U.S. patent application number 09/846501 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-28 for bumper receiver bracket device.
Invention is credited to Johnson, Donald O..
Application Number | 20020175196 09/846501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26958772 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020175196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, Donald O. |
November 28, 2002 |
BUMPER RECEIVER BRACKET DEVICE
Abstract
A receiver bracket for mounting to a square or rectangular
bumper of a recreational or similar vehicle. The receiver bracket
is designed to accept various racks or other accessories of limited
weight, with a maximum of about 200 pounds. The receiver bracket is
highly symmetrical, allowing mounting of the square tube either
below or above the supporting bumper in a horizontal orientation.
Alternatively, the receiving bracket can be mounted to the bumper
with the square tubing in a vertical orientation.
Inventors: |
Johnson, Donald O.;
(Menomonie, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Tipton L. Randall
19371 55th Avenue
Chippewa Falls
WI
54729
US
|
Family ID: |
26958772 |
Appl. No.: |
09/846501 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60277881 |
Mar 22, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/514 ;
224/512; 224/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/514 ;
224/512; 224/521 |
International
Class: |
B60R 009/06 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A multiposition receiver bracket device for mounting to a
vehicle bumper comprising: a linear, square tubing receiver member
with open ends secured on one side to a flat plate member, the
plate member extending beyond each side of the tubing receiver
member, the plate member having pairs of spaced apart apertures
there through, one aperture pair positioned beyond each side of the
tubing receiver member; a pair of U-shaped rod members, each rod
member with two threaded ends, the rod members adapted for
encircling a square bumper with the threaded ends of each rod
member inserted through one pair of flat plate member apertures;
and threaded fasteners secured to each rod member threaded end for
holding the flat plate member side opposite the receiver member
against the square bumper.
2. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 1,
wherein the flat plate member extends from a first open end of the
linear receiver member to a second open end of the linear receiver
member.
3. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 1,
further including a pair of aligned apertures, one aperture through
each receiver member side adjacent the side secured to the flat
plate member, the aligned apertures for pinning an insert within
the receiver member.
4. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 3,
wherein the aligned apertures are positioned adjacent one end of
the receiver member.
5. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 1,
further including an L-shaped plate member fastened on one flat leg
surface to the flat plate member surface opposite the tubing
receiver member, the L-shaped plate member positioned between the
pairs of apertures near one edge of the plate member, with a free
leg portion of the L-shaped plate member perpendicular to the flat
plate member and in opposition to the square tubing receiver
member, the free leg portion contacting the encircled vehicle
bumper.
6. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 1,
wherein the receiver member, the plate member and the threaded rod
members and threaded fasteners are fabricated from steel alloy.
7. A multiposition receiver bracket device for mounting to a
vehicle bumper comprising: a linear, square tubing receiver member
with open ends secured on one side to a flat plate member, the flat
plate member extending from a first open end of the linear receiver
member to a second open end of the linear receiver member, the
plate member extending beyond each side of the tubing receiver
member, the plate member having pairs of spaced apart apertures
there through, one aperture pair positioned beyond each side of the
tubing receiver member; a pair of U-shaped rod members, each rod
member with two threaded ends, the rod members adapted for
encircling a square bumper with the threaded ends of each rod
member inserted through one pair of flat plate member apertures;
threaded fasteners secured to each rod member threaded end for
holding the flat plate member side opposite the receiver member
against the square bumper; and a pair of aligned apertures in the
receiver member, one aperture through each receiver member side
adjacent the side secured to the flat plate member, the aligned
apertures for pinning an insert within the receiver member.
8. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 7,
wherein the aligned apertures are positioned adjacent one end of
the receiver member.
9. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 7,
further including an L-shaped plate member fastened on one flat leg
surface to the flat plate member surface opposite the tubing
receiver member, the L-shaped plate member positioned between the
pairs of apertures near one edge of the plate member, with a free
leg portion of the L-shaped plate member perpendicular to the flat
plate member and in opposition to the square tubing receiver
member, the free leg portion contacting the encircled vehicle
bumper.
10. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim 7,
wherein the receiver member, the plate member and the threaded rod
members and threaded fasteners are fabricated from steel alloy.
11. A multiposition receiver bracket device for mounting to a
vehicle bumper comprising: a linear, square tubing receiver member
with open ends secured on one side to a flat plate member, the flat
plate member extending from a first open end of the linear receiver
member to a second open end of the linear receiver member, the
plate member extending beyond each side of the tubing receiver
member, the plate member having pairs of spaced apart apertures
there through, one aperture pair positioned beyond each side of the
tubing receiver member; a pair of U-shaped rod members, each rod
member with two threaded ends, the rod members adapted for
encircling a square bumper with the threaded ends of each rod
member inserted through one pair of flat plate member apertures;
threaded fasteners secured to each rod member threaded end for
holding the flat plate member side opposite the receiver member
against the square bumper; a pair of aligned apertures positioned
adjacent one end of the receiver member, one aperture through each
receiver member side adjacent the side secured to the flat plate
member, the aligned apertures for pinning an insert within the
receiver member; and an L-shaped plate member fastened on one flat
leg surface to the flat plate member surface opposite the tubing
receiver member, the L-shaped plate member positioned between the
pairs of apertures near one edge of the plate member, with a free
leg portion of the L-shaped plate member perpendicular to the flat
plate member and in opposition to the square tubing receiver
member, the free leg portion contacting the encircled vehicle
bumper.
12. The multiposition receiver bracket device according to claim
11, wherein the receiver member, the plate member, the L-shaped
plate member, and the threaded rod members and threaded fasteners
are fabricated from steel alloy.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 (e) of co-pending provisional application Serial No.
60/277,811, filed Mar. 22, 2001. Application Serial No. 60/277,881
is hereby incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a receiver bracket device.
More particularly, the receiver bracket device mounts to a vehicle
bumper.
[0006] 2. Background Information
[0007] There is a large demand for carrier frame devices that can
be mounted to a vehicle for transporting various smaller items,
such as bicycles, strollers, mopeds, camping gear, etc. Most often
the carrier frame is mounted to the vehicle frame for added
strength. Alternatively, the carrier frame can be mounted to the
vehicle bumper where lighter weight loads are involved. Some
examples of bumper mounting devices have been granted patents.
[0008] Garber, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,501, describes bumper
mounting brackets with tubular posts sized to receive the legs of
the carrier rack. The posts can be held on the bumper with bumper
hangers having various construction. The hanger construction of
FIG. 2 and in FIGS. 6-9 show the hanger encircles the square
bumper.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,413, Began et al. disclose a bicycle
carrier for mounting to the frame of a vehicle. The frame mounting
brackets of FIGS. 2 and 3 include a square tube sleeve fastened to
a J-shaped outer bracket that is bolted to an inner bracket. The
inner and outer bracket parts each have opposing hook ends that
clamp to the frame of the vehicle, as seen in FIG. 2.
[0010] Hutyra, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,638, describes a moped
carrier that mounts to the bumper of an RV. A coupling member has a
hollow rectangular member with a pair of coupling bars and
connecting plate for fastening the assembly to the bumper, as shown
in FIG. 3.
[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,932, Griewahn discloses a bicycle
rack that is secured to a square bumper by bolting together two
plates with four bolts, as shown in FIG. 5. The tubing of the rack
is welded to the two plates to maintain the position of the rack
relative to the bumper.
[0012] Hanson et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,118, describe a step
bumper hitch with a receiver box. The hitch bolts to the bumper of
a vehicle and has a draw bar receiver part that accepts a square
draw bar. The ball of the hitch can be positioned in one of two
locations with the hitch fastened to the bumper.
[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,231, Kravitz discloses a bicycle
carrier rack with a pair of mounting brackets that bolt to the
bumper of a vehicle. The bracket has a supporting structure that
extends a square tube to accept the rack held at a distance from
the bumper.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,143 by Stein describes hitch receiver
clamps that are used to prevent vibration between a receiver hitch
and a hitch ball insert. The devices also can be used to extend the
tube inserted into a receiver hitch and reinforce the connection
there between.
[0015] Applicant has invented a bumper receiver bracket that can be
attached to a variety of vehicle bumpers. In addition, the bracket
device can be attached in a variety of orientations, allowing for
use of carrier frames of diverse structure with the same bumper
receiver bracket device.
[0016] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to
limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention, as defined by the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention is directed to a receiver bracket for mounting
to the square or rectangular bumper of a recreational or similar
vehicle. The receiver bracket is designed to accept various racks
or other accessories of limited weight, with a maximum of about 200
pounds. The receiver bracket includes a length of two-inch open
ended square receiver tubing secured on one side to one side of a
flat plate, wider than the square tubing. The square tubing has a
pair of aligned apertures for pinning an inserted accessory
portion. The flat plate has pairs of apertures on each side of the
square tubing, each pair of apertures positioned on each side of
the attached square tubing. Each pair of apertures is sized to
accept the threaded ends of an U-shaped rod. The U-shaped rods
secure the receiver bracket to a rectangular bumper by encircling
the bumper and tightening threaded fasteners on the two threaded
end rods to hold the flat plate member against the rectangular
bumper. The receiver bracket is highly symmetrical, allowing for
mounting of the square receiver tube either below or above the
supporting bumper with the square receiver tubing in a horizontal
orientation. Alternatively, the receiver bracket can be mounted to
the bumper with the square receiver tubing in a vertical
orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective elevational view of the receiver
bracket device of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective elevational partially exploded view
of the receiver bracket device of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective elevational view of the receiver
bracket device of the present invention attached to a vehicle
bumper for receiving a carrier frame device.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective elevational view of the receiver
bracket device of the present invention secured to a vehicle bumper
and supporting a carrier frame device
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective elevational view of the receiver
bracket device of the present invention secured to a vehicle bumper
in various orientations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023]
1 Nomenclature 10 Receiver Bracket Device 15 Square Tubing Receiver
Member 20 Open Ends of Receiver Member 25 Flat Plate Member 30 Pair
of Spaced Apart Apertures 32 Threaded Ends of Rod Members 35
U-Shaped Rod Members 40 Threaded Fasteners for Rod Members 45
L-Shaped Plate Member 50 Aligned Apertures in Tubing Member B
Bumper of Vehicle R Carrier Rack Device
Construction
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiver bracket device 10
of the present invention is shown. The receiver bracket device 10
includes a length of two-inch linear square tubing receiver member
15 with open ends 20, secured on one side to one side of a flat
plate member 25, with the plate member 25 wider than the square
tubing receiver member 15. Preferably, the flat plate member 25
extends only from a first open end 20 of the linear receiver member
to a second open end 20 of the linear receiver member 15. The
square tubing receiver member 15 has a pair of aligned apertures
50, with one aperture through each receiver member side adjacent
the side secured to the flat plate member 25, for pinning an
inserted accessory portion. The aligned apertures 50 preferably are
positioned near one end of the tubing receiver member 15.
[0025] The flat plate member 25 has pairs of spaced apart apertures
30, with one aperture pair 30 on each side of the square tubing
receiver member 15, as shown in FIG. 2. Each pair of apertures 30
is sized to accept the threaded ends 32 of a U-shaped rod members
35. The U-shaped rod members 35 secure the receiver bracket device
10 to a rectangular bumper B by encircling the bumper B and
tightening the threaded fasteners 40 on the two threaded end rod
members 35, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0026] An L-shaped plate member 45 is fastened on one flat leg
surface to the flat plate member surface 25 opposite the square
tubing receiver member 15, between the pairs of apertures 30, and
near one edge of the plate member 25, with the free leg of the
L-shaped plate 45 perpendicular to the flat plate member 25, and
with the free leg portion contacting the bumper B. The L-shaped
plate 45 assists in positioning the receiver bracket device 10
while attaching it to the vehicle bumper B.
[0027] The receiver bracket device 10 is highly symmetrical,
allowing mounting of the square receiver tubing member 15 either
below or above the supporting bumper B and in a horizontal
orientation. Alternatively, the receiving bracket device 10 can be
mounted to the bumper with the square tubing member 15 in a
vertical orientation. The three orientations of the receiver
bracket device 10 secured to a vehicle bumper B are illustrated in
FIG. 5.
[0028] The receiver bracket device 10 is preferably fabricated from
steel alloy material for strength and durability. As illustrated in
FIG. 3, the receiver bracket device 10 is designed for attachment
to a rectangular or square bumper B that is commonly present on
recreational vehicles. The square tubing receiver member 15 accepts
and secures one end of a carrier rack device R used for storage or
transporting light weight items such as bicycles, moped, etc. The
carrier rack device R engaged in the square tubing receiver member
15 of the receiver bracket device 10 is shown in FIG. 4, where the
square receiver tubing member 15 is positioned below the vehicle
bumper B. The receiver bracket device 10 can, of course, be mounted
with the square receiver tubing member 15 positioned above the
vehicle bumper B to elevate the position of the carrier rack device
R. Similarly, the receiver bracket device 10 can be mounted with
the square receiver tubing member 15 in a vertical orientation, as
shown in FIG. 5, and a suitably configured carrier rack device R
secured by the vertical square receiver tubing member 15 of the
receiver bracket device 10. The various orientations of the
receiver bracket device 10 on a vehicle bumper B, illustrated in
FIG. 5, indicate the versatility of the receiver bracket device 10
for fastening a variety of carrier rack devices R to the
vehicle.
[0029] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *