Patent · US Expired

Bumper with hitch

US6709036B1 · kind B1 · utility

26Cited by
39References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 14, 2002
Grant dateMar 23, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 14, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2019/1866
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A bumper system includes a tubular bumper beam, and a hitch-supporting bracket. The bracket has an inverted U-shaped section that fits downwardly onto the tubular bumper beam, and further has a laterally-extending planar section with a hole therein that is shaped to support a ball hitch for hauling a trailer. The beam has offset end sections that extend parallel a center section of the beam, but that are offset horizontally. An energy absorber is supported by the beam, and is sufficiently structural to form steps outboard of ends of the beam, and a fascia substantially covers the beam and energy absorber for aesthetics.

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