Abstract: A fender includes at least one element extending therefrom that is adapted to engage a mounting bracket affixed to the object to which the fender is to be attached, e.g., a trailer. The element is preferably a curved flange that extends outwardly from an inner bottom edge of the fender.

Abstract: An engine compartment splash panel for a vehicle is disposed generally between the engine of the vehicle and a nearby wheel to prevent water and debris from being flung from the nearby wheel onto the engine. The engine compartment splash panel and the panel-support components that mount it to the vehicle are constructed in such a manner that the engine compartment splash panel can be quickly and easily mounted to and removed from the vehicle to provide for expedient execution of service procedures. The engine compartment splash panel has a substantially rigid portion that defines and/or has mounted to it a number of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another. The panel-support components define and/or have mounted to them a plurality of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another and that are complimentary to the locating features of the engine compartment splash panel.

Abstract: A quarter fender (10) is adapted to mount on a tractor (12) comprising an arcuate top panel (20), a bottom panel (22) that is wider than the top panel (20), and an attachment member (24); the top panel (20) being connected to the bottom panel (22) and secured at its convex back side (36) to the attachment member (24) such that the concave front side (34) of the top panel (20) is facing the front wheel (16) of the tractor (12); the attachment member (24) is further mounted to a step portion (68) of the tractor (12). The quarter fender (10) of the present invention prevents mud, debris and hard objects from being thrown upward and backward to soil or damage the cab (18) and tractor body (14).

Abstract: The present mud flap attachment device provides an apparatus and method for attaching mud flaps to vehicles. An embodiment of the mud flap attachment device includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is configured for mounting to the vehicle and includes a plurality of flap supports configured to receive fasteners. The second plate is of lesser width than the first plate, includes a plurality of support apertures and is hingably attached to the first plate on one end. The plurality of support apertures are positioned such that when the apertures of a mud flap are placed over the flap supports, the second plate can be rotated into a position whereby the flap supports extend through the support apertures and the mud flap is positioned between the first and second plates. Fasteners are then used to engage the flap supports, thereby securely attaching the mud flap to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracket-mounting assembly for mounting a bar bracket to a vehicle frame, the bar bracket being adapted to carry vehicle accessories such as a mudflap. The bracket-mounting assembly attaches to a vehicle frame via a single bolt passed through a penetration in the vehicle frame and threadably connected to the bracket-mounting assembly by a central threaded hole in the bracket-mounting assembly. The bracket-mounting assembly further includes a generally vertically-oriented shaft opening for receiving a portion of the bar bracket and supporting the bar bracket with respect to the vehicle frame. The bracket-mounting assembly includes a rotation-resisting connector for inhibiting rotation of the bracket-mounting assembly relative to the vehicle frame about the axis of the bolt.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting an accessory on a vehicle. The bracket assembly comprises a frame-mounting block, an accessory-mounting plate, and a rotation-resisting fastener. The frame-mounting block has an inner face adapted to abut a vehicle frame, an outer face spaced from the inner face, and a frame-mounting opening passing through the frame-mounting block transverse to the inner face for receiving a frame-mounting fastener. The accessory-mounting plate has an inner face oriented toward a vehicle frame when the bracket is mounted to the vehicle frame, spaced outwardly from the inner face of the frame-mounting block to accommodate a bolt head, and an accessory-mounting opening in the accessory-mounting plate for receiving a fastener for an accessory. The rotation-resisting fastener is mounted to the bracket and is adapted to resist rotation of the bracket about an axis passing through the frame-mounting opening.

Abstract: The present mud flap attachment device provides an apparatus and method for attaching mud flaps to vehicles. An embodiment of the mud flap attachment device includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is configured for mounting to the vehicle and includes a plurality of flap supports configured to receive fasteners. The second plate is of lesser width than the first plate, includes a plurality of support apertures and is hingably attached to the first plate on one end. The plurality of support apertures are positioned such that when the apertures of a mud flap are placed over the flap supports, the second plate can be rotated into a position whereby the flap supports extend through the support apertures and the mud flap is positioned between the first and second plates. Fasteners are then used to engage the flap supports, thereby securely attaching the mud flap to the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer guard is disclosed having a right brush assembly having a right brush support, a right mount, and a left brush assembly having a left brush support and a left mount wherein the right support and the left support are joined by a connector and the right mount and left mount are capable of fixedly and removably engaging the existing vehicle trailer hitch support. The right brush and left brush comprise a plurality of flexible plastic strands capable of deflecting stones and dirt.

Abstract: A mud flap system and method for attaching mud flaps to vehicles are provided. The mud flap system is arranged and configured for attachment to a receiver hitch mounted on a vehicle. The receiver hitch includes a transverse bar which includes a tubular wall. The mud flap system includes (a) a mud flap, (b) an integral (i.e., one-piece) beam having a first portion attached to the mud flap and a second portion fastenable to the transverse bar, and (c) a retaining device mounted on the beam and configured to fasten the second portion of the beam to the transverse bar without penetrating any portion of the tubular wall. The mud flap system maybe adapted for use with a transverse bar that has a protuberance, such as a flange, thereon. The second portion of the beam is adapted to be inserted into the opening in the ends of the transverse bar. The retaining device includes an integral retaining block that can be fastened to the beam.

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.

Abstract: A mudguard assembly for heavy goods vehicles. A moulded mudguard, sized to envelop more than 50% of the upper part and rear of an outer tyre of the vehicle is mounted on two rods engageable in sockets bolted to the chassis of the vehicle. The assembly includes a quick release mechanism to enable ease of installation and of removal of the mudguard for access.

Abstract: A fender includes at least one element extending therefrom that is adapted to engage a mounting bracket affixed to the object to which the fender is to be attached, e.g., a trailer. The element is preferably a curved flange that extends outwardly from an inner bottom edge of the fender.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting an accessory on a vehicle. The bracket assembly comprises a frame-mounting block, an accessory-mounting plate, and a rotation-resisting fastener. The frame-mounting block has an inner face adapted to abut a vehicle frame, an outer face spaced from the inner face, and a frame-mounting opening passing through the frame-mounting block transverse to the inner face for receiving a frame-mounting fastener. The accessory-mounting plate has an inner face oriented toward a vehicle frame when the bracket is mounted to the vehicle frame, spaced outwardly from the inner face of the frame-mounting block to accommodate a bolt head, and an accessory-mounting opening in the accessory-mounting plate for receiving a fastener for an accessory. The rotation-resisting fastener is mounted to the bracket and is adapted to resist rotation of the bracket about an axis passing through the frame-mounting opening.

Abstract: A stabilizer for flexible guards provides for the stabilization and control of flexible flaps, brush type devices, and the like as used in motor vehicle mud flaps, car washes, and in conveyor systems. The present stabilizer includes a rigid structure which completely surrounds the guard(s), and which is loosely and flexibly suspended from an overlying structure. The rigid portion of the device is preferably constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or tubing, or any other suitable elongate structural material (e.g., electrical metal tubing, pipe, and/or extruded metallic or non-metallic shapes, such as Tees, channels, angles, etc.). The rigid structure is preferably suspended from the overlying structure by chains at at least both ends of the device, with an additional chain(s) optionally installed at the center area of the device.

Abstract: A universal mudflap bracket mount for mounting a mudflap bracket to a vehicle frame, the bracket mount comprising a frame-mounting block having two opposing surfaces and a frame-mounting opening passing through the frame-mounting block transverse to the surfaces, a bracket-mounting plate having opposing faces, the bracket-mounting plate faces being parallel, at least one of the block surfaces being spaced outwardly from one of the plate faces to accommodate a bolt head, and openings in the bracket-mounting plate for receiving two fasteners of a mudflap bracket, at least one of the openings being arcuate in shape for adjustment of the angular position of the bracket mount with respect to the mudflap bracket.

Abstract: A detachable mud flap assembly securable to a trailer hitch assembly. The hitch and receiver each define a transverse bore. Mud flap mounting arms have tubular inner ends which are joined by a connector. Removably pins adjacent the receiver extend though holes in registry in the arm and connector to secure the assembly. In an alternate embodiment, extension mud flap arms may be secured to the ends of the mounting bars.

Abstract: A body panel mounting system for a vehicle has a hinge bar (30), a hinge bracket (32), a hinge pivot stop (34), longitudinal positioning collars (36), a latch bar (38), latch bar fasteners (40), and latch brackets (42). The hinge bar (30) is adapted to removably interlock with each hinge bracket (32) to form a hinge mechanism (44). The hinge bar (30) attaches to a vehicle chassis (24). Each hinge bracket (32) retains an edge of a body panel (22). The hinge pivot stop (34) is adapted to limit the pivotal range of each hinge bracket (32) about the hinge bar (30). The latch bar (38) attaches to the body panel (22) via the latch bar fasteners (40), and the latch bar removably attaches to the chassis (24) via the latch brackets (42).

Abstract: A system is provided for assembling laminar components in places with different access. The laminar components are provided with parallel projecting flanges and a clip for bringing these flanges together. The clip is configured as a channel which is provided at one end with a pin running between the flanges of the channel. The clip is inserted into an opening in the flange and serves as a pivot point for swinging the channel to the end position.

Abstract: A method of mounting a wheel flare or other body side molding on a motor vehicle body panel including the steps of forming the wheel flare or other body side molding with a face having a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive tape thereon covered by a protective film, mounting the wheel flare or other body side molding on the body panel for linear translation perpendicular to the body panel, removing the protective film from the pressure sensitive adhesive tape in a gap defined between the body panel and the face in a first position of the wheel flare or other body side molding relative to the body panel, linearly translating the wheel flare or other body side molding perpendicular to the body panel from the first position to a second position in which the face bears against the body panel with the pressure sensitive adhesive tape trapped therebetween and adhesively bonded to each, and rigidly clamping the wheel flare or other body side molding in the second position thereof to the body panel.

Abstract: A mud flap retainer system includes a mud flap retainer member; a plurality of threaded studs extending substantially horizontally and rearward from the rear face of the mud flap retainer member and positioned between the top and bottom ends of the mud flap retainer member; a plurality of nuts, sized for being threaded onto the threaded studs; and a plurality of coupling shoes. Each coupling shoe includes a bore extending substantially horizontally therethrough for receiving a corresponding one of the threaded studs. Thus the shoes can be positioned on the retainer member by sliding threaded studs through the bores. By holding the mud flap between the retainer member and the shoes, and below the threaded studs, and by threading the nuts onto the ends of the threaded studs extending through the rear opening of the bores, the shoes are caused to be pressed towards the retainer member, which in turn, causes the mud flap to be retained between the retainer member and the shoes.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly having an attachment mechanism in the form of a collar. The collar is adapted to fit around a portion of a ball mount or receiver hitch of a trailer hitch. A generally horizontal extending structure is attached to the collar and has splash guards operationally attached to its distal ends. The generally horizontal extending structure can be an integral horizontal bar or a series of bars fixedly or adjustably disposed with respect to the collar. The generally horizontal extending structure can include bent portions allowing the splash guards to be connected to the structure at a different vertical position than that of the collar. The collar can be made of any design that allows a firm connection with the ball mount or receiver hitch. The attachment mechanism can alternatively take the form of a generally horizontal plate adapted to be attached to a bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mud flap lifting device is provided for mounting on a truck or other vehicle in which the device selectively lifts the mud flap away from the tires. A cable has a first end fixedly secured relative to the vehicle and a second end fixedly secured to the mud flap near the lower edge thereof. A power cylinder is mounted to the vehicle in proximity to an upper edge of the mud flap, the cylinder including a movable piston. This piston engages the cable at a location intermediate the first and second ends thereof. In this manner, movement of the piston displaces the cable in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable, thereby moving the mud flap between a fully extended position and a raised position. The existing pneumatic power system of the vehicle may be used and the controls can be mounted in a truck cab to facilitate operation of the device to lift the mud flaps.

Abstract: A quarter fender may be of a uniform homogenous material with a body having a fender portion, a deflector flap portion, and a mounting portion. The deflector flap portion may include a removable section of a reduced average thickness which may be severed from a neck of the deflector portion and replaced with a replacement deflector section. The neck may include recesses extending partially therethrough, which may be fully penetrated to accommodate fasteners coupling the replacement section to the neck. The upper surface of the fender body may be projection free.

Abstract: A replaceable mud flap system is provided including a rigid sleeve having a bottom face with a slot formed therein. The sleeve includes a hollow interior with a rectangular cross-section. An inboard end of the sleeve is perpendicularly coupled to a frame of a truck rearwardly of one of the tires thereof. An open outboard end allows communication with the hollow interior of the sleeve. An elastomeric flexible planar flap has a rigid guide coupled along a length thereof. The guide has a rectangular cross-section for being removably and slidably situated within the open outboard end of the sleeve such that the flap extends downwardly through the slot of the sleeve. An end cap is removably coupled to the outboard end of the sleeve for maintaining the flap within the sleeve.

Abstract: A mud flap holder for mounting the on rear portion of a vehicle behind its rear wheels, wherein the mud flap is held between the back plate of the holder and a pivotally mounted jaw cover by spring loaded tension. The mud flap is inserted in the holder by first opening the jaw cover of the holder, for example with a lever, placing the flap between the jaw cover and back plate of the holder, and releasing the lever so that the jaw cover closes, securing the mud flap between the back plate and the jaw cover. In a preferred embodiment, the mud flap is not damaged if the flap is accidentally pulled out from the holder.

Abstract: A protective cover for a vehicle is provided which extends over a portion of the vehicle body to protect the user from soil accumulated on the exterior of the vehicle. The cover includes a sheet of thin, flexible material which is preferably designed for attaching to the interior of a vehicle by a securement member such as hook and loop material, snaps or the like. The a rib or other rigidifying member extends across the width of the sheet to aid in maintaining its extended condition, and may be sewn into a pocket as an aid to grasping. An attachment member releasably connects the sheet to a door of the vehicle so that when the door swings open, the sheet is tensioned and the attachment member releases to deploy the cover over the exterior of the vehicle. A weight is provided along the bottom margin of the sheet to assist in positioning the sheet in covering relationship over the vehicle exterior.

Abstract: A support system for mounting mud flaps on the rear of a vehicle. The system includes a hub portion which has been adapted for mounting on a hitch at the rear of the vehicle and includes an adjustable support for attaching a mud flap support to the hub portion. At least one mud flap support is attached to the height adjustable support so that at least one mud flap may be supported from the mud flap support and the height of the mud flap relative to the vehicle may be adjusted through the height adjustable support.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly for preventing debris splash-back and vehicle damage is described. This assembly permits the tool free, vertical adjustment of a mud flap while attached to a vehicle. Further, the assembly prevents the build-up of debris between itself and the vehicle. The invention may be used, for example, with any vehicle capable of carrying a conventional mud flap, or may be customized to any other vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mud flap retainer device for attachment to the transverse, rearward facing support frame of a truck. The retainer device comprises a spring biased bracket constructed as a unitary, stainless steel piece, that incorporates releasability of the mud flap without destruction thereof, if the flap is pulled under a truck tire or is torn away by similar exceptional forces. The brackets are also useful for retaining snowplow diverters on the upper perimeter of a snowplow blade.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting a fender on a frame including an arm and a plate. The arm is bent to form two parallel, but displaced portions. The plate is attached to the outer portion using a clamp. The clamp can be loosened to allow the plate to rotate about and slide along the outer end of the arm. A bolt extends from and parallel to the inner portion of the arm. The bolt passes through a hole in the frame and can rotate in the hole until a nut secures the bracket.

Abstract: A sacrificial fairing is an elongated, arcuate trough-shaped panel member having a leg which detachably mounts to a rear edge of an elongated side fairing of a truck between the side fairing and a wheel well. The sacrificial fairing extends only partially around the wheel well. The sacrificial fairing can be easily detached from the side fairing. As a result, the sacrificial fairing can be easily replaced in case of damage from rocks, debris, chains, or the like.

Abstract: A hanger and bracket apparatus for mounting to a frame of a vehicle and for attachment of a mud flap. The hanger and bracket apparatus comprises a plate member, a bracket member, and a hanger member. The plate member has a pair of slotted channels and a pair of apertures located between the slotted channels. A pair of bolt members are respectively inserted through the pair of apertures on the plate member and threadedly engaged with a pair of nut members for securing the plate member to the frame of the vehicle. The bracket member has two protruding edges for inserting into and permanently affixed to the slotted channels of the plate member respectively and secured to the plate member by welding or soldering material. The bracket member also has a top wall and a bottom wall each having a pair of apertures. The hanger member has a top wall with a pair of apertures and two opposite sidewalls.

Abstract: A high strength mud flap (16) for deflecting debris (18) from a rear wheel (20) of a truck (22) comprising a plurality of curved flexible strong strips (24) of equal lengths. A facility (26) is for attaching abutting side edges of the curved flexible strong strips (24) together to produce a desired width thereof. A flexible strong band (28) is of a length equal to the width of the abutting curved flexible strong strips (24). A facility (30) is for affixing the flexible strong band (28) across the entire bottom edges (32) of the abutting curved flexible strong strips (24). A device (34) is for drilling a plurality of spaced apart anchor holes (36) adjacent the entire top edges (38) of the abutting curved flexible strong strips (24), so as to be mounted to a mud flap bracket (40) behind the rear wheel (20) of the truck (22). A plurality of flexible strong narrow straps (42) are provided. Each narrow strap (42) is of a length equal to the lengths of the curved flexible strong strips (24).

Abstract: A guard for vehicles protects the axle housing and proximate components from falling rocks and road debris. The device has a central mount that attaches onto the differential unit portion of the axle housing. The mount partially protects the differential unit. In addition, at least two shields are hinged onto the central mount. The shields can cover the segments of the exposed axle housing and said shields can be locked into place. The shields can be unlocked and swung from the central mount to allow for inspection, maintenance, and cleanup of the axle housing and its proximate components.

Abstract: A mud flap mount for releasably mounting mud flaps to vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, trailers and the like, to prevent damage to the mounting system, vehicle or mud flap when excessive downward force is exerted on the mud flap. The mud flap mount of the present invention comprises a planar member that connects to and extends downward from the angle bracket found under most vehicles. A shaped member attaches to the planar member, forming a cavity between the planar member and the shaped member. An opening is formed at the bottom of the cavity. The enlarged upper section is an insert member is slidably received within the cavity and releasably held by the planar member and shaped member until a downward force of a predetermined amount is applied to the mud flap, causing the upper section of the insert member to exit the cavity through the opening. By releasing the insert member upon application of a predetermined amount of force, the mud flap mount prevents damage to the mud flap, mount and vehicle.

Abstract: A mud flap extender for mounting on the rear quarter panel behind each rear wheel or wheels of a truck or other vehicle and suspending a mud flap a sufficient distance rearwardly of the wheel(s) to prevent the wheel(s) from engaging the mud flap and tearing the mud flap from the vehicle frame when the vehicle is operated in reverse. Each mud flap extender is characterized by a fender module that matches the curvature of the vehicle rear quarter panel and typically mounts on the wheel well plate of the rear quarter panel and an angle-iron mount plate having a top flange for engaging the fender module and a bottom flange for mounting a mud flap which is suspended downwardly from the fender module in spaced relationship with respect to the rear wheel or wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fender assemblies for use with road graders and the like that prevent mud, dust, snow, or other substances on the ground or road surface from being thrown up by the grader tires. The fenders are arranged to follow any vertical movement of the grader wheels, are low cost, and easily removable and light-weight so that maintenance and servicing can be performed on the grader easily.

Abstract: A mud flap adapter is provided for use behind the rear wheels of a truck having a hitch receiver with an elongated sleeve extending along the rear of the truck. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises a channel with hooked lower end between which the upper end of the mud flap is disposed. At the end of the channel opposite to the mud flap, the channel is secured to the hitch receiver sleeve via a J-bolt tightened against a flange mounted on the end of the hitch receiver sleeve when the adapter is in a telescoping relationship with the hitch receiver sleeve. A second embodiment of the present invention contemplates use of the adapter with a hitch receiver sleeve having closed ends. The sleeve end and the channel end are each equipped with cooperating flanges so that when the channel end of the sleeve end are abutted, the respective flanges are firmly but releasably secured to one another, thus also securing the mud flap adapter to the hitch receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mud flap retainer device for attachment to the transverse, rearward facing support frame of a truck. The retainer device comprises a spring biased bracket constructed as a unitary, stainless steel piece, that incorporates releasability of the mud flap without destruction thereof, if the flap is pulled under a truck tire or is torn away by similar exceptional forces.

Abstract: An adjustable mud flap holder which can be used as an anti-wrap device for a truck or trailer or the like wherein the mud flap is secured to the vehicle by a mounting member disposed along the upper edge thereof The mud flap holder has a pair of inverted U-shaped mounting supports which have their U-shaped upper ends formed for engaging the front side of the mud flap mounting member proximate the upper opposite ends of the mud flap. The mounting supports are formed to allow a horizontal cross-bar member to be slidably attached proximate the lower ends thereof at variable heights along the mounting supports and for permitting the upper ends of the mounting supports to be disposed at variable spacing from each other to fit different width mud flaps.

Abstract: A mud flap bracket assembly (16) for a slider suspension has a forward portion (22) adapted to be fixedly secured to a shortened slider rail (14), and a rearward portion (28) adapted to be slidably mounted to a body rail (12). Mud flaps (30) are suspended from the rearward portion (28).

Abstract: A fender flare removably secured to a vehicle fender. The flare has an upper edge abutting the fender surface and an intermediate bowed configuration terminating in a flange that underlies an inturned flange of the fender. The flanges are secured together and the upper edge of the flare is fitted with a bonding strip that bonds the full length of the edge to the fender surface. The bonding strip is characterized in having a sufficient thickness to prevent rubbing of the flare edge against the fender, seals the juncture against leaking of contaminants into the cavity defined by the flare, and securely adheres the upper edge of the flare to the fender surface.

Abstract: An improved mounting assembly for automotive body panels includes a mounting plate (22) adjustably, fixably secured to an inner panel (16) and a slide plate (24), adjustably fixedly secured to an outer panel (12) and a slide arrangement (26) defined between the mounting plate (22) and slide plate (24) for facilitating adjustable movement therebetween.

Abstract: A spray suppressant brush apparatus is mounted to a vehicle fender adjacent to the ground-engaging tires. The apparatus comprises a dual channel mounting member. The first channel is preferably U-shaped and slidably receives the base of a spray suppressant brush. The second channel is preferably C-shaped and slidably receives a rolled outboard edge of the vehicle fender. The C-shaped channel has a first arm and a second, thickened arm which substantially surrounds the rolled edge of the vehicle fender. The thickened arm has a lever flange which extends along the top edge of the fender a short distance. Outward force exerted on the spray suppressant brush is resisted by the thickened arm and the lever flange thereof.

Abstract: A wheel-opening extension molding is disclosed for use on vehicle fenders which have a door or other removable or movable body part in close proximity to the wheel opening. Vehicle extension moldings, such as wide fender flares or the like, cannot be installed on some vehicles because they will interfere with the opening and closing of vehicle doors. The present invention provides a multiple-piece vehicular body extension for attachment to both the fender and door, and to other vehicle body parts, to present the appearance of a single-piece wide flare or fender extension. A first part of the extension molding is shaped to fit against the fender along the margin of the wheel opening. A notch or cut-out is formed in the extension molding to accommodate the opening and closing of the vehicle door. A second extension molding, having an outer face contoured to appear as an extension on the door of the first molding, is attached to the door.

Abstract: A hand truck which may be collapsed by operation of a pivotable support plate and pivotable load bearing side brace members which may be readily detached from the support plate. The hand truck includes a substantially rectangular frame having an upper handle portion, two parallel side portions, and a lower portion. A pair of wheels are rotatably secured in opposed axial alignment on opposite sides of the lower portion of the frame. A support plate pivotably attaches to the lower portion of the frame so that the support plate may pivot about a substantially horizontal axis between a lower horizontally disposed operative position and an upper vertically disposed storage position.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement in a vehicle having a frame, a front axle, steerable wheels on the axle, and fenders on the wheels. Fender frames are pivotally mounted on the axle and are adapted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis. A fender is mounted on each of the fender frames and is normally positioned over and in alignment with the steerable wheels. A resilient element is operatively connected to the fenders to maintain the fenders over and in alignment with the steerage wheels, while permitting the fenders to pivot to a position of disalignment with at least one of the steerable wheels when the steerable wheels are moved to an angular position with respect to the axle to cause at least one of the fenders to contact the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mud flap anti-sail bracket having depending support rods secured to the upper corners of the mud flap and carrying a cross-member at variable vertical locations therealong.

Abstract: A stone shield adjustably attachable to the rear bumper of a pick-up truck extends substantially across the vehicle for protection of a load being towed. The stone shield is mounted to the bumper by brackets that may be adjustably positioned forwardly or rearwardly to allow proper positioning of the shield in the space ahead of the rear bumper and to facilitate alignment of hinge clips for the shield.

Abstract: A modular rain skirt assembly (20', 20, 20") for use in reducing the laterally projected component of finely atomized, dense, mist emanating from the running gear of heavy vehicles traveling on rain coated road surfaces and including: one or more generally flat, elongate panels (28, 28', 28"), each having inturned leading and trailing edges (30, 31) and each defining a projected mist capture area adapted to extend downwardly about the outer upper surfaces of the tires mounted on the vehicle's running gear; at least one spacer panel (29, 29') interposed between each adjacent pair of elongate panels (28, 28', 28") in those rain skirt assemblies (20, 20") employing two or more elongate panels (28, 28', 28") for use with tandem axle configurations and wherein the spacer panel (29, 29') includes inturned leading and trailing edges (32, 34) complementally shaped with respect to the trailing and leading edges (31, 30), respectively, of the adjacent elongate panels (28, 28', 28") with the leading edge ( 32) of each s