Mudflap Retainer

Abstract

A mudflap retainer comprising two halves wherein each half has protrusions to extend through the standard hole placements of the mudflap. The halves are mated together through the mudflap creating a wedge at the top of the mudflap. The mudflap can then be inserted through a slot in a mudflap hanger assembly wherein the wedge created by the retainer couples with the mudflap hanger assembly.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 887,940, entitled “Ramping Mudflap Assembly,” filed on Feb. 2, 2007, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to the field of spray suppression in commercial trucking. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mudflap assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Mudguards or mudflaps are used primarily behind single or dual rear-wheeled truck and trailer vehicles, particularly heavy duty class 6, 7, and 8. Typically, the mudflap assemblies have the ability to flex in horizontal and vertical directions in order to withstand forces placed upon them during normal operation. Some mudguard mounting structures comprise a single piece of spring-like bar stock bent in a shape for supporting the mudguards and for flexing in all directions.[0004]Other mounting assemblies for mudflaps use a rigid hanger ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particula

Problems solved by technology

If the hanger rotates so that the flap moves toward the wheels, the wheels may prematurely wear the mudflap away.

If the hanger rotates in an opposite direction, the effectiveness of the mudflap may be diminished.

The abutting relationship of the horizontal tube and mounting plate to the frame-mounted plate may result in misalignment of the tube, which occurs when the tube is struck or subjected to the forces experienced by the vehicle traveling down the road.

The bias of the elongate spring may not overcome the misalignment by itself.

Furthermore, such devices can be expensive to manufacture and replace, and are difficult to install and assemble.

Images