Trailer hitch bumper guard
US5947506A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A trailer hitch bumper guard that is formed from three-sided box-like apparatus mounted to the rear bumper of the towing vehicle with a fourth, open side of the apparatus which faces outward from the rear of the towing vehicle. The bottom of the box has a round hole, through which the ball of a trailer hitch may be attached. The three closed sides of the box provide protection from dents and scratches to the rear bumper of the towing vehicle if the trailer's receiver apparatus passes the ball and comes into contact with the rear portion of the bumper. A hinged cover is attached to the rearmost side of the box, and pivots upward to allow greater access to the ball hitch. During attachment, the hinged cover is placed in the open position and thus, extends the amount of protection supplied to the vehicle by the present invention. When in the lowered position, the hinged cover creates a step on which the driver can stand to gain easy access to the rear portion of the towing vehicle. The closed cover can also be secured with a padlock to provide protection from theft and unauthorized tampering with the hitch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.