Claims: WE CLAIM:
1. A guard (100) for a suspension assembly (202) of a vehicle (200), the guard (100) comprising:
a body portion (102) configured to extend circumferentially about an inner tube (204) of the suspension assembly (202) and adapted to be mounted on an inner surface (206a) of a front fender (206),
wherein the body portion (102) is adapted to surround the inner tube (204) for providing ingress protection to a working zone (208) of the inner tube (204), upon mounting.

2. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the working zone (208) includes one or more oil seals provided at a joining portion of the inner tube (204) with an outer tube (210) of the suspension assembly (202).

3. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion (102) is configured with a curved profile adapted to circumferentially surround the inner tube (204) upon mounting onto the inner surface (206a) of the front fender (206).

4. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion (102) is defined with a plurality of mounting members (104), the plurality of mounting members (104) engage with the front fender (206) for mounting the body portion (102) thereon.

5. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of mounting members (104) comprises:
a first mounting member (104a) extending from a top surface (102a) of the body portion (102) and adapted to engage with the inner surface (206a) of the front fender (206); and
a second mounting member (104b) extending from a side surface (102b) of the body portion (102) and adapted to engage with an extended arm (212) of the front fender (206) via an axle bracket (214).

6. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second mounting member (104b) extends from one of:
a right-side surface (102b) of the body portion (102) for engaging with a right extended arm (212a) of the front fender (206), and
a left-side surface (102c) of the body portion (102) for engaging with a left extended arm (212b) of the front fender (206).

7. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body portion (102) comprises a plurality of ribs (106) defined thereon, the plurality of ribs (106) adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the body portion (102).

8. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of ribs (106) comprise a plurality of inclined ribs (106a) extending from a first mounting member (104a) to a second mounting member (104b) and a plurality of horizontal ribs (106b) extending horizontally from the second mounting member (104b) along the surface of the body portion (102).

9. The guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (200) is a two-wheeled vehicle.

10. A front suspension assembly (202) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
a pair of outer tubes (210, 216) having a first outer tube (210) mounted to a right side of the vehicle (100) and a second outer tube (216) mounted to a left side of the vehicle (200), each outer tube (210, 216) having an upper end (218) mounted to a lower bracket (220) of a frame member and a lower end (222);
a pair of inner tubes (204, 224) having a first inner tube (204) and a second inner tube (224), each inner tube (204, 224) having a first end (226) adapted to receive the corresponding lower end (222) of the outer tubes (210, 216) and a second end (228) mounted to a wheel (230) of the vehicle (200), wherein a top portion of the wheel (230) is enveloped by a front fender (206) and each inner tube (204, 224) is positioned below the front fender (206); and
a first guard (100a) extending circumferentially about the inner tube (204) and a second guard (100b) extending circumferentially about the inner tube (224), wherein the first guard (100a) and the second guard (100b) are mounted on the front fender (206) and are adapted to provide ingress protection to the inner tubes (204, 224).

11. The front suspension assembly (202) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first guard (100a) comprises:
a body portion (102) configured to extend circumferentially about the inner tube (204), the body portion (102) adapted to be mounted on an inner surface (206a) of the front fender (206) via a first mounting member (104a) and to a right extension arm (212a) via a second mounting member (104b),
wherein the body portion (102) is adapted to surround the inner tube (204) for providing ingress protection to a working zone (208) of the inner tube (204).

12. The front suspension assembly (202) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second guard (100b) comprises:
a body portion (102) configured to extend circumferentially about the inner tube (224), the body portion (102) adapted to be mounted on an inner surface (206a) of the front fender (206) via a first mounting member (104a) and to a left extension arm (212b) via a second mounting member (104b),
wherein the body portion (102) is adapted to surround the inner tube (224) for providing ingress protection to a working zone (208) of the inner tube (204).

13. The suspension assembly (202) as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the body portion (102) comprises a plurality of ribs (106) defined thereon, the plurality of ribs (106) adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the body portion (102),
the plurality of ribs (106) comprise a plurality of inclined ribs (106a) extending from a first mounting member (104a) to a second mounting member (104b) and a plurality of horizontal ribs (106b) extending horizontally along the surface of the body portion (102) from the second mounting member (104b).

14. The suspension assembly (202) as claimed in claim 10 is an inverted fork-type suspension assembly.

15. A two-wheeled vehicle (200), comprising:
a lower bracket (220) mounted to a frame member; and
a front suspension assembly (202), comprising:
a pair of outer tubes (210, 216) having a first outer tube (210) mounted to a right side of the vehicle (200) and a second outer tube (216) mounted to a left side of the vehicle (200), each outer tube (210, 216) having an upper end (218) mounted to a lower bracket (220) of a frame member and a lower end (222);
a pair of inner tubes (204, 224) having a first inner tube (204) and a second inner tube (224), each inner tube (204, 224) having a first end (226) adapted to receive the corresponding lower end (222) of the outer tubes (210, 216) and a second end (228) mounted to a wheel (230) of the vehicle (200), wherein a top portion of the wheel (230) is enveloped by a front fender (206) and each inner tube (204, 224) is positioned below the front fender (206); and
a first guard (100a) extending circumferentially about the inner tube (204) and a second guard (100b) extending circumferentially about the inner tube (224), wherein the first guard (100a) and the second guard
(100b) are mounted on the front fender (206) and are adapted to provide ingress protection to the inner tubes (204, 224).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to guard for a suspension assembly of a vehicle, particularly relates to the guard for a front suspension assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, suspension assemblies are mounted at a front and/or at a rear portion of a vehicle for absorbing shock generated while traversing over undulations on a road surface, enhancing ride comfort and vehicle handling. The construction or configuration of the suspension assemblies may vary between the front and the rear portions, based on the shock absorbing and vehicle handling requirements.
[003] In recent past, in vehicles such as a scooter type vehicle, inverted fork-type suspension assembly is employed at its front portion. The inverted fork-type suspension assembly is adapted to reduce flex at high speeds and hard braking. Additionally, the inverted fork-type suspension assembly offers improved compression and rebound dampening capabilities while being lighter than the conventional telescopic suspension assembly.
[004] Typically, the inverted fork-type suspension assembly includes an outer tube mounted to a vehicle frame and an inner tube telescopically mounted to the outer tube and to a front wheel. At the connecting junction of the inner tube and the outer tube (also known as working zone), oil seals are provided for preventing leakage of oil from the suspension assembly. Typically, the working zone is positioned below a front fender of the vehicle. As such, the working zone and/or inner tube are prone to be hurled by debris particles carried by the front wheel during vehicle movement. The debris particles impacting the working zone and/or the inner tube damage the oil seals, during operation of the suspension assembly resulting in oil leakage. Such leakage results in suspension failure or the leaked oil may drip onto the front brakes of the two wheeled vehicle thus impairing rider safety, which is undesirable.
[005] To overcome the aforementioned limitations, a sheet metal component is provided inwardly between base of the front fender and an extended arm, for reinforcing the front fender. However, such additions do not provide the protection required for the inner tube from the debris particles. Additionally, a rubber bellow may be provided around the exposed surface of the inner tube and the oil seal for preventing contact with debris particles. However, the rubber bellow can rub against the front fender or the reinforcing sheet metal component of the front fender causing damage to the rubber bellow compromising rider safety, which is undesirable. Moreover, provision of a rubber bellow is also unsuitable at high speeds and may cause rattling noises from the front end of the vehicle during operation.
[006] In view of the above, there is a need for a guard for the suspension assembly which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a guard for a suspension assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The guard includes a body portion configured to extend circumferentially about an inner tube of the suspension assembly and adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of a front fender. The body portion is adapted to surround the inner tube for providing ingress protection to a working zone of the inner tube upon mounting.
[008] In an embodiment, the working zone includes one or more oil seals provided at a joining portion of the inner tube with an outer tube of the suspension assembly.
[009] In an embodiment, the body portion is configured with a curved profile adapted to circumferentially surround the inner tube upon mounting onto the inner surface of the front fender.
[010] In an embodiment, the body portion is defined with a plurality of mounting members. The plurality of mounting members engage with the front fender for mounting the body portion thereon.
[011] In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting members include a first mounting member extending from a top surface of the body portion and is adapted to engage with the inner surface of the front fender. A second mounting member extends from a side surface of the body portion and is adapted to engage with an extended arm of the front fender via an axle bracket.
[012] In an embodiment, the second mounting member extends from one of a right-side surface of the body portion for engaging with a right extended arm of the front fender and a left-side surface of the body portion for engaging with a left extended arm of the front fender.
[013] In an embodiment, the body portion includes a plurality of ribs defined thereon. The plurality of ribs are adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the body portion.
[014] In an embodiment, the plurality of ribs include a plurality of inclined ribs extending from a first mounting member to a second mounting member and a plurality of horizontal ribs extending horizontally from the second mounting member along the surface of the body portion.
[015] In an embodiment, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle.
[016] In another aspect, a front suspension assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a pair of outer tubes having a first outer tube mounted to a right side of the vehicle and a second outer tube mounted to a left side of the vehicle. Each outer tube has an upper end mounted to a lower bracket of a frame member and a lower end. A pair of inner tubes having a first inner tube and a second inner tube are also provided. Each inner tube has a first end adapted to receive the corresponding lower end of the outer tubes and a second end mounted to a wheel of the vehicle. A top portion of the wheel is enveloped by a front fender and each inner tube is positioned below the front fender. A first guard extends circumferentially about the inner tube and a second guard extends circumferentially about the inner tube. The first guard and the second guard are mounted on the front fender and are adapted to provide ingress protection to the inner tubes.
[017] In an embodiment, the first guard includes a body portion configured to extend circumferentially about the inner tube. The body portion is adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of the front fender via a first mounting member and to a right extension arm via a second mounting member. The body portion is adapted to surround the inner tube for providing ingress protection to a working zone of the inner tube.
[018] In an embodiment, the second guard includes a body portion configured to extend circumferentially about the inner tube. The body portion is adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of the front fender via a first mounting member and to a left extension arm via a second mounting member. The body portion is adapted to surround the inner tube for providing ingress protection to a working zone of the inner tube.
[019] In another aspect, a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a lower bracket mounted to the frame member and the front suspension assembly. The front suspension assembly includes the pair of outer tubes having the first outer tube mounted to the right side of the vehicle and the second outer tube mounted to a left side of the vehicle. Each outer tube has the upper end mounted to the lower bracket of the frame member and the lower end. The pair of inner tubes having the first inner tube and the second inner tube is also provided. Each inner tube has a first end adapted to receive the corresponding lower end of the outer tubes and a second end mounted to a wheel of the vehicle. The top portion of the wheel is enveloped by the front fender and each inner tube is positioned below the front fender. The first guard also extends circumferentially about the inner tube and the second guard extends circumferentially about the inner tube. The first guard and the second guard are mounted on the front fender and are adapted to provide ingress protection to the inner tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] 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 disclosure.
Figure 2 is a side view of a front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a front view of the front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a front suspension assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a guard for a suspension assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the guard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the guard, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the guard, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of the guard mounted onto a front fender of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a schematic view of the guard mounted onto front the suspension assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11a is a schematic view of the guard mounted onto the suspension assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11b is a schematic view of the guard mounted onto the suspension assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 is a top view of the guard mounted onto the suspension assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[022] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 200 is a scooter type vehicle. The vehicle 200 has a prime mover (not shown) that is disposed behind a floorboard 232 and below a seat assembly 234 and/or a storage bin (not shown). The prime mover is one of an internal combustion engine or an electric motor adapted to provide motive force for vehicle movement. The vehicle 200 has a front wheel 230, a rear wheel 236 and a frame member (not shown) and a fuel tank (not shown).
[023] A head pipe (not shown) connects to the frame member. The head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a suspension assembly 202 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket 220 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4). In an embodiment, the suspension assembly 202 is a front suspension assembly mounted to support the front wheel 230 or a rear suspension assembly mounted at the rear wheel 236. In the present embodiment, the suspension assembly 202 is the front suspension assembly. In an embodiment, the suspension assembly 202 is an inverted fork-type suspension assembly. The upper portion of the front wheel 230 is covered by a front fender 206, mounted to the front suspension assembly 202 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4). In an embodiment, the front fender 206 is movable along with the front wheel 230, during traversal over undulations on a road surface.
[024] The front suspension assembly 202 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4) includes a pair of outer tubes 210, 216 having a first outer tube 210 mounted to a right side of the vehicle 200 and a second outer tube 216 mounted to a left side of the vehicle 200. Each of the outer tubes 210, 216 has an upper end 218 mounted to the lower bracket 220 and a lower end 222. The front suspension assembly 202 further includes a pair of inner tubes 204, 224 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 10) having a first inner tube 204 and a second inner tube 224. Each of the inner tubes 204, 224 have a first end 226 adapted to receive or mount onto the corresponding lower end 222 of the outer tubes 210, 216 and a second end 228 mounted to the front wheel 230 via an axle 230a (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3). Upon mounting, the inner tubes 204, 224 are positioned below the front fender 206.
[025] Further, the front fender 206 includes a right extension arm 212a (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3) adapted to extend on the right side of the vehicle 200 and positioned adjacent to the inner tube 204. Also, the front fender 206 includes a left extension arm 212b (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3) adapted to extend on the left side of the vehicle 200 and position adjacent to the inner tube 224. The extension arms 212a, 212b covers side portion of the front wheel 230.
[026] Furthermore, a handlebar 238 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 200. A headlight [not shown], a visor guard 240 and instrument cluster 242 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe.
[027] Further, a fuel tank (not shown) is mounted below the floorboard 232 of the vehicle 200. A rear suspension [not shown] is provided to the rear wheel 236 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 200 over undulations on the road surface. A taillight unit 244 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat assembly 234. A grab rail 238 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to the rider on the vehicle 200 during movement. The rear wheel 236 is arranged below the seat assembly 234 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission assembly is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 236 for driving the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the driving force of the prime mover is transmitted through a chain drive [not shown]. A rear fender 246 is disposed above the rear wheel 236. An exhaust pipe (not shown) is also provided, for the prime mover of Internal combustion engine type, that extends therefrom towards the rear end of the vehicle 200.
[028] Additionally, to the suspension assembly 202 or the front suspension assembly 202, a guard 100 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 2 and 3) is provided. The guard 100 is adapted to provide ingress protection to the suspension assembly 202, thereby improving life and performance thereof.
[029] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in conjunction with Figures 1-4, the guard 100 for the suspension assembly 202 is depicted. In the present embodiment, the guard 100 is mounted for protecting the inner tube 204 of the suspension assembly 202 provided on the right side of the vehicle 200. The embodiment pertaining to mounting of the guard 100 on inner tubes 204, 224 will be described in description pertaining to Figure 10.
[030] The guard 100 includes a body portion 102 adapted to extend circumferentially about the inner tube 204. Particularly, the body portion 102 extends circumferentially about the inner tube 204 which is exposed towards the front wheel 230 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 12). As such, the extension of the body portion 102 corresponds to the exposure of the inner tube to the front wheel 230. Hence, greater the exposure of the inner tube to the front wheel 230, greater will be extension or surface area of the body portion 102. In the present embodiment, the body portion 102 is a plate member configured with a curved profile that surrounds the inner tube 204 upon mounting. The curved profile is configured to deflect the debris material away from the inner tube 204 for providing protection.
[031] In an alternate embodiment, the body portion 102 is configured with an arcuate profile, a trapezoidal profile or a semi-circular profile or any other geometric profile as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the body portion 102 is made of polymer material such as a glass-filled polypropylene or a glass-filled nylon.
[032] Further, the body portion 102 includes a plurality of mounting members 104 for mounting onto an inner surface of the front fender 206. The body portion 102 upon engagement with the front fender 206, surrounds the inner tube 204 for providing ingress protection. Particularly, the body portion 102 provides ingress protection to a working zone 208 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 2) of the inner tube 204. In an embodiment, the working zone 208 is an area which includes one or more oil seals provided at a joining portion of the inner tube 204 with the outer tube 210. In another embodiment, the working zone 208 is the area on the suspension assembly 202 that is exposed to impact of debris material hurled from the front wheel 230 during movement of the vehicle 200. Thus, the body portion 102 is adapted to protect the inner tube 204 from impingement of the debris material, thereby ensuring safety and performance of the suspension system 202. In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting member 104 engage with the front fender 206 by conventional mounting techniques such as fastening, clamping and the like.
[033] In the present embodiment, the plurality of mounting members 104 includes a first mounting member 104a and a second mounting member 104b. The first mounting member 104a extends from a top surface 102a of the body portion 102 and is adapted to engage with the inner surface 206a of the front fender 206. The second mounting member 104b extends from either a right-side surface 102b or a left-side surface 102c (for e.g. as shown in Figure 7) of the body portion. In the present embodiment, the second mounting member 104b extends from the right-side surface 102b (for e.g. as shown in Figure 5) of the body portion 102, for ease of engagement with the right extension arm 212a. The second mounting member 104b engages with the right extension arm 212a via the axle bracket 214 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 9). In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 11a and 11b the first mounting member 104a and the second mounting member 104b are mounted onto the inner surface 206a and the right extension arm 212a respectively, via conventional mounting techniques such as fastening, clamping and the like.
[034] Further, the body portion 102 includes a plurality of ribs 106 extending along its surface. The plurality of ribs 106 are adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the body portion 102. In an embodiment, the plurality of ribs 106 include a plurality of inclined ribs 106a extending from the first mounting member 104a to the second mounting member 104b, and a plurality of horizontal ribs 106b extending horizontally from the second mounting member 104b along the surface of the body portion 102. In the present embodiment, as the body portion 102 is mounted onto the inner tube 204, the plurality of inclined ribs 106a extends from the right-side surface 102b to the top surface 102a. The combination of the inclined ribs 106a and the horizontal ribs 106b enhances structural rigidity of the body portion 102, while also providing stability for the front fender 206.
[035] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the guard 100 configured to mount onto the inner tube 224 i.e. the left-side of the vehicle 200 is depicted. In the present embodiment, the guard 100 includes the body portion 102 as already described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In addition, the guard 100 includes features that enable mounting onto the left side of the vehicle 200. As such, in the present embodiment, the body portion 102 includes the first mounting member 104a that extends from the top surface 102a and adapted to engage with the inner surface 206a of the front fender 206. The second mounting member 104b extends from a left-side surface 102c of the body portion 102 for ease of mounting over the left extension arm 212b of the front fender 208. In the present embodiment, the second mounting member 104b extends from the left-side surface 102c (for e.g. as shown in Figure 5) of the body portion 102, for ease of engagement with the left extension arm 212b. The second mounting member 104b engages with the left extension arm 212b via the axle bracket 214 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 9). In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 11a and 11b the first mounting member 104a and the second mounting member 104b are mounted onto the inner surface 206a and the left extension arm 212b respectively, via conventional mounting techniques such as fastening, clamping and the like.
[036] Further, in the present embodiment, the body portion 102 includes the plurality of inclined ribs 106a extending from the left-side surface 102c and the top surface 102a. The combination of the inclined ribs 106a and the horizontal ribs 106b enhances structural rigidity of the body portion 102, while also providing stability for the front fender 206. In an embodiment, each rib of the plurality of ribs 104 are parallel to one another.
[037] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figures 5-9, the guard 100 mounted on both the right side as well as the left side of the vehicle 200 is depicted. As such, in the present embodiment, the guard 100 includes a first guard 100a adapted to be mounted onto the right side of the vehicle 200 (as described in Figures 5 and 6) and a second guard 100b adapted to be mounted onto the left side of the vehicle 200 (as described in Figures 7 and 8). The guards 100a, 100b provide ingress protection to the front suspension assembly 202, thereby ensuring safety and performance thereof.
[038] Advantageously, the present invention provides the guard 100 that is adapted to protect the suspension assembly 202 from debris material that is hurled by the front wheel 230 during vehicle movement. Consequently, preventing oil leakages in the suspension assembly 202, thereby ensuring longer service life while retaining optimum performance. Also, due to the mounting members 104 and the structural stiffness imparted by the ribs 106, the vibrations in the front fender 206 are minimized, while being simple in construction, assembly, and maintenance. Thus, the guard 100 of the present invention behaves as a protection member for the suspension assembly 202, while also acting as a stiffener to the front fender 206. Moreover, due to structural rigidity imparted to the front fender 206 by the guard 100, the front fender 206 maintains its alignment during high-speed movement of the vehicle 200, thereby preventing contact with the wheels.
[039] 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.