Flexible Or Sectional Patents (Class 280/152.3)
  • Patent number: 11420699
    Abstract: Frontal splashguard member assemblies and related methods. In some embodiments, one or more splashguard members may be coupled to a frontal portion of a bicycle frame, such as a down tube, by way of one or more splashguard retention members and a plurality of fasteners, which fasteners may extend through openings formed in the one or more splashguard members and around the splashguard retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Taiyo Christian Weber, Kosei Paul Weber
  • Patent number: 10913382
    Abstract: A trailer mounted protection device (10) for protecting a vehicle (20) positioned on the trailer (18) from debris, the device including a first frame-enclosed panel (13A) and a second frame-enclosed panel (13B), each panel connected to the trailer (18), a first connecting assembly (40, 49A, 49B) for connecting a leading side (26A, 26B) of the frame (12A, 12B) of each panel (13A, 13B) to a forward part of the trailer (18), a second connecting assembly (71) for connecting a trailing side (28A, 28B) of the frame (12A, 12B) of each panel (13A, 13B) to a rearward part of the trailer (18), wherein at least one of the connecting assemblies is adjustable to enable connection of the device (10) to differently sized or differently shaped trailers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: JGC COMPONENTS PTY., LTD.
    Inventor: Scott Colin Howell
  • Patent number: 9663175
    Abstract: A front fender structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle, capable of preventing water, mud or the like from adhering to an engine, a radiator or the like while efficiently cooling the engine, the radiator or the like by using traveling air. A front fender is supported by a front fork in such a manner that a front end of a backward fender is positioned higher than a front end of a forward fender in a side view, and is formed with ventilating holes 88 allowing traveling air to pass through and provided behind the forward fender and above the backward fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyosuke Kitayama, Hirotsugu Ueno
  • Patent number: 9663176
    Abstract: A strut fixing device includes a base plate having a bottom plate portion, a fixing hook, and a coupling frame. The fixing hook has a connecting portion connected to the bottom plate portion, a curved bending portion extending from the connecting portion, defining an opening, and being resiliently deformable, an abutting portion formed at an end of the portion that is distal from the connecting portion, and a stop portion. The abutting portion abuts against the stop portion when the abutting portion is deformed to close the opening, thereby securing a strut to the bending portion. The coupling frame is disposed on the bottom plate portion of the base plate and is adapted to engage an engaging hole of a mudguard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Sunny Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 9233727
    Abstract: In a saddle-type vehicle, a first mudguard member is made from resin, and a second mudguard member, made from resin, is a separate component from the first mudguard member. The second mudguard member is attached to the first mudguard member below the first mudguard member. A head of a bolt is sandwiched between the first mudguard member and the second mudguard member. A male screw of the bolt protrudes upward from the first mudguard member. A plurality of nuts, each mutually separate components, include a locking mechanism. The plurality of nuts are tightened onto the male screws of the bolts above an attaching portion to secure a mudguard unit to the attaching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsutoshi Imamura
  • Patent number: 9102363
    Abstract: Dynamic vehicle mudguards are provided. A dynamic vehicle mudguard for attachment to a vehicle includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge portion. The hinge portion is coupled to the first portion, and the second portion is coupled to the hinge portion and separated from the first portion. When the dynamic vehicle mudguard is installed on the vehicle, the second portion is pivotable relative to the first portion about a pivot axis from a default position to an aerodynamic position, wherein the pivot axis extends vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron W. J. Atkinson, Kevin Nevaux
  • Patent number: 9004513
    Abstract: A fender system for a bicycle has a first base member, a second base member, a fender, and at least one return member. The first base member is secured relative to the bicycle. The second base member is rotatably supported by the first base member. The fender is secured to the second base member. The at least one return member biases the second base member into an initial position relative to the first base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan Richard Schacht
  • Patent number: 9004514
    Abstract: A retractable bicycle fender has a bistable Spring strip with an elastomeric grommet at the end. A hole goes through the grommet and the Spring strip to allow mounting on a bicycle seat post. Plastic wings coat the edges of the Spring strip to increase the width of the fender and reduce the noise and rate of recoil. The bicycle fender can be manually extended in wet weather and recoiled in dry weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Plume, LLC
    Inventors: William Daniel McMahon, Patrick Alexander Laing
  • Patent number: 8931791
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a rear fender configured for strength and rigidity when the rear fender is lifted upwardly, while minimizing mass thereof. The motorcycle includes main frame sections extending rearwardly from a head pipe, left and right pivot plates attached to rear ends of the main frame sections and extending downwardly, and a swing arm, having a front end supported on the pivot plates to be swingably movable thereon, and a rear end configured to support a rear wheel. The motorcycle also includes left and right seat rails for supporting a seat thereon, left and right reinforcing rods extending between the seat rails and the pivot plates, and a rear fender mounted on the seat rails above the rear wheel. The rear fender includes projecting portions supported at front end portions thereof by front mounting flanges, the projecting portions projecting forwardly and contacting the seat rails from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsushima, Yusuke Inoue
  • Patent number: 8490997
    Abstract: A supporter fastening to a hub axle of bicycle for supporting a fender or light is disclosed. The supporter includes a mount, two clipping pieces, a bolt and a connecting rod. The mount has a fixing hole for being penetrated by the hub axle and a first long hole for being penetrated by a screw to fasten to a rear fork end of the bicycle. The two clipping pieces are separately located on two opposite sides of the mount. The bolt is formed with a ring and a threaded rod. The bolt penetrates through the clipping pieces and the mount to fasten. One end of the connecting rod penetrates through and is fastened in the ring. The connecting rod is capable of being rotated at a desired angle by axially rotating the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Hai-Huan Chiang
  • Patent number: 8317212
    Abstract: To provide a motorcycle having a rear fender that effectively prevents a rear wheel, for example, from splashing mud and may support a light stably in accordance with various embodiments. For example, a motorcycle is disclosed for an embodiment having a rear fender that covers a rear wheel, and lights supported by the rear fender. The rear fender includes a support portion that supports the lights, and a lower mudguard extending downward from the support portion, and a dented portion is formed on a surface thereof between the support portion and the lower mudguard to extend to one edge of the rear fender in a motorcycle width direction from the other edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuuta Kobayashi, Tetsuya Hanai
  • Patent number: 8246062
    Abstract: A fast displaceable bicycle fender plate structure includes at least a hitch and a fender plate. The hitch has a body and a coupler formed on the body to fasten a fender to a bicycle frame. The hitch further has a plate fastener which has at least one first fastening element located thereon. The fender plate has at least one second fastening element corresponding and fastenable to the first fastening element so that the fender plate can be quickly installed or removed by users without using any tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sunnywheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8172246
    Abstract: A fender mounting system that is particularly applicable to bicycles and that includes one or more adjustable strap assemblies that connect the fender to the bicycle. The strap assemblies include a first portion that is individually securable to the fender and a second portion that is individually securable to the underlying bicycle. A clamp assembly cooperates with the respective portions of the strap assembly so that the portions of the strap assembly bypass one another when the clamp assembly is loose to allow positioning of the fender relative to the wheel while the fender assembly is attached, albeit loosely, to the bicycle. Tightening of the clamp assembly fixes the position of the fender relative to an adjacent wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Bybee
  • Patent number: 8132824
    Abstract: A bicycle having a wheel (e.g., a rear wheel) and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector resiliently engages the stay and comprises a body member including a resilient material adapted to resiliently engage the stay, and a guard member positioned on (e.g., protruding beyond) an outer surface of the body member (e.g., on a top portion and/or bottom portion of the body member). Preferably, the stay includes a molded image on a central portion that is not covered by the guard member. In one embodiment, the guard member comprises a material that has a different hardness than the resilient material of the body member. For example, the guard member can comprise a material that is harder than the resilient material of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, F. Robert Egger
  • Patent number: 8091911
    Abstract: A double wing bicycle fender is mounted on a frame pipe of a bicycle. When in use, a fender main body of the roll-up bicycle fender can be pulled out into an operative position at both sides of the shaft to increase the effective width of the fender for blocking the splashing of mud, water and road debris, and can also be rolled up on the shaft and collected in a holding body, thus it not only saves space but is aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sunny Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chong-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 7997601
    Abstract: A roll-up bicycle fender is mounted on a frame pipe of a bicycle. A fender main body of the roll-up bicycle fender can be pulled out into an operative position to act as a fender to protect rider from dust, mud and road debris when in use, and can also be rolled up into a cylinder member when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sunny Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chong-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 7810828
    Abstract: A splash shield for an automobile which is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle panel of the automobile, wherein the splash shield is adapted to be conform to the vehicle panel and to cover a tire, the splash shield comprises: at least two divided portions which are arranged in a front-rear direction of the automobile; a hinge which pivotably connects the divided portions to each other; at least two vertical walls which are formed on edges of the at least two divided portions and extend in a direction that is away from a rotation center of the tire, wherein two vertical walls from among the at least two vertical walls are formed on the edges of two divided portions from among the at least two divided portions, respectively, the two divided portions being adjacent to each other, and wherein the two vertical walls are arranged adjacent to each other on both sides of a gap that is located at a position that corresponds to the hinge, respectively; and a shielding member for covering the gap, the shielding member be
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: Hayashi Telempu Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Sugiyama, Shigeki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7793963
    Abstract: A bicycle having a wheel and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector resiliently engages the stay. In one embodiment, the stay includes a tubular-shaped member having an exterior surface, and the stay protector is contoured to substantially match the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, F. Robert Egger
  • Patent number: 7766355
    Abstract: A motorcycle rear fender assembly includes a rear fender mounted on a vehicle frame structure above a vehicle rear wheel, which fender is divided, in a forward and rearward direction, into three components, including an anterior rear fender subassembly forming a front portion of the rear fender, an intermediate rear fender subassembly forming an intermediate portion of the rear fender, and a posterior rear fender subassembly forming a rear portion of the rear fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumio Ichihara
  • Publication number: 20100140896
    Abstract: A combination fender-seat cover for a dual-wheeled vehicle composed principally of a mount device, one or more cantilevered arms, and a convertible fender-seat cover device. Upon its attachment to a vehicle, the combination fender-seat cover is designed so that it has two primary operating positions: seat cover position and fender position. The invention's purpose is to protect the vehicle's driver and seat from inclement weather conditions. The method of position change from a first seat cover position to a second fender position or vice-versa is accomplished by a pivot or rotation, but can also be achieved by removal then reattachment, flexion, or translation. The combination fender-seat cover can have fixed or variable final and intermediate position options while converting from a first fender position to a second seat covering position. These position options can be achieved through various means such as pinning, snapping, bolting, and clamping into place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Patricia Ellen McHale
  • Patent number: 7625012
    Abstract: A fender fastenable to a bicycle bracing post includes at least a fender body and a fastening assembly. The fender body has a front section on which a concave portion, a slit and a holding space are formed. The slit can be opened elastically to allow a bicycle rear fork to be held in the holding space. The fastening means and the fender body can be coupled and adjusted to quickly install the fender on the bicycle bracing post. As a result more space is available to hold other bicycle accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sunnywheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7537243
    Abstract: A method of installing a mud flap onto a vehicle having a fender which has a contour, so that the mud flap is in a predetermined position. A mud flap installation kit is used. This kit has a mud flap that defines a set of at least three apertures positioned along a curve that parallels the fender contour and a set of flat clips equal in number to the apertures, each flat clip having a bolt and a leaf, defining a leaf aperture. Each flat clip bolt is threaded through a mud flap aperture and a leaf aperture. Then the mud flap is aligned so that each of the apertures is a predetermined distance from the fender, thereby placing the mud flap in the predetermined position. Finally, the flat clips are used to clamp the mud flap to the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: William Dennis Perry
  • Patent number: 7520534
    Abstract: A fender mountable to a vehicle having a wheel. The fender includes a mounting bracket mountable to the vehicle, a suspension component mechanically coupled to the mounting bracket and a shield component mechanically coupled to the suspension component so as to be positionable substantially adjacent the wheel. The suspension component includes a deformable portion extending between the mounting bracket and the shield component. Upon a biasing force being exerted onto the shield component, the biasing force deforms the deformable portion so as to move the shield component relatively to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Gérard Longchamp
  • Publication number: 20090008893
    Abstract: A rear fender of a motorcycle includes a hollow stay portion which extends in the vehicle rearward and downward direction from a base portion thereof arranged in the inside of a rear portion of a seat rail, the stay portion is configured to be dividable, and lines for electric components are encased in a hollow portion of the stay portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Ishikawa, Gen Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7461853
    Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7431316
    Abstract: An inflatable mudguard set includes an inflatable mudguard, an elastic coil and a connector. The elastic coil is connected to the inflatable mudguard. The elastic coil automatically rolls up the inflatable mudguard when the inflatable mudguard is flat. The connector is connected to or integrated with the inflatable mudguard. The connector can connect the inflatable mudguard to a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 7374007
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes front and rear wheels. A frame supports the front and rear wheels. A leg shield shields legs of a rider. A portion of the frame extends in front of the leg shield. The leg shield has a forward end and a rear end. The rear end is positioned generally at a height of the forward end. The leg shield has first and second portions and at least one third portion. The first portion generally extends upward and rearward from the forward end. The second portion generally extends downward and rearward from the forward end. The third portion generally extends upward from the second portion. The third portion defines a pocket at least together with the first or second portion. The third portion is positioned generally farther forward than the rear end or positioned adjacent to the rear end in the rear of the rear end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Hasegawa, Toshihiko Konno
  • Patent number: 7331593
    Abstract: To provide a rear wheel fender structure for motorcycles, which can be molded with a simplified and inexpensive mold assembly even where the rear wheel finder is so designed and so structured as to permit component parts to be fitted thereto and as to block the splashing of water and/or mud, the rear wheel fender structure 27 is positioned above the motorcycle rear wheel 14 and includes an upper fender 39 and a lower fender 40 secured to a bottom region of the upper fender 39. An adiabatic space 99 is preferably formed between the upper fender 39 and the lower fender 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Okabe, Hideo Beppu, Yukinori Fujimoto, Katsuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 7097208
    Abstract: A splash guard for vehicles and for other applications. The splash guard has a splash guard body having a plurality of attachment holes extending therethrough, and a reinforcing structure, at least in the vicinity of the attachment holes for resisting tearing or cracking of the splash guard. The reinforcing structure includes one or both of thickened portions through which the attachment holes extend, and a reinforcing scrim embedded in the splash guard body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Maurer, Donald P. Katz
  • Patent number: 7073807
    Abstract: A suspension fork assembly is mounted to the front part of a bicycle frame and includes a fork column, a fork shoulder unit, a pair of suspension assemblies, a connector and a lamp mounting unit. The fork column is rotatably mounted to the front part of the frame. The fork shoulder unit is secured at the center thereof to the bottom end of the fork column and extends laterally there from in either direction. Each suspension assembly is secured to a respective end of the fork shoulder unit. The shaft of the front wheel is mounted to the bottom ends of the suspension assemblies. The connector has an arch-like configuration and connects and reinforces the suspension assemblies while avoiding contact with the front wheel. The lamp mounting unit is disposed on a top surface of the connector and a front lamp can be mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takuji Masui
  • Patent number: 7066493
    Abstract: A mud flap is provided for a vehicle which comprises a panel member of rubber having a top mounting end for securement within the wheel well of a vehicle, a bottom free end having a metallic accent plate supported thereon and respective inner and outer sides extending between the ends of the panel member. A recessed portion in the panel member received the accent plate therein and includes a peripheral lip to overlap the peripheral edges of the accent plate. The use of a peripheral lip which overlaps a peripheral edge of the accent plate prevents separation of the plate from the panel member when the panel member is deformed by wind and debris in use. Accordingly dirt and debris are not permitted to be lodged between the plate and the panel member, thus preventing deformation and an unattractive appearance to the mud flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Cloud-Rider Designs
    Inventor: Joseph Cicansky
  • Patent number: 6938929
    Abstract: A mud flap is provided for a vehicle which comprises a panel member of rubber having a top mounting end for securement within the wheel well of a vehicle, a bottom free end having a metallic accent plate supported thereon and respective inner and outer sides extending between the ends of the panel member. A recessed portion in the panel member received the accent plate therein and includes a peripheral lip to overlap the peripheral edges of the accent plate. The use of a peripheral lip which overlaps a peripheral edge of the accent plate prevents separation of the plate from the panel member when the panel member is deformed by wind and debris in use. Accordingly dirt and debris are not permitted to be lodged between the plate and the panel member, thus preventing deformation and an unattractive appearance to the mud flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Cloud-Rider Designs
    Inventor: Joseph Cicansky
  • Patent number: 6913274
    Abstract: A fender structure for bicycles and particularly a fender structure installable by users and adaptable to various sizes of the bicycles according to users' requirements includes at least a front connecting plate located at the front end of a fender, a rear connecting plate located at the rear end of the fender, and at least one interconnecting plate located between the front connecting plate and the rear connecting plate. The connecting plates have respectively a front coupling section and a rear coupling section engageable with each other. Users may assemble and adjust the fender in various shapes, lengths, colors and angles according to their requirements. It may be retracted, assembled and detached easily, and has a great versatility and applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sunnywheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6827372
    Abstract: A mud flap assembly includes a vehicle attachment bracket and an elongated support member of integral construction from which a mud flap depends extending outwardly from the attachment bracket. The elongated support member is inflexible in up and down directions and flexible in forward and rearward directions. The support member is positioned in a channel formed in the mud flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Betts Spring Company
    Inventors: Graylin Patrick Barr, William Michael Betts, III, William Michael Betts, IV, Gordon Ray Glenn
  • Publication number: 20040227323
    Abstract: A fender structure for bicycles and particularly a fender structure installable by users and adaptable to various sizes of the bicycles according to users' requirements includes at least a front connecting plate located at the front end of a fender, a rear connecting plate located at the rear end of the fender, and at least one interconnecting plate located between the front connecting plate and the rear connecting plate. The connecting plates have respectively a front coupling section and a rear coupling section engageable with each other. Users may assemble and adjust the fender in various shapes, lengths, colors and angles according to their requirements. It may be retracted, assembled and detached easily, and has a great versatility and applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Sunnywheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6729652
    Abstract: A mud flap is provided for a vehicle which comprises a panel member of rubber having a top mounting end for securement within the wheel well of a vehicle, a bottom free end having a metallic accent plate supported thereon and respective inner and outer sides extending between the ends of the panel member. Means are provided to protect the metallic accent plate from being dented by rocks thrown onto the mud flap from between a pair of dual wheels for which the mud flap is intended to be used. In one embodiment, stiffener members are provided to prevent denting of an accent plate which extends fully across the panel member. In another embodiment, the accent plate is protected from denting by providing a flexible central portion in the mud flap in alignment with the mating surfaces of the dual wheels to allow the mud flap and accent plates supported thereon to return to an unflexed and unbent position after a rock has been thrown against the mud flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Cloud-Rider Designs
    Inventor: Joseph Cicansky
  • Patent number: 6695330
    Abstract: A rear fender 1 is disposed in the periphery of a rear wheel. A rear fender front half 2 is connected to a rear fender rear half 3 in which a seat tail cowl portion 3A and a fender tail portion 3B are formed as an integral body. A tail light serving also as a brake light, a license plate illuminating light for illuminating a license plate mounting portion and a license plate 5, and a pair of direction indicating lights 6 are mounted on a rear wheel rear fender constituted by the rear fender rear half 3, thereby forming the rear wheel rear fender as a unit. The tail light is mounted on the rear wheel rear fender through a tail light bracket. The stay portions of the tail light bracket and seat tail cowl portion 3A are fastened and fixed to each other by bolts which are disposed in the base portions of the direction indicating lights 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Hata
  • Patent number: 6659483
    Abstract: A telescoping bicycle fender for use on the rear wheel of a bicycle can be easily and quickly mounted and removed. The fender has three sliding sections which can be telescoped between a compact position in which the sections are nested together and an extended position in which the sections are telescoped out to extend around a substantial part of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Simon Blythe
  • Patent number: 6634664
    Abstract: A multi-purpose mounting member for a bicycle fork, especially a front suspension fork, is provided. The multi-purpose mounting member has a rigid front support portion, a rear support portion and a recessed portion that connects the front and rear portions together. The recessed portion forms a mounting space that is sized to receive the inner side surfaces of the forks and the ridge of the fork. Preferably, the multi-purpose mounting member is designed to provide a smooth contoured connection with the front fork. In other words, the mounting space of the multipurpose mounting member is shaped and arranged to provide a very attractive integrated appearance. The front and rear portions are preferably provided with fenders that are adjustable in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the front support portion is also designed to receive other accessory components, such as an electrical control box, a lamp or a carrier. In other embodiments, the multi-purpose mounting member can be constructed of several pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masao Kojima
  • Patent number: 6616188
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for guarding a cargo on a trailer without a peripheral sidewall against rock damage. The method involves tensioning a sheet of flexible non-supporting material to form a protective shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Jefferies, Colin McCaffrey
  • Publication number: 20030155736
    Abstract: A novel, single piece, self-attaching, self-supporting rear splash-guard (fender), for bicycles comprised of a flat sheet (in finished form) of resilient material of distinct design. Utilizing the ability to manually distort, and maintain a degree of distortion to the said splash-guard, through confinement by the present bicycle saddle or saddle support system of so designed fender as means to achieve attachment of fender to the bicycle, the three-dimensional quality and contours of the fender, and sufficient degree of rigidity for operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Calvin Dean Ludvigsen
  • Publication number: 20030116937
    Abstract: A telescoping bicycle fender for use on the rear wheel of a bicycle can be easily and quickly mounted and removed. The fender has three sliding sections which can be telescoped between a compact position in which the sections are nested together and an extended position in which the sections are telescoped out to extend around a substantial part of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Simon Blythe
  • Patent number: 6446994
    Abstract: A lightweight, easily removable, full length bicycle fender system designed to accommodate the tight clearances between the front and rear tires and the fork, frame, and brakes tire of modern racing-style bicycles. The front and rear fenders mount to the bicycles by means of hook and loop fastening straps and single support stays that are secured between the wheel quick release and the fork and frame dropouts. One embodiment is a sectional fender that can be disassembled and carried in a bag that attached to the bicycle frame or below the saddle. An optional tensioning means provides additional stability for the fenders and helps to ensure a tight connection of the sections of the sectional fender embodiment. The fender system includes optional front and rear mudflaps that provide front wheel spray protection for the cyclist and rear wheel spray protection for following riders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest Thomas Smerdon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6435533
    Abstract: A bicycle front mudguard includes a first mudguard section and a second mudguard section. A mounting member includes a first end to which the first mudguard section is attached and a second end to which the second mudguard section is attached. An attachment device is provided for attaching the mounting member to a bicycle head tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 6367832
    Abstract: A retractable bike fender and housing are provided. The bike fender resides in the housing while it is in its retracted position and depends from the housing when it is in its extended position. The bike fender includes an integral light at the distal end. The light is powered by a battery and may flash. Elements of the fender may be coated with a reflective material which may be illuminated by the integral light as well as other light sources. The housing is designed to mounted about the seat stem to provide a barrier against water and debris being flung against the rider by the rear wheel. The housing may also be mounted about the handlebar stem to provide a barrier against water and debris being flung against the rider by the front wheel. The fender housing has an opening which permits the elongated fender to be extended and retracted from the housing. A hand operated drum within the housing may be rotated manually by grip hubs which extend through both sides of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Tim Vogel
  • Patent number: 6331011
    Abstract: Wheel guard for a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a device for detachably fastening the wheel guard proximate to the fork of the two-wheeled vehicle, in which the fastening device has at least one expansion element (10) that can be inserted into a tubular part (11) of the fork and clamped in place there, and at least one sliding element (12) that can be joined with the expansion element, wherein the sliding element can be inserted into a groove (13) or rail on the wheel guard (14), and detachably fixed in an end position. The object of this invention is to create a wheel guard for a two-wheeled vehicle with a device for detachably fastening the wheel guard proximate to the fork of the two-wheeled vehicle, in which the wheel guard can be disassembled or assembled easily without a tool, wherein the wheel guard fastening device is also suitable for two-wheeled vehicles with spring-mounted front wheel forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: SKS metaplast Scheffer-Klute GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Feldmann, Oliver Wahl
  • Patent number: 6199883
    Abstract: An articulated rear fender for a bicycle includes a clamp releasably mountable to a seat post and a fender body mounted to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jack C. Gable