CA2118202A1 - Splash guard assembly and method of use - Google Patents
Splash guard assembly and method of useInfo
- Publication number
- CA2118202A1 CA2118202A1 CA 2118202 CA2118202A CA2118202A1 CA 2118202 A1 CA2118202 A1 CA 2118202A1 CA 2118202 CA2118202 CA 2118202 CA 2118202 A CA2118202 A CA 2118202A CA 2118202 A1 CA2118202 A1 CA 2118202A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- splash guard
- support bar
- bracket
- enlarged
- connection
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention has to do with a releasable splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle, usually a commercial truck.
The assembly includes a main support bar that extends transversely of the width of the vehicle and is connected to the frame of the vehicle. Telescopically engaging the support bar is a rectangular elongate tube having a slot along its lower side that acts as a splash guard discharge bracket. A splash guard is formed with an enlarged upper end having a thickness greater than that of the slot. The upper end of the splash guard is configured to slide inside the elongate tube with the lower body of the splash guard extending downwardly through the slot. Releasable pins are located through the discharge bracket to hold and position the enlarged end of the splash guard in the discharge bracket. The discharge bracket is made of a resilient material so that its slot and the enlarged end of the splash guard provide co-operating elements of pull out release means so that the splash guard my be pulled from the discharge bracket without substantial damage to either the splash guard or the discharge bracket. A splash guard and anti-sail assembly are described wherein the anti-sail device attaches to the splash guard.
The present invention has to do with a releasable splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle, usually a commercial truck.
The assembly includes a main support bar that extends transversely of the width of the vehicle and is connected to the frame of the vehicle. Telescopically engaging the support bar is a rectangular elongate tube having a slot along its lower side that acts as a splash guard discharge bracket. A splash guard is formed with an enlarged upper end having a thickness greater than that of the slot. The upper end of the splash guard is configured to slide inside the elongate tube with the lower body of the splash guard extending downwardly through the slot. Releasable pins are located through the discharge bracket to hold and position the enlarged end of the splash guard in the discharge bracket. The discharge bracket is made of a resilient material so that its slot and the enlarged end of the splash guard provide co-operating elements of pull out release means so that the splash guard my be pulled from the discharge bracket without substantial damage to either the splash guard or the discharge bracket. A splash guard and anti-sail assembly are described wherein the anti-sail device attaches to the splash guard.
Description
~82~2 CONT I NUAT I ON--I N--PART
This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of co-pending application serial number To Be Determined filed on 10/15/93 titled "Splash Guard Assembly and Method of Use".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention has to do with splash guards for automotive vehicles and is especially concerned with releasable splash guards for trucks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ~;
Automotive vehicles travelling upon a wet highway generate a spray of material from the contact of the wheels upon the surface of the roadway. Detritus, such as mud, pebbles, water and the like, is picked up from the flat surface of the roadway by the rotating wheels and thrown into the air, generally rearwardly of the rotating wheels. Because of the inherent danger to other vehicles and traffic on the roadway splash guards are used and even required to minimize the danger.
Automotive vehicles for the most part comprise passenger automobiles and commercial trucks~ Passenger automobiles are usually equipped with spray shields in the form of fenders that generally surround the upper portions of the rotating wheel so as to prevent lateral as well as directional spray from the wheels.
In some cases the addition of splash guards is useful in addltion to the fenders already provided by the manufacturer.
Commercial trucks such as the dual drive wheel type are not generally provided by the manufacturer with fender structures for the drive wheels. Commercial trucks haviny otherwise exposed drive ,.
~ ~18~2 wheel sets, either as single or tandem sets, are also not readily susceptible to the providing of integral fender structures, especially those concerned with semi-trailers. In such cases, and in order to meet basic safety standards, whether obligated by statute or vehicle regulations, it has become necessary for such vehicle operators, in some cases, -to independently provide protective devices so as to minimize the throwing of detritus.
Splash guard assemblies that have been provided for the purposes mentioned above usually comprise a flat sheet-form panel that is designed to hang in a vertical plane a short distance behind the direction of travel of the rotating wheels of a truck.
The panels are usually two or three feet wide and have four bolt holes alo,ng their upper edge for bolting to the frame of the truck bed. Usually the distance that the panel is hung behind the wheel will depend on the height of the wheel in order that the panel will not rub on the rotating wheel to any great extent, and further so that the panel will not have a tendency to become trapped against the wheel and tear off during operations where the wheel encounters obstructions when t~e tluck is backing up. The effectiveness of the panel increases as it is located nearer the wheel, however the danger of it being ripped off also increases. Generally, when a panel is torn off, the splash guard and the support bracket are damaged to the extent that they cannot be re-used in an effective manner. In addition the bolts that hold the panel to the support provide a maintenance problem in that they normally become so rusted that routine replacement of the splash guards cannot be easily performed by the operator of the truck and must be done in a repair facility.
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OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object o the present invention to provide a splash -~
guard for an automotive vehicle that is easily replaceable.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that prevents damage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly lor an automotive vehicle that can be easily mounted and replaced by the operator of the vehicle.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a splash guard for an automotive vehicle that is releasably mounted on the frame of the vehicle. ;;
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard for an automotive vehicle that is releasably mounted on a support bar on the frame of a vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that is cost --efficient in its operation.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that provides a slide-on/pull off connection for the splash guard.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that is not permanently damaged when torn off and is easily replaced by the operator of the vehicle.
It is a s-till further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket and splash guard assembly that is easily maintained on a vehic]e.
This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of co-pending application serial number To Be Determined filed on 10/15/93 titled "Splash Guard Assembly and Method of Use".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention has to do with splash guards for automotive vehicles and is especially concerned with releasable splash guards for trucks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ~;
Automotive vehicles travelling upon a wet highway generate a spray of material from the contact of the wheels upon the surface of the roadway. Detritus, such as mud, pebbles, water and the like, is picked up from the flat surface of the roadway by the rotating wheels and thrown into the air, generally rearwardly of the rotating wheels. Because of the inherent danger to other vehicles and traffic on the roadway splash guards are used and even required to minimize the danger.
Automotive vehicles for the most part comprise passenger automobiles and commercial trucks~ Passenger automobiles are usually equipped with spray shields in the form of fenders that generally surround the upper portions of the rotating wheel so as to prevent lateral as well as directional spray from the wheels.
In some cases the addition of splash guards is useful in addltion to the fenders already provided by the manufacturer.
Commercial trucks such as the dual drive wheel type are not generally provided by the manufacturer with fender structures for the drive wheels. Commercial trucks haviny otherwise exposed drive ,.
~ ~18~2 wheel sets, either as single or tandem sets, are also not readily susceptible to the providing of integral fender structures, especially those concerned with semi-trailers. In such cases, and in order to meet basic safety standards, whether obligated by statute or vehicle regulations, it has become necessary for such vehicle operators, in some cases, -to independently provide protective devices so as to minimize the throwing of detritus.
Splash guard assemblies that have been provided for the purposes mentioned above usually comprise a flat sheet-form panel that is designed to hang in a vertical plane a short distance behind the direction of travel of the rotating wheels of a truck.
The panels are usually two or three feet wide and have four bolt holes alo,ng their upper edge for bolting to the frame of the truck bed. Usually the distance that the panel is hung behind the wheel will depend on the height of the wheel in order that the panel will not rub on the rotating wheel to any great extent, and further so that the panel will not have a tendency to become trapped against the wheel and tear off during operations where the wheel encounters obstructions when t~e tluck is backing up. The effectiveness of the panel increases as it is located nearer the wheel, however the danger of it being ripped off also increases. Generally, when a panel is torn off, the splash guard and the support bracket are damaged to the extent that they cannot be re-used in an effective manner. In addition the bolts that hold the panel to the support provide a maintenance problem in that they normally become so rusted that routine replacement of the splash guards cannot be easily performed by the operator of the truck and must be done in a repair facility.
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OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object o the present invention to provide a splash -~
guard for an automotive vehicle that is easily replaceable.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that prevents damage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly lor an automotive vehicle that can be easily mounted and replaced by the operator of the vehicle.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a splash guard for an automotive vehicle that is releasably mounted on the frame of the vehicle. ;;
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard for an automotive vehicle that is releasably mounted on a support bar on the frame of a vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that is cost --efficient in its operation.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that provides a slide-on/pull off connection for the splash guard.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle that is not permanently damaged when torn off and is easily replaced by the operator of the vehicle.
It is a s-till further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket and splash guard assembly that is easily maintained on a vehic]e.
2~2~2 1~ is a still further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket an~ splash guard assembly that provides a push-on/pull-off connection to a support bar on a vehicle.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket and splash guard assembly wherein the splash guard may be pulled from the vehicle without substantial damage to the splash guard.
It is a still -further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket that is cost efficient and easily maintained on a vehicle.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a splash guard for a vehicle that will not be substantially damaged when pulled from its connection with a vehicle.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a splash guard that has means for connecting to an anti-sail bracket for a vehicle.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a splash guard for present support bars on vehicles that can be forcefully separated from tile support bar without substantial damage to the splash guard.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket and splash guard assembly wherein the anti-sail bracket is connected to the splash guard rather than the support bar on a vehicle.
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~18202 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is disclosed a slash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle. The splash guard assembly comprises a main support bar e~tending transversely of the widkh of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. A
discharge bracket is releasably connected to the support bar and a splash guard hangs down from and is releasably connected to the discharge bracket. One of the release means for the splash guard comprises a pull out release for allowing the splash guard to pull out of engagement with the discharge bracket without substantial damage to the splash guard or discharge bracket. The discharge bracket comprises an elongate tubular construction having a longitudinal slit extending along its length. An enlarged upper end of the splash guard assembly is seated in the discharge bracket along the length of the slot. Preferably the tubular construction comprises a resilient material that springs back to its original shape after being expanded when forced to release the splash guard.
The present invention also contemplates the splash guard discharge bracket and splash guard which comprises an elongate support bar for a splash guard and means for attaching the support bar to a vehicle frame. The support bar comprises a tubular construction of resilient material having a longitudinal slit along its length and the means for attaching the support bar to the vehicle frame comprises threaded means or welded means. There is provided a releasable means for positioning and holding a splash guard in the support bar. The splash guard comprises a polygonally , ~ 2~2~2 shaped panel-form with an enlarged upper edge for attachment to the support bar. Co-operating elements of pull out release means are provided between the discharge bracket and the upper edge of the splash guard. The co-operating elements of pull out release comprise an enlarged upper edge on said panel form and a longitudinal slot in the support bar with the enlarged upper edge of the splash guard having a greater thickness than the width of the slot in the support bar.
I'he invention further contemplates a splash guard for an automotive vehicle which comprises a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to the support bar of a vehicle. The end for connection to the support bar has an enlarged cross-sectional thickness when compared to the body of material intermediate of the opposing ends. The enlarged end provides for a means to connect an anti-sail device to the splash guard and/or a means for the splash guard to connect to already existing support bars or the support bars according to the present invention.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a truck with a splash guard assembly.
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a rear end of a truck with a splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3A is a cross sectional view of the splash guard discharge holder bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3B is a cross sectional view of the support clamp and rubber for the splash guard discharge holder bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3C is a plan view of an attachment plate for a support clamp according to the present invention.
FIGURE 4 is a side view of a splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 6 is a plan view of the support strap for a splash guard discharge bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 6A is a side view of the bracket shown in Figure 6.
FIGURE 7 is another embodiment of a splash guarcl assembly according to the present invention.
2 ~ 2 ~ 2 IGURE 7A is an exploded assembly view of the details of fastener means 330 accorcling to the present invention.
IGURE 8 is an end view of the splash guard assembly as shown in figure 7.
IGURE 9 is a plan view of a splash guard according to the present invention.
IGURE 10 is a side view of the splash guard according to the present invention.
IGURE 11 is a perspective view of an auxiliary splash guard according to the present invention.
IGURE 12 is a perspective view of a position and release pin according to the present invention.
IGURE 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a position and release pin engaged with a discharge bracket, the splash guard discharge bracket and the auxiliary splash guard according to the present invention.
FIGURE 14 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 15 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 16 is a front view of a mud flap ancl bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 17 is a side view of a mud flap and bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 18 is a front view of the a bracket according to the present invention.
~82~2 FIGURE 19 is side view of an alternate embodiment of a mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 20 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 21 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 21A is a top view through section A-A of the mud flap shown in Figure 21 FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of an alternate mud flap assembly according to the present invention~
FIGURE 23 is an end view of the alternate mud flap assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 24 is an alternate embodiment of an auxiliary splash according to the present 'nvention.
FIGURE 25 is a bottom view of the auxiliary splash guard shown in Figure 24.
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f~ 2~82~2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
What is shown in Figure 1 is a commercial vehicle 10 in this case consisting of a truck assembly having a cab 12 and a rear trailer portion 14. Located under the trailer portion 14 are forward wheel assemblies 16 and rear wheel assemblies 18 having spring brackets 20 and 22 that are attached to and under the trailer section 14. The wheel assemblies 16 and 18 usually consist of multiple wheels 26 as shown in Figure 1 and located rearwardly of the wheel assemblies from the direction of forward travel of the truck 10 are splash guard assemblies shown at 30 and 32. In the crdinary course of events the splash guards 30 and 32 are located on the spring structure or frame of the truck assemblies to prevent the water, mud, stones and detri*us on the highways from being thrown rearwardly of direction of travel of the truck. In this particular case the splash guard assemblies are attached to the spring structures 20 and 22 . The rear wheel assembly 18 on some trailer sections is mounted such that if the wheel assembly 18 is moved forward or backward in relation to the trailer 14, the splash guard assembly 32 will move in relation thereto.
As shown in Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rear end of a flat bed trailer 50 showing the tail lights 52 and the side rail structure 54 that is found on most trailers. The slde rail 54 extends between the wheel assemblies 16 and 18 and is supported by the wheel assemblies 16 and 18 as previously shown in Figure 1.
Across the back of the trailer 50 there are usually some structural support members as are shown at bumper 56 and structural member 58, .,. ............ -:
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and they may be use~ hany or suspend a main support bracket 60 for a splash guard discharge braket 64 according to the present invention. The present invention consists of fastening a splash guard discharge bracket holder 60 to either a cross member on the spring support bar on the rear wheel assembly 18 or the cross member 56 shown in Figure 2. The splash guard discharge bracket holder 60 is comprised of a completely enclosed tubular member as is shown more clearly in Figures 3 and 3A and is preferably made of aluminum, but may also be fabricated from steel, fiberglass or plastic materials having sufficient strength and resiliency for the purpose. The holder 60 may be welded or otherwise fastened to the bottom of 56 or to the spring bar 22 that transverses the under side of the flat bed 50 of the wheel assembly 18. Splash guard discharge brackets 64 are telescopically mounted on the opposing ends of holder 60 and have splash guards 66 slideably mounted therein as will be shown more clearly in Figure 3. Rising above the splash guard discharge bracket 64 is a separate and auxiliary splash guard 120 mounted on both sides of the tractor trailer.
Shown in Figure 3 is a more detailed description of one embodiment of the slide on pull off splash guard assembly according to the present invention. In figure 3 a main splash guard discharge bracket holder 60 is shown which is comprised of a elongate tubular member that is preferably made with either steel or aluminum, although it may also be comprised of fiberglass, plas-tic or other suitable materials. The holder 60 has opposing ends 100 and 102 that are adapted for telescopically receiving splash guard discharge brackets 6~ into the opposing ends. The holder bracket . .:, , ~" . ...
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- ~ 2~ 2~2 60 is preferably attached to the structural members of the undercarriage, such as side rails 54 or spring hanger 20-22, by brackets 101 that completely surround the outer perimeter of the holder 60 and attach firmly and secureiy, such as by welding, to attachment plate 142. Attachment plate 142 has means for attachment to the frame of the truck bed, specifically side rails 54 or spring hangers 20-22. The means for attachment is by bolt means utilizing bolt holes 144 in attachment plate 142 as shown in Figures 3 and 3C. The discharge brackets 64 preferably are comprised of a steel or aluminum material but may also be formed from a plastic or fiberglass material having the requisite strength and resiliency to perform as herein indicated. The discharge brackets 64 have a slot formed along one side through which one end :~
of the splash guard may extend. The opposiny ends of the discharge bracket 64 are configured so they will telescopically engage the internal or external diameter of the holder bracket 60. Releasable retaining pins pass through the holder 60 and through one end of the discharge bracket 64 so as to hold the discharge bracket 64 to the holder 60. Another releasable pin hole 103 is provided at the outer end of the splash guard discharge bracket 64 so that the splash guard 110 will be prevented from sliding outwardly of engagement of the discharge bracket 64.
Shown on the other end of the holder bracket 60 is a supplemental or auxiliary splash guard 120 that is affixed to the bracket 122. The bracket 122 has a base 124 that attaches preferably by welding to and supports the supplemental splash guard 120. The right angle support arms 126 extend downwardly adjacent f~ 2~ 2~2 of tubular holder 60 on both sides and has cooperating pin holes 128 that extend both through the auxiliary splash guard bracket arms 126, the support bracket 60 and the ~plash guard discharge bracket 64, so that a releasable pin may be placed there to hold the supplemental guard 120 on the holder bracket 60 and clamped over the end of 64. The outer end of base 124 has a hooked end 12S
that hooks over the outboard end of splash guard discharge bracket 64. Located between the top of the splash guard discharge bracket 64 and the bottom of base 124 is a flat sheet of rubber 127 to reduce vibration between the surfaces. The rubber sheet covers substantially the abutment area between the kwo pieces and further the thickness of the rubber pad or sheet 127 is equal to or greater than the tubular wall thickness of holder bracket 60. Rubber strips 129 are also located between the brackets 101 and the holder 60.
Shown in figure 3A is a cross sectional view of Figure 3 and shows the holder bracket 60 having a tubular configuration. Shown is a square configuration having walls 61, 63, 65 and 67 and preferably having wall thickness of lJ8 inch. Shown in figure 3B
is the bracket assembly 101 that is shown having a hole 99 and 97 so that the pin 9S may extend through the holes 99 and 97 and be bolted with 9S. The rear side 140 of the bracket may be used to weld the bracket to the support plate 142 on the trucks trailer assembly.
Shown further in Figure 3s is the rubber strip 129 that extends around the outside perimeter of support holder 60 and the inside perimeter of bracket 101.
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,'':, ''' ;~ . , 23L~8202 Shown more clearly in Figure 4 is a splash guard 110, the holder 60 and the discharge bracket 64 all shown in cross sectional view. The splash guard 110 has a lower splash guard portion 150 with an enlarged end 152. The enlarged end 152 is configured so that it may slide in the hollow porkion of the splash guard discharge bracket 64, until it stops at stop 131. The end 150 fits through the slot shown at 65 in the bracket 64 and the enlarged end 152 prevents the splash guard 110 from being pulled easily from the discharge bracket 64. Splash guard 110 is comprised of rubber, plastic, fiberglass, steel or composite materials of those previously mentioned. What is shown in Figure 5 is an alternate embodiment of a similar splash guard assembly for use on a commercial truck as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment a discharge bracket 171 is formed in the same manner with a metal, aluminum, plastic or fiberglass tubular member as shown at 64 (Fig.
4) and having the same manner of retaining a splash guard assembly 110 as shown in Figure 4. The bracket 170 supports the discharge bracket 171 by extending throughout the length and through the upper part of the bracket 171 and 170 has attachment ears 174 for attachment to a vehicle. Shown more clearly in figure 6A is the bracket 170 and the ear 174. Bracket 170 is preferably made from a steel, a]uminum, plastic, or fiberglass material. Located in ear 174 are holes 176 for attachment of bracket 170, by bolting, to a -~
structural member of the truck.
Shown in Figure 6A is a side view of the bracket 170 with the ear 174.
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Shown in Figure 7 is again a splash guar~ 110, but in this particular arrangement a splash guard discharge bracket 300 is shown having a base 313 that may mount to a side rail 320 or other - structural member extending longitudinally of the rear truck bed.
The side rail 320 provides an ideal amount for the base 313 with the threaded fasteners shown at 330 and 3~0. Again a rubber sheet 319 is placed between the base 313 and the side rail 320 in order to reduce vibration and noise. As shown in Figure 3 the au~iliary splash guard 120 ma~ have holes 400 and 401 for stop light and turn signal light inserts, which are optional features. The holder 300 is designed to accept a standard sized discharge bracket 64 with pins 310 for holding the discharge bracket 64 into the holder 300.
A releasable pin 311 is positioned on the outer end of discharge bracket 64 to hold the splash guard 110 in place during operation.
In this manner individual splash guard assemblies may be mounted behind each set of wheels on each side of the commercial vehicle.
In this case an auxiliary or supplemental splash guard 120 may also be mounted on the bracket 300 through the pin 330 of the arm 122 that mounts on the holder 300 and clamped over the end of the bracket 300.
What is shown more clearly in Figure 7A is a ~astening means 330 that comprises a bolt 331 and a nut 333 that have co-operating means of threaded connection between one another with a spring 335 and a flat washer 337 mounted on either the bolt side of the connection or the nut side of the connection. Such an arrangement allows stress reduction on the arm 300 that would be subject to vibrations induced from the road surface.
. ~ " ' . ' ' , ~ 2 ~ 2 What is shown in Figure 8 is a side view showing the flanged base 313 of the holder 300 with the discharge holder or splash guard discharge bracket 64 ~itting inside the hollow portion of the extension ~00. Bolt holes 350 are formed in the flanged base 313 of the holder 300 so that the holder 300 may be mounted on a longitudinally extending side rail or struc-tural member 320 of a standard commercial vehicle.
Shown in Figure 9 is a splash guard 110 according to the present invention and having a lowermost surface 200 and an upper and enlarged surface 210. At the intersection of the lowermost surface 200 and the enlarged surface 210 an angular surface 220 exkends from the planar surface 200 up to the enlarged portion 210. It is usually the case that the splash guard 110 has a -rectangular configuration when viewed in plan.
Shown more clearly in Figure 10 is the planar surface 200 and the enlarged upper surface 210 with the angular surface 220 shown extending from planar surface 200 up to the surface 210.
Preferably the splash guard 110 is made all of a one material with :~
and enlarged in 210 designed to go into a splash guard discharge bracket 64 according to the present invention.
Shown in Figure lOA is a splash guard 810 having opposing ends 812 and 814. The end 812 is enlarged as compared to the midsection 813 and has a sloping wall 816 that rises to an edge 818.
Similarly the bottom of the splash guard 810 has an enlarged end 814 that is enlarged when compared to the cross-sectional thickness of the intermediate section 810 and again has a sloping wall 820 2 ~ 2 0 2 that rises to a substantially parallel edge 822. soth ends 812 and 814 may be used as enlarged ends to fit into the splash guard bracket according to the present invention.
What is shown in Figure 12 is a releaseable fastener 140 that comprises a hook or ~U" shaped section 142 and is preferably formed of a single wire 143 that preferably forms a rectangular or square configuration when viewed in plan having sides. The top part of the wire 144 extends through the "U" shaped section 142 and in its natural state tip 145 of portion 144 is urged against the "U"
shaped section 142. A coiled corner 146 is formed in the wire 143 so as to provide a resilient spring like action to keep sections 144 and 148 urged apart. Sections 144 and 148 may be compressed by directing one toward the other so that section 144 may be moved downwardly toward 148 so as to unhook tip 145 from the "U" shaped section 142. When in the opened state the pin may be inserted through the splash guard discharge bracket 64 and the holder bracket 60. And when in place tip 145 may be engaged with section 142.
Shown more clearly in Figure 13 is the releaseable pin 140 having section 144 extending through the leg 126 of the auxiliary splash guard bracket 120. In addition section 144 extends through the holder 60 and the splash guard discharge bracket 64. In this way the releaseable pin 140 may be used to hold the sections together. During its use the pin 140 retains the splash guard 110 in its operating position.
What is shown in Figure 14 is a mud flap 400 that has a lower portion 410 an an enlarged upper portion 412 that has a sloping :,:'- ~ ' . ~ : ' .
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side 414 and opposing sides 416 and 418. getween the substantially parallel sides 416 and 418 is a channel 420 that extends longitudinally and centrally of the planes of the sides of 416 and -~
418 and from end to end on the enlarged upper end 412 of the mud flap 400. A narrowed neck 422 is pro~ided to communicate between :~
the slot 420 and the open side 424 of the mud flap 400. The mud flap 400 is designed to be a push-on/pull off mud flap on certain trucks where a square bracket is attached to just rear of the wheels of the truck in order to hold the mud flap. In the usual manner four bolts are used to fasten a mud flap of uniform thickness onto the bracket with the bolt holes being located longitudinally across the top portion of the mud flap. In the case of the mud flap at Figure 14, the bracket may slide through the :
cavity 420 and be held on the bracket by the edges 430 and 432, but in the event where the mud flap is pulled, the resilient material that comprises the mud flap will open the slop 422 enough so that the bracket (not shown) may slide up through 422 so that the mud flap 400 may be released without substantial damage. ~
Shown in Figure 15 is a front view of the mud flap 400 with a -lower section 410, sloping section 414 and the enlarged upper : ;
portion 412. Another innovation of the present mud flap is that slots 440, 442, 444 and 446 are provided and in the top portion of 412 such that the mud flap 400 may be attached in a nor~al fashion by the four bolts usually found on a truck, however, in a situation where the mud flap is pulled in a downward direction, the slots 82~2 440, 442, 444 and 446 will allow release without damage, thereby facilitating the ease of repair and/or replacement of the mud flap 400.
Shown in Figure 16 is another mud flap 450 along with an anti-sail bracket 452. The mud flap 450 has the slots 440, 4~2, 444 and 446 which have been previously described, but in this case the mud flap 450 has a uniform thickness throughout and is enclosed in the anti-sail bracket 452 having two arms, 454 and 456, which join transverse rods 460, 462 and 464. The bracket 452 has ears 470 and 472 that extend into corresponding holes 474 and 476 in the upper portion of the mud flap 450 so that the anti-sail bracket is held attached to the mud flap 450. The anti-sail bracket 452 will hold the mud flap 450 in a substantially vertical position as it e~tends from the bracket and down toward the roadway as the truck is in motion.
Shown more clearly in Figure 17 is the mud flap 450 with the rod portions 460, 462 and 464 enclosing the mud flap 450 there between. Arms 454 and 456 have on their upper ends L-shaped sections 471 that connect the arm 454 to the ear 470 so that it may extend into the blind hole 466 of Figure 21A in the enlarged upper portion of the mudflap and connect the anti-sail bracket to the mudflap.
Shown in Figure 18 is again an anti-sail bracket 501 having two arms 503 and 505 that are joined by transverse or transverse members 507, 509 and 511. The upper part of the arms 503 and sO5 have enlaryed body sections 513 and 515 which are more properly termed gauge or spacer sections. The sections 513 and 515 act as '.' " ~
',:~ . ' ' ; ',' 2~ ~202 gauging for the groove width that is formed along the bracket 501 through which -the enlarged section (210, 412, 464) extends from bracket 501. The gauge sections 513 and 515 prevent the inadvertent narrowlng of this groove through compressive bumping of the bracket 501 or compressive boltlng of the fastening means for the flap. Ends 517 and 519 are for insertion into -the ends of the mudflap at hole 466. The bracket 501 is designed to encapsulate and hold a mud flap 450 of uniform thickness on the truck.
Shown in Figure l9 is still another mud flap 460 having a lower portion 462 and enlarged portion 464 but haviny a hole 466 in each end of the mud flap so as to provide attachment means for an anti-sail bracket 501 according to the present invention.
Shown in Figure 20 is a front view of the mud flap 460 wherein the holes 466 are extending in from the opposite ends 468 and 470 of the upper portion 461 of the mud flap 460. Again the slots 440, 442, 444 and 446 are shown on the mud flap and have the function that has been previously explained.
Shown in Figure 7A is an arrangement of a bolt 330 and a nut 902 that also may be used to connect the new splashguard having bolt slots as shown by slots 440, 442, 444, and 446. setween the nut 902 and the bolt 330 there is located a spring 904 and a washer 906 that assists the splash guard to be pulled off without substantial damage.
Shown in Figure 21 is again an alternate mud flap 470 having a lower portion 472 and enlarged upper portion 474 and sloping portion 476 that extends between the lower portion 472 in the enlarged upper end 474 shown in Figure 16. Used in Figure 16 slots 2~1~2~2 440, 442, 444 and 446 are again shown along the upper portion of 474 used in Figure 16 and holes 466 are shown extending from each end 476 and 478 of the upper portion of the mud flap. Shown as a new ~eature on Figure 21 is again a grooved upper part 480, in that 480 has grooves 482 and extend across the entire lateral section of the upper portion with these grooves reducing the friction contact that the upper portion may have with any type of bracket that will be use~ to releasably hold the mud flap 470.
Shown more clearly in Figure 21A are the grooves 482 along the top portion 474 shown in Figure 21. Holes 466 are also shown and as earlier described they co-operate with the ends 516 and 518 to hold the anti-sail bracket ~o the flap and for quick and easy installation. Shown also are grooves 440 442 444 and 446 as shown previously in Figure 16 and can also be used for some of the conventional brackets that are already in existence.
What is shown in Figure 22 are mud flaps such as shown at 460 hanging from a bracket 500 having pins or spring loaded bolts 502, 504, 506 and 508 securing the mud flaps 460 to the bracket. The bracket 500 is made from a unitary piece of material and is formed so that the enlarged portions 464 of the mud flaps 460 will slide in to the bracket 500 and the pins 502, 504, 506 and 508 will fit into the slots shown at 440 and 446 on each of the mud flaps 460.
Shown in Figure 23 is an end view of the bracket 500 formed of a unitary piece of material preferably a resilient material that has enough elasticity to give when the flap is pulled from its grip. Such materials may be selected from plastic materials and ~ 2~:~8202 metal materials such as aluminum and steel. The bracket has sections 510, 512, 514 and 516 enclo~ing the enlarged upper end 464 of the mud flap 460. A typical pin, such as at 50~, is shown as it extends through the mu~ flap 464. Mole 466 is shown in the end of the enlarged portion 464 so that it may accommodate one of ends 470 or 472 of an anti-sail bracket 450j or ears 516 or 518 of an anti-sail bracket 500. In some cases the pin s08 may be replaced by a bolt and nut assembly through sides 516 and 510 of the bracket 500. The lower end of side 516 and the lower end of side 510 form a longitudinal gap along the bracket 500 as is shown at 507 in Figure 22. It is a feature of this invention that the gauge of that groove may be maintained by the enlarged sections 512 and 514 as shown in Figure 18.
Shown in Figure 24 is a splash guard extension 520 having an upper part 518 with two lower attachment portions 521, and an ear 522 for attachment to the .bracket 500. The lower attachment portions 521 comprise at least two downwardly extending legs that can be easily attached to bracket 500 by inserting pin 506 through the hole 523 and hole 331.
What is shown in Figure 25 is the bottom view of the auxiliary splash guard described in Figure 24. The lower attachment portions 521 are shown having the hole 523 -for connection by pin 506 when the auxiliary splash guards are used. The tab 522 is shown that will engage the upper end of 500 so as to hold the auxiliary splash guard in place.
While the above has illustrated and described several embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that these are I
, i. 1.: . ' ~ i .;., ~182~2 by way of illustration only and that various changes and modifications may be contemplated ln my invention and within the scope of the following claims.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket and splash guard assembly wherein the splash guard may be pulled from the vehicle without substantial damage to the splash guard.
It is a still -further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket that is cost efficient and easily maintained on a vehicle.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a splash guard for a vehicle that will not be substantially damaged when pulled from its connection with a vehicle.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a splash guard that has means for connecting to an anti-sail bracket for a vehicle.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a splash guard for present support bars on vehicles that can be forcefully separated from tile support bar without substantial damage to the splash guard.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an anti-sail bracket and splash guard assembly wherein the anti-sail bracket is connected to the splash guard rather than the support bar on a vehicle.
' ' ' ' . .
~18202 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is disclosed a slash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle. The splash guard assembly comprises a main support bar e~tending transversely of the widkh of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. A
discharge bracket is releasably connected to the support bar and a splash guard hangs down from and is releasably connected to the discharge bracket. One of the release means for the splash guard comprises a pull out release for allowing the splash guard to pull out of engagement with the discharge bracket without substantial damage to the splash guard or discharge bracket. The discharge bracket comprises an elongate tubular construction having a longitudinal slit extending along its length. An enlarged upper end of the splash guard assembly is seated in the discharge bracket along the length of the slot. Preferably the tubular construction comprises a resilient material that springs back to its original shape after being expanded when forced to release the splash guard.
The present invention also contemplates the splash guard discharge bracket and splash guard which comprises an elongate support bar for a splash guard and means for attaching the support bar to a vehicle frame. The support bar comprises a tubular construction of resilient material having a longitudinal slit along its length and the means for attaching the support bar to the vehicle frame comprises threaded means or welded means. There is provided a releasable means for positioning and holding a splash guard in the support bar. The splash guard comprises a polygonally , ~ 2~2~2 shaped panel-form with an enlarged upper edge for attachment to the support bar. Co-operating elements of pull out release means are provided between the discharge bracket and the upper edge of the splash guard. The co-operating elements of pull out release comprise an enlarged upper edge on said panel form and a longitudinal slot in the support bar with the enlarged upper edge of the splash guard having a greater thickness than the width of the slot in the support bar.
I'he invention further contemplates a splash guard for an automotive vehicle which comprises a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to the support bar of a vehicle. The end for connection to the support bar has an enlarged cross-sectional thickness when compared to the body of material intermediate of the opposing ends. The enlarged end provides for a means to connect an anti-sail device to the splash guard and/or a means for the splash guard to connect to already existing support bars or the support bars according to the present invention.
... . .. : ~ - . .. : , ,, ~ ; .. , ~ 2~1~2~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a truck with a splash guard assembly.
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a rear end of a truck with a splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3A is a cross sectional view of the splash guard discharge holder bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3B is a cross sectional view of the support clamp and rubber for the splash guard discharge holder bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 3C is a plan view of an attachment plate for a support clamp according to the present invention.
FIGURE 4 is a side view of a splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the splash guard assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 6 is a plan view of the support strap for a splash guard discharge bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 6A is a side view of the bracket shown in Figure 6.
FIGURE 7 is another embodiment of a splash guarcl assembly according to the present invention.
2 ~ 2 ~ 2 IGURE 7A is an exploded assembly view of the details of fastener means 330 accorcling to the present invention.
IGURE 8 is an end view of the splash guard assembly as shown in figure 7.
IGURE 9 is a plan view of a splash guard according to the present invention.
IGURE 10 is a side view of the splash guard according to the present invention.
IGURE 11 is a perspective view of an auxiliary splash guard according to the present invention.
IGURE 12 is a perspective view of a position and release pin according to the present invention.
IGURE 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a position and release pin engaged with a discharge bracket, the splash guard discharge bracket and the auxiliary splash guard according to the present invention.
FIGURE 14 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 15 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 16 is a front view of a mud flap ancl bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 17 is a side view of a mud flap and bracket according to the present invention.
FIGURE 18 is a front view of the a bracket according to the present invention.
~82~2 FIGURE 19 is side view of an alternate embodiment of a mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 20 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 21 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a mud flap according to the present invention.
FIGURE 21A is a top view through section A-A of the mud flap shown in Figure 21 FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of an alternate mud flap assembly according to the present invention~
FIGURE 23 is an end view of the alternate mud flap assembly according to the present invention.
FIGURE 24 is an alternate embodiment of an auxiliary splash according to the present 'nvention.
FIGURE 25 is a bottom view of the auxiliary splash guard shown in Figure 24.
. . - , . .. .
.';,. ~ .
f~ 2~82~2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
What is shown in Figure 1 is a commercial vehicle 10 in this case consisting of a truck assembly having a cab 12 and a rear trailer portion 14. Located under the trailer portion 14 are forward wheel assemblies 16 and rear wheel assemblies 18 having spring brackets 20 and 22 that are attached to and under the trailer section 14. The wheel assemblies 16 and 18 usually consist of multiple wheels 26 as shown in Figure 1 and located rearwardly of the wheel assemblies from the direction of forward travel of the truck 10 are splash guard assemblies shown at 30 and 32. In the crdinary course of events the splash guards 30 and 32 are located on the spring structure or frame of the truck assemblies to prevent the water, mud, stones and detri*us on the highways from being thrown rearwardly of direction of travel of the truck. In this particular case the splash guard assemblies are attached to the spring structures 20 and 22 . The rear wheel assembly 18 on some trailer sections is mounted such that if the wheel assembly 18 is moved forward or backward in relation to the trailer 14, the splash guard assembly 32 will move in relation thereto.
As shown in Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rear end of a flat bed trailer 50 showing the tail lights 52 and the side rail structure 54 that is found on most trailers. The slde rail 54 extends between the wheel assemblies 16 and 18 and is supported by the wheel assemblies 16 and 18 as previously shown in Figure 1.
Across the back of the trailer 50 there are usually some structural support members as are shown at bumper 56 and structural member 58, .,. ............ -:
~ 2~2~
and they may be use~ hany or suspend a main support bracket 60 for a splash guard discharge braket 64 according to the present invention. The present invention consists of fastening a splash guard discharge bracket holder 60 to either a cross member on the spring support bar on the rear wheel assembly 18 or the cross member 56 shown in Figure 2. The splash guard discharge bracket holder 60 is comprised of a completely enclosed tubular member as is shown more clearly in Figures 3 and 3A and is preferably made of aluminum, but may also be fabricated from steel, fiberglass or plastic materials having sufficient strength and resiliency for the purpose. The holder 60 may be welded or otherwise fastened to the bottom of 56 or to the spring bar 22 that transverses the under side of the flat bed 50 of the wheel assembly 18. Splash guard discharge brackets 64 are telescopically mounted on the opposing ends of holder 60 and have splash guards 66 slideably mounted therein as will be shown more clearly in Figure 3. Rising above the splash guard discharge bracket 64 is a separate and auxiliary splash guard 120 mounted on both sides of the tractor trailer.
Shown in Figure 3 is a more detailed description of one embodiment of the slide on pull off splash guard assembly according to the present invention. In figure 3 a main splash guard discharge bracket holder 60 is shown which is comprised of a elongate tubular member that is preferably made with either steel or aluminum, although it may also be comprised of fiberglass, plas-tic or other suitable materials. The holder 60 has opposing ends 100 and 102 that are adapted for telescopically receiving splash guard discharge brackets 6~ into the opposing ends. The holder bracket . .:, , ~" . ...
,~:
.. . .
- ~ 2~ 2~2 60 is preferably attached to the structural members of the undercarriage, such as side rails 54 or spring hanger 20-22, by brackets 101 that completely surround the outer perimeter of the holder 60 and attach firmly and secureiy, such as by welding, to attachment plate 142. Attachment plate 142 has means for attachment to the frame of the truck bed, specifically side rails 54 or spring hangers 20-22. The means for attachment is by bolt means utilizing bolt holes 144 in attachment plate 142 as shown in Figures 3 and 3C. The discharge brackets 64 preferably are comprised of a steel or aluminum material but may also be formed from a plastic or fiberglass material having the requisite strength and resiliency to perform as herein indicated. The discharge brackets 64 have a slot formed along one side through which one end :~
of the splash guard may extend. The opposiny ends of the discharge bracket 64 are configured so they will telescopically engage the internal or external diameter of the holder bracket 60. Releasable retaining pins pass through the holder 60 and through one end of the discharge bracket 64 so as to hold the discharge bracket 64 to the holder 60. Another releasable pin hole 103 is provided at the outer end of the splash guard discharge bracket 64 so that the splash guard 110 will be prevented from sliding outwardly of engagement of the discharge bracket 64.
Shown on the other end of the holder bracket 60 is a supplemental or auxiliary splash guard 120 that is affixed to the bracket 122. The bracket 122 has a base 124 that attaches preferably by welding to and supports the supplemental splash guard 120. The right angle support arms 126 extend downwardly adjacent f~ 2~ 2~2 of tubular holder 60 on both sides and has cooperating pin holes 128 that extend both through the auxiliary splash guard bracket arms 126, the support bracket 60 and the ~plash guard discharge bracket 64, so that a releasable pin may be placed there to hold the supplemental guard 120 on the holder bracket 60 and clamped over the end of 64. The outer end of base 124 has a hooked end 12S
that hooks over the outboard end of splash guard discharge bracket 64. Located between the top of the splash guard discharge bracket 64 and the bottom of base 124 is a flat sheet of rubber 127 to reduce vibration between the surfaces. The rubber sheet covers substantially the abutment area between the kwo pieces and further the thickness of the rubber pad or sheet 127 is equal to or greater than the tubular wall thickness of holder bracket 60. Rubber strips 129 are also located between the brackets 101 and the holder 60.
Shown in figure 3A is a cross sectional view of Figure 3 and shows the holder bracket 60 having a tubular configuration. Shown is a square configuration having walls 61, 63, 65 and 67 and preferably having wall thickness of lJ8 inch. Shown in figure 3B
is the bracket assembly 101 that is shown having a hole 99 and 97 so that the pin 9S may extend through the holes 99 and 97 and be bolted with 9S. The rear side 140 of the bracket may be used to weld the bracket to the support plate 142 on the trucks trailer assembly.
Shown further in Figure 3s is the rubber strip 129 that extends around the outside perimeter of support holder 60 and the inside perimeter of bracket 101.
. - . - ~
.:..................................... . .
,'':, ''' ;~ . , 23L~8202 Shown more clearly in Figure 4 is a splash guard 110, the holder 60 and the discharge bracket 64 all shown in cross sectional view. The splash guard 110 has a lower splash guard portion 150 with an enlarged end 152. The enlarged end 152 is configured so that it may slide in the hollow porkion of the splash guard discharge bracket 64, until it stops at stop 131. The end 150 fits through the slot shown at 65 in the bracket 64 and the enlarged end 152 prevents the splash guard 110 from being pulled easily from the discharge bracket 64. Splash guard 110 is comprised of rubber, plastic, fiberglass, steel or composite materials of those previously mentioned. What is shown in Figure 5 is an alternate embodiment of a similar splash guard assembly for use on a commercial truck as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment a discharge bracket 171 is formed in the same manner with a metal, aluminum, plastic or fiberglass tubular member as shown at 64 (Fig.
4) and having the same manner of retaining a splash guard assembly 110 as shown in Figure 4. The bracket 170 supports the discharge bracket 171 by extending throughout the length and through the upper part of the bracket 171 and 170 has attachment ears 174 for attachment to a vehicle. Shown more clearly in figure 6A is the bracket 170 and the ear 174. Bracket 170 is preferably made from a steel, a]uminum, plastic, or fiberglass material. Located in ear 174 are holes 176 for attachment of bracket 170, by bolting, to a -~
structural member of the truck.
Shown in Figure 6A is a side view of the bracket 170 with the ear 174.
2:~ ~ 820~
Shown in Figure 7 is again a splash guar~ 110, but in this particular arrangement a splash guard discharge bracket 300 is shown having a base 313 that may mount to a side rail 320 or other - structural member extending longitudinally of the rear truck bed.
The side rail 320 provides an ideal amount for the base 313 with the threaded fasteners shown at 330 and 3~0. Again a rubber sheet 319 is placed between the base 313 and the side rail 320 in order to reduce vibration and noise. As shown in Figure 3 the au~iliary splash guard 120 ma~ have holes 400 and 401 for stop light and turn signal light inserts, which are optional features. The holder 300 is designed to accept a standard sized discharge bracket 64 with pins 310 for holding the discharge bracket 64 into the holder 300.
A releasable pin 311 is positioned on the outer end of discharge bracket 64 to hold the splash guard 110 in place during operation.
In this manner individual splash guard assemblies may be mounted behind each set of wheels on each side of the commercial vehicle.
In this case an auxiliary or supplemental splash guard 120 may also be mounted on the bracket 300 through the pin 330 of the arm 122 that mounts on the holder 300 and clamped over the end of the bracket 300.
What is shown more clearly in Figure 7A is a ~astening means 330 that comprises a bolt 331 and a nut 333 that have co-operating means of threaded connection between one another with a spring 335 and a flat washer 337 mounted on either the bolt side of the connection or the nut side of the connection. Such an arrangement allows stress reduction on the arm 300 that would be subject to vibrations induced from the road surface.
. ~ " ' . ' ' , ~ 2 ~ 2 What is shown in Figure 8 is a side view showing the flanged base 313 of the holder 300 with the discharge holder or splash guard discharge bracket 64 ~itting inside the hollow portion of the extension ~00. Bolt holes 350 are formed in the flanged base 313 of the holder 300 so that the holder 300 may be mounted on a longitudinally extending side rail or struc-tural member 320 of a standard commercial vehicle.
Shown in Figure 9 is a splash guard 110 according to the present invention and having a lowermost surface 200 and an upper and enlarged surface 210. At the intersection of the lowermost surface 200 and the enlarged surface 210 an angular surface 220 exkends from the planar surface 200 up to the enlarged portion 210. It is usually the case that the splash guard 110 has a -rectangular configuration when viewed in plan.
Shown more clearly in Figure 10 is the planar surface 200 and the enlarged upper surface 210 with the angular surface 220 shown extending from planar surface 200 up to the surface 210.
Preferably the splash guard 110 is made all of a one material with :~
and enlarged in 210 designed to go into a splash guard discharge bracket 64 according to the present invention.
Shown in Figure lOA is a splash guard 810 having opposing ends 812 and 814. The end 812 is enlarged as compared to the midsection 813 and has a sloping wall 816 that rises to an edge 818.
Similarly the bottom of the splash guard 810 has an enlarged end 814 that is enlarged when compared to the cross-sectional thickness of the intermediate section 810 and again has a sloping wall 820 2 ~ 2 0 2 that rises to a substantially parallel edge 822. soth ends 812 and 814 may be used as enlarged ends to fit into the splash guard bracket according to the present invention.
What is shown in Figure 12 is a releaseable fastener 140 that comprises a hook or ~U" shaped section 142 and is preferably formed of a single wire 143 that preferably forms a rectangular or square configuration when viewed in plan having sides. The top part of the wire 144 extends through the "U" shaped section 142 and in its natural state tip 145 of portion 144 is urged against the "U"
shaped section 142. A coiled corner 146 is formed in the wire 143 so as to provide a resilient spring like action to keep sections 144 and 148 urged apart. Sections 144 and 148 may be compressed by directing one toward the other so that section 144 may be moved downwardly toward 148 so as to unhook tip 145 from the "U" shaped section 142. When in the opened state the pin may be inserted through the splash guard discharge bracket 64 and the holder bracket 60. And when in place tip 145 may be engaged with section 142.
Shown more clearly in Figure 13 is the releaseable pin 140 having section 144 extending through the leg 126 of the auxiliary splash guard bracket 120. In addition section 144 extends through the holder 60 and the splash guard discharge bracket 64. In this way the releaseable pin 140 may be used to hold the sections together. During its use the pin 140 retains the splash guard 110 in its operating position.
What is shown in Figure 14 is a mud flap 400 that has a lower portion 410 an an enlarged upper portion 412 that has a sloping :,:'- ~ ' . ~ : ' .
2 ~ ~
side 414 and opposing sides 416 and 418. getween the substantially parallel sides 416 and 418 is a channel 420 that extends longitudinally and centrally of the planes of the sides of 416 and -~
418 and from end to end on the enlarged upper end 412 of the mud flap 400. A narrowed neck 422 is pro~ided to communicate between :~
the slot 420 and the open side 424 of the mud flap 400. The mud flap 400 is designed to be a push-on/pull off mud flap on certain trucks where a square bracket is attached to just rear of the wheels of the truck in order to hold the mud flap. In the usual manner four bolts are used to fasten a mud flap of uniform thickness onto the bracket with the bolt holes being located longitudinally across the top portion of the mud flap. In the case of the mud flap at Figure 14, the bracket may slide through the :
cavity 420 and be held on the bracket by the edges 430 and 432, but in the event where the mud flap is pulled, the resilient material that comprises the mud flap will open the slop 422 enough so that the bracket (not shown) may slide up through 422 so that the mud flap 400 may be released without substantial damage. ~
Shown in Figure 15 is a front view of the mud flap 400 with a -lower section 410, sloping section 414 and the enlarged upper : ;
portion 412. Another innovation of the present mud flap is that slots 440, 442, 444 and 446 are provided and in the top portion of 412 such that the mud flap 400 may be attached in a nor~al fashion by the four bolts usually found on a truck, however, in a situation where the mud flap is pulled in a downward direction, the slots 82~2 440, 442, 444 and 446 will allow release without damage, thereby facilitating the ease of repair and/or replacement of the mud flap 400.
Shown in Figure 16 is another mud flap 450 along with an anti-sail bracket 452. The mud flap 450 has the slots 440, 4~2, 444 and 446 which have been previously described, but in this case the mud flap 450 has a uniform thickness throughout and is enclosed in the anti-sail bracket 452 having two arms, 454 and 456, which join transverse rods 460, 462 and 464. The bracket 452 has ears 470 and 472 that extend into corresponding holes 474 and 476 in the upper portion of the mud flap 450 so that the anti-sail bracket is held attached to the mud flap 450. The anti-sail bracket 452 will hold the mud flap 450 in a substantially vertical position as it e~tends from the bracket and down toward the roadway as the truck is in motion.
Shown more clearly in Figure 17 is the mud flap 450 with the rod portions 460, 462 and 464 enclosing the mud flap 450 there between. Arms 454 and 456 have on their upper ends L-shaped sections 471 that connect the arm 454 to the ear 470 so that it may extend into the blind hole 466 of Figure 21A in the enlarged upper portion of the mudflap and connect the anti-sail bracket to the mudflap.
Shown in Figure 18 is again an anti-sail bracket 501 having two arms 503 and 505 that are joined by transverse or transverse members 507, 509 and 511. The upper part of the arms 503 and sO5 have enlaryed body sections 513 and 515 which are more properly termed gauge or spacer sections. The sections 513 and 515 act as '.' " ~
',:~ . ' ' ; ',' 2~ ~202 gauging for the groove width that is formed along the bracket 501 through which -the enlarged section (210, 412, 464) extends from bracket 501. The gauge sections 513 and 515 prevent the inadvertent narrowlng of this groove through compressive bumping of the bracket 501 or compressive boltlng of the fastening means for the flap. Ends 517 and 519 are for insertion into -the ends of the mudflap at hole 466. The bracket 501 is designed to encapsulate and hold a mud flap 450 of uniform thickness on the truck.
Shown in Figure l9 is still another mud flap 460 having a lower portion 462 and enlarged portion 464 but haviny a hole 466 in each end of the mud flap so as to provide attachment means for an anti-sail bracket 501 according to the present invention.
Shown in Figure 20 is a front view of the mud flap 460 wherein the holes 466 are extending in from the opposite ends 468 and 470 of the upper portion 461 of the mud flap 460. Again the slots 440, 442, 444 and 446 are shown on the mud flap and have the function that has been previously explained.
Shown in Figure 7A is an arrangement of a bolt 330 and a nut 902 that also may be used to connect the new splashguard having bolt slots as shown by slots 440, 442, 444, and 446. setween the nut 902 and the bolt 330 there is located a spring 904 and a washer 906 that assists the splash guard to be pulled off without substantial damage.
Shown in Figure 21 is again an alternate mud flap 470 having a lower portion 472 and enlarged upper portion 474 and sloping portion 476 that extends between the lower portion 472 in the enlarged upper end 474 shown in Figure 16. Used in Figure 16 slots 2~1~2~2 440, 442, 444 and 446 are again shown along the upper portion of 474 used in Figure 16 and holes 466 are shown extending from each end 476 and 478 of the upper portion of the mud flap. Shown as a new ~eature on Figure 21 is again a grooved upper part 480, in that 480 has grooves 482 and extend across the entire lateral section of the upper portion with these grooves reducing the friction contact that the upper portion may have with any type of bracket that will be use~ to releasably hold the mud flap 470.
Shown more clearly in Figure 21A are the grooves 482 along the top portion 474 shown in Figure 21. Holes 466 are also shown and as earlier described they co-operate with the ends 516 and 518 to hold the anti-sail bracket ~o the flap and for quick and easy installation. Shown also are grooves 440 442 444 and 446 as shown previously in Figure 16 and can also be used for some of the conventional brackets that are already in existence.
What is shown in Figure 22 are mud flaps such as shown at 460 hanging from a bracket 500 having pins or spring loaded bolts 502, 504, 506 and 508 securing the mud flaps 460 to the bracket. The bracket 500 is made from a unitary piece of material and is formed so that the enlarged portions 464 of the mud flaps 460 will slide in to the bracket 500 and the pins 502, 504, 506 and 508 will fit into the slots shown at 440 and 446 on each of the mud flaps 460.
Shown in Figure 23 is an end view of the bracket 500 formed of a unitary piece of material preferably a resilient material that has enough elasticity to give when the flap is pulled from its grip. Such materials may be selected from plastic materials and ~ 2~:~8202 metal materials such as aluminum and steel. The bracket has sections 510, 512, 514 and 516 enclo~ing the enlarged upper end 464 of the mud flap 460. A typical pin, such as at 50~, is shown as it extends through the mu~ flap 464. Mole 466 is shown in the end of the enlarged portion 464 so that it may accommodate one of ends 470 or 472 of an anti-sail bracket 450j or ears 516 or 518 of an anti-sail bracket 500. In some cases the pin s08 may be replaced by a bolt and nut assembly through sides 516 and 510 of the bracket 500. The lower end of side 516 and the lower end of side 510 form a longitudinal gap along the bracket 500 as is shown at 507 in Figure 22. It is a feature of this invention that the gauge of that groove may be maintained by the enlarged sections 512 and 514 as shown in Figure 18.
Shown in Figure 24 is a splash guard extension 520 having an upper part 518 with two lower attachment portions 521, and an ear 522 for attachment to the .bracket 500. The lower attachment portions 521 comprise at least two downwardly extending legs that can be easily attached to bracket 500 by inserting pin 506 through the hole 523 and hole 331.
What is shown in Figure 25 is the bottom view of the auxiliary splash guard described in Figure 24. The lower attachment portions 521 are shown having the hole 523 -for connection by pin 506 when the auxiliary splash guards are used. The tab 522 is shown that will engage the upper end of 500 so as to hold the auxiliary splash guard in place.
While the above has illustrated and described several embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that these are I
, i. 1.: . ' ~ i .;., ~182~2 by way of illustration only and that various changes and modifications may be contemplated ln my invention and within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (37)
1. A splash guard release bracket which comprises:
(a) an elongate support bar for a splash guard;
(b) means for attaching said support bar to a vehicle frame;
(c) releasable means for positioning and holding a splash guard on said support bar;
(d) pull out release means for allowing the splash guard to pull out of engagement with the support bar without substantial damage to said splash guard.
(a) an elongate support bar for a splash guard;
(b) means for attaching said support bar to a vehicle frame;
(c) releasable means for positioning and holding a splash guard on said support bar;
(d) pull out release means for allowing the splash guard to pull out of engagement with the support bar without substantial damage to said splash guard.
2. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 1 in which said elongate support bar comprises a tubular construction having a longitudinal slit along its length.
3. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 2 in which the means for releasing said splash guard comprises a longitudinal slit along the bottom of said support bar.
4. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 1 in which the means for attaching the support bar to a vehicle frame comprises threaded connectors.
5. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 1 in which the means for attaching the support bar to the vehicle frame comprises welding.
6. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 2 in which the support bar comprises a resilient material.
7. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 6 in which the material forming said support bar comprises aluminum.
8. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 6 in which the material forming said support bar comprises steel.
9. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 6 in which the material forming said support bar comprises plastic.
10. A splash guard release bracket and splash guard which comprise:
(a) an elongate support bar for a splash guard;
(b) means for attaching said support bar to a vehicle frame;
(c) releasable means for positioning and holding a splash guard on said support bar;
(d) a splash guard comprising a panel-form with an upper edge for attachment to said support bar;
(f) co-operating elements of pull out release means between said bracket and said upper edge of said splash guard.
(a) an elongate support bar for a splash guard;
(b) means for attaching said support bar to a vehicle frame;
(c) releasable means for positioning and holding a splash guard on said support bar;
(d) a splash guard comprising a panel-form with an upper edge for attachment to said support bar;
(f) co-operating elements of pull out release means between said bracket and said upper edge of said splash guard.
11. The splash guard release bracket and splash guard according to claim 10 in which said elongate support bar comprises a tubular construction of resilient material having a longitudinal slit along its length.
12. The splash guard release bracket and splash guard according to claim 10 in which said co-operating elements of pull out release comprise an enlarged upper edge on said panel form and a longitudinal slit in said support bar with the enlarged upper edge having a greater width than the width of said slit in said support bar.
13. The splash guard release bracket and splash guard according to claim 10 in which the means for attaching the support bar to a vehicle frame comprises threaded connectors.
14. The splash guard release bracket and splash guard according to claim 10 in which the means for attaching the support bar to the vehicle frame comprises welding.
15. The splash guard release bracket and splash guard according to claim 10 in which the support bar comprises a resilient material.
16. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 15 in which the material forming said support bar comprises aluminum.
17. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 15 in which the material forming said support bar comprises steel.
18. The splash guard release bracket according to claim 15 in which the material forming said support bar comprises plastic.
19. A splash guard assembly for an automotive vehicle which comprises:
(a) a main support bar extending transversely of the width of the vehicle and having connection means to the frame of the vehicle;
(b) a supplementary support bar having connection means to said main support bar;
(c) a splash guard hanging downwardly from said support bars and having a releasable connection to said supplementary support bar;
(d) pull out release means for allowing the splash guard to pull out of engagement with the supplementary support bar without substantial damage to said splash guard and supplementary support bar.
(a) a main support bar extending transversely of the width of the vehicle and having connection means to the frame of the vehicle;
(b) a supplementary support bar having connection means to said main support bar;
(c) a splash guard hanging downwardly from said support bars and having a releasable connection to said supplementary support bar;
(d) pull out release means for allowing the splash guard to pull out of engagement with the supplementary support bar without substantial damage to said splash guard and supplementary support bar.
20. The method of mounting a splash guard to an automotive vehicle which comprises the steps of:
(a) providing a support bar for connection to the frame of a vehicle and locating it rearwardly of the wheels of the vehicle;
(b) positioning and locating a splash guard on the support bar is a releasable manner;
(c) providing co-operating elements of pull out release means between the support bar and the splash guard.
(a) providing a support bar for connection to the frame of a vehicle and locating it rearwardly of the wheels of the vehicle;
(b) positioning and locating a splash guard on the support bar is a releasable manner;
(c) providing co-operating elements of pull out release means between the support bar and the splash guard.
21. The method of mounting a splash guard to an automotive vehicle according to claim 20 which further comprises making said support bar in a tubular configuration with a longitudinal slit in said tube and making said tube of a resilient material.
22. The method of mounting a splash guard to an automotive vehicle according to claim 21 which further comprises forming one edge of said splash guard of an enlarged dimension from the rest of said guard and forming said slit so that its width is smaller than said enlarged dimension.
23. The method of mounting a splash guard to an automotive vehicle according to claim 21 which further comprises providing releasable pins or spring loaded bolt through the width of the support bar for releasably locating and positioning the splash guard in said supplementary support bar.
24. A splash guard for an automotive vehicle which comprises:
(a) a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to a support bar;
(b) the end for connection to the support bar having an enlarged cross-sectional thickness, which may be on both ends of the flap, when compared to the body of material intermediate said ends;
(c) means on said connection end for attachment with a splash guard anti-sail bracket.
(a) a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to a support bar;
(b) the end for connection to the support bar having an enlarged cross-sectional thickness, which may be on both ends of the flap, when compared to the body of material intermediate said ends;
(c) means on said connection end for attachment with a splash guard anti-sail bracket.
25. The splash guard according to claim 24 which further comprises bolt-hole grooves extending from the connection end toward the intermediate body of said sheet of material.
26. The splash guard according to claim 25 in which said means on said connection end for attachment with a splash guard anti-sail bracket comprises blind holes formed laterally in the lateral sides of the enlarged portion of said connection end.
27. The splash guard according to claim 24 which further comprises a through slot extending laterally from end to end through the enlarged portion of the connection end.
28. The splash guard according to claim 27 in which the slot comprises an upper slot having one thickness and a lower portion communicating with said upper portion that has an enlarged width when compared to the upper portion.
29. The splash guard according to claim 24 in which the enlarged upper end has grooves formed in the surface of the material to reduce the surface friction of the splash guard with the mounting bracket.
30. A splash guard for an automotive vehicle which comprises:
(a) a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to a support bar;
(b) the end for connection to the support bar having an enlarged cross-sectional thickness when compared to the body of material intermediate said ends;
(c) bolt hole grooves formed through said connection end for connection to a support bar.
(a) a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to a support bar;
(b) the end for connection to the support bar having an enlarged cross-sectional thickness when compared to the body of material intermediate said ends;
(c) bolt hole grooves formed through said connection end for connection to a support bar.
31. The splash guard according to claim 30 which further comprises means on said connection end for attachment with a splash guard anti-sail bracket, said means comprising blind holes formed laterally in the lateral sides of the enlarged portion of said connection end.
32. A splash guard for an automotive vehicle which comprises:
(a) a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to a support bar;
(b) the end for connection to the support bar having an enlarged cross-sectional thickness when compared to the body of material intermediate said ends;
(c) means on said connection end for connection to a support bar comprising a through slot extending laterally from end to end through the enlarged portion of the connection end for surrounding and telescoping over said support bar.
(a) a sheet of flexible material having opposing ends with one end for connection to a support bar;
(b) the end for connection to the support bar having an enlarged cross-sectional thickness when compared to the body of material intermediate said ends;
(c) means on said connection end for connection to a support bar comprising a through slot extending laterally from end to end through the enlarged portion of the connection end for surrounding and telescoping over said support bar.
33. The splash guard according to claim 32 in which the slot comprises an upper slot having one thickness and a lower portion communicating with said upper portion that has an enlarged width when compared to the upper portion.
34. The splash guard according to claim 33 in which the enlarged upper end has grooves formed in the surface of the material to reduce the surface friction of the splash guard with the mounting bracket.
35. An anti-sail bracket for a splash guard which comprises:
(a) a pair of rods having a substantially parallel relationship with one another;
(b) connecting rods extending between said substantially parallel rods that hold a splash guard between said connecting rods;
(c) means for attaching said anti-sail bracket to said splash guard.
(a) a pair of rods having a substantially parallel relationship with one another;
(b) connecting rods extending between said substantially parallel rods that hold a splash guard between said connecting rods;
(c) means for attaching said anti-sail bracket to said splash guard.
36. The anti-sail bracket according to claim 35 in which said means for attachment to said splash guard comprises L-shaped ends on the upper ends of said parallel rods for extending into co-operating holes in said splash guards.
37. The anti-sail bracket according to claim 35 in which said parallel rods have gauge sections for abutment with the support bar holding the splash guard.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13667393A | 1993-10-15 | 1993-10-15 | |
| US08/136,673 | 1993-10-15 | ||
| US25396694A | 1994-06-03 | 1994-06-03 | |
| US08/253,966 | 1994-06-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2118202A1 true CA2118202A1 (en) | 1995-04-16 |
Family
ID=26834528
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2118202 Abandoned CA2118202A1 (en) | 1993-10-15 | 1994-10-14 | Splash guard assembly and method of use |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2118202A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5954151A (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1999-09-21 | Cochrane; John Gary | Wheel restraint safety system |
-
1994
- 1994-10-14 CA CA 2118202 patent/CA2118202A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5954151A (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1999-09-21 | Cochrane; John Gary | Wheel restraint safety system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |