Having A Storage Compartment Patents (Class 293/106)
  • Patent number: 9669769
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier system for vehicles may include guide rails provided on a bumper back beam, a carrier device connected to the guide rails and configured to slide along the guide rails to be withdrawn from and received in the bumper back beam, a first driving device disposed on the carrier device and connected to the guide rails to move the carrier device along the guide rails, tilting devices configured to selectively connect the guide rails and the carrier device to each other and to release connection between the guide rails and the carrier device so as to tilt the carrier device from the guide rails when the carrier device is moved to a designated level or higher during withdrawal of the carrier device according to operation of the first driving device, and a communication control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Jin Young Yoon, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim
  • Patent number: 9090137
    Abstract: An agricultural implement with a ballasted hitch having an open ended tube and removable ballast blocks sized so that they can be loaded into the hitch tube by hand. The blocks are removably retained in the hitch by a bolted plate or, alternatively, a retaining bolt or pin. The number of ballast blocks needed is determined by the weight and size of any rear implement attachment chosen by a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Chad W. Coombs
  • Patent number: 8919833
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drying apparatus for a vehicle using vehicle induced wind. The drying apparatus is capable of drying a wet object using vehicle induced wind generated by the driving of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a storage cover that is rotatably coupled to a rear bumper cover via a hinge module, to form a storage space between the storage cover and the rear bumper cover. In addition the apparatus includes an inlet cover that is coupled to the rear bumper cover to form an inlet passage through which the vehicle induced wind flows into the storage space when the vehicle is being driven. A plurality of outlet holes are formed in the rear bumper cover, and are configured to operate as a passage to allow air to be discharged from the storage space to an exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Gyung Kim, Seung Mok Lee, Dong Eun Cha, Phil Jung Jeong
  • Patent number: 8789865
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle may include a left rear back beam and a right rear back beam divided while sliding to left and right sides in a traverse direction of the vehicle, respectively when the left rear back beam and the right rear back beam may be drawn out from a rear bumper while sliding to a rear side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a left storage box and a right storage box installed to be fixed to the left and right rear back beams, respectively, to be drawn out together when the left and right rear back beams may be drawn out to the rear side of the vehicle and divided together when the left and right rear back beams slide to the left and right sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Seung Mok Lee
  • Patent number: 8672371
    Abstract: A plug for enclosing a bumper compartment of a vehicle which will maintain the compartment pest free, allow air flow therethrough and securely retain accessories placed therein. The plug includes a front, a body and a rear, with the front and rear attached to the body. The front defines a pair of openings while the body and the rear define a pair of cavities. The front openings are in communication with the body cavities to provide a handle for easily grasping the plug for removal and insertion. Apertures are formed in the rear to allow for air flow and also act as an insect screen. The plug also includes grippers attached to the exterior of the body for frictional engagement with the inside of the bumper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Comco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Russell, John R. Bussard
  • Patent number: 8602467
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for a vehicle can maximize a space use of a vehicle by a structure in which the storage apparatus is mounted by using an inner space of a rear bumper, in particular, greatly improving the value of commodities of the vehicle by using a bumper door as a step or a bench at the time of opening a storage case or using articles while putting the articles on the opened bumper door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seung Mok Lee, Nae Ung Jang, Hee Chan Yang, Nam Cheol Kim, Kwang Jae Choi, Jo Han Kim, Yong Won Jeong, Seung Hwan Lee, Cheol O Kim, Ki Tae Kim, Myung Eun Kim, Hun Soo Kim, Hoo Taek Cho, Dong Eun Cha, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8573660
    Abstract: A safety apparatus of a rear bumper storage box for a vehicle includes a storage box that does not rotate upward but rotates downward toward a ground surface when a rear low-speed collision accident occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Seung Mok Lee, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20130147214
    Abstract: A safety apparatus of a rear bumper storage box for a vehicle includes a storage box that does not rotate upward but rotates downward toward a ground surface when a rear low-speed collision accident occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Seung Mok Lee, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8256807
    Abstract: For conveniently storing items aboard an automotive vehicle, a storage tray is movable between a stowed position housed within a bumper and an access position wherein it extends through an opening in a rear surface of the bumper. A door is attached to the bumper by a hinge connected to a lower edge of the door and is movable relative to the bumper between a closed position closing off the opening when the tray is in the stowed position and an open position permitting movement of the tray to the extended position. The door includes a guide feature that engages the tray when the tray is moved toward the extended position to stabilize movement of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
  • Publication number: 20120043773
    Abstract: For conveniently storing items aboard an automotive vehicle, a storage tray is movable between a stowed position housed within a bumper and an access position wherein it extends through an opening in a rear surface of the bumper. A door is attached to the bumper by a hinge connected to a lower edge of the door and is movable relative to the bumper between a closed position closing off the opening when the tray is in the stowed position and an open position permitting movement of the tray to the extended position. The door includes a guide feature that engages the tray when the tray is moved toward the extended position to stabilize movement of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
  • Patent number: 8011704
    Abstract: A bumper system includes a structural polymeric reinforcement beam and one or more trim components covering visible portions of the beam. The beam has a center section forming a step, and end sections that form corners of the vehicle. The trim component(s) is a thin, lightweight component surface finished for aesthetics. The beam includes functional features, such as a storage pocket with lockable cover, lighting and accessory mounts, electrical connectors for connection to trailer wiring, remote vehicle electrical power, and/or a hidden tow hook. The bumper system is configured to provide a class II hitch, but via add-on components, can be made to be Class III or IV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Rainer B. Nees, Darin Evans, David B. Chon
  • Publication number: 20100102579
    Abstract: A modular reconfigurable bumper system for an off road vehicle includes a center base mountable to the front of the vehicle. The center base has ends, a top face, and a front face. A pair of first mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the front face of the center base adjacent its ends and a pair of second mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the top face adjacent the ends of the center base. A pair of third mounting locations are located on the ends of the center base. A plurality of optional accessories including end plates, end extenders, an overrider, a prerunner, a stinger, and D-rings are selectively mountable to the center base, all via the first, second, and third mounting locations. The system also includes a rear bumper assembly mountable to the back of the vehicle and having a hinged spare tire carrier and D-rings selectively attachable to the rear bumper via common fourth mounting locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: David E. Hardy, Patrick W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7607677
    Abstract: A water and compressed air storage trailer hitch, also adaptable as a bumper and trailer hitch, providing for emergency water for both drinking and as an engine coolant. The emergency air storage is of sufficient capacity to fill tires, toys, and a host of other devices, while offering a strong trailer hitch for towing. Various embodiments with various storage capabilities and water and air inlet and outlet fitting options are offered to fit a variety of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Bosak
  • Publication number: 20080277950
    Abstract: A bumper system includes a structural polymeric reinforcement beam and one or more trim components covering visible portions of the beam. The beam has a center section forming a step, and end sections that form corners of the vehicle. The trim component(s) is a thin, lightweight component surface finished for aesthetics. The beam includes functional features, such as a storage pocket with lockable cover, lighting and accessory mounts, electrical connectors for connection to trailer wiring, remote vehicle electrical power, and/or a hidden tow hook. The bumper system is configured to provide a class II hitch, but via add-on components, can be made to be Class III or IV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Rainer B. Nees, Darin Evans, David B. Chon
  • Publication number: 20080124171
    Abstract: A device when activated, disables a fleeing vehicle from within the operator's vehicle. The device mounts directly to the operator's vehicle. This device is controlled by the operator from within the vehicle by way of a control panel. When deemed necessary, the system is armed using a switch mounted on said panel. This allows for deployment upon activation of said switch. Upon positioning of operator car, the switch is activated, extending spike strip laterally. This places the spike strip under the pursued vehicle, in front of one or more of the tires. The operator applies the brakes of said vehicle, causing the spike strip to travel under the pursued vehicle's tire, disabling the vehicle. Upon traveling under the tire, the operator removes pressure from switch, causing the unit to safely stow itself. The system can then be re-deployed at will.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Moormeier, Todd Cory O'Halloran
  • Patent number: 7306270
    Abstract: A lightweight high-strength front bumper for a vehicle, having an elongated substantially hollow structure, with a protruding tubular strengthening member attached near the front face and also near the back face, so as to strengthen the spaced apart relation of the front face and back face. The bumper is typically substantially made of 6061 T6 aluminum or another high-strength, lightweight metal or allow with good workability. The bumper advantageously includes one or more storage compartments in the elongated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: IBIS Tek LLC
    Inventors: James Helms, Thomas G. Buckner
  • Patent number: 7121597
    Abstract: A bicycle-holding apparatus is concealable in a bumper shell. The bicycle-holding apparatus can be switched between a concealed position and an exposed position. In the concealed position, the bicycle-holding apparatus is collapsed and concealed in the bumper shell. In the exposed position, the bicycle-holding apparatus is exposed from the bumper shell and can be extended in order to hold a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 6598914
    Abstract: An aerodynamic front bumper storage assembly for use with trucks, sports utility vehicles and recreational vehicles which can be adapted for specific recreational use. The bumper storage assembly includes a bumper shell secured to the frame of the vehicle. The bumper shell is constructed from molded plastic which has a top surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a bottom surface, and opposing left and right surfaces which define an interior cavity. The rear surface is configured to be coextensive with the front end engine components of the vehicle. The bumper shell includes a center storage compartment and left and right side compartments which are molded into the bumper shell. The storage compartments are defined by bottom walls supported by four side walls and are respectively accessible from the top surface through center, left and right apertures disposed in the top surface. The center aperture and left and right side apertures each have lids hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Jere Dixon
  • Patent number: 6581955
    Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Aquinto, Irfan Sharif, Robert Todd Laster, Scott Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 6575509
    Abstract: An extendable vehicle bumper for external transportation and storage of objects. A horizontal platform is mounted to the underside of a vehicle frame and is attached at one end to the vehicle bumper. The platform is extendable on a horizontal plane between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the platform is supported in a horizontal plane within the vehicle framework on the underside of the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle bumper serves to access the platform by providing a handle for extending the platform outwardly from the vehicle frame. When the platform is in the open position, the platform extends beyond the vehicle profile and is generally in rigid relation with the vehicle. The horizontal platform is extendable between the open and closed position by support arms fixed to the platform opposite the vehicle bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Golden
  • Patent number: 6217090
    Abstract: A safety bumper system provides both impact protection for a vehicle and its occupants, and also provides fire protection for one or more areas of the vehicle after an impact sufficient to collapse the bumper. A first embodiment comprises a safety bumper assembly for the front and/or rear of a vehicle having a movable outer bumper shell, which is affixed to an inner plate with a relatively fixed bumper support member of the vehicle structure in between the outer bumper shell and inner plate, with compression springs urging the outer shell to an extended position away from the bumper support member, and tension springs urging the inner plate toward the bumper support member. A collapsible bladder is positioned between the outer bumper shell and the fixed bumper support portion, and contains a fire suppressant with a nozzle extending from the bladder to one or more critical areas of the vehicle, e.g., fuel tank and engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Mohammed Berzinji
  • Patent number: 5979953
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper and a method of manufacturing, and a vehicle having, the same. In one embodiment, the bumper includes: (1) an elongated bumper body having a recess and a mount that allows the bumper body to be affixed to a service vehicle and (2) a lid hingedly coupled to the bumper body proximate the recess to form a compartment, the lid rotatable between an open position in which the compartment is exposed to allow access to an object therein and a closed position in which the object is retained in the compartment during movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Lube Company
    Inventor: Gregory E. Rinehart
  • Patent number: 5899518
    Abstract: Decking systems for recreational vehicles are disclosed as well as methods of assembling the decking systems. One of the disclosed system provides a rectangular deck which contains a plurality of elongated side-by-side disposed boards. The deck has an inner edge for attachment to the exterior of a recreational vehicle. The inner edge is formed by a plurality of the ends of the plurality of side-by-side disposed boards. The system also includes an inner edge support for attachment to the exterior of the motor vehicle which receives the plurality of the board ends to support the deck's inner edge. In addition, the system has a frame for maintaining the plurality of boards in side-by-side disposition, and for cooperating with the inner edge support to secure the deck defined by the boards to the recreational vehicle. The deck is also provided with support legs for supporting the deck so that it is generally level, and at an elevated position relative to the surface supporting the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignees: Harry L. Schreiner, Janice Coen
    Inventor: Harry L. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5823585
    Abstract: A sport utility vehicle storage bumper for the rear and the front of the vehicle. The bumper may be mounted to the front or to the rear of the frame of the vehicle. A floor plate or a diamond step plate is hingedly mounted to the storage compartment of the device for convenient opening and closing. The storage chamber is preferably designed with the storage compartments sweeping back at an angle of approximately 45.degree. from the center of the vehicle toward the sides so as to reduce the profile of the vehicle and to minimize the possibility of unnecessarily bumping the storage chamber when moving the vehicle. The closeable lid includes one or more locks for locking one or more chambers of the storage unit. When applied to the front of the vehicle, the storage bumper is designed to accommodate a winch and a chain, in addition to other desirable equipment. When applied to the rear of the vehicle, the storage bumper has sufficient room for storage of a jack, a tow ball, and first aid equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Richard R. Tanguay
  • Patent number: 5779289
    Abstract: A front end bumper assembly for tractors is constructed from hollow steel fluid reservoir tanks for providing ballast. The bumper assembly has an upper grille for protecting the nose-radiator region of the tractor and two spaced lowermost horizontally disposed bumper arms. The bumper assembly is attached to a tractor by a bracket assembly at a location below the center of gravity of the tractor to concentrate the bumper weight for bearing upon front steering wheels for better traction and steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: William Haston Alexander, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5460420
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a molded plastic front bumper beam for a vehicle. The bumper beam includes upper and lower separate hollow compartments for carrying selected fluids. The upper and lower compartments are interconnected by an integral front wall segment. Dual openings are formed in the rear portion of each compartment adapted to accommodate receiving and dispensing fluids, such as radiator coolant, windshield washer fluid, rear window washer fluid, and/or head lamp washer fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: McCord Winn Textron
    Inventors: Jimmie G. Perkins, George Daniels
  • Patent number: 5364142
    Abstract: A heavy duty, protective storage bumper (10) mounted to the front or rear of full size and compact pick up tracks, vans and 4 wheel drive vehicles (80) or to the front of semi tractors (90) and other heavy equipment vehicles, providing protection for the vehicle and containing an enclosed compartment used for the storage of tools and emergency road or field equipment. A bumper assembly (10) with a storage compartment consisting of outer (18), inner (14), and bottom walls (16). Side walls (26) extend and angle outward to form protective side panels (30), which cradle and protect the corners of the vehicle's quarter panels (82). A lid is constructed with skid resistant strips (38) on the upper surface and weather seal (58) on the under surface. The lid is mounted to the inner lip (24) of the storage compartment with pin-in-pipe hinges (12) and is latched with lockable latches (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Robert A. Coiner
  • Patent number: 5135274
    Abstract: A storage bumper (10) is secured to a mounting frame (54) which in turn is secured to vehicle frame members (56, 58). The storage bumper (10) includes a hollow interior and a central access opening (20, 24) which is formed partly in the bumper top (22) and partly in the bumper rear wall (26). A door (14) normally closes the opening (20, 24). The door (14) is swingable in position about a hinge line (30) between a closed position (FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG 2). A drawer mount (12) is supported forwardly of an upper portion of the bumper (10). A drawer (48) is slidably received within the drawer mount (12). The rear end (50) of the drawer (48) is substantially flush with the rear wall (40) of the bumper (10) when the drawer (48) is closed. The drawer (48) includes a handle (52) which is used for opening and closing the drawer (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Russell H. Dodd
  • Patent number: 5016932
    Abstract: Bumper apparatus for an automotive vehicle, comprises an elongate, hollow housing having opposite ends. The housing is adapted to be mounted adajcent to the end of a motor vehicle. A hinged door is mounted to at least one of the ends of the housing. An elongated container can be received in the housing for sliding in and out of the housing through the end of the housing having the hinged door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Robert E. Carter
  • Patent number: 4993610
    Abstract: A heavy duty protective apparatus mounted at the rear of a vehicle, comprising metal containers extending laterally of a vehicle to serve as a bumper, the containers forming interior spaces to receive and transport equipment such as tools and the like, the interior spaces adapted to be washed out by draining water downwardly, and a protective frame unit extending laterally of the vehicle rear, above the containers, and forming protected space to receive other equipment, the frame unit mounted to the vehicle to be guided for rearward swinging movement away from the vehicle rear to provide access to the vehicle rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Canyon City 4.times.4
    Inventors: Edward V. Abretske, Joseph M. Abretske, Anthony I. Abretske
  • Patent number: 4979843
    Abstract: A removable end plug for closing off the open end of a hollow vehicle bumper. The end plug comprises a molded unitary body of flexible deformable material having four side sections in the form of a hollow square and a four sided truncated pyramid shaped operator portion connected to one transverse edge of the side sections. The operator portion has a normal position whereat the truncated pyramid extends longitudinally away from the bumper opening and a reverse truncated pyramid position to cause said side sections to be bowed transversely outwardly and thereby substantially increase the force of engagement between the outer surfaces of said side sections and the four inside surfaces of the bumper to thereby lock the plug to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Wirthco Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Perry
  • Patent number: 4961604
    Abstract: A combination step bumper and hoist apparatus is set forth wherein a step bumper is provided with a storage receptacle container mounting an overlying pivoted lid including a latch member to secure the lid to the storage bumper. The bumper includes plural pairs of spring latches to secure elongate post members therein wherein the post members may be assembled as a hoist organization. The hoist organization is received through an aperture within the lid aligned with a support cylinder formed at an intersection of a side wall and rear wall of the storage bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventor: Richard L. Kisner
  • Patent number: 4958870
    Abstract: A step bumper having a hinged door as the step, such door being of sufficient width and height to accommodate and secure a spare tire through. Two attachment extensions are provided for securing the bumper to the main frame members of the vehicle. Support structures are provided in the form of two steel straps attached by one end to a cross member on the underside of the vehicle and to the bumper attachment extensions at the opposite end. The straps are shaped to conform to the shape of a spare tire. The step is hinged to the extensions and releasably held closed by hand operated knob bolts, which extend through holes in each side of the step into corresponding threaded holes, e.g., nuts welded on to the extensions. The tire securing mechanism has an arcuate shape with a reverse hook at one end and a loop structure at the opposite end. The reverse hook fits in a hole in the wheel of the tire, the arcuate shape goes around the tire and the loop is locked to a chain which is affixed to the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Bernie Carter
  • Patent number: 4896910
    Abstract: A step bumper having a hinged door as the step, such door being of sufficient width and height to accommodate a spare tire. Two attachment extensions are provided for securing the bumper to the main frame members of the vehicle. Support mechanism are provided in the form of two steel straps attachable by one end to a cross member on the underside of the vehicle and to the bumper attachment extensions at the opposite end. The straps are shaped to conform to the shape of a spare tire. The step is hinged to the extensions and releasably held closed by hand operated knob bolts, which extend through holes in each side of the step into corresponding threaded holes, e.g., nuts welded on to the extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: Bernie R. Carter
  • Patent number: 4893856
    Abstract: A replacement bumper/trailer hitch assembly for replacing original equipment rear bumpers on pickup trucks, vans and like vehicles including a first structure (45) having a pair of support bars (47) and (48) adjustably secured at one end thereof to vehicle frame (40) and having an angle mounting plate (49) transversely attached to the spaced respective other ends thereof. A tapered flat extension plate (54) is welded to mounting plate (49). A plurality of openings (58-63) are provided in extension plate (54) and serve to attach a ball type trailer hitch, a license plate light and for receiving mounting screws (43) serving to attach a second structure comprising a vehicle bumper assembly (10) thereto. Bumper assembly (10) is provided with a rain drain channel (39) along substantially the rear length thereof adjacent vehicle (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Jackie L. Council
  • Patent number: 4674782
    Abstract: A storage bumper 10 having a compartment assembly 16 with a lid 12 pivotally mounted thereto. Compartment assembly 16 is constructed with upright walls 24 connected to or formed with bottom wall 42 and mounted to base plate 18. Lid 12 is constructed with a seal 26 and reinforcing flanges 20 attached to the underside. Additionally, lid 12 is formed with wings 38 on each longitudinal end to limit opening and catches 30 and 32 for engagement within releasable latches 34 and 36 mounted on wall 24. Recessed wall 44 is set back to allow attachment of accessories to base plate 18 and the mounting of a vehicle license plate. Elongate holes 50 are formed in base plate 18 and adaptor plate 54 providing adjustable mounting of storage bumper 10 to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventor: Robert A. Helber
  • Patent number: 4473334
    Abstract: A truck for towing disabled vehicles is provided with a cab controlled or a remote controlled vehicle lifting assembly including pairs of claws which will automatically engage a pair of the wheels of a vehicle and enable the vehicle to be lifted and towed, the vehicle being carried on its own suspension system during towing. The assembly includes a crane mounted and arranged so that the load thereon is carried forward of the rear axle of the tow truck--this increases the tow capacity of the truck and provides stable operation of the crane. The claw assembly may be locked by a ratchet and strap arrangement which retains the vehicle wheels in the assembly in their forward position and prevents release due to jolts and bouncing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Inventor: Andrew M. Brown
  • Patent number: 4324427
    Abstract: An automobile bumper has a flexible adiabatic device and buffer springs therein. The adiabatic device may be partially drawn out of the bumper to cover the top surface of the automobile body so as to prevent the sun from shining directly on the automobile when the automobile is parked in an open-air place, and may act as a shock-absorbing device when impact blows are received in the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Inventors: Vincent P. W. Huang, Laurence P. Y. Huang
  • Patent number: 4215496
    Abstract: A front bumper for a two- or four-wheel drive utility vehicle permits simultaneous mounting of a power winch and snow removal blade assembly, such that both the winch and snow blade can be used, and remain attached to the vehicle at the same time. The snow removal blade includes a riser portion providing additional clearance between the blade mounting portion of the front bumper and ground beneath the vehicle when the snow removal blade assembly is removed from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Inventor: Thomas L. Wehr