Patent · US Expired

Automobile protection device

US4648644A · kind A · utility

10Cited by
5References
23Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 22, 1985
Grant dateMar 10, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 22, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R25/00
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A protective device for a motor vehicle comprises an elongate guard member having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The guard member is variable in length between a contracted position and an extended position. A pivot assembly operatively connects the guard member to the underside of the vehicle so that the guard member can be moved between a lower position and an upper position along the side of the vehicle. As the guard member is raised to its upper position, the pivot assembly acts on the guard member to extend its length to its extended position, while lowering the guard member causes the pivot assembly to contract the guard member to its contracted position. The pivot assembly includes front and rear "L"-shaped pivot members each having a first arm rotatably mounted in a tube attached to the underside of the vehicle, and a second arm pivotably connected to a telescoping, sliding portion of the guard member. A camming mechanism is operatively engageable between the tube and the first arm for rotating the pivot member so as to extend the guard member as the first arm moved axially out of the tube, and so as to shorten t…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.