Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A bumper assembly comprising first bracket means for securing a bumper to the chassis of a vehicle, second bracket means hingedly connected to said first bracket means and swingable from a raised position to a lowered position, a bumper rigidly secured to said second bracket means to swing from a raised to a lowered position, said bumper having a recessed portion in its outer face, latch means normally connecting said bracket means together so said second bracket means and said bumper are in their raised positions, a handle journaled in said bumper, said handle being operatively connected to said latch means inwardly of said bumper and extending into said recessed portion of said bumper for releasing said latch means to permit said second bracket means and said bumper to swing to their lowered positions, and a tire carrier secured to said first bracket means and having an access opening therein disposed adjacent the level of said bumper when in its raised position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A bumper assembly comprising first bracket means for securing a bumper to the chassis of a vehicle, second bracket means hingedly connected to said first bracket means and swingable from a raised position to a lowered position, a bumper rigidly secured to said second bracket means to swing from a raised to a lowered position, said bumper having a recessed portion in its outer face, latch means normally connecting said bracket means together so said second bracket means and said bumper are in their raised positions, a handle journaled in said bumper, said handle being operatively connected to said latch means inwardly of said bumper and extending into said recessed portion of said bumper for releasing said latch means to permit said second bracket means and said bumper to swing to their lowered positions, and a tire carrier secured to said first bracket means and having an access opening therein disposed adjacent the level of said bumper when in its raised position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second bracket means are provided with horizontal pin means connecting them together and have aligned openings with a plunger disposed therein to prevent said second bracket means from movement to its lowered position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The assembly of claim 2 wherein said second bracket means has a sleeve and said plunger is disposed therein, and biasing means in said sleeve forces said plunger into said opening in said first bracket means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said tire carrier comprises a lattice framework depending from said first bracket means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The assembly of claim 4 wherein said latticework is provided with upturned ends adjacent its front to prevent a tire from coming out of it, and a spring chain adjacent its access opening and in front of said bumper when in its raised position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein a ball-type trailer hitch is secured to said bumper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein spaced spring means are secured to said bumper and said first bracket means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The assembly of claim 3 wherein a linkage member is operatively connected between said plunger and said handle for pulling said plunger out of the opening in said first bracket means responsive to a turning of said handle to permit said bumper to swing to its lowered position.