Abstract:
A mud flap system for vehicles is provided with first and second mounting arms that releasably engage side portions of a tow assembly. First and second support arms depend from the first and second mounting arms and support one or more mud flaps so that the mud flaps are positioned behind the rearward wheels of the vehicles and substantially across the space between the rearward wheels. A leash or brace are provided for structural stability and to secure the system with the tow assembly. A central mud flap may be provided in horizontal or vertical configurations according to the desired flow of matter beneath the vehicle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to mud flap systems used by vehicles and more particularly to a mud flap system that is releasably engageable with the opposite side portions of a vehicle tow assembly in a manner that disposes one or more mud flaps behind the vehicle&#39;s wheels and substantially across a length that extends between the opposite sides of the tow assembly in order to protect a trailer and its contents from road debris. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Many different motor vehicles are used to tow trailers of various types from one location to another. Often times, the trailers and their cargo incur damage due to rocks and other road debris that are projected upwardly and rearwardly by the vehicle as it travels down the road. The damage caused to the trailer and its cargo may vary from chipped paint to serious structural damage. 
   It is known in the automotive industry that mud flaps can be useful for deflecting rocks and road debris that are projected by a moving vehicle. However, most mud flaps that are installed on vehicles as original equipment may be too small to adequately deflect rocks and debris. Moreover, mud flaps are typically positioned immediately behind the wheel of a vehicle and neglect the open space between the rear wheels. Oftentimes rocks and other road debris will be projected upwardly in the direction of the vehicle&#39;s centerline, missing the side-mounted mud flaps entirely. Moreover, the positioning of typical mud flaps directly behind the rearward wheels will not typically deflect rocks or other debris that are projected at a low angle of trajectory. Such rocks and debris will typically pass just beneath the mud flaps and continue upwardly and rearwardly until they strike an object behind the vehicle, such as the trailer or its contents. 
   Prior art mud flap systems have recognized the desirability of moving the mud flaps closer to the rear bumper of a vehicle in order to increase the effectiveness of the mud flaps. The prior art has also recognized that it may be undesirable to permanently attach mud flaps to the rear bumper of a vehicle or any point adjacent thereto. Accordingly, mud flap systems, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,121,944, 5,181,734, 6,076,842, and 6,375,223 were developed to be releasably engageable with the vehicle&#39;s tow assembly or a tongue frame member of the trailer being towed. However, each of these systems only places a pair of narrow mud flaps directly in line with the rear wheels of the vehicle. None of the prior art systems provide a manner of deflecting rocks and other road debris that travel upwardly from the ground along the vehicle&#39;s centerline. Moreover, each of these systems provide elongated support arms that extend outwardly from a central mounting point and support the mud flaps at their distal ends. This produces an undesirable weakness and lack of stability to the systems where the support arms are formed as a single cantilever arm from thin or lightweight materials. Air currents and other forces acting upon the mud flaps, as well as the accumulation of ice and other debris thereon, further pose the risk of undue movement of the system during use or structural fatigue along the support arms. Finally, the prior art systems fail to provide a manner of adjustably positioning the mud flaps with respect to one another, making such systems difficult for use with a wide range of vehicles that may have tow assemblies of different sizes and configurations. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a novel mud flap system that is releasably attachable to the tow assembly of a vehicle in a manner that permits at least a portion of one or more mud flaps to be disposed along the center line of a vehicle, between its rearward wheels. Moreover, such a system should provide a relatively stable mounting system that resists fatigue and movement during use. Such a system should also provide a level of adjustability in the manner in which it is coupled to the tow assembly so that it may be used with a wide variety of vehicle types and configurations. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The mud flap system of the present invention is provided for use with a vehicle having a tow assembly comprising a tubular, transverse frame with opposing, open-end portions. The system is generally provided with first and second mounting arms, having engagement end portions that are shaped and sized to be operatively coupled with the opposite end portions of the transverse frame. In one embodiment, the engagement end portions are slidably received within the transverse frame. First and second support members depend from the first and second mounting arms in a generally parallel, spaced-apart manner. At least one mud flap is operatively coupled with the first and second support members so that, when the first and second mounting arms are coupled with the opposite end portions of the transverse frame, at least a portion of the one or more mud flaps is positioned adjacent the transverse frame, substantially across its length. 
   In a preferred embodiment, a securement means is provided for operatively coupling the first and second support members with one another in a manner that limits movement of the first and second support members with respect to one another. In one such embodiment, the securement means is comprised of an elongated, generally flexible leash that is coupled to opposite end portions of the system. In another embodiment, a brace is provided to releasably engage interior end portions of the first and second support members. In either embodiment, the securement means may provide lateral adjustability of the support members with respect to one another, which will permit adaptation of the system to tow assemblies of various sizes and configurations. 
   In one embodiment, the system is provided with a pair of mud flaps that depend from the first and second support members. In another embodiment, a single mud flap may extend along both the first and second support members. An optional third mud flap may also be provided to depend from the interior end portions of the first and second support members or from a brace that couples the first and second support member to one another. The third flap may also be positioned to extend from the first and second support members to a point along the trailer frame to position the third mud flap in a generally horizontal fashion. This arrangement will permit the passage of air and debris under the centerline of the vehicle while substantially preventing debris from striking the trailer of its cargo along their centerlines. 
   It is therefore a principle object of the present invention to provide a mud flap system that is releasably engageable with the tow assembly of a vehicle. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a mud flap system that disposes one or more mud flaps behind the rearward wheels of a vehicle and also behind the open area between the vehicles rearward wheels. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide an accessory mud flap system that is adjustably mounted to the tow assembly of a vehicle so that the system may be used with a wide range of different vehicles of various sizes and configurations. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mud flap system for a vehicle that utilizes vertically and horizontally oriented mud flaps to deflect rearwardly projected debris without restricting air flow passing beneath the vehicle&#39;s center line. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide an accessory mud flap system that provides an increased relative structural stability over prior art systems. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an accessory mud flap system that may be quickly and easily coupled with the tow assembly of a vehicle. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide an accessory mud flap system that is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those having skill in the art. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric, partially exploded view of one preferred embodiment of the mud flap system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric, partially assembled view of another preferred embodiment of the mud flap system of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric, partially exploded view of still another preferred embodiment of the mud flap system of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, reference is made to accompanying  FIGS. 1-3 , which form a part hereof and show by way of illustration exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, however, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the mud flap system  10  is generally provided with a first mounting arm  12  and a second mounting arm  14 . The first and second mounting arms  12  and  14  are provided with engagement end portions  16  and  18 , which are shaped and sized to be coupled with the opposite end portions  20  and  22  of a transverse frame member  24  to a vehicle tow assembly  26 . In a preferred embodiment, the engagement end portions  16  and  18  may be received within openings formed in the opposite end portions  20  and  22  of the transverse frame  24 . It is contemplated, however, that where no openings are provided in the opposite end portions  20  and  22  of the transverse frame  24 , the engagement end portions  16  and  18  of the first and second mounting arms  12  and  14  may be simply coupled with the transverse frame  24  using bolts or other known fasteners. 
   The system  10  is further provided with a first support member  28  and a second support member  30 , which depend from the first and second mounting arms  12  and  14 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second support members  28  and  30  are positioned to be in a generally parallel, spaced-apart manner with the first and second mounting arms  12  and  14 . First and second spacer arms  32  and  34  may be provided to operatively couple the first and second mounting arms  12  and  14  with the first and second support numbers  28  and  30 , in a manner that provides the optimum orientation with respect to one another. 
   At least a first mud flap  36  should be operatively coupled with the first and second support members  28  and  30  so that, when the first and second mounting arms  12  and  14  are coupled with the opposite ends  20  and  22  of the transverse frame  24 , at least a portion of the first mud flap  36  is positioned adjacent the transverse frame  24 , substantially across a length that extends between the opposite ends  20  and  22  of the transverse frame  24 . It is contemplated, however, that a plurality of mud flaps could be used with the mud flap system  10 . For example,  FIG. 1  depicts the additional use of a second mud flap  38 , while  FIGS. 2 and 3  show alternate embodiments that incorporate the use of a third mud flap  40 . Irrespective of the number of mud flaps used with the system  10 , it is contemplated that the mud flaps will be provided in a generally flexible form and may be comprised of nearly any material, including various plastics, rubbers, and various synthetic derivations thereof. Regardless of the manner in which they are formed, the mud flaps may be operatively coupled with the first and second support members  28  and  30  using a plurality of fasteners  42 , which might include known fasteners such as snaps, or apertures within the mud flaps and in the support members that are shaped and sized to receive bolts, screws, and the like. 
     FIGS. 1-3  demonstrate one preferred method of coupling the system  10  with the vehicle tow assembly  26 , wherein the first and second support members  28  and  30  are hung generally parallel to, but beneath, the transverse frame  24 . It is contemplated, however, that the configuration of the vehicle tow assembly may require that first and second mounting arms  12  and  14  be coupled with the transverse frame  24  in a manner that positions the first and second support members behind the transverse frame  24  and above the receiver  44 . This may be accomplished by simply rotating the individual assemblies by ninety degrees prior to coupling the first and second mounting arms  12  and  14  with the transverse frame  24 . Where such positioning is desired, fasteners  42  will need to be positioned on an adjacent face of the first and second support members  28  and  30  to operatively receive the mud flaps. In one preferred embodiment, fasteners  42  may be provided on two adjacent faces of each of the first and second support members  28  and  30  to provide a user with alternate mounting positions for the mud flap system  10 . 
   Irrespective of the mounting positions of the first and second support members  28  and  30  with respect to the transverse frame  24 , it may be desirable to use a securement means for operatively coupling the first and second support members  28  and  30  with one another in a manner that limits movement of the first and second support members  28  and  30  with respect to one another. It should be apparent that, once the system  10  is coupled with the vehicle to assembly  26 , arresting relative movement between the first and second support members  28  and  30  will lock the system  10  in position and substantially prevent unwanted removal of the system  10  from the vehicle tow assembly  26 . In one embodiment, the securement means may be provided in the form of an elongated, generally flexible leash  46 , having opposite end portions  48  and  50  that may be removably coupled with anchor members  52  that extend from a portion of the first and second mounting arms  12  and  14  or the first and second support members  28  and  30 . The length of the leash  46  should be provided so that, when the leash  46  is secured to the mud flap system  10 , relative movement of the first and second support members  28  and  30  with respect to one another is limited. Various materials, such as linked chains, braided cable, and the like may be used to form the leash  46 . 
   In another preferred embodiment, the securement means may be provided in the form of a brace  54 , having opposite end portions. In one embodiment, interior end portions  56  and  58  of the first and second support members  28  and  30  are provided with openings that are in communication with interior cavities formed within the first and second support members  28  and  30 . The opposite end portions of the brace  54  are sized and shaped to be selectively positioned through the openings of the interior end portions  56  and  58 , into the interior cavities of the first and second support members  28  and  30 . In order to secure the brace  54  with respect to the first and second support members  28  and  30 , a plurality of openings  60  may be formed through the interior end portions  56  and  58  of the first and second support members  28  and  30  as well as the brace  54 . Locking pins  62  may be passed through the openings  60  to releasably secure the structures to one another. Providing a plurality of openings  60  along a length of the interior end portions  56  and  58  and/or the brace  54  will provide the system  10  with a degree of lateral adjustability that allows the brace  54  to be pinned in position along various lengths of the respective first and second support members  28  and  30 . 
   In another embodiment, a brace  64  may be provided with opposite open end portions  66  and  68 , which are sized and shaped to slideably receive portions of the interior end portions  56  and  58  of the first and second support members  28  and  30  therein. Again, a plurality of openings  60  and locking pins  62  may be provided to secure the structures with respect to one another and a plurality of openings  60  along the lengths of either or both of the brace  64  or the first and second support members  28  and  30  will provide a degree of lateral adjustability with respect to the positioning of the structures with respect to one another. This may permit the lengthening or narrowing of the system  10  when it is to be used with wide or narrow vehicle tow assemblies  26 . Where such an arrangement is provided, the mud flaps may be individually securable to the first and second support members  28  and  30  as well as the brace  64 . However, it is contemplated that the mud flaps may be simultaneously coupled with one or both of the first or second support members  28  and  30  and the brace  64 . Where a central or third mud flap  40  is used, it is contemplated that an opening may be formed in the upper end portion thereof to allow the passage of the receiver  44  therethrough, where the system  10  is coupled with the vehicle tow assembly  26  in a manner that disposes the first and second support members  28  and  30  and the brace  64  above the receiver  44 . 
   In another embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 3 , an upper end portion  70  of the third mud flap  40  may be operatively coupled with the interior end portions  56  and  58  of the first and second support members  28  and  30  or the brace  64 . A plurality of openings  60  and locking pins  62  may be used separately from, or in conjunction with the previously described fasteners  42 . A lower end portion  72  of the third mud flap  40  may be removably coupled with a structure related to a trailer that is coupled with the vehicle tow assembly  26 . Fasteners  42 , opening  60  and locking pins  62 , or an attachment bracket (not shown) may be used to operatively couple the lower end portions  72  with the trailer. Regardless of its manner of attachment, a preferred positioning of the third mud flap  40  will dispose it in a generally horizontal position so that air and debris flowing under the vehicle may freely pass between the first mud flap  36  and second mud flap  38  and beneath the horizontally disposed third mud flap  40 . In this manner, rocks and road debris may be prevented from striking the trailer or any articles thereon, without restricting the air current that passes beneath the vehicle when it is in motion. 
   In the drawings and in the specification, there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention; and although specific items are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and proportion of parts, as well as substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims. 
   Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.