Dust And Mud Guards Patents (Class 280/847)
  • Patent number: 8203076
    Abstract: To provide an electrical junction box having a novelty structure that may be detachably attached with a sufficient fixing force to a place where a bolt-fastening work may be in a difficult condition. An attaching projection may be provided with an abutting portion to be superimposed on a front surface of a vehicle body panel. An engagement projection protrudes from the abutting portion in a slanting position in a superimposing direction to the vehicle body panel. The engagement projection may be inserted into an attaching hole provided in the vehicle body panel so that the engagement projection may be engaged with a peripheral edge portion around the attaching hole at a rear surface of the vehicle body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunsuke Mizukami
  • Patent number: 8191843
    Abstract: There is provided a mudguard mounting structure, superior in versatility and capable of reducing the number of steps for mounting. The present invention is a structure for mounting a mudguard on a rear bumper of a vehicle, in which a mounting member is used to mount the mudguard on the rear bumper, said mounting member comprising a clamping portion on one side thereof for clamping an end portion of the rear bumper, and a mounting portion on which the mudguard is mounted on an other side. The mounting member can be mounted on the rear bumper by allowing the clamping portion to clamp the aforementioned end portion, thereby reducing the number of parts and steps for mounting, and costs. Since the mounting member excels in versatility, costs can be further reduced. An engagement portion for engaging the rear bumper is provided on an inner surface of the clamping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiro Hagino, Daisuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8146949
    Abstract: Mud flap having a plurality of laterally spaced, vertically extending vanes defining a plurality of vertically extending channels on the front side of the flap for directing water and debris from a wheel in a downward direction toward the roadway and not to the rear or sides of the flap, and vertically extending slotted openings in the channels of a size permitting air to pass through the openings to the rear of the flap and preventing water and debris from doing so. In some embodiments, vertically extending deflectors are positioned to the rear of the slotted openings for directing any water and debris passing through the openings in a downward direction toward the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Tarun Natwarlal Surti
  • Patent number: 8141906
    Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle has an engine compartment protected from mud and water splash by wheel well shields and a centrally located underbody splash guard member, arranged to substantially block mud and water from splashing back toward an engine during operation of the vehicle. These splash guards are also configured to ensure a space for maintenance. The vehicle includes inner wheel well shields located respectively laterally inside of the front wheels, and an underbody splash guard member including first and second guard portions. The first guard portion provided on the underbody splash guard member is located laterally inside of the wheel well shields, and the second guard portion is located laterally inside of the first guard portion for covering a front portion of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Oshima, Kazuhito Hirai, Tetsuro Hosoda
  • Publication number: 20120007350
    Abstract: A pad of connected rubber body and metal plate and the method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The rubber body is embedded with a metal plate whose rim is formed with through holes. The rubber body is formed with a recess at the embedding position of the metal plate, the recess having an embedding groove on the side. The through holes of the metal plate are in the embedding groove. The rubber body is formed with a positioning post for and going through each of the through holes. The rubber body and the metal plate are thus integrally connected while formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Ming-Ling WANG
  • Patent number: 8066304
    Abstract: A mud flap for land vehicles, comprising at least one drive element (4) cooperating with the mud flap (1) for pivoting thereof to a desired position around the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Memet Nevres Ulgen
  • Patent number: 8016307
    Abstract: A fender supporting structure of a two-wheeled motor vehicle capable of securing the rigidity of a mounting portion of a front fender and the rigidity of the entire front fender is provided, without enlarging the outer shape of the front fender more than necessary. In a fender supporting structure of a two-wheeled motor vehicle including a fender formed in an arc shape along the shape of a wheel, and a fender supporting member on which the fender is mounted from under the fender supporting member so as to cover an area above the wheel, at least two mounting surfaces at different levels in height are formed on the fender, at least two mounting surfaces at different levels in height are formed on the fender supporting member, and the fender is joined to the fender supporting member with these mounting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Adachi, Yuichi Kato, Daisuke Soeno, Yuji Noguchi, Tomohiro Fuse, Kazuhito Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8016308
    Abstract: A rear fender of a motorcycle includes a hollow stay portion which extends in the vehicle rearward and downward direction from a base portion thereof arranged in the inside of a rear portion of a seat rail, the stay portion is configured to be dividable, and lines for electric components are encased in a hollow portion of the stay portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Ishikawa, Gen Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7967359
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for deflecting mud from the foot area of an all terrain vehicle includes a substantially vertical barrier disposed adjacent to the foot area of the all terrain vehicle. The apparatus comprises a mud deflector stretched between a front fender and a rear fender. The apparatus may comprises a mud deflector configured from an elastomeric material stretched between a front fender and a rear fender and attached to the front and rear fenders by a plurality of attachment clips. In certain embodiments the apparatus may comprise a mud deflector configured from a rigid material attached to the front and rear fenders of the all terrain vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne A. Bowles
  • Patent number: 7931302
    Abstract: A mud flap mounting assembly for vehicles providing an elongate laterally extending central support beam defining a medial channel slidably carrying similar elongate mud flap extensions extendible from each opposing end to positions laterally outward of the vehicles' rear tires. The central support beam is secured to a ball mount receiving box beam extending rearwardly from the vehicle by two medial spacedly adjacent depending fastening arms carrying two vertically spaced fasteners extending therethrough above and below the receiving box beam. A mud flap mounting arm carrying a depending mud flap is fastened to the laterally outer end portion of each mud flap extension. A collar carried at the inner end portion of each mud flap mounting arm and having a releasable fastener positionally secures and maintains the mud flap extension and mud flap mounting arm to the central support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph A. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7909343
    Abstract: A mudflap assembly comprising a bracket for connection to a vehicle and a hanger extended therefrom. A mudflap is connected to one end of the hanger, while the bracket rotatable receives the other end and maintains the hanger in an initial resting position until the hanger is acted upon by a sufficient horizontal force. A bulge or detent on the bracket resists horizontal movement of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fontaine Spray Suppression Co.
    Inventors: David Archer, John W. Howard, Douglas L. Henson, Larry D. Birch
  • Patent number: 7802841
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle having a plurality of body covers that are easily assembled and that have mating sections with an improved external appearance. A connection mechanism connects a leg shield and an under seat cover using a connecting member, and a fixing mechanism fixes the leg shield and the under seat cover using fixing hooks. The connection and fixing mechanisms are aligned with a mating section of the leg shield and the under seat cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kan Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7780199
    Abstract: Bicycle frame, of the type which consist of a diagonal tube (1) of quadrangular section, in which at least in the mid-upper zone (11) of the diagonal tube (1) which faces the bicycle wheel, the outer side (10) of said quadrangular section is concave, and the size (a) of said outer side (10) increases approximately from the upper section (A:A) to the central section (C:C) of the diagonal tube (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Orbea, S. Coop. Ltda.
    Inventor: Xabier Narbaiza Gomez
  • Patent number: 7717467
    Abstract: The drilling of new holes into a vehicle fender fold is avoided by providing a mud flap with a sliding clamping member. When an attachment bolt is slid in a slot formed in the polymeric mud flap body, the sliding clamping member slides with it from a disengaged position to a second position behind the fender fold. A wall integrally formed in the mud flap body prevents rotation of the clamping member as the attachment bolt is rotated, drawing the clamping member forwardly on the threads of the attachment bolt to clamp the fender fold between the sliding clamping member and a stationary clamping member insert-molded into the mud flap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: David Iverson
  • Patent number: 7654574
    Abstract: A mud flap mounting system for connecting a mud flap to a mud flap mounting bracket of a vehicle includes a mud flap group and a mud flap mounting assembly for connecting one mud flap of the mud flap group to a vehicle mud flap mounting bracket. The mud flap group includes at least two mud flaps, each comprising a sheet of flexible material having a top edge and defining at least two mounting openings, each mounting opening including a bolt hole, a first slit and at least a second slit, said first slit being a severed portion of the sheet with virtually no loss of material and extending from the top edge to the corresponding bolt hole, and the at least a second slit extending outwardly from the bolt hole. The mud flap mounting assembly includes a pressure plate, a spring member, a bolt with a head and a shank with a distal end, and a tightening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Norman Anthony Haynes
  • Patent number: 7651108
    Abstract: Drive wheel (6) is designed to pivot around a first axis (X-X?), which in particular is horizontal, for the purpose of advance of the vehicle, and around a second axis (Y-Y?), which in particular is vertical, for the purpose of steering of the vehicle, while fairing (8) extends laterally to the vicinity of wheel (6) when the vehicle is in operation, so that it at least partly covers an outer side of said wheel. Fairing (8) is not linked in rotation to wheel (6) around the first axis, with the result that it is not constrained to rotate around said axis during the advance of the vehicle, whereas said fairing is linked in rotation to said wheel around the second axis, so that it follows the steering movements of said wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Irisbus France S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Bonnaud, Bruno Cornuault
  • Patent number: 7625013
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved spray suppression device for vehicles. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a front panel having generally opposed first and second main surfaces and being configured to have a plurality of first through openings laterally and longitudinally spaced apart from each other, each forming a flow path through the front panel and a plurality of protrusions each having a cap and at least one post, connected to said front panel and positioned to project from the first main surface for substantially facing their leading wheel of the vehicle. Each cap is positioned substantially above at least one said first opening in said front panel and forming a second opening between the first main surface and the cap. The present invention provides a mud flap which allows air to pass through its opening without clogging with mud, rocks, and road debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Solutia, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Kellick
  • Patent number: 7625012
    Abstract: A fender fastenable to a bicycle bracing post includes at least a fender body and a fastening assembly. The fender body has a front section on which a concave portion, a slit and a holding space are formed. The slit can be opened elastically to allow a bicycle rear fork to be held in the holding space. The fastening means and the fender body can be coupled and adjusted to quickly install the fender on the bicycle bracing post. As a result more space is available to hold other bicycle accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sunnywheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090289446
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mud flap lifting system for raising and lowering a pair of mud flaps connected to a rear portion of a vehicle and suspended behind corresponding rear wheels of the vehicle. A shaft extends between the mud flaps. First and second sheaves are disposed on the shaft, wherein each of the sheaves is aligned with one of the mud flaps. A pair of cables is provided, each of the cables having a first end connected to one of the sheaves and a second end connected to the correspondingly aligned mud flap. A motor is coupled to the shaft, wherein the shaft is axially rotated upon actuation of the motor. Each of the cables is coiled around the corresponding sheave upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, thereby raising the mud flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jeremiah C. PROCTOR
  • Patent number: 7597387
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Matthew Alexander, Yoshihito Tokuda, Scott Blanford, Shinichi Karube, Mitsuya Kawamura, Anthony M. Schroeder, Asao Itaya, Hiroyuki Miyazaki, Nicholas Renner, Jessica Vera, Hideaki Yamazumi, Michael V. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7591503
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Schroeder, Nicholas Renner, Asao Itaya, Jessica Vera, Hideaki Yamazumi, Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Daniel Thomas Sellars, Michael V. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7578526
    Abstract: A removable mud flap includes a panel member having a curved top mounting edge, and a reinforced malleable engagement channel attached along the curved top mounting edge and adapted to frictionally engage a fender flange. The reinforced malleable engagement channel includes an interior U-shaped gripping surface defining a cavity, a plurality of opposed gripping lips protruding into the cavity, a plurality of gripping ribs protruding into said cavity, an exterior surface and an intermediate malleable U-shaped channel disposed between the interior U-shaped gripping surface and the exterior surface. The reinforced malleable engagement channel securely grips a fender flange without damaging the finish of the fender. The mud flap may be removed, without tools and without damaging the fender, by pulling it from the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7559580
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for fixing fenders in motorcycles. It is essentially characterized in that it comprises applying a key 1, 5 to a specific fixing area of the fender, such key being either interchangeable, so that the holes thereon are made to match the holes in the fender, or able to move along the fixing area. Therefor, it is respectively provided with specific holes that are adapted to each model of motorcycle or with slant openings which, by sliding the key, allow for a coincident location with horizontal openings of the fender's fixing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Polisport-Pedro & Paulo Araujo Plasticos, S.A.
    Inventor: Pedro Araújo
  • Publication number: 20090167010
    Abstract: A one-piece-construction vehicle part may include both a mudguard portion and a side-sill-garnish portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Adam Rompage, Darcy Letourneau, Erin Stringer
  • Publication number: 20090166120
    Abstract: A front fender that increases the cooling effect of an apparatus disposed rearward of a front wheel of a motorcycle. The front fender is disposed above the front wheel and between left and right front suspensions supporting the front wheel. An upper surface part of the front fender extends rearward along an external shape of the front wheel. A transitional part on the upper surface part is formed forward of the front suspensions. An extending direction of the upper surface part changes at the transitional part to direct airflow flowing along the upper surface part away from the upper surface part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideko OKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7549676
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle is constructed to allow the positions at which the headlights are attached to be designed freely, and allows a large amount of design freedom in the vicinity of each headlight. Left and right brackets are detachably mounted to the body frame so as to be below the left and right front fenders, respectively, and the left and right headlights are mounted to the left and right brackets, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7544032
    Abstract: A deer hoist for an all terrain vehicle includes a transverse mounting bar adapted to be attached to a trailer hitch drawbar on the vehicle. A beam vertically extends from the mounting bar and has a horizontal arm extending therefrom. A brake wench mounted on the vertical beam operates a cable along a plurality of pulleys disposed on the horizontal arm. A gambrel is secured to a distal end of the cable for suspending a deer. A width and height adjustable outrigger assembly is attached to the transverse mounting bar to prevent the all terrain vehicle from toppling when a load is placed on the hoist. The outrigger assembly can be conveniently disassembled and stored on the hoist when not in use. The hoist also includes an accessory rack and light for remote use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Earl Scott, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090134614
    Abstract: The debris deflecting lift truck wheel guard is comprised of a deflecting material assembly, preferably made of metal, synthetic, and/or natural materials, that is attached to a lift truck via at least one adjustable or fixed mode of attachment. The assembly is positioned so that the deflecting material extends down either in front of and/or behind the wheel toward the floor. As the truck moves, the deflecting material moves along the floor in the projected path of the wheel(s) and removes debris from that path. One debris deflecting lift truck wheel guard is needed per wheel or set of wheels to protect them all from premature wear. The debris deflecting lift truck wheel guard protects the wheel(s) of lift trucks from premature wear caused by contact with debris. This technology is unique in that it seeks to clear only the projected path of the wheel(s) of debris, as opposed to a larger portion of the floor, and it does so while the lift truck remains in normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Lee Johnson
  • Patent number: 7537243
    Abstract: A method of installing a mud flap onto a vehicle having a fender which has a contour, so that the mud flap is in a predetermined position. A mud flap installation kit is used. This kit has a mud flap that defines a set of at least three apertures positioned along a curve that parallels the fender contour and a set of flat clips equal in number to the apertures, each flat clip having a bolt and a leaf, defining a leaf aperture. Each flat clip bolt is threaded through a mud flap aperture and a leaf aperture. Then the mud flap is aligned so that each of the apertures is a predetermined distance from the fender, thereby placing the mud flap in the predetermined position. Finally, the flat clips are used to clamp the mud flap to the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: William Dennis Perry
  • Patent number: 7527298
    Abstract: A riding work vehicle includes an engine hood provided at a rear portion of the vehicle body, an engine cooling air inlet provided at a front end area of the engine hood, and a mower connecting portion for connecting a mower to the vehicle body. A pair of right and left first fenders are supported to the vehicle body so as to be located above the front wheels or rear wheels. Second fenders are provided separately from the first fenders and overlapping at least partially with the first fenders as viewed from above. Second fender support portions support the second fenders to the vehicle body. Each one of the second fenders includes an overlapping portion overlapping with the first fender as viewed from above and a dust cover portion disposed laterally of the engine cooling air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Tsuchihashi, Koji Fujiwara, Yoshiyuki Esaki
  • Patent number: 7520534
    Abstract: A fender mountable to a vehicle having a wheel. The fender includes a mounting bracket mountable to the vehicle, a suspension component mechanically coupled to the mounting bracket and a shield component mechanically coupled to the suspension component so as to be positionable substantially adjacent the wheel. The suspension component includes a deformable portion extending between the mounting bracket and the shield component. Upon a biasing force being exerted onto the shield component, the biasing force deforms the deformable portion so as to move the shield component relatively to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Gérard Longchamp
  • Publication number: 20090008920
    Abstract: A fender assembly for a vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the fender assembly includes a fender member, a clamp member, and a connecting member. In one embodiment, the connecting member is pivotally connected to the clamp member and detachably connected to the fender member such that the fender member is movable between at least a first position and a second position with respect to the connecting member. The fender assembly further includes a resistance member provided between the connecting member and the clamp member. The resistance member is configured to pivot the connecting member from a first position to a second position when a moment of force is applied to the connecting member above a predetermined threshold. The resistance member is further configured to bias the connecting member back to the first position when a moment of force is below the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Laivins, Glen A. Laivins
  • Publication number: 20090001705
    Abstract: A rear fender assembly for a vehicle is provided. The rear fender assembly has an outer fender having an inner surface, an inner fender having an outer surface connected with the inner surface of the outer fender, and an upper bracket sandwiched between the inner surface of the outer fender and the outer surface of the inner fender. The upper bracket has an outer surface connected with the inner surface of the outer fender. The upper bracket forms an upper protrusion which extends from the outer surface of the upper bracket through a first opening defined by the outer fender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Mark T. Fischer, John S. Cullen, Ronald G. Hurth, Santiago Mendoza, JR., Jason A. Franklin, James A. Wollmer, Gregory R. Winsor, Douglas D. Clarkson
  • Patent number: 7469929
    Abstract: A device for attaching a fender to a vehicle comprises an elongated member and a fender fixation member. The elongated member has a proximal end and a distal portion, and the proximal end is configured to be attached to the vehicle. The fender fixation member is mounted to the distal portion of the elongated member, and the position of this fender fixation member is adjustable relative to the distal portion. The fender fixation member comprises a bracket for fixation to the fender of the vehicle, and a distance adjustment mechanism interposed between the distal portion of the elongated member and the fender fixation member. The bracket is also adjustable relative to a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Produits Metchro Inc.
    Inventor: Réjean Viens
  • Patent number: 7461853
    Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7419188
    Abstract: A vehicle undershield is disclosed which is made from a material which is essentially conformed to the shape of the wheel housing and attached thereto, which undershield, due to its shape and structure, provides protection from corrosion by the sandblasting effect, causes reduction of the spray mist occurring on road surfaces wet from rain, and an effective noise damping on roads wet from rain and also on dry roads, having a sound-absorbing design for air-borne sound coming from the side facing away from the wheel, having a very good self-cleaning effect, while having a low weight of the constructional part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Entwicklungsgesellschaft fuer Akustik (EFA) mit Beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Norbert Nicolai, Nelson Dias
  • Publication number: 20080156558
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle that reliably leads fuel that overflows from a fuel fill opening away to a safe area without specialist components. A fuel tank includes a recess portion that is formed around a fuel fill opening, and a raised section that is formed to the outer side of the recess portion and that is at a higher position than the recess portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuyuki OTSUBO, Yasuo OKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7258366
    Abstract: A one-piece synthetic splash and spray suppressor (50) is fastened to the margin of the trailing edge (48) of a front wheel well, or fender, (24) of a vehicle (10) to suppress road splash and spray created by a wheel within the well or fender from hitting steps (40, 42) by which a driver climbs into a cab (36). A wall (58) of the suppressor forms a continuation of an eyebrow (46) in the wheel well, or fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kerry E. Yingling, David J. Beigel
  • Patent number: 7229090
    Abstract: A folding trailer is described, including a wheeled frame portion having a tongue secured thereto which extends forwardly for connection to the hitch of the an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The tongue is enabled to pivot the folding trailer from a horizontal to a vertical position. The folding trailer includes an adjustable mud flap assembly, a tool holding assembly and accessory assemblies for enabling the driver of the ATV to disperse fertilizer, seed, chemicals and the like while seated in the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Bobby Cumbie
  • Patent number: 7226086
    Abstract: A mud flap mounting system for connection to a mud flap mounting bracket of a vehicle that allows release and reinstallation of mud flap when it is pinched between a rotating tire and an obstruction. The system includes a flexible sheet of mud flap material with a top edge defining at least two mounting boles with both mounting holes to include a bolt hole and either a slot or a first slit extending from the top edge and to its corresponding bolt hole, at least a second slit may be used in conjunction with sheet having a first slit. The second slit or plurality of second slits extend from the bolt hole, parallel to, or away from the top edge of the mud flap material. The threaded distal end of a bolt extends through the mounting hole in the sheet and extends through a bracket hole in the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Norman Anthony Haynes
  • Patent number: 7222884
    Abstract: A mudguard for a wheel of an agricultural vehicle comprises two or more radially stacked parts and that are movable relative to one another in the axial direction of the wheel and lockable in different relative axial positions to form a mudguard of adjustable width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jim Callan, Vince Ellis, Allan Smee
  • Patent number: 7213893
    Abstract: A track cover adapted for use on an item of heavy construction equipment having at least one track. The track cover comprises an outside panel and a tread panel. The tread panel is preferably connected to the outside panel. The track cover also comprises an assembly for removably attaching the track cover to the item of heavy equipment. The track cover is adapted to cover at least a portion of the at least one track of the item of heavy construction equipment and retain dirt, rocks and other debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Mark McCraw
  • Patent number: 7213843
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention comprises a splashguard for use in controlling tire splashes of a vehicle. The splashguard comprises a main plate that is attachable to a vehicle. The main plate has a top and bottom. An insert is attached to the bottom of the main plate. The insert is adapted to protect the plate from abrasion and wear. A hanger is mounted to the top of the first plate. The splashguard further comprises a method of creating a splashguard that comprises providing a hanger and molding a plate around a portion of the hanger. An insert is attached to the plate. The insert and the plate form a splashguard assembly that is attached to the vehicle through the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7182375
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fender including an offset light housing installed on a trailer or tow dolly for towing a vehicle or other piece of equipment. In a preferred embodiment the fender further includes a clearance increasing portion. The fenders minimize the possibility of damage to the vehicle or other piece of equipment. Also disclosed is a tow dolly including a tire platform that is positioned such that when an automobile is placed on the tow dolly, the axle of the automobile is positioned forwardly of the front-most axle of the tow dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Shoen
  • Patent number: 7114749
    Abstract: A splash guard assembly for an over the highway vehicle and a kit for making the assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a contoured splash guard and an intermediate mounting element for positioning between the splash guard and a vehicle side panel. The guard and the element are complementally contoured to fit together. The element is also contoured to fit a specific vehicle panel adjacent a wheel well of a vehicle having such panel. When assembled the element and panel are interconnected to enable mounting of the guard. Fasteners securing the element and guard together and the element to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas K. Ward
  • Patent number: 7097208
    Abstract: A splash guard for vehicles and for other applications. The splash guard has a splash guard body having a plurality of attachment holes extending therethrough, and a reinforcing structure, at least in the vicinity of the attachment holes for resisting tearing or cracking of the splash guard. The reinforcing structure includes one or both of thickened portions through which the attachment holes extend, and a reinforcing scrim embedded in the splash guard body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Maurer, Donald P. Katz
  • Patent number: 7094268
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing hydrocarbons and other pollutants from roadway surfaces are provided. The systems can include a pollution trap attached to a vehicle, where the pollution trap comprises an absorbent pad, filter, or membrane. The pollution trap is affixed to the vehicle, for example, in the wheel well, on a mud flap, on the underside of a vehicle or another suitable place where the pollution trap can be exposed to a roadway pollutant. The methods described herein can include liberating roadway pollutants from a roadway and using a pollution trap to collect the liberated roadway pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: 3K Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Krantz
  • Patent number: 7066493
    Abstract: A mud flap is provided for a vehicle which comprises a panel member of rubber having a top mounting end for securement within the wheel well of a vehicle, a bottom free end having a metallic accent plate supported thereon and respective inner and outer sides extending between the ends of the panel member. A recessed portion in the panel member received the accent plate therein and includes a peripheral lip to overlap the peripheral edges of the accent plate. The use of a peripheral lip which overlaps a peripheral edge of the accent plate prevents separation of the plate from the panel member when the panel member is deformed by wind and debris in use. Accordingly dirt and debris are not permitted to be lodged between the plate and the panel member, thus preventing deformation and an unattractive appearance to the mud flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Cloud-Rider Designs
    Inventor: Joseph Cicansky
  • Patent number: 7040662
    Abstract: A mud flap holder assembly includes a mud flap support clip bifurcated at one of the ends thereof to define an open ended variable width slot. The mud flap is held in position by a bolt positioned in the slot with portions of the support clip defining the slot forming a detent frictionally releasably engaging the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Betts Spring Company
    Inventors: Graylin Patrick Barr, William Michael Betts, IV, William Michael Betts, V, Stanley H. Day
  • Patent number: 7014211
    Abstract: A bracket and mud flap assembly for vehicles and heavy equipment with a generally planar rectangular backing, a perpendicular flange attached to and extending across the top edge of the generally planar rectangular backing and a bracket that is below the area of the top edge and having two ends, the bracket being triangular in cross-section and being raised on each end of the bracket forming a slot across the generally planar rectangular backing and the bracket. The generally planar and rectangular mud-flap itself has a raised triangle-shaped protrusion running across its width and can be pulled between and through the front facing of the generally planar and rectangular backing and the bracket until the raised triangle-shaped protrusion is received in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel R. Ogles, Patti M. Ogles