US3726544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Snap-off mud flaps
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-23
•
Granted: 1973-04-10
•
Expires: 1991-06-23
Abstract
Abstract A mud flap for trucking trailers and other wheeled vehicles comprising a releasable connector means between the truck body mounting member and that part of the flap liable to be accidentally caught between the wheels of the vehicle moving in reverse, and a stationary object, such as curbing which otherwise tear or mutilate the mud flap and its mounting.
Inventors
- 👤 J Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:24
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D25/00; B62D25/08; B62D25/16; B62D25/18; B62D25/188
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A two-part mud flap structure for placement behind the rear wheels of trucking trailers, or the like, said flap comprising an upper flap part made Of resilient rubber material, mounting means on the upper end of said flap part adapted to fasten said part to the trailer, a longitudinal dovetail slot formed in the lower portion of the upper flap part and having a restricted mouth opening out into the lower edge of said part, said lower edge of said upper flap having two lips confronting each other across the said restricted mouth, a lower flap part having a longitudinal rib formed on its upper edge receivable in the slot in the upper flap part and depending downwardly from between the two lips, and said two lips forming means for resiliently releasably holding said rib in said slot, permitting separation of the flap parts without damage to said parts when undue tension is accidentally exerted downwardly on the lower flap part.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A two-part mud flap structure for placement behind the rear wheels of trucking trailers, or the like, said flap comprising an upper flap part made Of resilient rubber material, mounting means on the upper end of said flap part adapted to fasten said part to the trailer, a longitudinal dovetail slot formed in the lower portion of the upper flap part and having a restricted mouth opening out into the lower edge of said part, said lower edge of said upper flap having two lips confronting each other across the said restricted mouth, a lower flap part having a longitudinal rib formed on its upper edge receivable in the slot in the upper flap part and depending downwardly from between the two lips, and said two lips forming means for resiliently releasably holding said rib in said slot, permitting separation of the flap parts without damage to said parts when undue tension is accidentally exerted downwardly on the lower flap part.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The two-part flap structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the bottom flap part is substantially shorter than the upper flap part.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The two-part flap structure set forth in claim 1 wherein both parts have relatively thin, flexible bodies.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The two-part flap structure set forth in claim 3 wherein each part is constructed from a nylon cord and rubber composition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The two-part flap structure set forth in claim 3 wherein the lower portion of the upper flap part is thickened and the lips are attenuated and adapted to release the rib on the lower flap part when undue tension is exerted on said lower flap part.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2777710A
Cited
US3219363A
Cited
US3158386A
Cited
US3333868A
Cited
US3549171A
Cited
US3650543A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-09 | 1976-10-09 | 1977-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-09 | 1980-10-09 | 1981-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-09 | 1984-10-09 | 1985-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |