle from damage in case of an accident. The assembly may be connected to a frame of the vehicle such that the assembly protrudes out of the vehicle. The assembly may be connected to a front body panel and a rear body panel of the vehicle. The assembly may be connected to a left side and a right side of the front body panel and the rear body panel of the vehicle.
[0022] Referring now to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, a Crash-Guard Assembly (CGA) 100 for a vehicle is illustrated. The vehicle may be a two-wheeler, such as a motorcycle or a step-through vehicle as shown in Figure 4. The CGA 100 may comprise a Sub-assembly 102 (SA). The SA 102 may comprise a crash-guard 104, a crash-guard cover 106, a main bracket 108, and a first set of fasteners 110. The first set of fasteners 110 may be used to connect and/or join the crash-guard 104, the crash-guard cover 106, and the main bracket 108 to form the SA 102. The first set of fasteners 110 may be one of bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, and studs.
[0023] The main bracket 108 may comprise a rectangular metallic plate 108-a and a sheet metal bracket 108-b welded with the rectangular metallic plate 108-a. In an embodiment, the sheet metal bracket 108-b may be connected to the rectangular metallic plate 108-a using a detachable fastening mechanism such as bolts, screws, nuts, and the like. The rectangular metallic plate 108-a may comprise one or more holes allowing the first set of fasteners 110 to pass through the rectangular metallic plate. The holes may be at least one of punch holes and threaded holes.
[0024] The sheet metal bracket 108-b may be a curved/ bent bracket, such as a U-shaped bracket. The sheet metal bracket 108-b may be used to connect the SA 102 with a frame 114 of the vehicle as shown in Figure 2. The sheet metal bracket 108-b may have holes allowing a second set of fasteners 112 to pass through it.
[0025] The crash-guard cover 106 may be connected between the main bracket 108 and the crash guard 104. The crash-guard cover 106 may hide the rectangular metallic plate to enhance aesthetics of the vehicle 200. The crash-guard cover 106 may be made of at least one of a polymeric material and a metallic material such as steel, aluminum, iron alloy, and the like. Further, the SA 102 may comprise one or more grommets 116 placed between the crash guard 104 and the crash-guard cover 106. The one or more grommets may be made of at least one of rubber, silicone, and other shock absorbing materials. The one or more grommets 116 may be shock absorbing to prevent damage to the crash-guard cover 106.
[0026] The crash-guard 104 has one of a U-shape, a C-shape, a square, and a polygon configuration. The crash-guard 104 may be made of at least one of a steel, polymer, plastic, and metallic material. The crash-guard is designed and positioned to protrude outside the vehicle such that the crash-guard 104 contacts any external surface instead of the vehicle body when the vehicle falls on either the left side or the right side. The crash-guard 104 may also prevent the vehicle from scratching on either side by an external surface in case the vehicle rubs on an external surface while moving.
[0027] Referring now to Figure 2, connection of the SA 102 with the frame 114 of a vehicle 200 using the second set of fasteners 112 is illustrated. The vehicle may comprise a front wheel, a vehicle body comprising the frame 114, a right side 204 of a front body panel 206, a left side 208 of the front body panel 206, a right side 210 of a rear body panel 212, and a left side 214 of the rear body panel 212, and a rear wheel. The second set of fasteners 112 may be one of bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, and studs. The second set of fasteners may connect the SA 102 to a mounting bracket 202 attached to the frame 114 of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 202 may be welded to the frame 114. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket 202 may be connected to the frame 114 using a fastening mechanism such as nuts and bolts. The mounting bracket may be attached to the vehicle on at least one of the right side 204 of the front body panel 206, the left side 208 of the front body panel 206, the right side 210 of the rear body panel 212, and the left side 214 of the rear body panel 212. The SA 102 may be connected on the mounting bracket 202 such that the SA 102 protrudes outwards from the vehicle frame 114 facing at least the left side 214 or the right side 210. The front body panel 206 may be part of the vehicle towards the front wheel of the vehicle. The front body panel 206 may comprise a steering handle, a set of front indicators, a number plate, a glove box, and a head lamp. The rear body panel 212 may be part of the vehicle towards the rear wheel of the vehicle. The rear body panel 212 may comprise a tail lamp, a set of rear indicators, a grab handle, and a mudguard. The left side of the front body panel and the rear body panel correspond to parts of the vehicle on the left-hand side of the rider and the right side of the front body panel, and the rear body panel correspond to parts of the vehicle on the right-hand side of the rider.
[0028] The mounting bracket 202 may be connected to the frame 114 of the vehicle. The frame 114 may also be referred to as chassis of the vehicle. The second set of fasteners 112 may pass through the sheet metal bracket 108-b and the mounting bracket 202 to secure the SA 102 in a position to protect the vehicle 200 from damage.
[0029] In an example, the assembly 100 may be connected to the vehicle at four locations. One on the left side of the front body panel, one on the right side of the front body panel, one on the left side of the rear body panel, and one on the right side of the rear body panel. In another example, the assembly may be connected to the vehicle in only two locations on the left and right side of the front body panel.
[0030] Referring now to Figure 3, position and fitting of the sub-assembly 102 with respect to a side body panel 222 of the vehicle and a side floorboard cover 224 of the vehicle 200 is illustrated. The side body panel 222 may correspond to vehicle parts and covers used to make the vehicle body on the left side and the right side of the vehicle. The side body panel may be at least one of a panel on the right side 204 of a front body panel 206, left side 208 of the front body panel 206, right side 210 of a rear body panel 212, and left side 214 of the rear body panel 212. The side body panel 222 may comprise a slot 226 for the SA 102 to pass through the side body panel 222. The side body panel 222 may be made of a thermoplastic polymer such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene which are not malleable and ductile. Mounting structures on thermoplastic polymers using fasteners is difficult therefore, the crash-guard 104 is connected to the vehicle chassis and not mounted to the side body panel 222 directly. The side body panel is most susceptible to damage, therefore, the crash-guard 104 must extend outside the side body panel 222 for protection. The slot in the side body panel allows the crash-guard to extend outside the side body panel. Similarly, the side floorboard cover 224 of the vehicle may also comprise a cut-out 228 for the crash-guard 104 to extend outside the body of the vehicle and the side floorboard cover 224. The side floorboard cover 224 may be on at least one of the right side 204 and the left side 208. The side floorboard cover may be an outer covering on either side of a floorboard of the vehicle. The floorboard may correspond to a part of the vehicle towards the front body panel to accommodate feet of a rider using the vehicle.
[0031] In an embodiment, the assembly may be connected to the rear body panel on either side of a tail lamp. The assembly may be positioned at a diagonal angle to protect the rear body panel of the vehicle and the side of the vehicle.
[0032] Referring now to Figure 4, the vehicle 200 comprising the SA 102 is illustrated. The vehicle comprises the SA 102 on the right side 204 and the left side 208. As seen in Figure 4, the SA 102 protrudes outside the vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicle 200.
[0033] Example embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following.
[0034] In some embodiments, the CGA 100 may help in providing safety for the rider using the vehicle by absorbing a shock or an impact caused in case of an accident.
[0035] In some embodiments, the CGA 100 may provide safety for the vehicle by preventing damage to the vehicle in case of an accident.
[0036] In some embodiments, the CGA 100 may provide increased strength to the vehicle.
[0037] In some embodiments, the CGA 100 may provide an aesthetic means to prevent damage on the vehicle 200 by hiding the mounting bracket 202 and the metallic plate 108-a with the crash-guard cover 106.
[0038] In some embodiments, the CGA 100 may provide better absorption of impact due to the C-shaped configuration.
[0039] In some embodiments, the CGA 100 may prevent damage to the vehicle by distributing force of impact through strong parts of the vehicle such as the chassis instead of the front body panel and the rear body panel.
[0040] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.
[0041] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.
[0042] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.
, C , C , Claims:We Claim:
1. A crash-guard assembly (100) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
a sub-assembly (102), wherein the sub-assembly (102) comprises:
a crash-guard (104), a crash-guard cover (106), a main bracket (108), and a first set of fasteners (110), wherein the first set of fasteners (110) connect the main bracket (108), the crash-guard cover (106) and the crash-guard (104) to form the sub-assembly (102); and
a second set of fasteners (112), wherein the second set of fasteners (112) is to connect the sub-assembly (102) with a mounting bracket (202) attached to a frame (114) of the vehicle.
2. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main bracket (108) comprises a rectangular metallic plate (108-a) and a sheet metal bracket (108-b) welded with the rectangular metallic plate (108-a).
3. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the second set of fasteners (112) is to connect the sheet metal bracket (108-b) of the main bracket of the sub-assembly (102) with the frame of the vehicle (114).
4. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of fasteners (110) and the second set of fasteners (112) is at least one of bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, and studs.
5. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sheet metal bracket (108-b) is a U-shaped structure.
6. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sub-assembly (102) is to be connected to the frame (114) of the vehicle by a mounting bracket (202) attached to the frame (114) of the vehicle.
7. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crash-guard (104) of the sub-assembly has one of a U-shape, a C-shape, a square, and a polygon configuration.
8. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crash-guard assembly (100) is to be mounted on at least one of right side (204) of a front body panel (206), left side (208) of the front body panel (206), right side (210) of a rear body panel (212), and left side (214) of the rear body panel (212) of the vehicle (200).
9. The crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crash-guard cover (106) is made of one of a polymeric material, a metallic material, and wherein the sub-assembly (102) comprises one or more grommets (116) made of at least one of a rubber material and a silicone material.
10. A vehicle (200) comprising the crash-guard assembly (100) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims.