Adjustable splash guard assembly

• US 6,029,999 A
• Filed: 04/19/1997
• Issued: 02/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: John M O'Day
• Original Assignee: John M O'Day
• Inventors: O'Day, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Lanna
• Assistant Examiner(s): AVERY, BRIDGET D
• Application Number:
  US08/845,023
• Time in Patent Office: 1,046 Days
• Field of Search: 280/851, 280/154, 280/848, 280/847, 280/152.1, 280/152.3, 280/160.1, 248/222.11, 248/223.41, 248/297.31, 248/298.1
• US Class Current: 280/851
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 25/18 Parts or details thereof, e.g. mudguard flaps

Abstract

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

Claims

1. An adjustable splash guard assembly useful for preventing debris splash-back, which comprises:

a) a mounting bracket having a means for semi-permanent attachment to a vehicle and further comprising a generally L-shaped mounting body having a certain top thickness and at least the same bottom thickness and an adjustment body having a plurality of angled tabs parallel to each other and an adjustment mechanism integrally formed from the bottom edge of said mounting body, said tabs in a generally perpendicular position in relation to said adjustment mechanism; and

b) a mud flap having a means for attachment and a means for adjustment providing a functional combination with said mounting bracket, in operation, so that said mud flap is movable in relation to said mounting bracket.

2. The splash guard assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said angled tabs are generally L-shaped and are defined by two planar surfaces at approximately a 90°

angle to each other;

the first planar surface being a rectangular planar surface defining the short side of the "L" and the second planar surface being a trapezoid-shaped planar surface defining the long side of the "L".

3. The splash guard assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said tabs position and hold said mud flap the distance equivalent to the size of a common screw head from the mounting body.

4. The splash guard assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said mud flap attachment means comprises channels and flexible panels that functionally interpose with said adjustment body.

5. The splash guard assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said mud flap has vertical channels running approximately the length thereof, said channels having open tops for insertion and mounting of said mud flap onto said mounting bracket.

6. The splash guard assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said mud flap adjustment means comprises indexed grooves or slots structurally and functionally corresponding to said adjustment body.