For Protecting The Vehicle Body Patents (Class 280/770)
  • Publication number: 20130106087
    Abstract: A bumper block assembly configured to be coupled to a bumper of a trailer includes a compressible bumper block including a generally horizontal bore extending from an outer surface of the bumper block to an inner surface of the bumper block and an outer cap coupled to the bumper block. The outer cap includes an outer wall engaged with the outer surface of the bumper block and further includes an aperture formed therethrough that is aligned with the bore of the bumper block. A bolt of the bumper block assembly is received through the aperture of the outer cap and the bore of the bumper block in order to couple the bumper block assembly to the bumper of the trailer. A spring of the assembly is positioned around a threaded end portion of the bolt in order to maintain the bolt recessed within the aperture of the outer cap as the outer cap and bumper block are moved between expanded and compressed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: RODNEY P. EHRLICH
  • Patent number: 8408627
    Abstract: A rail cap assembly comprises a rail cap having a first and second opposed ends separated by a length, wherein the rail cap has a top and first and second sidewalls that together form an inner surface extending from the first end to the second end. Openings are spaced along the length of the rail cap. A lighting system is at least partially disposed within the inner surface and comprising a plurality of lighting elements. Each lighting element is secured within a respective opening. The lighting elements are electrically interconnected through connective wiring. The rail cap assembly may be installed one at least one bedrail of a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jasdeep K. Mann
  • Publication number: 20120319387
    Abstract: An external air bag apparatus may include a bumper cover having a tear line in a front portion thereof, a cushion disposed behind the bumper cover, wherein the cushion expands outwards by tearing the tear line when the cushion may be expanded so that the cushion surrounds a front surface of the bumper cover, and an expansion guide arranged between the bumper cover and the cushion to guide the cushion to expand forwards to the bumper cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yong Sun Kim, Un Koo Lee, Seoung Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20120299280
    Abstract: A protective device for use on an axle of a flatbed of a truck to protect air hoses and mechanical mechanisms of a braking system from accidental damage caused when trucks collide with objects on the roadway. The protective device includes a grated shield that integrally couples to the axle of the flatbed through a specially designed coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling bracket, having a pair of legs and a rod, and a clamping bracket for accepting the axle therein and providing stability, shock absorbency, and durability to the shield for withstanding accidental damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Jamal Atra
  • Patent number: 8272465
    Abstract: In an electric vehicle, the generation of unusual sounds due to the movement of snow and ice remaining in an undercover is prevented, thereby enhancing silence. An electric vehicle comprising an undercover arranged below a vehicle floor is provided. The undercover comprises: a substantially flat-plate cover body that covers the vehicle floor from the vehicle front side to the vehicle rear side; a discharge portion for discharging snow and ice that have entered between the vehicle floor and the cover body; and an upward protruding portion which is arranged on the vehicle front side relative to the discharge portion and which is formed to extend in a vehicle width direction and to protrude upwardly from the plane including the cover body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20120228845
    Abstract: A deck assembly for a scooter comprises a deck having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces, and a grind plate having a front end, a rear end, a mating surface, and a grinding surface. The grind plate may be slidably attachable to the deck such that the mating surface of the grind plate mates with the bottom surface of the deck, and the bottom surface of the deck and at least a portion of each side surface of the deck are covered by the grind plate. A scooter assembly may further comprise a neck, a handlebar assembly, and steer tube extending through a down tube. The steer tube may be a butted tube member having a first wall thickness near a bottom portion of the butted tube member and a second wall thickness near a top portion of the butted tube member, the first wall thickness being greater than the second wall thickness. The steer tube may define a linear slot at or near the bottom portion of the steer tube and a key adapted to fit into the linear slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Andreas C. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20120223513
    Abstract: A protective shield for a vehicle is provided. The protective shield may include a plurality of shield panels configured to shield particular areas of a vehicle from damage, and a connecting member that connects the shield panels. The shield panels may be adjustable along a length of the connecting member. The shield panels may each include a planar main body, and at least one opening that extends through the planar main body, configured to receive the connecting member threaded therethrough. At least one magnet may be embedded in the planar main body of the panel shield, configured to magnetically adhere the shield panel to the vehicle. A clasp member may be disposed at each end of the connecting member. The connecting member may extend through each shield panel at least twice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Grady King, IV
  • Patent number: 8251010
    Abstract: The present invention is a masking material for painting for masking a surface to be unpainted, comprising: a masking material body for painting made of a carton having a shape conformed to the surface to be unpainted; a double-sided tape provided on the whole rear surface of the masking material body for painting; an incision formed in both the masking material body for painting and the double-sided tape; and a piece of thin paper that covers the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Yamato Co,. Ltd
    Inventors: Takeshi Sasaki, Hideyuki Kurashima
  • Patent number: 8201860
    Abstract: The vehicle door protection device is a removable device for prevention of dents and other damage to a vehicle door, such as damage typically caused by the opening of an adjacent vehicle door. The vehicle door protection device includes an elongated base having opposed inner and outer surfaces, and an elongated fin joined to the outer surface of the base and projecting orthogonal thereto. The elongated base and elongated fin are preferably formed from high impact plastic or the like. The elongated fin preferably has a main body portion with an outer edge of increased thickness, enhancing the rigidity thereof. The inner surface of the base is releasably secured to an exterior face of the vehicle door by a magnetic layer secured to the inner surface. Alternatively, for vehicles having bodies formed from fiberglass or the like, the inner surface may have at least one suction cup secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: John W. Kalmus
  • Patent number: 8177061
    Abstract: A cover for the ski of a snowmobile mountable to the ski portion thereby protecting the ski portion from damage due to exposure to the elements, especially damage from the sun during off-season storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Kathy Sandberg
  • Patent number: 8176832
    Abstract: A system and a method for obstruction deflection for a vehicle. The system generally includes a guide; and a support structure. The support structure includes one or more supports; one or more guide connectors; a fixed single support bracket; a tilt bracket; and a fixed multiple support bracket. The fixed single support bracket, the tilt bracket, and the fixed multiple support bracket are mounted to the vehicle, a first end of each of the supports is installed onto the fixed single support bracket, the tilt bracket, and the fixed multiple support bracket, a second end of each of the supports is installed onto the guide connectors, and the guide is rotatably attached to the guide connectors such that the guide is positioned longitudinally on the vehicle and the guide is curved with the vehicle on the inside of the curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael T. Rose, John J. Maniaci
  • Patent number: 8146935
    Abstract: A device for a high-clearance motor vehicle is provided. Preferably, the device comprises an elongated step; and one or more supports, wherein each of the one or more supports includes: a lift bar; a base; and an actuator; wherein the base holds the actuator and the lift bar is pivotally attached to the base on a distal end and to the step on the opposite end; and wherein, when the device is operated, depending on user selection, the actuator either lowers the lift bar causing the step to be positioned for use or raises the lift bar causing the step to be retracted, and if retracted, the step blocks at least one door of the motor vehicle making it difficult to steal the motor vehicle. Additionally, when the step is retracted, the step impedes “ding” damage from an adjacent motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Adams
  • Patent number: 8109557
    Abstract: A foldable vehicle floor mat can be used as a ballistic shield when unfolded and attached to a vehicle door. The mat comprises a weather protective layer and an impact-resistant layer. When completely unfolded, the mat covers the length and height of the vehicle door, for which it was designed. The mat is provided with hanging hooks attached to the upper side of the mat, whereby the mat can be hung upon the vehicle door, and a ballast weight attached to the bottom side of the mat, whereby draping the mat across the door is facilitated, and magnetic strips can be provided along the perimeter of the unfolded mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Gino J. C. Salinas
  • Patent number: 8083260
    Abstract: A trunk lid cover in combination with a car spoiler. The trunk lid cover is of flexible material and is disposed for covering the trunk lid only of an automobile. The trunk lid cover is held tightly against the surface of said trunk lid. A car spoiler attached to the trunk lid cover. A message display is mounted to the trunk lid cover or to the car spoiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Riccardo V. Haynes
  • Patent number: 8028781
    Abstract: An under-frame shield, particularly useful with crop sprayers and other implements which traverse fields of plants, includes one or more flexible sheet material shields connected to axle structure and to a central rigid shield by resilient connectors to facilitate suspension system movement in all directions without sacrificing ground clearance. The connection structure and sheet material shields maintain a smooth, seamless protective surface on the under side of the machine to reduce vehicle and crop damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Joshua Juel Fausch, Brandon C. Carlson, Scott M. Buse, Garry E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 7992911
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The screen shield has a link mechanism. The screen shield is coupled to the upper portion of the cabin frame by the link mechanism so that the screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shohei Naruoka, Masaki Tanaka, Yoshiya Takehara
  • Publication number: 20110148087
    Abstract: A powered pallet jack is used for moving around various types of materials, typically, but not always on pallets. The powered pallet jacks are sometimes used in environments where the electrical system used to run the powered pallet jack can be damaged. The functional cover is constructed of numerous materials with access panels in key locations that allow for an operator to use and utilize all functions of the powered pallet jack while the cover is encapsulated the powered pallet jack. The cover has transparent/translucent flexible plastic portions to allow the operator to see all controls, indicator lights, safety functions. The cover also has reinforced non-transparent portions made up of rigid plastic, flexible plastic and rubber where the powered pallet truck typically receives the largest amount of physical abuse. The access panels are positioned on the cover to match the Manufacturer and Model of the pallet truck being covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Howard Rosenkranz
  • Publication number: 20100295325
    Abstract: A self-coiling dent guard for protecting vehicles and other objects from damage caused by unwanted collisions is disclosed. The guard is comprised of a main body adapted to absorb the impact of colliding objects. A bistable spring strip is integrated within the main body of the guard, thus giving the guard its self-coiling properties. When not in use, a user may cause the guard to coil so as to be easily stored. A magnetic strip is attached to the length of the main body such that the guard may be removably attached to a vehicle or other object. A layer of felt covering the bottom of the guard protects the vehicle from being scratched when the guard is applied or removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: James Curtis
  • Publication number: 20100264636
    Abstract: An under-frame shield, particularly useful with crop sprayers and other implements which traverse fields of plants, includes one or more flexible sheet material shields connected to axle structure and to a central rigid shield by resilient connectors to facilitate suspension system movement in all directions without sacrificing ground clearance. The connection structure and sheet material shields maintain a smooth, seamless protective surface on the under side of the machine to reduce vehicle and crop damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Joshua Juel Fausch, Brandon C. Carlson, Scott M. Buse, Garry E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 7798529
    Abstract: A seat support structure for restricting the movement of a seat front end and facilitate the mounting of the seat, the seat support structure including a tank cover provided for a fuel tank supported by a body frame, a flange extending to the rear of a vehicle body and provided on the rear portion of the tank cover and a fastening groove which opens upward to fasten the flange thereto, the fastening groove being provided at the front portion of a seat located to the rear of the tank cover and of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7793979
    Abstract: An operator backrest in combination with a materials handling vehicle is provided. The backrest may comprise a primary support pad and gripping structure located in at least one side portion of the primary support pad. The gripping structure may be substantially even with or extend above a surface of a portion of the primary support pad surrounding the gripping structure for engagement with an operator positioned on the materials handling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Craig J. Rekow, Benjamin J. Purrenhage, Markus Graf
  • Patent number: 7780195
    Abstract: Protective covers for cab guards or racks which extend vertically from the front rail of a truck bed behind the rear window of the truck cab are disclosed. The protective covers may be molded to fit any shape or size of truck bed rack. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a generally horizontal top section which extends to two generally vertical side sections. Additional sections are typically provided between the side sections to provide a barrier that protects the rear window of the truck cab. When the protective cover is installed, it covers most of the surfaces of the truck bed rack, except the forward-facing surface of the rack located adjacent to the truck cab. Thus, the protective cover provides protection to essentially all exposed surfaces of the truck bed rack, while allowing easy installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Mark K. German
  • Patent number: 7762586
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame neck cover includes a lower semi-tubular portion that substantially surrounds an outer visible half of a motorcycle frame leg and an upper portion that substantially covers a planar outer surface of a generally rectangular tubular frame member that mounts the front fork of the motorcycle. One or more resilient strips are mounted to an outer surface of the upper cover portion in an area of potential contact by a front fork shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kuryakyn Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew N. Leisch
  • Publication number: 20100109308
    Abstract: A device and method for protecting a vehicle. The device provides protection to a first vehicle. The protective device includes a main body having an impact absorbing region. The protective device also includes a plurality of magnetic segments affixed to the main body providing sufficient magnetic force for attaching the protective device to the vehicle. The protective device is configured for deploying from within a second vehicle parked adjacent to the first vehicle. The protective device is attached to the first vehicle to prevent damage caused by impact from the second vehicle. The impact absorbing region preferably includes two horizontally aligned foam tubes and a foam strip located between the two foam tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Gordon
  • Publication number: 20100084844
    Abstract: A windshield washer nozzle cover for concealing an external windshield washer nozzle disposed on the exterior surface of a vehicle, the windshield washer nozzle cover being molded into a shape different than the contour of the windshield washer nozzle, wherein the shape is configured in the form of indicia to provide non-verbal communication to others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Steven A. Dringenberg
  • Patent number: 7677583
    Abstract: A bracket assembly including a plurality of components attached along a hem line, a plurality of attachment points along the hem line, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket connects to the plurality of components at at least one of the plurality of attachment points, and supports a longitudinal load applied to at least one of the plurality of components. The second bracket connects to the plurality of components, and supports a lateral load applied to at least one of the plurality of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford D. Armstrong, Rudolph A. Schrempf
  • Publication number: 20100019479
    Abstract: A trunk lid cover in combination with a car spoiler. The trunk lid cover is of flexible material and is disposed for covering the trunk lid only of an automobile. The trunk lid cover is held tightly against the surface of said trunk lid. A car spoiler attached to the trunk lid cover. A message display is mounted to the trunk lid cover or to the car spoiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Riccardo V. Haynes
  • Patent number: 7624835
    Abstract: A protective cover for the underside of a vehicle is formed substantially from plastic and can provide a skid plate for the vehicle. The protective cover includes at least one fastening portion which is configured to facilitate attachment of the protective cover to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a rib that is movable to matingly contact a feature on an underside of a vehicle so that loading from an impact is distributed in a predetermined manner. In another embodiment, the fastening portion includes an abutment wall that substantially transmits a shearing load from the protective cover to a vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the fastening portion is adjacent to an edge portion of the protective cover. The protective cover may be included in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7588267
    Abstract: A vehicle safety system, vehicle (10) air bladders (12) hydraulic jacks (14) solution spray nozzles (16) front, rear absorber eject out bumpers (18) cluster sensing unit (20) dual door brace to interlock with eject out absorbers to body frame (22) single door brace to interlock with eject out absorbers to body frame (24) stand alone eject out door brace without interlock to body frame (26) interlock with eject out absorbers to body frame to dual door brace (28) interlock with eject out absorbers to body frame to single door brace (30) air bags (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Nick Trozzi
  • Publication number: 20090184507
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame neck cover includes a lower semi-tubular portion that substantially surrounds an outer visible half of a motorcycle frame leg and an upper portion that substantially covers a planar outer surface of a generally rectangular tubular frame member that mounts the front fork of the motorcycle. One or more resilient strips are mounted to an outer surface of the upper cover portion in an area of potential contact by a front fork shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew N. Leisch
  • Patent number: 7556292
    Abstract: Apparatus for installation on a motorcycle which is capable of shielding one or more riders thereof from heat generated during motor operation. In preferred embodiments, apparatus with a plurality of detachable shield panels which are capable of protecting one or more riders from excess heat generated by the operation of a motorcycle, and, conversely, in which the shield panels can be removed to provide beneficial heat to the rider and/or passenger when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick E. King
  • Patent number: 7540980
    Abstract: A conductive resin composition produced by melt-kneading a mixture comprising a polyamide (A), a polyphenylene ether (B) (non-terminal-modified polyphenylene ether and/or terminal-modified polyphenylene ether), a rubbery polymer (C), a conductive carbonaceous material (D) (carbon black and/or carbon fibril), and a low molecular weight modifier compound (E) (compatibility agent), wherein the mixture has the following characteristics: (1) the amount of (D) is 0.2 to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of (A) to (E), (2) the amount of (E) is more than 0.01% by weight and less than 0.20% by weight, based on the total weight of (A) to (E), and (3) the amount (a) of a volatile substance contained in (B) satisfies the following formula: 0?a??7.3×E+1.83, wherein E is the % by weight of (E), based on the total weight of (A) to (E), the amount (a) being expressed in terms of a weight decrease (% by weight) of (B) as measured by subjecting (B) to vacuum drying in vacuo at 180 ° C. for 1 hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Noda, Hiroshi Nishino, Norio Sakata
  • Publication number: 20090108575
    Abstract: A removable vehicle protection assembly for installation between first and second edges of a vehicle includes a resilient strip, a first resilient clamping member with a first clamp hook element, and a second hook element. The resilient strip is extendible along its longitudinal axis and is designed to protect the surface of the vehicle. The first resilient clamping member is used to protect a portion of the first vehicle edge and for securely receiving one end of the resilient strip portion. The resilient strip has a first clamp hook element for engaging a portion of the first vehicle edge and a second hook element coupled to the other end of the resilient strip for engaging a portion of the second vehicle edge. When installed on a vehicle, vehicle protection assembly protects the surface of a vehicle from damage when said vehicle is in transit, parked, or being towed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael, Vernon Michael
  • Patent number: 7475928
    Abstract: A collapsible safety barrier for protecting the rear window of the pickup truck and occupants in the cab, from any shifting cargo being transported in the bed. A collapsible safety barrier attached to the inside front bed rail of a pickup truck beneath the exterior of the rear cab window. When erected in the upright position, above said barrier protects passengers in truck cab from shifting cargo in the bed of the truck. In addition, from the erected position, said barrier permits protecting the front window of any installed truck cap from shifting or loading cargo. When not in use, said barrier retracts up to 180 degrees to an inverted position within the confines of a truck bed. When collapsed, it allows use of a rear split window for accessing the cargo area from within the cab or installation of truck bed cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Peter Clum, Jennifer Clum
  • Publication number: 20080309060
    Abstract: A pre-impact inflation air bag system for a vehicle having a preselected decreasing distance between the vehicle and an object is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of nested inflatable air bags. A plurality of inflators are provided for inflating the plurality of nested inflatable air bags, respectively. A collision sensor produces a collision sensor output upon detecting the object with the preselected decreasing distance between the vehicle and the object. A controller receives the collision sensor output for simultaneously inflating each of the plurality of nested inflatable air bags between vehicle and an object. A plurality of pressure relief members are connected to the plurality of nested inflatable air bags for sequentially deflating the plurality of nested inflatable air bags upon sequential impact of the plurality of nested inflatable air bags with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Sam Hakki, A-Hamid Hakki
  • Publication number: 20080303259
    Abstract: A protection device for a towed vehicle. The protection device includes a moveable support. The moveable support is adapted to be coupled with a towing vehicle member. A fixed support is adapted to be coupled with a towed vehicle member. A flexible material is coupled between the moveable support and the fixed supports. A biasing device is coupled with the moveable support. The biasing device allows the moveable support to move and maintains the flexible material in a taut condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry Edwards
  • Patent number: 7461853
    Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne A. Larson
  • Publication number: 20080296880
    Abstract: A protecting device for a motorcycle. The protecting device may comprise a tilt-measuring module capable of measuring tilt of the motorcycle, an airbag capable of being inflated and expanding out of or to cover an outer surface of the motorcycle, a comparing module capable of comparing the tilt with a tilting limitation and generating a inflating signal if the tilt achieves or exceeds the tilting limitation and an inflation module capable of generating a gas to inflate the airbag if the inflation module receives the inflating signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ping Lin
  • Publication number: 20080238067
    Abstract: A door protection system can be attached to a ceiling or wall. When attached to a ceiling, the clear pad is coupled to the ceiling though safety releases. Each safety release couples a first rope attached to the pad in an inverted “V” configuration to a vertical disposed rope secured to the ceiling. The safety releases are at a height so that they can be reset or replaced without a ladder. The inverted “V” shape allows the vertically disposed rope to be placed in a position which will not significantly interfere with the garage door as it is opened. Tubes prevent the vertically disposed rope from catching with the garage door opener rail or carriage. A partially threaded screw is adaptable to both anchor or stud/joist installations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Graeme A. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20080197616
    Abstract: Described is a device that can be attached to an in-line skate that will deflect debris such as small rocks and sticks from the immediate path of the in-line skate. The device will detect when the rear wheels leave the skating surface and will reposition so as to not interfere with the operation of the skate when the skate tips forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Thomas Finstad
  • Patent number: 7377549
    Abstract: A saddle ride type all-terrain vehicle includes left and right front wheels supported independently of each other on a vehicle body such that driving power is transmitted to said front wheels by way of a pair of left and right drive shafts extending from a driving source side. The vehicle also includes universal couplings provided at opposite end portions of each of the drive shafts, covered by rubber boots. The vehicle further includes a protector for covering the rubber boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Akio Handa, Masahiro Inoue, Makoto Toda, Hiroaki Tomita, Keita Yagi
  • Patent number: 7267369
    Abstract: A truck has a power unit including a main casing for housing drive apparatus and a platform onto which an operator may step and ride while controlling the truck. The casing includes at least one substantially rigid wall member and an operator support pad associated with the wall member. The support pad includes a main body having a first portion defining a deformable pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Gallagher, Robert J. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7237803
    Abstract: A drag wheel and mount attachable to the angular skid bracket engaged on the rear of a motor vehicle such as a trailer or motorhome without removing or otherwise altering the angular skid bracket. The device features a roller rotationally engaged on the distal end of a mount. The mount is adapted to attach to the angular skid bracket in a compressible engagement without altering or drilling the skid bracket or detaching it from the vehicle. The roller projects past the lower surface of the angular skid bracket on two sidewalls and contacts the road surface in the event the vehicle tilts sufficiently to cause the skid bracket to strike the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Tony Van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7201429
    Abstract: An animal deflector system for propelling a deer/large animal away from the front portion of a moving vehicle wherein the system includes a brush guard member mounted on the front of a vehicle by a pair of compression springs connect on one end to the brush guard member and a pair of bearing plates affixed to the front of the vehicle, wherein a pair of pivotal lever members maintain the compression springs in a pre-loaded condition until a deer/large animal forcibly impacts the brush guard member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Nancy Erin Lange
  • Patent number: 7185920
    Abstract: The invention provides a retractable cover apparatus, which when extended to cover the wheel or track area of a variety of vehicles minimizes the amount of spray and debris flying from the tires or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system is mounted to the frame of a vehicle without requiring extensive modifications to the frame, and includes, for each side of the vehicle, an elongated flexible cover having first and second ends and a width sufficient to extend laterally outwardly beyond an outer extent of the wheels or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system also include at least first and second cover housings, one of the housings adapted to contain the cover in a rolled retracted condition and the other housing being adapted to anchor a free end of the cover in an extended condition thereof. At least one support bar is removably mounted to the frame of the vehicle over which the cover is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: David Carl Drummond
  • Patent number: 7104594
    Abstract: A clip assembly mounts a cladding panel to a body. The clip assembly includes a clip and a key guide. The clip has a head and a shaft. The head is adapted for attaching to a flange of the cladding panel. The key guide has a hollow body sized to receive and retain the shaft in a first and second engagement position. The key guide is configured to be inserted into a slot on the body structure and upon rotation is retained within the slot. One end of the cladding engages the pilot aperture and an opposite end engages a slot. The cladding is adjustable relative to the body structure while in a first engagement position and is held in place for further fastening when in a second engagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Elliot Granger, John Hobill, Kevin Bunting, Michael Gach, Adolfo Enrico Milani, Gary Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7090266
    Abstract: A vehicle side protector against dents and scratches due to the impact of a door of an adjacent vehicle. Comprised of high-density blocks, covered with a non-scratch fabric. Attached are strips of covered pads for the purpose of protrusion that will cause the apparatus to fit vehicles with curves, and to prevent smacking sound on contact. Magnetic strips are applied to the strips of covered pads to secure the apparatus to the vehicle. The strap consists of a long strip, and a thick tip joined together to prevent easy theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Pamela Sharron Price
  • Patent number: 7086661
    Abstract: A protective towing shield or curtain attachable to the rear of a towing vehicle. The towing shield has a flexible mesh panel which is coupled to a retractor. When in use, the panel is deployed and attached to the front of the towed vehicle. The deployed curtain extends horizontally between the vehicles to downwardly direct and deflect road debris, rock, gravel, salt and the like. The curtain is readily attached and detached to the towed vehicle at fasteners such as by detent pins engageable in eye bolts. A turn support strut is attached when the curtain is deployed. The curtain, including the strut and fasteners, may be stored on the retractor when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Osborn
  • Patent number: 7055895
    Abstract: The protective plate assembly may protect a wheel differential and drive line of a land vehicle from damage and from causing damage. A wheel differential plate may have two axle mount members extending upwardly therefrom and a plate mounting bracket may be attached at an upper end of the axle mount members that may be attachable to an axle housing. A drive line assembly may be attached to the wheel differential plate wherein the drive line assembly may have a bottom plate and two side walls extending upwardly therefrom. A rod may be attached to a front end of the drive line assembly wherein the rod may be positioned to slidably engage a rod mounting bracket that may have an aperture therein and the rod mounting bracket may be attachable to a land vehicle structure to retain the drive line assembly to partially enclose a drive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: John King, Robert Wiltshire
  • Patent number: 7036867
    Abstract: A car cover, include a top piece and at least two-section side pieces. The two-section side pieces can be fabricated from side pieces and inclined pieces, edges of which are designed with non-straight convex arc line cut edges, and horizontally protruding regions are formed after joining the edges. The two-section side pieces can also be fabricated from front side pieces and rear side pieces, edges of which are designed with non-straight convex arc line cut edges, and vertically protruding regions are formed after joining the edges. Space within the outward expanding, curved protruding regions is used to contain rear-view mirrors of the car body when covering the car body with the car cover, thereby achieving a structure that is easy to manufacture and reduces manufacturing cost. Moreover, the car cover has universal suitability for many different car models and provides the convenience of covering and uncovering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Formosa Saint Jose Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Shun Yang