Exterior Patents (Class 280/762)
  • Patent number: 5641179
    Abstract: A body side protector for vehicles equipped with a truck tool box that prevents damage to the side of a truck when the truck tool box is accessed. The protector includes a resilient mat, a flexible magnet, at least one flexible strap, and a mounting bar. The resilient mat has a resilient mat front face, a resilient mat rear face, and a resilient mat top and contains at least one longitudinally disposed mat strap slot opening at the resilient mat top. The resilient mat readily conforms to and protects the specific contour of the side rail. The flexible magnet is attached to the resilient mat rear face so that the resilient mat is readily removably affixed to the specific contour of the side rail. The at least one flexible strap is disposed within a respective one of the at least one longitudinally disposed mat strap slots. Each of the at least one flexible strap has a flexible strap distal end that extends past the resilient mat top and contains a flexible strap distal end aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Alan G. Imlach
  • Patent number: 5586785
    Abstract: The invention provides a structure mounted on the front of a vehicle to cteract wire booby traps set to disable vehicle drivers. The wire cutter has an upright cutting bar mounted on the front of a vehicle and a second cutting bar extending back from the first cutting bar at an angle. The second cutting bar has a cutting hook attached to the end so as to catch and sever any wire which remains uncut when the end of the second bar is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Joseph G. Warner, Christopher J. Bensch
  • Patent number: 5564359
    Abstract: Children entering or departing a school bus are prevented from entering a generally rectangular zone in front of the bus by a pair of forwardly extending and laterally spaced arms and by a flexible cable extending laterally between the free end portions of the arms. The arms are adapted to be folded inwardly into stored positions against the front bumper of the bus and, as an incident thereto, the cable is automatically retracted into the arms. If a child hits an arm or the cable, or if the arms strike an obstruction, outer sections of the arm deflect and cause an audible or visual alarm signal to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Bodyguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur J. Harder
  • Patent number: 5562177
    Abstract: An anti-theft system for vehicles comprising an extendible bar permanently carried by a vehicle. The extendible bar is movable between an extended position for locking the vehicle in place and a retracted position when the vehicle is in use. A connector is provided, separate from the vehicle and secured in stationary position. The connector is capable of forming a releasible, locked connection with the bar in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Alfonso W. Chacon
  • Patent number: 5531478
    Abstract: A spider web clearing device for clearing spider webs from the path of an all-terrain vehicle. The spider web clearing device includes a flexible elongated member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein one end defines a distal end that is free to flex. A prong member is disposed on the upper end of the elongated member and an attachment assembly is carried by the lower end of the elongated member for mounting the elongated member to the bumper of an ATV. A stop member is carried by a clamp assembly in order to reduce whipping motion induced by impact of branches on the spider web clearing device. The spider web clearing device is mounted on the ATV in a manner that places the elongated member forward of the rider. In one embodiment, a single spider web clearing device is mounted proximate the center of the front bumper. However, in the preferred embodiment, a spider web clearing device is mounted on each end of the bumper or rack at the front of the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventors: Rocky J. Houston, Clifford L. Houston
  • Patent number: 5414435
    Abstract: Communications vehicle including a roof-mounted satellite dish that is effectively and efficiently supported by a combination of structural components so as to allow for the maximization of operator compartment space in the vehicle without a concomitant increase in vehicle dimensions. A plurality of racks for housing electronics, access to which is required from the vehicle operator compartment, are designed as structural supports, in combination with other structural components, for the satellite dish and aimer assembly. The combination transmits the satellite dish and aimer assembly load through the structure and finally to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Wolf Coach, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5308114
    Abstract: A wire cutter for electrically cutting a path through wires to allow a land ehicle to pass therethrough is provided. The wire cutter does not use the forward motion of the vehicle to provide the actual cutting and in general can cut any thickness of wire located in front of the vehicle. The wire cutter device includes first and second conductive rods mounted in spaced relationship and connected to voltages of different values, e.g., to the positive and negative terminals of a power supply. A wire catcher device, comprising a pair of arms which are arranged in a U-shaped configuration and on which the rods are mounted, is provided for capturing wires located in the path of the vehicle and for guiding wires so captured to the rods so as to complete an electrical circuit through the rods and thus provide melting of wires so captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, Stephen W. Bachinski
  • Patent number: 5277465
    Abstract: A grill guard which can be adapted to different vehicles includes a pair of horizontal tubes fastened to a pair of vertical side plates. The side plates are attached to the bumper of a vehicle by an L-shaped bracket attached to the lower end of each side plate, a triangular plate attached near the middle of each side plate, and an L-shaped bracket connecting each triangular plate to the bumper. Each side plate has a plurality of regularly shaped holes along the rear edge thereof for adjusting the vertical spacing of the triangular plate from the lower L-shaped bracket. A dog fastens the tubes to the side plates at each intersection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Quality S Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Weir
  • Patent number: 5275436
    Abstract: A device for deflecting a tire of a motor vehicle when the tire is pushed accidentally into the device has a deflection plate for mounting fixedly on the motor vehicle. An outer face of the deflection plate is substantially vertical, faces the tire of the motor vehicle at a distance from the tire sufficient not to interfere with normal operation of the tire on the motor vehicle but effective to engage the tire when the tire is pushed accidentally and is inclined at an angle to a longitudinal vertical plane of the motor vehicle. A coating or sliding shield on the outer face of the deflection plate facilitates sliding of the tire along the incline of the outer face when the tire is pushed accidentally to engage the outer face of the deflection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Claude Pomero
  • Patent number: 5273315
    Abstract: A device for protecting the wheels of a vehicle against hydroplaning, having a water film displacement device (4,9) the displacement cross section of which is smaller than its operational cross-section. A deflecting device (11) may be arranged behind the displacement device (4,9) to deflect the hurled up water from the area of the wheel to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Klaus Debus
  • Patent number: 5174594
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved horse drawn carriage providing several safety and performance features. A transverse shaft tip to shaft tip deflector is fittable over wooden shafts to prevent snagging objects such as trees and fence posts between horse and harness. Wheel deflectors, wheel guards, a low position passenger seat, and a removable rear platform assembly for standing passengers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Earl L. Marshall
    Inventors: Earl L. Marshall, Thomas O'Carroll
  • Patent number: 5076372
    Abstract: An under frame tool bar attachment, for a light truck with a frame having a pair of generally parallel spaced apart frame side bars, includes an elongated tool bar, a pair of mounting assemblies, each adapted for securing the tool bar to a respective one of the frame side bars in transversely extended relation across the underside of the light truck frame and fasteners for securing the mounting assemblies to the truck frame and the tool bar to the mounting assemblies. The under frame mounted soil sampler includes an upright outer mast supported on the tool bar, a stabilizer for transversely stabilizing the upper end of the outer mast relative to the light truck box, a drill head vertically moveable on the outer mast, a power source for raising and lowering the drill head and a soil sampler tool removably carried on the drill head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Jim A. Hellbusch
  • Patent number: 5075917
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the soles and heels of shoes and which is adapted to be mounted to the bumper of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a flexible base member on which bristle-like projections are secured and securing members attached to the ends of the base for attaching the apparatus to the upper and lower surface of a bumper. One of the securing members including a band which is length-adjustable for either tightening or loosening the base to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventors: George A. Wheat, James F. Desmond
  • Patent number: 5062675
    Abstract: An apparatus defining a generally "U" shaped convex structure mounted to an all-terrain vehicle, wherein the structure includes a wire grid mounted to a bottom "L" shaped framework, and the framework is provided with a rearwardly extending mounting bar for securement to an associated all-terrain vehicle. A modification of the invention includes a further guard securable to the guard during periods of non-use and mounted for extension relative thereto providing longitudinal adjustment as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventors: Buddy Rhoden, John Singletary
  • Patent number: 5056860
    Abstract: A high-performance motor car includes a body which surrounds the rear wheels and has a tapered front part from which the front steerable wheels project. The front wheels are inserted in respective aerodynamic fairings which can be steered with the wheels. A vertical fin is pivoted to the rear of each fairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventors: Felice Cornacchia, Nevio Di Giusto
  • Patent number: 5054806
    Abstract: A vehicle dual function tow hook bent from one length of steel bar stock into a generally P-shaped member so as to be available for either a tie-down line, a towing line, or a tow bar. The tow hook comprises upper and lower longitudinally extending rod-stem portions having their aft ends terminating in upper and lower eyelet portions separated by a gap for receiving a substructure flange of the vehicle therein. With the eyelet portion central openings aligned with an aperture in a flange a single fastener secures the tow hook on the flange. The upper rod-stem portion has a length at least twice the length of the lower rod-stem portion while the lower rod-stem portion forward end terminates in a bend portion joined to a downwardly sloped rod-angled portion. The forward ends of the upper rod-stem portion and the rod-angled portion are joined by an open loop portion available for a towing or tie-down line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Darren D. Chester
  • Patent number: 5052714
    Abstract: A device for retracting a motor vehicle hood ornament comprises a carrier for conveying the ornament between a first position in which the ornament is retracted below the hood of a motor vehicle and a second positon in which the ornament is displayed atop the hood, a drive mechanism for driving the carrier, and a control mechanism for causing the drive mechanism to drive the carrier to propel the ornament to the first position upon receipt of a first signal and to drive the carrier to propel the ornament to the second position upon receipt of a second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventors: Anthony J. Muscat, Robert A. Fernald
  • Patent number: 5042606
    Abstract: This is a device for locating the ski tips of a snowmobile by reflecting the beam of light from the headlight of the snowmobile back to the operator by a reflection material applied to the ski locator device and adjusting the locator to provide maximum reflection back to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Philip T. Martin
  • Patent number: 4976455
    Abstract: A handrail assembly for use on a marine vessel, travel trailer, motor home or other recreational vehicle is pivotally mounted to the side thereof to effect easy adjustment of the handrail between an extended, operative position facilitating access to the vehicle or vessel and a collapsed, storage position avoiding interference during the travel thereof. The handrail includes an elongated rod adjustably mounted to a pair of brackets which permit the swinging collapse of the handrail against the vehicle and also facilitates an effective, easily achieved locking of the handrail in the desired operative and collapsed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Stromberg-Carlson Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Brammer, Sr., Robert C. Brammer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4953908
    Abstract: A trapezoidial louver frame is mounted on the forward top edge of the bed of a pickup truck. The frame is behind the rear window of the cab of the pickup. A plurality of rods are journaled to the sides of the frame and extend across the frame. Louver slats are welded to the rods. Two stanchions extend from the top to the bottom of the frame spaced there along. The rods also are telescoped through the stanchions. At all joints the rods are journaled within Neopreme grommets in the sides and stanchions. An operating bar is journaled to fingers extending from each rod. A remote control wire extends from the instrument panel within the cab to the operating bar to open and close the louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Jerry A. Dondlinger
  • Patent number: 4877266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle safety device wherein the device is pivotally mounted along the lower edge of the vehicle body such that the device may be stored beneath the body when the vehicle is moving and lowered through a pivoting action to block the space between the vehicle body and the ground and in being lowered tends to engage and sweep any object in its path from beneath the vehicle and outwardly of the vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Transpec Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Lamparter, Robert J. Brown
  • Patent number: 4770440
    Abstract: A combinaion utility attachment and support stand for conventional riding lawn mowers which includes a vertically oriented frame that is attached to the rear end of the lawn mower so as to extend perpendicularly to the length thereof and which supports an upper load carrying receptable having a pivotable rear wall which is generally vertically aligned in parallel relationship with the frame when in a closed position and a lower load support shelf wherein the load support shelf is pivotable into substantially flush engagement with the frame thereby creating an elongated platform with the rear wall of the load carrying receptable upon which the lawn mower may be supported on its end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Glyn F. Lander
  • Patent number: 4688824
    Abstract: A guard for a school bus which consists of a sheet of flexible material which can be extended into an open planar state and which can be reduced into a compact folded state. A connector is connected to one edge of the sheet and is pivotally connected to a fixed portion of the school bus for movement between a first position in which it is effective to extend the sheet of flexible material and to a second position in which it is effective to cause the sheet of flexible material to be reduced to a its compact state. A selectively actuated driving mechanism moves the connector selectively between to the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventor: John D. Herring
  • Patent number: 4482169
    Abstract: A traction rack for a rear axle driven truck is provided which comprises a generally rectangularly-shaped assembly having side elements sized for placement on the bed of the truck between the wheel wells, lead weights attached to respective ends of the side elements to form the rectangular assembly having substantial weight concentrated near the ends of the assembly near the wheel wells, one of the side elements having an extension on each end exceeding the spacing between the wheel wells to facilitate placement and restraint of the rack over the rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Inventor: George Yim
  • Patent number: 4455030
    Abstract: A two-wheeled golf cart provided with a container intended for receiving the wheel undercarriage, the legs of which can be moved apart to operative position, and on which the container is arranged in weightless outbalanced condition, whereby the wheel undercarriage can be readily folded out of the container and retracted into it respectively by means of a simple handgrip only, and thereby being ready for immediate use. This task is solved thereby that the pull rod is designed as a two-armed lever, the shorter arm of which is adapted to act upon a first linkage system for causing the wheel undercarriage to be retracted into and folded out of the container respectively, a second linkage system being provided to be acted upon by the pull rod in order to act upon the wheel undercarriage, when this is in its folded-out position, for effecting that its legs, each of which carries a wheel, are moved apart and pulled together respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: Goran Rosen
  • Patent number: 4443836
    Abstract: The invention discloses an auxiliary head lamp device for a car equipped with a cover which is optionally fitted to a car and is lit during driving in fog or the like. The cover of this device can be opened when a solenoid of a cover driving mechanism is energized by operating a switch disposed inside the room of the car. The solenoid releases engagement of a stopper that restricts the cover urged in the opening direction. The switch may be used also as a switch for a light source bulb. After the solenoid is energized and the opening operation of the cover starts, a current to the solenoid is automatically cut off so that over-heat or burn-out of the solenoid that would occur if the current is continuously applied thereto can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Horiuchi, Kazushige Kiyota
  • Patent number: 4441144
    Abstract: This invention discloses an auxiliary head lamp device for a car equipped with a cover, which head lamp is optionally fitted to a car, is lit when driving in fog and is equipped with a cover that can be opened by remote switching operation. The cover of this head lamp device is opened when a solenoid of a cover driving mechanism is energized by operating a switch disposed inside the room of the car. The solenoid may have a function of releasing the cover from a stopper which restricts the cover from moving in its opening direction. The switch may be used also as a switch for the bulb of the auxiliary head lamp. An electric circuit including two thermostat switches for preventing over-heat of the solenoid is preferably employed. The solenoid may be in deenergized state while keeping the bulb lit. A device equipped with a rotary solenoid for directly opening and closing the cover is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Horiuchi, Kazushige Kiyota
  • Patent number: 4431212
    Abstract: A jacking point structure for an automotive vehicle, includes a bracket fixed to the underside of a trunk compartment at a rear portion of the vehicle, and a hook fixed to the bracket. The bracket has a first wall extending horizontally and a second wall extending vertically. Also, the bracket has a channel portion at its center which functions as a jacking point preferably at the rear end of the first wall. The hook extends horizontally in the backward direction of the vehicle and does not project downwardly. It is preferable that the hook is formed in a U-shape and welded at its legs to the first wall in such a manner that the channel portion of the bracket is held between the legs of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hirabayashi, Hirotaka Tomioka, Shuji Yamagata
  • Patent number: 4387814
    Abstract: A traveling attachment including two pairs of crawler assemblies and frame elements are provided for interconnection to the ring of a ring supported crane so the crane can travel under load. The crawler assemblies may be pivotally mounted and reversely and independently powered to facilitate turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Beduhn, James G. Morrow, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4329109
    Abstract: A single point vehicle lifting attachment having a lift frame resting on the operator's compartment of the vehicle and flexible cables connected between the lift frame and the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph R. Den Bleyker
  • Patent number: 4278391
    Abstract: An assembly for protecting the tracks in a track-laying logging vehicle against impact damage and derailment. The assembly includes, for each track, a bumper located adjacent and extending across the rear of the track, a fender anchored to the bumper and forming a protective apron over the rear end of the track, and front and rear lateral guides for preventing outward derailment of the track. The track fenders are configured both to assist in log loading, and in supporting the ends of a bundle of loaded logs during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Inventor: Joseph E. Dagenais
  • Patent number: 4220210
    Abstract: A tractor front end frame assembly readily detachable from the tractor body for supporting implements such as a front-end bulldozer blade and supported from the tractor by a front central removable attachment capable of pivotal motion about a substantially horizontal axis perpendicular to the rear axle of the tractor and on each side of the rear axle with optional support of the frame provided at about the midway point on the sides of the tractor. The presence of only a pivotal connection at or near the front of the tractor reduces the possibility of damage producing torque to the vehicle in that area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Degelman Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Wilfred J. Degelman
  • Patent number: 4219141
    Abstract: A supporting frame for use on motor vehicles for supporting highway traffic markers of the type having a flat square base and an elongated brightly colored cone extending vertically therefrom (commonly called traffic cones). The supporting frame is characterized by its ability to be installed on the vehicle in almost any position, e.g., horizontally or vertically. The frame comprises rectangular box-shaped framework having an interior shape fitting the periphery of the square bases of the traffic cones. The frame is open at one end for insertion and removal of traffic cones and has two open sides facilitating removal of said traffic cones. The supporting frame has a ring spaced from the base portion thereof and supported on supporting rods. The ring supports the cone portions of the traffic cones and also provides a point of attachment for the supporting frame to the structural member of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Inventor: Robert L. Lovy
  • Patent number: 4203382
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for indicating the removal of lug nuts from the lug bolts on a vehicular hub mounted rim and tire assembly to provide an indication of whether the rim and tire assembly has been removed which includes operatively associating an indicator member with the lug bolt/lug nut connections holding the rim and tire assembly onto the vehicular hub after the lug nut has been tightened onto the lug bolt to mount the rim and tire assembly so that the indicator member is destroyed beyond reuse if the lug nut with which the indicator member is associated is removed, yet the indicator member does not prevent the lug nut from being removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Inventor: James P. Mullen
  • Patent number: 4190939
    Abstract: A tire sun shield for use upon a load supporting wheel of a parked vehicle is formed from a one-piece member having a front face of a diameter generally corresponding to that of the tire to be shielded and an integral axially extending skirt joined to the front face along its outer periphery. The lower portion of the shield is cut away across a chord of the front face and through the skirt, forming opposed axially extending gripping edges on the skirt which are spaced from each other by a distance slightly less than that of a normal "load flat" of the tire when the tire is supporting a normal load. After the load on the tire is removed to permit the shield to be placed over the front face of the tire and then is reapplied, the gripping edges on the skirt bite into the tire at the opposite ends of the load flat to firmly retain the shield in position on the wheel, and inhibit its removal by wind force or for purposes of theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Inventor: Ervin J. Keller
  • Patent number: 4183573
    Abstract: A boot protection and antitheft apparatus which protects the flexible hollow boot extending between an opening in the forward surface of a camper shell and the rear window frame of a pickup truck cab. The apparatus includes two side members, which are substantially mirror images of each other, each of which includes a flat panel for substantially closing the opening between the truck cab and the camper shell and an angularly depending rectangular flange intersecting along one of the edges of each panel for facilitating attachment to the cab of the pickup truck. The apparatus is connected to the cab of the truck such that the flanges are inaccessible from the exterior and the panels are mounted substantially parallel to the sides of the cab rear window and are angled in towards each other at the ends approaching the camper shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Inventor: Alvin H. DeRidder
  • Patent number: 4169623
    Abstract: Extensible hand rails are adjustably mounted in vertical guide tubes positioned at the rear of a van or trailer. These hand rails may be moved into retracted positions and held in this position so that the tops of the hand rails will lie flush with the floor of the vehicle. Spring means is used for moving the hand rails into extended or operative position to act as guards and the hand rails may be secured in their operative or extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1979
    Inventor: James B. Smith
  • Patent number: 4067528
    Abstract: A mounting support for a flat structural part projecting from the outer body of a motor vehicle, such as a firm emblem, a radiator figure, or the like, which is connected with the body by way of a first pivotal connection and a second pivotal connection, whereby the first pivotal connection is provided with a bearing socket open in the direction toward the structural part and with a joint member pivotal about three different axes intersecting at least approximately in a common point forming the pivot center; the second pivotal connection providing only a single degree of freedom of movement connects between the joint member with the structural part whereby the pivot axis of this second pivotal connection is arranged essentially transversely to the driving direction and at least approximately parallel to the outer body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gotz Motting, Wilhelm Bauer, Werner Kleisser
  • Patent number: 4061303
    Abstract: A vehicle mascot is mounted on a support to project through an aperture in the vehicle radiator shell. The support is pivotally mounted on the shell and a spiral spring acts to bias the support into a retracted position in which the mascot is almost wholly retracted into the radiator shell. The support and mascot are maintained in a non-retracted position by a detent which acts to prevent movement of the support under the action of the spiral spring. The mascot is connected to an actuator which, on deflection of the mascot more than, say, 25% from its normal upright position, against the biasing action of a compression spring constrained to act between the support and the actuator, releases the detent to allow the spiral spring to retract the support and mascot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Motors Limited
    Inventor: Bryan George Ridgway
  • Patent number: 4042261
    Abstract: A mounting for securing tools to vehicles having at least two nominally aligned, apertured ears extending from a side of the vehicle for mounting a work-performing device. The mounting includes a pair of stub shafts, one for receipt in each of the apertured ears, a base for a work-performing device, such as a winch, disposable about the ears, a pair of wedges carried by the base and interposed between the base and respective ones of the stub shafts, and bolts for effecting relative movement of the wedges on the base to tightly frictionally engage the base to the stub shafts, and thus to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: John H. Babbitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3998285
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle indicating mechanism, in the form of a parking guide, for gauging the back clearance of an automobile or similar vehicle. The parking guide includes a hollow, translucent guide rod, which is movable responsive to a motor within a control box, from a substantially horizontal position, adjacent to the back bumper of the vehicle, to a substantially vertical position, extending upwardly from the corner of the bumper. The guide rod is illuminated by a light within the control box when the rod is in the vertical position, thereby also enabling the rod to be viewed by the driver and used as a guide for parking the automobile, at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Inventor: Stephen Robert Cooper
  • Patent number: 3992042
    Abstract: A riding vehicle, such as a lawn mower, has a flexible apron positioned behind the rear wheels with a lower edge of the apron above the ground. The mower can back up without impediment from the apron, unless an object is encountered. In that case, the object contacting the apron pushes it against the rear wheels and the apron is pulled under the tires where it abruptly snubs the tires and prevents further backing motion. To achieve this, the apron is supported by the mower through yieldable means which holds the apron above the ground until it contacts the wheels. The apron is also anchored to the mower to limit the extent of downward movement of the apron. In a preferred form, the yieldable supporting means for the apron also is resilient so that the apron can be returned to the original position after it is released from the rear wheels, as by driving the mower forwardly again. The apron is capable of stopping the mower securely and abruptly and reliably does so in a fixed, relatively short distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1976
    Assignee: The J. B. Foote Foundry Co.
    Inventors: Michael H. Helmick, Hans Hauser
  • Patent number: 3970161
    Abstract: An air circulation control unit, that can be secured over the grill frame of a vehicle, has an upper portion defining a vertical passage and a protruding lower portion. Exhaust outlets are provided at a plurality of different levels and baffles are positioned with said unit to separate the cooling air flow into a plurality of air streams for exit through the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1976
    Assignee: International Harvester Company
    Inventors: Wilhelm Rowe, Jost Gerresheim