Patent ID: 8657336
Filing Date: 2014-02-25
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A protective device for coupling with an axle of flatbed of a truck, comprising: a grated shield for absorbing forces from impact having a front surface and a back surface, wherein said front surface is orientated in a forward facing direction in relation to said truck and said back surface is orientated in a rear facing direction adjacent said axle, said grated shield having a lower edge curved backwardly toward said back surface and a straight upper edge, said grated shield having a plurality of substantially round holes extending therethrough, said grated shield having at least two elongated anchor plates integrally coupled and extending horizontally along said back surface, including an upper anchor plate and a lower anchor plate, wherein said upper anchor plate is substantially adjacent said upper edge and said lower anchor plate is substantially adjacent said lower edge; at least two coupling mechanisms absorb shock from impact and couple said rear surface of said grated shield to said axle of said flatbed of said truck, wherein each said coupling mechanism has two hollow legs, including an upper hollow leg and a lower hollow leg, each said leg having at least two holes similarly positionable therethrough, wherein said upper hollow leg is coupled to said upper anchor plate of said shield and extends outward perpendicularly from said shield, wherein said lower hollow leg is coupled to said lower anchor plate and extends outward perpendicularly from said shield; said coupling mechanism includes a pair of fastening plates, wherein one fastening plate is welded to each of said hollow legs for integrally coupling said upper hollow leg to said upper anchor plate and said shield and said lower hollow leg to said lower anchor plate and said shield; said coupling mechanism having a bracket that includes having a bar coupled between a pair of receiving legs, each said receiving leg each having a plurality of holes, wherein said hollow legs are secured within said receiving legs by bolts which extend through said holes of said receiving legs and hollow legs when said corresponding holes are aligned, wherein said receiving legs accept said hollow legs therein and selectively telescope in a perpendicular fashion closer to and away from said shield, wherein said bar includes a distal end which extends downwardly below one of said receiving legs; wherein said bracket has a corner having a wedge-shaped brace for reinforcement; and said coupling mechanism includes a substantially circular clamping bracket for removably securing and accepting said axle therein, said clamping bracket includes a U-shaped bar and an internal crescent member, wherein said U-shaped bar includes two ends which secure to said bar of said bracket such that said ends of said U-shaped bar straddle said receiving leg of said bracket adjacent said distal end, wherein one said end of said U-shaped bar is securely positioned adjacent said distal end of said bar of said bracket and wherein said other end of said U-shaped bar is securely positioned between said receiving legs of said bracket.