Securing Device Patents (Class 280/154)
  • 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: 7810829
    Abstract: A fender assembly comprising a fender and an adjustable bracket assembly that is adapted to adjustably mount the fender to the vehicle. The bracket assembly includes an arm with a longitudinal axis offset from and a fastener for rotationally mounting the bracket to a vehicle frame through and adjustable link. A vibration decoupler is mounted between the arm and the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Timothy R. Hawes
  • Publication number: 20100253034
    Abstract: A quick swap fender includes an intermediate mounting structure having securing features that are configured to secure the intermediate mounting structure to a body panel. The intermediate mounting structure includes a first locating feature. A detachable fender includes a second locating feature that is configured to cooperate with the first locating feature in an installed position. The first and second locating features retain the detachable fender relative to the intermediate mounting structure in a desired position, which may correspond to a typical fender “street use” position. A fastening device removably secures the detachable fender relative to the intermediate mounting structure in the installed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: David Crismon, Ken Lewis, Anthony Nethercott
  • Patent number: 7766356
    Abstract: The drilling of new holes into a vehicle fender fold is avoided by providing a mud flap with at least one rotating clamping member that clamps to the wheel well fender fold and, spaced from this clamping member, a tab which captures the end of a wheel well fender fold between itself and a general rear surface of the mud flap body. It is preferred that the tab be integrally molded with the mud flap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventor: David S. Iverson
  • Patent number: 7717467
    Abstract: The drilling of new holes into a vehicle fender fold is avoided by providing a mud flap with a sliding clamping member. When an attachment bolt is slid in a slot formed in the polymeric mud flap body, the sliding clamping member slides with it from a disengaged position to a second position behind the fender fold. A wall integrally formed in the mud flap body prevents rotation of the clamping member as the attachment bolt is rotated, drawing the clamping member forwardly on the threads of the attachment bolt to clamp the fender fold between the sliding clamping member and a stationary clamping member insert-molded into the mud flap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: David Iverson
  • Patent number: 7654574
    Abstract: A mud flap mounting system for connecting a mud flap to a mud flap mounting bracket of a vehicle includes a mud flap group and a mud flap mounting assembly for connecting one mud flap of the mud flap group to a vehicle mud flap mounting bracket. The mud flap group includes at least two mud flaps, each comprising a sheet of flexible material having a top edge and defining at least two mounting openings, each mounting opening including a bolt hole, a first slit and at least a second slit, said first slit being a severed portion of the sheet with virtually no loss of material and extending from the top edge to the corresponding bolt hole, and the at least a second slit extending outwardly from the bolt hole. The mud flap mounting assembly includes a pressure plate, a spring member, a bolt with a head and a shank with a distal end, and a tightening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Norman Anthony Haynes
  • Patent number: 7607698
    Abstract: A mud guard assembly for towing vehicle includes fixed channels spanning laterally across a rear end of the vehicle, supported in fixed relation on chassis mounts of the vehicle which support the rear bumper of the vehicle thereon. A slide channel is slidably received within each fixed channel for relative sliding movement therebetween in the lateral direction. Guard material is suspended from the slide channel to be arranged for catching debris thrown rearward from wheels of the vehicle. The guard material and the slide channel are arranged to be slidably removable together from the fixed channel while the fixed channel can remain secured to the vehicle at spaced positions along the vehicle to take advantage of both supporting the guard material along the full width of the vehicle in a stable manner while also permitting the guard material to be readily slidably removed from the vehicle when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Cloud - Rider Designs Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Cicansky
  • Publication number: 20090236814
    Abstract: A mud flap is provided with an integrally molded upstanding tab which captures a free edge of a wheel liner or similar wheel well-forming vehicle body element. The upstanding tab may be combined with OEM screw holes or clamping members to affix the mud flap to the vehicle wheel well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: David IVERSON
  • Patent number: 7578526
    Abstract: A removable mud flap includes a panel member having a curved top mounting edge, and a reinforced malleable engagement channel attached along the curved top mounting edge and adapted to frictionally engage a fender flange. The reinforced malleable engagement channel includes an interior U-shaped gripping surface defining a cavity, a plurality of opposed gripping lips protruding into the cavity, a plurality of gripping ribs protruding into said cavity, an exterior surface and an intermediate malleable U-shaped channel disposed between the interior U-shaped gripping surface and the exterior surface. The reinforced malleable engagement channel securely grips a fender flange without damaging the finish of the fender. The mud flap may be removed, without tools and without damaging the fender, by pulling it from the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7578527
    Abstract: The drilling of new holes into a vehicle fender fold is avoided by providing a mud flap with a rotating clamping member. A clamping arm of the rotating clamping member is rotated from a disengaged position to an engaged position behind the fender fold, and is then drawn forwardly on the threads of an attachment bolt to clamp the fender fold between the rotating clamping member and a stationary clamping member in-molded into the mud flap. A visual indicator may be provided to show whether the rotating clamping member is behind the vehicle fender fold to which the mud flap is to be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventors: David Iverson, David F. MacNeil
  • Publication number: 20090194967
    Abstract: A mud flap mounting assembly for vehicles providing an elongate laterally extending central support beam defining a medial channel slidably carrying similar elongate mud flap extensions extendible from each opposing end to positions laterally outward of the vehicles' rear tires. The central support beam is secured to a ball mount receiving box beam extending rearwardly from the vehicle by two medial spacedly adjacent depending fastening arms carrying two vertically spaced fasteners extending therethrough above and below the receiving box beam. A mud flap mounting arm carrying a depending mud flap is fastened to the laterally outer end portion of each mud flap extension. A collar carried at the inner end portion of each mud flap mounting arm and having a releasable fastener positionally secures and maintains the mud flap extension and mud flap mounting arm to the central support beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph A. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7537271
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Daniel Thomas Sellars, Matthew Alexander, Scott Daniel Batdorf
  • Patent number: 7530629
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Shinichi Karube, Stephen Hlopick
  • Patent number: 7527322
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Daniel Thomas Sellars, Matthew Alexander, Scott Daniel Batdorf
  • Patent number: 7527323
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael V. Peterson, Darin D. King, Stephen Hlopick, Shinichi Karube, Anthony M. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7510236
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Daniel Thomas Sellars, Anthony M. Schroeder, Nicholas Renner, Matthew Alexander, Michael V. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7481442
    Abstract: Mudguard support for self-propelled operating machinery mounted on wheels, comprising a first element (2) intended to be fixed on the hub (11) of a steered wheel of the machinery, and a second element (3) which is articulated to the preceding along a substantially vertical axis (4), and is set to support the mudguard of said wheel, where between said first (2) and second (3) elements a repositioning system is interposed adapted to constantly force the mentioned elements towards a neutral configuration wherein the mudguard is found in the normal covering position of the wheel, and where a counter means is foreseen adapted to hold said second element at the time of particularly sharp turns in the direction wherein the position plane of the wheel diverges from the axis of the machinery in the movement direction, a further counter means being foreseen adapted to hold said second element at the time of particularly sharp turns in the direction wherein the position plane of the wheel converges towards the axis of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Lodi Luigi e Figli S.r.l.
    Inventors: Enzo Lodi, Elios Lodi, Luigi Lodi
  • Patent number: 7475911
    Abstract: A splashguard for use in controlling tire splashes of a vehicle is disclosed. The splashguard includes a first plate that is attachable to a vehicle where the first plate has a top and bottom, and a second plate is attached to the bottom of the first plate. The splashguard includes an adjustably-spaced aperture and is configured so that when a surface being traveled on by the vehicle changes surface level, the second plate pivots relative to the first plate to adjust height of the splashguard. The splashguard may include a fastening mechanism that involves a strap and hanger arrangement. The splashguard may further include a removable portion configured to accommodate at least one vehicle component protruding from the rear side of the vehicle, such as a muffler or a trailer hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Roadmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Edwards
  • Patent number: 7469929
    Abstract: A device for attaching a fender to a vehicle comprises an elongated member and a fender fixation member. The elongated member has a proximal end and a distal portion, and the proximal end is configured to be attached to the vehicle. The fender fixation member is mounted to the distal portion of the elongated member, and the position of this fender fixation member is adjustable relative to the distal portion. The fender fixation member comprises a bracket for fixation to the fender of the vehicle, and a distance adjustment mechanism interposed between the distal portion of the elongated member and the fender fixation member. The bracket is also adjustable relative to a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Produits Metchro Inc.
    Inventor: Réjean Viens
  • Publication number: 20080277895
    Abstract: A mud guard assembly for towing vehicle includes fixed channels spanning laterally across a rear end of the vehicle, supported in fixed relation on chassis mounts of the vehicle which support the rear bumper of the vehicle thereon. A slide channel is slidably received within each fixed channel for relative sliding movement therebetween in the lateral direction. Guard material is suspended from the slide channel to be arranged for catching debris thrown rearward from wheels of the vehicle. The guard material and the slide channel are arranged to be slidably removable together from the fixed channel while the fixed channel can remain secured to the vehicle at spaced positions along the vehicle to take advantage of both supporting the guard material along the full width of the vehicle in a stable manner while also permitting the guard material to be readily slidably removed from the vehicle when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Cicansky
  • Publication number: 20080203695
    Abstract: A ladder rack to carry a ladder on a pick-up truck having a front and rear rack mounting openings in a top portion of the side wall of the bed box, comprising: a front and a rear ladder support each having, i) an upright insertion portion sized to be closely received within one of the mounting openings in the pick-up truck; ii) a lateral offset portion carried by, and extending inwardly from a top portion of the upright insertion portion; iii) a mast portion carried by an inner end portion of the lateral offset portion; iv) a lateral ladder carrying portion extending laterally from an upper portion of the mast; v) longitudinal movement prevention means to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder when it is supported on the lateral carrying portions; and, vi) a swinging arm extending from above to below the ladder to limit lateral ladder movement, when a central portion of the swinging arm is maintained in an upright position adjacent to the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: William Clinton Bell
  • Publication number: 20080191444
    Abstract: A motorcycle rear wheel trim assembly, for mounting relative to a motorcycle rear wheel assembly, comprises a trim piece having an upper edge and a curved lower edge. A first mounting bracket is connected to the trim piece at a first end of the trim piece, and a second mounting bracket is attached to a second end of the trim piece. The first mounting bracket is configured to be connected to a first location on a first stationary structural member of a motorcycle adjacent to a rear wheel assembly of the motorcycle. The second mounting bracket is configured to be connected to a second location on a second stationary structural member of the motorcycle adjacent to the rear wheel assembly of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Alwin J. Stahel, Brian K. Stahel
  • Publication number: 20080185808
    Abstract: A mudflap assembly comprising a bracket for connection to a vehicle and a swiveling support is claimed. A mudflap hanger arm rotatably couples with the bracket via a hinged pin joint. A ramping sleeve is coupled to the pin between the hanger arm and bracket on one end, and a spring installed on the other end provides compressive force against the hanger arm when it travels up the ramping sleeve in response to a horizontal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Fontaine Spray Suppression Company
    Inventors: David Archer, David M. Oberholtzer, Michael Pritchett
  • Publication number: 20080185810
    Abstract: A mudflap assembly comprising a bracket for connection to a vehicle and a hanger extended therefrom. A mudflap is connected to one end of the hanger, while the bracket rotatable receives the other end and maintains the hanger in an initial resting position until the hanger is acted upon by a sufficient horizontal force. A bulge or detent on the bracket resists horizontal movement of the hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: David Archer, John W. Howard, Douglas L. Henson, Larry D. Birch
  • Publication number: 20080185809
    Abstract: A mudflap retainer comprising two halves wherein each half has protrusions to extend through the standard hole placements of the mudflap. The halves are mated together through the mudflap creating a wedge at the top of the mudflap. The mudflap can then be inserted through a slot in a mudflap hanger assembly wherein the wedge created by the retainer couples with the mudflap hanger assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Fontaine Spray Suppression Company
    Inventors: David Archer, David M. Oberholtzer, Michael Pritchett
  • Patent number: 7407194
    Abstract: A mud flap system for vehicles is provided with first and second mounting arms that releasably engage side portions of a tow assembly. First and second support arms depend from the first and second mounting arms and support one or more mud flaps so that the mud flaps are positioned behind the rearward wheels of the vehicles and substantially across the space between the rearward wheels. A leash or brace are provided for structural stability and to secure the system with the tow assembly. A central mud flap may be provided in horizontal or vertical configurations according to the desired flow of matter beneath the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Steve Alley
  • Patent number: 7384071
    Abstract: A fender assembly for a heavy-duty vehicle comprises a fender and clamping members having reciprocal mating elements for adjustably and removably coupling the clamping members and the fender. The clamping members are clamped to inner and outer edges of the fender and are adapted to receive and removably secure a mounting arm that extends from the vehicle. The position of the fender relative to the vehicle can be adjusted by repositioning the clamping members along the inner and outer edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew Hartmann, Wesley K. Eklund
  • Publication number: 20080029989
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly includes a fender, an arm, and a quick attach coupler. The quick attach coupler interconnects one end of the arm with the fender or frame. An opposite end of the arm is rigidly connected with the other of the fender or frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Griffiths
  • Patent number: 7226086
    Abstract: A mud flap mounting system for connection to a mud flap mounting bracket of a vehicle that allows release and reinstallation of mud flap when it is pinched between a rotating tire and an obstruction. The system includes a flexible sheet of mud flap material with a top edge defining at least two mounting boles with both mounting holes to include a bolt hole and either a slot or a first slit extending from the top edge and to its corresponding bolt hole, at least a second slit may be used in conjunction with sheet having a first slit. The second slit or plurality of second slits extend from the bolt hole, parallel to, or away from the top edge of the mud flap material. The threaded distal end of a bolt extends through the mounting hole in the sheet and extends through a bracket hole in the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Norman Anthony Haynes
  • Patent number: 7222884
    Abstract: A mudguard for a wheel of an agricultural vehicle comprises two or more radially stacked parts and that are movable relative to one another in the axial direction of the wheel and lockable in different relative axial positions to form a mudguard of adjustable width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jim Callan, Vince Ellis, Allan Smee
  • Patent number: 7213843
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention comprises a splashguard for use in controlling tire splashes of a vehicle. The splashguard comprises a main plate that is attachable to a vehicle. The main plate has a top and bottom. An insert is attached to the bottom of the main plate. The insert is adapted to protect the plate from abrasion and wear. A hanger is mounted to the top of the first plate. The splashguard further comprises a method of creating a splashguard that comprises providing a hanger and molding a plate around a portion of the hanger. An insert is attached to the plate. The insert and the plate form a splashguard assembly that is attached to the vehicle through the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7114749
    Abstract: A splash guard assembly for an over the highway vehicle and a kit for making the assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a contoured splash guard and an intermediate mounting element for positioning between the splash guard and a vehicle side panel. The guard and the element are complementally contoured to fit together. The element is also contoured to fit a specific vehicle panel adjacent a wheel well of a vehicle having such panel. When assembled the element and panel are interconnected to enable mounting of the guard. Fasteners securing the element and guard together and the element to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas K. Ward
  • 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: 7086691
    Abstract: A movable fender for a vehicle. The fender body is movable between at least first and second positions relative to the vehicle, and is removable so as to be readily installed, removed, and replaced. The fender body may be engaged with the vehicle via a mounting assembly. The fender body may be disposed at the first and second positions with either of a unique first and second mounting assemblies, with either of a first and a second mounting assembly having some common components, with a fully common mounting assembly, or with both first and second mounting assemblies simultaneously arranged on the fender bodies. The mounting assembly may include a bracket disposed between the vehicle and the fender body, and may include connectors for connecting the fender body in place. The mounting assembly may engage a first mounting location on the vehicle to dispose the fender body at the first position, and a second mounting location on the vehicle to dispose the fender body at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Kennedy, Timothy Benedict, Neil T. Amundsen
  • Patent number: 7073804
    Abstract: A fender assembly comprising a fender and an adjustable bracket assembly that is adapted to adjustably mount the fender to the vehicle. The bracket assembly includes an arm with a longitudinal axis offset from and a fastener for rotationally mounting the bracket to a vehicle frame through and adjustable link. A vibration decoupler is mounted between the arm and the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Timothy R. Hawes
  • 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: 7040662
    Abstract: A mud flap holder assembly includes a mud flap support clip bifurcated at one of the ends thereof to define an open ended variable width slot. The mud flap is held in position by a bolt positioned in the slot with portions of the support clip defining the slot forming a detent frictionally releasably engaging the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Betts Spring Company
    Inventors: Graylin Patrick Barr, William Michael Betts, IV, William Michael Betts, V, Stanley H. Day
  • Patent number: 7021665
    Abstract: A box for handling materials with a vehicle and a mud flap lifter apparatus positioned in it includes a box, generally indicated at having front and rear corners and front, rear and side walls, and a sleeve extending between the top and bottom of the adjacent side-walls. At least one mud flap is secured under the rear wall of the box frame and at least one lifting unit connected with the mud flap. The lifting unit extends vertically within the sleeve and is connected to the mud flap for raising and lowering the mud flap. In one of several alternative embodiments, a solenoid valve is added to convert electric power to activate the air delivery to outward and inward pressure airlines and to distribute the air supply between the outward and inward pressure airlines, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Brian J. Keller
  • Patent number: 7014211
    Abstract: A bracket and mud flap assembly for vehicles and heavy equipment with a generally planar rectangular backing, a perpendicular flange attached to and extending across the top edge of the generally planar rectangular backing and a bracket that is below the area of the top edge and having two ends, the bracket being triangular in cross-section and being raised on each end of the bracket forming a slot across the generally planar rectangular backing and the bracket. The generally planar and rectangular mud-flap itself has a raised triangle-shaped protrusion running across its width and can be pulled between and through the front facing of the generally planar and rectangular backing and the bracket until the raised triangle-shaped protrusion is received in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel R. Ogles, Patti M. Ogles
  • Patent number: 6994376
    Abstract: A quick release mud flap apparatus includes a flexible panel having a bottom end and a top end. A rigid bracket is attached to and extends along a length of the top end. Each of a plurality of clamps is attached to the bracket and extends upwardly away therefrom. The clamps each include an actuator for selectively opening or closing the clamps. Each of the clamps are closed when the actuators are in a downward position located generally adjacent to the bracket and open when the actuators are spaced away from the brackets. The clamps are each selectively coupled to a floor rail such that the panel functions as a mud flap. A locking assembly selectively locks the actuators in the downward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Anthony G. Deering, Crystal J. Narciso-Deering
  • Patent number: 6955369
    Abstract: A trailer protection system is disclosed that includes a support assembly for being supported on the tow hitch assembly of a vehicle and a flexible deflection structure that extends downwardly from the support assembly. A reinforcing element comprises a first portion extending transverse to and rearwardly of the deflection structure, and second and third portions extending rearwardly and downwardly from the support assembly to the first portion through a plane defined by the deflection structure in a skewed relationship to the plane. A mounting assembly may comprise a clamp plate defining an aperture for receiving the tow hitch assembly with a slot being formed in the clamp plate, and a constriction structure for selectively reducing a size of an inner perimeter of the aperture of the clamp plate to thereby clamp the clamp plate on the portion of the tow hitch assembly. A mounting track may slidably receive a portion of the deflection structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel R. Schiebout, Phillip C. Schiebout
  • Patent number: 6953205
    Abstract: A multilayer molded element (1) is molded to an appropriate shape which conforms to an underside of floor areas or wheel housings of a vehicle. The multilayer structure includes a non-woven, resilient layer (3) which functions as a shock absorber and spring to absorb impact and damp noise. The resilient layer is disposed between cover layers (4, 5). Optionally, fabric layers (6, 7) are bonded to outsides of the cover layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: CWW-Gerko Akustik GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Friest, Georg Eichhorn, Meinolf Seifert, Ralf Dopheide
  • Patent number: 6942252
    Abstract: A selectively attachable road debris flap/splash guard for vehicles which is secured to a component of the vehicle hitch apparatus and which does not acquire access to the entire perimeter of the component of the vehicle hitch apparatus to which it is attached. In one exemplary embodiment, a hanger rail receiver is secured to a component of the hitch apparatus and accommodates a hanger rail positioned therein. The hanger rail extends from the hanger rail receiver, with a debris flap secured to and depending therefrom. Alternative mechanisms are disclosed for securing the hanger rail receiver to the hitch apparatus, none of which require access to the entire perimeter of the hitch component to which the hanger rail receiver is secured. In an alternative embodiment, the hanger rail is directly secured to a component of the hitch apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Randy T. Buuck, Joseph Ruble
  • 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: 6913289
    Abstract: Structure for protecting landfill compactor machines against damage during operation is provided. In one aspect, deflector structure is provided for deflecting debris away from the cab of the machine. In another aspect, a rear bumper is provided for protecting the radiator and engine of the machine and for providing a catwalk for a worker to walk across the rear of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Robert John Brockway
  • Patent number: 6893048
    Abstract: A flexible fender mounting assembly supports a fender on a vehicle. The assembly includes a vibration isolator with a hollow housing fixed to the vehicle, a rod attached to the fender and the isolator. The isolator also has a hollow resilient member received in the housing. A rigid hollow tube is received by the resilient member and extends to an outer end spaced apart from the resilient member. The rod is received by the tube and is welded to an end of the tube. The fender has a plurality of pairs of tabs, each pair of tabs forming a slot therebetween. The rod is received by the slots and is clamped to an inner surface of the fender by a clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Randy Charles Rush, Rodney Keith Rowland
  • 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: 20040212170
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus to reduce splash and spray thrown onto a motor vehicle from the tire, especially trucks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick William Dyer
  • 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: 6648373
    Abstract: A vibration-decoupling connector for mounting a fender to a support arm, the vibration-decoupling connector comprising an isolator having a first surface for directly contacting either the upper or lower surface of the fender; whereby the isolator dampens vibrations between the support arm and the fender to reduce the transfer of vibration forces between the frame and the fender when the support arm is mounted to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Timothy R. Hawes