Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a chain case, more particularly, the present invention relates to a chain case of a vehicle.

Background

It is known in the art that a chain case is mounted on a vehicle to protect a chain and sprocket system of the vehicle. Generally, to provide better serviceability, the chain case is manufactured in multiple pieces as disclosed in JP2010137843A. However, assembling the multiple pieces result in a formation of a chain case which has fixed dimensions, as the chain case is manufactured considering a pre-determined diameter of a wheel hub of the vehicle. Further, it is not possible for such a chain case to be mounted to the same vehicle having a different wheel hub diameter, or a different vehicle having a different wheel hub diameter.

Summary

In an embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a rear wheel having a wheel hub, the wheel hub has an outer peripheral surface. The vehicle further comprises a swing arm, a first sprocket operatively mounted to the wheel, a second sprocket operatively mounted to a power unit. A chain operatively engaged to the first sprocket and the second sprocket. The vehicle also comprises a chain case to cover the chain, the chain case comprises a chain case opening around the wheel hub. The case comprising a covering protector, the covering protector mounted to the swing arm. The chain case also comprising a flange protector comprises a flange portion and a base portion, the flange portion has an inner flange surface. The base portion of the flange protector is detachably attached to the covering protector such that a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub and the inner flange surface of the flange portion.

In an embodiment, the covering protector has at-least one mounting locator for mounting the flange protector thereto. The at-least one mounting locator is in the form of one of a hole and an extension.

In an embodiment, the flange protector has at-least one locating provision for mounting the flange protector to the covering protector. The at-least one locating provision is in the form of one of a hole and an extension. In an embodiment, the covering protector has at- least one set of mounting locator, at least one from among the at-least one set of mounting locator comprises at least one mounting locator The at-least one set of mounting locator comprises plurality of set of mounting locator the plurality of set of mounting locator located at different height for adjusting a position of the flange protector to maintain a pre-determined gap of the inner flange surface from the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub

In an embodiment, the flange protector has at-least one set of locating provision at least one from among the at-least one set of locating provision comprises at least one locating provision The at-least one set of locating provision comprises plurality of set of locating provision the plurality of set of locating provision located at different height for adjusting a position of the flange protector to maintain a pre-determined gap of the inner flange surface from the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub

In an embodiment, the covering protector comprises of an upper covering protector and a lower covering protector

In an embodiment, the flange protector comprises an upper flange protector and a lower flange protector the upper flange protector has an upper protecting surface and the lower flange protector has a lower protecting surface the upper protecting surface and the lower protecting surface define the inner flange surface

In an embodiment, the gap is a predetermined gap.

The present invention discloses a chain case having a common upper covering protector and a common lower covering protector, wherein an upper flange protector and a lower flange protector which may be common or interchangeable are attached to the upper covering protector and lower covering protector respectively. The disclosed chain case may be used for a vehicle using different wheel hub diameters, or may be used for different vehicles having different wheel hub diameters.

The disclosed chain case provides an economical solution by using a common upper covering protector and a common lower covering protector. Further, the upper flange protector and the lower flange protector can either be adjusted, or replaced by another upper flange protector and lower flange protector having different configuration, in order to maintain an optimum distance between an outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub and protecting surfaces of the upper flange protector and lower flange protector. In an embodiment, the first sprocket is mounted to the wheel hub of the rear wheel.

In an embodiment, a chain case to cover the chain operatively engaged to the first sprocket and the second sprocket The chain case comprising a covering protector he covering protector mounted to the swing arm of a vehicle and a flange protector comprises a flange portion and a base portion the flange portion has an inner flange surface The base portion of the flange protector is detachably attached to the covering protector such that a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub and the inner flange surface of the flange portion

In an embodiment, the covering protector has at- least one set of mounting locator at least one from among the at-least one set of mounting locator comprises at least one mounting locator

In an embodiment, the at-least one set of mounting locator comprises plurality of set of mounting locator, the plurality of set of mounting locator located at different height for adjusting a position of the flange protector to maintain a pre-determined gap of the inner flange surface from the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub

In an embodiment, the flange protector has at-least one set of locating provision at least one from among the at-least one set of locating provision comprises at least one locating provision

In an embodiment, the at-least one set of locating provision comprises plurality of set of locating provision the plurality of set of locating provision located at different height for adjusting a position of the flange protector to maintain a pre-determined gap of the inner flange surface from the outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle;

Figure 2a illustrates a chain case of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b illustrates a sectional view of the chain case taken along the line A-A, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3a illustrates an exploded view of the chain case, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3b - 3d illustrate a view of the chain case, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the chain case, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 5a - 5b illustrate a view of a chain case, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

The terms“comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by“comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lowerward / downward”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a chain case mounted to a swing-arm of a vehicle. A first wheel hub with a first diameter is mounted to the vehicle. The chain case comprises of an upper covering protector and a lower covering protector. The upper and the lower covering protector have a fixed dimension. An upper flange protector and a lower flange protector connects to the upper covering protector and the lower covering protector respectively. The upper and the lower flange protector has a configuration substantially complimentary to the first diameter of the first wheel hub. In case of mounting a second wheel hub with a second diameter to a vehicle; the upper and the lower flange protector are adjusted to have a configuration substantially complimentary to the second diameter of the second wheel hub. In case of mounting a third wheel hub with a third diameter to a vehicle; the upper and the lower flange protector are adjusted to have a configuration substantially complimentary to the third diameter of the third wheel hub.

In another embodiment, the present invention discloses a chain case mounted to a swing-arm of a vehicle. A fourth wheel hub with a fourth diameter is mounted to the vehicle. The chain case comprises of an upper covering protector and a lower covering protector. The upper and the lower covering protector has a fixed dimension. A second upper flange protector and a second lower flange protector connects to the upper covering protector and the lower covering protector respectively. The second upper and the second lower flange protector have a configuration substantially complimentary to the diameter of the fourth wheel hub. In case of mounting a fifth wheel hub with a fifth diameter to a vehicle; a third upper and a third lower flange protector having a configuration substantially complimentary to the fifth diameter of the fifth wheel hub is attached to the upper and lower covering protector respectively.

While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a saddle riding type vehicle, however, chain case and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term“two wheeled vehicle” includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

Description:

Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, trikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

The vehicle (100) comprises a frame (102), a steering assembly (104), and a front wheel (106). The frame (102) supports the steering assembly (104), and the front wheel (106) in front portion of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the frame (102). The front wheel (106) is operatively connected to the steering assembly (104). The steering assembly (104) comprises a handle bar (108). The handle bar (108) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100).

The vehicle (100) comprises a power unit (110), and a rear wheel (111). The power unit (110) provides necessary power required to drive the rear wheel (111) of the vehicle (100). The power unit (110) comprises an engine (112) and a transmission unit (not shown). The engine (112) generates the power required by the vehicle (100). The transmission unit transmits the generated power to the rear wheel (111).

Referring further to Figure 1, the vehicle 100 includes a fuel tank (114), and a seat (116). The frame (102) supports the fuel tank (114), and the power unit (110) in middle portion of the vehicle (100). Further, the frame (102) supports the seat (116) which extends from middle portion to rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear wheel (111) is supported by the frame (102) at rear portion of the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (114) provides necessary fuel to the engine (112) to generate power within the vehicle (100). The seat (116) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). Further, the vehicle (100) comprises, a front fork (121), a front fender (133), a headlight (132), a swing arm (173), a rear fender (119), a tail light (120), a rear grip (127), a driving sprocket (140) [shown in Figure 2a], a wheel hub (550), and a chain case (500). The chain case (500) is mounted to the swing arm (173). The wheel hub (550) has an outer peripheral surface (560). Figure 2a illustrates the chain case (500) of the vehicle (100). The chain case (500) encloses a driven sprocket (141) [shown in Figure 2b], and a chain (143) of the vehicle (100). The chain case (500) comprises a covering protector (55). The covering protector (55) is mounted to the swing arm (173). The covering protector (55) comprises an upper covering protector (501) and a lower covering protector (502).

Further, the chain case (500) comprises a flange protector (50). The flange protector (50) comprises an upper flange protector (503) and a lower flange protector (504). The flange protector (50) comprises a base portion (53) and a flange portion (51). The base portion (53) of the flange protector (50) is mounted to the covering protector (55). The upper flange protector (503) comprises an upper protecting surface (513) to protect the chain (143) and the first sprocket (141) from ingress of mud and water. The lower flange protector (504) comprises of a lower protecting surface (514) to protect the chain (143) and the first sprocket (141) from ingress of mud and water. The flange portion (51) has an inner flange surface (52) which is defined by the upper protecting surface (513) and the lower protecting surface (514).

The upper flange protector (503) is mounted to the upper covering protector (501). The lower flange protector (504) is mounted to the lower covering protector (502). The upper flange protector (503) and the lower flange protector (504) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and lower covering protector (502) respectively, by using fastening members (not shown). Alternatively, the upper flange protector (503) and the lower flange protector (504) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and lower covering protector (502) respectively, by various joining methods such as snap fitting etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, a rear portion (505) of the covering protector (55) comprises a covering protector opening (506) having an oval shape. Alternatively, the covering protector opening (506) can be semi-circular or elliptical in shape. The covering protector opening (506) is defined by an upper recess (516) and a lower recess (526) of the upper covering protector (501) and the lower covering protector (502) respectively. Further, the chain case (500) comprises a chain case opening (570). The chain case opening (570) is defined by the upper protecting surface (513) and the lower protecting surface (514) of the upper flange protector (503) and the lower flange protector (504) respectively.

Figure 2b illustrates a sectional view of the chain case (500) and the wheel hub (550) taken along the line A-A of Figure 2a. A gap (5) is formed between the inner flange surface (52) of the flange portion (51) and the outer peripheral surface (560) of the wheel hub (550). The gap (5) is a pre-determined gap. The gap (5) is maintained keeping optimum pre-determined distance between the inner flange surface (52) of the flange portion (51) and the outer peripheral surface (560) of the wheel hub (550) to protect the chain (143) and the first sprocket (141) from ingress of mud and water.

As illustrated in Figure 3a, the covering protector (55) has at-least one set of mounting locator (Cl), at least one from among the at-least one set of mounting locator (Cl) comprises at least one mounting locator (530, 540). The at least one mounting locator (530, 540) is in the form of extension or protrusion. Further, the flange protector (50) has at-least one set of locating provision (Fl, F2, F3), at least one from among the at-least one set of locating provision (Fl, F2, F3) comprises at least one locating provision (531, 532, 533, 541, 542, 543). The at least one locating provision (531, 532, 533, 541, 542, 543) is in the form of hole.

Further, the upper flange protector (503) comprises a first set of upper locating provision (531), a second set of upper locating provision (532), and a third set of upper locating provision (533). The upper covering protector (501) comprises of a plurality of upper mounting locator (530) which are located along a peripheral portion (518) of the upper recess (516). The upper mounting locator (530) is configured to align with the first set of upper locating provision (531), or the second set of upper locating provision (532), or the third set of upper locating provision (533), and receive fastening members (not shown). The lower flange protector (504) comprises a first set of lower locating provision (541), a second set of lower locating provision (542), and a third set of lower locating provision (543). The lower covering protector (502) comprises of a plurality of lower mounting locator (540) which are located along a peripheral portion (528) of the lower recess (526). The lower mounting locator (540) align with the first set of lower locating provision (541), or the second set of lower locating provision (542), or the third set of lower locating provision (543), and receive fastening members (not shown).

In an embodiment as illustrated in Figure 3b, the vehicle (100) comprises the wheel hub

(550). The wheel hub (550) and the outer peripheral surface (560) embodies a first wheel hub

(551) and a first outer peripheral surface (561) respectively. The first wheel hub (551) has a first diameter. The upper flange protector (503) is disposed above the first wheel hub (551). The lower flange protector (504) is disposed below the first wheel hub (551). The upper mounting locator (530) [Shown in Figure 3a] of the upper covering protector (501) align with the first set of upper locating provision (531) of the upper flange protector (503). The lower mounting locator (540) [Shown in Figure 3a] of the lower covering protector (502) align with the first set of lower locating provision (541) of the lower flange protector (504). This achieves a configuration substantially complimentary to a first diameter of the first wheel hub (551) along with maintaining an optimum distance between the first outer peripheral surface (561) of the first wheel hub (551), the upper protecting surface (513) and the lower protecting surface (514).

As illustrated in Figure 3c, the wheel hub (550) and the outer peripheral surface (560) embodies a second wheel hub (552) and a second outer peripheral surface (562) respectively. The second wheel hub (552) has a second diameter. The upper flange protector (503) is disposed above the second wheel hub (552). The lower flange protector (504) is disposed below the second wheel hub (552). The upper mounting locator (530) [Shown in Figure 3a] of the upper covering protector (501) align with the second set of upper locating provision (532) of the upper flange protector (503). The lower mounting locator (540) [Shown in Figure 3a] of the lower covering protector (502) align with the second set of lower locating provision (542) of the lower flange protector (504). This achieves a configuration substantially complimentary to a second diameter of the second wheel hub (552) along with maintaining an optimum distance between a second outer peripheral surface (562) of the second wheel hub (552), the upper protecting surface (513) and the lower protecting surface (514).

As illustrated in Figure 3d, the wheel hub (550) and the outer peripheral surface (560) embodies a third wheel hub (553) and a third outer peripheral surface (563) respectively. The third wheel hub (553) has a third diameter. The upper flange protector (503) is disposed above the third wheel hub (553). The lower flange protector (504) is disposed below the third wheel hub (553). The upper mounting locator (530) [shown in Figure 3a] of the upper covering protector (501) align with the third set of upper locating provision (533) of the upper flange protector (503). The lower mounting locator (540) [Shown in Figure 3a] of the lower covering protector (502) align with the third set of lower locating provision (543) of the lower flange protector (504). This achieves a configuration substantially complimentary to a third diameter of the third wheel hub (553) along with maintaining an optimum distance between a third outer peripheral surface (563) of the third wheel hub (553), the upper protecting surface (513) and the lower protecting surface (514).

In another embodiment as illustrated in Figure 4, the covering protector (55) has at-least one set of mounting locator (CP1, CP2), at least one from among the at-least one set of mounting locator (CP1, CP2) comprises at least one mounting locator (581, 582, 591, 592). The at least one mounting loactor (581, 582, 591, 592) is in the form of hole. Further, the flange protector (50) has at-least one set of mounting locator (FP1), at least one from among the at- least one set of locating provision (FP1) comprises at least one mounting locator (571, 591). The at least one mounting locator (571, 591) is in the form of extension or protrusion.

In yet another embodiment as illustrated in Figure 5a, the wheel hub (550) and the outer peripheral surface (560) embodies a fourth wheel hub (554) and a fourth outer peripheral surface (564) respectively. The fourth wheel hub (554) has a fourth diameter. A second upper flange protector (507) and a second lower flange protector (508) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and the lower covering protector (502) respectively, in order to achieve a configuration substantially complimentary to the fourth diameter of the fourth wheel hub (554) along with maintaining an optimum distance between the fourth outer peripheral surface (564) of the fourth wheel hub (554), the upper protecting surface (517) and the lower protecting surface (518). The second upper flange protector (507) and the second lower flange protector (508) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and lower covering protector (502) respectively, by using fastening members (not shown). Alternatively, the second upper flange protector (507) and the second lower flange protector (507) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and lower covering protector (502) respectively, by various joining methods such as snap fitting etc. Other features such as the mounting locator of the covering protector (55) of the chain case (500) and the mounting provision of the flange protector (50) of the chain case (500) are same as mentioned in the other embodiments of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figure 5b, the wheel hub (550) and the outer peripheral surface (560) embodies a fifth wheel hub (555) and a fifth outer peripheral surface (565) respectively. The fifth wheel hub (555) has a fifth diameter. A third upper flange protector (509) and a third lower flange protector (510) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and the lower covering protector (502) respectively, in order to achieve a configuration substantially complimentary to the fifth diameter of the fifth wheel hub (555) along with maintaining an optimum distance between a fifth outer peripheral surface (565) of the fifth wheel hub (555), the upper protecting surface (519) and the lower protecting surface (520). The third upper flange protector (509) and the third lower flange protector (510) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and lower covering protector (502) respectively, by using fastening members (not shown). Alternatively, the third upper flange protector (509) and the third lower flange protector (510) are mounted to the upper covering protector (501) and lower covering protector (502) respectively, by various joining methods such as snap fitting etc. Other features such as the mounting locator of the covering protector (55) of the chain case (500) and the mounting provision of the flange protector (50) of the chain case (500) are same as mentioned in the other embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention discloses a chain case having a common upper covering protector and a common lower covering protector, wherein an upper flange protector and a lower flange protector which may be common or interchangeable are attached to the upper covering protector and lower covering protector respectively. The disclosed chain case may be used for a vehicle using different wheel hub diameters, or may be used for different vehicles having different wheel hub diameters.

The disclosed chain case provides an economical solution by using a common upper covering protector and a common lower covering protector. Further, the upper flange protector and the lower flange protector can either be adjusted, or replaced by another upper flange protector and lower flange protector having different configuration, in order to maintain an optimum distance between an outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub and protecting surfaces of the upper flange protector and lower flange protector.

While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.