Abstract:
Provided is a push bumper and mounting system for mounting a push bumper to the bumper of a vehicle. The push bumper and mounting system includes a mounting bracket that is configured to quickly and easily attach to the bumper of the vehicle. The mounting bracket is designed to connect to the front portion of the bumper, without requiring a connection adjacent the rear portion of the bumper. The mounting bracket may only partially circumscribe the bumper, which may facilitate mounting of the bracket onto the bumper because the space between the bumper and the vehicle may be very small.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to push bumpers for vehicles, and more specifically to a mounting system for such a device that facilitates installation thereof and also mitigates damage to the bumper of the vehicle to which the push bumper is mounted. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Push bumpers are typically mounted on law enforcement vehicles to protect the front of the vehicle while pushing stranded vehicles off the roadway. Such devices are well known and are commonly mounted to the front bumper of such vehicles. The push bumper usually comprises a generally vertical member mounted to the bumper of the vehicle. The vertical member is typically fabricated from a metallic material with the necessary strength to support the resistance of another vehicle during pushing. Typically, the vertical member will have a rubber coating or bumper applied to the surface that contacts the stranded vehicle. Usually, two push bumpers are mounted on either side of the vehicle&#39;s front grille in order to properly push a stranded vehicle. 
         [0007]    In order to further protect the front of the law enforcement vehicle, the two vertical members can be interconnected by two generally horizontal members disposed in front of the vehicle&#39;s grille and configured to form a grille guard. Additionally, the push bumper may comprise two generally horizontal tubular members that wrap around the front ends of the vehicle to form a wrap around brush guard that adds further protection thereto. As will be recognized to those of ordinary skill in the art, the push bumper/grille guard is not limited to just law enforcement vehicles but may be mounted to any vehicle for protection thereof. As such, the push bumper/grille guard may be mounted on off-road vehicles or tow trucks. 
         [0008]    The push bumper is essential for proper law enforcement activities. It allows the law enforcement official to use his/her vehicle to push stranded or damaged vehicles during emergency situations. The push bumper ensures that the grille and bumper of the law enforcement vehicle will not be damaged during such maneuvers. 
         [0009]    The typical law enforcement vehicle is specially outfitted with police accessories such as emergency lights, police computer, heavy duty engine and suspension. The bumper unit of a typical vehicle is formed from two members and is used for mounting the push bumper thereon. The first member is an outer, purely decorative fascia that integrates the styling of the vehicle to the bumper unit. The second member is an inner metallic bumper disposed within the fascia and attached to the frame of the vehicle. The inner bumper is configured to absorb impacts and therefore has the necessary strength and rigidity to mount the push bumper thereon. The bumper fascia is secured to the front of the vehicle and over the inner bumper via plastic push fasteners. 
         [0010]    The conventional push bumper is typically mounted to the inner bumper and bumper fascia of the law enforcement vehicle. As such, mounting and/or access holes must be drilled into the bumper and bumper fascia must be perfectly positioned and aligned. Typically, installation takes about two hours and must be performed by a professional in order to ensure proper installation. 
         [0011]    Currently, law enforcement vehicles are replaced quite often due to the wear from constant use. Therefore, after having been used, the law enforcement vehicle is re-sold at auction to the public. However, the conventional mounting of the push bumpers necessitates the replacement of the bumper and bumper fascia when the push bumper is removed prior to re-sale. The mounting holes drilled in the bumper weaken the bumper such that it is not safe for use. Additionally, the holes created in the bumper fascia necessitate replacement thereof because such holes detract from the vehicle&#39;s appearance. Therefore, when a law enforcement vehicle is re-sold, typically the vehicle&#39;s bumper and bumper fascia are replaced. However, this is not desirable because it adds additional expense to the cost of the used law enforcement vehicle. 
         [0012]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a push bumper and mounting system configured to connect a push bumper to the vehicle in a manner that does not significantly damage the vehicle&#39;s bumper. There is also a need in the art for a push bumper and mounting system that is configured to allow for easy attachment and detachment from the bumper. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. There is provided a push bumper and mounting system for mounting a push bumper to the bumper of a vehicle. The push bumper and mounting system includes a mounting bracket that is configured to quickly and easily attach to the bumper of the vehicle. Along these lines, the mounting bracket is designed to connect to the front portion of the bumper, without extending over the rear portion of the bumper. In this regard, the mounting bracket may only partially circumscribe the bumper, which may facilitate mounting of the bracket onto the bumper. More specifically, the space between the bumper and the vehicle may be very small, and by attaching the bumper to the front of the vehicle, the user is not required to fit the mounting bracket within the tight space between the bumper and the vehicle. Furthermore, the push bumper preferably includes a grille guard having a cutout formed therein to accommodate the configuration of the grille fascia of the vehicle, which in turn allows the grille guard to be disposed closer to the vehicle. 
         [0014]    According to one embodiment, the first mounting bracket includes a first bumper portion, a first mounting tab and a second mounting tab. The first bumper portion is connectable to the bumper and is complimentary to the outer portion of the bumper and configured to only partially circumscribe the bumper when connected thereto. The mounting system further includes a first push bumper member coupled to the first and second mounting tabs. The first push bumper is disposed generally in front of the vehicle when the first mounting bracket is coupled to the bumper to prevent damage to the vehicle. 
         [0015]    The bumper may include mounting apertures formed therein during manufacturing of the bumper. The first mounting bracket may include mounting apertures formed therein to facilitate mounting of the first mounting bracket to the bumper. The bracket mounting apertures may be aligned with the bumper mounting apertures and a mechanical fastener may be inserted through the aligned apertures to connect the first mounting bracket to the bumper. 
         [0016]    The mounting system may also include a second mounting bracket similar to the first mounting bracket, wherein the second mounting bracket is attachable to the bumper in spaced relation to the first mounting bracket. The mounting system may further include a second push bumper member connectable to the sound mounting bracket. 
         [0017]    A grille guard may extend between the first push bumper member and the second push bumper member. The grille guard may include a first grille guard member and a second grille guard member each extending between the first and second push bumper members in spaced relation to each other. 
         [0018]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a push bumper and mounting system used to mount a push bumper to the bumper of a vehicle; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1A  is a partial upper perspective view of a grille guard having a cutout formed therein to extend around the grille fascia of the vehicle; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the push bumper and mounting system depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a partial upper perspective view of the push bumper and mounting system connected to the bumper; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the push bumper and mounting system depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
       [0025]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0027]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown a mounting system  10  and push bumper  12 , wherein the mounting system  10  is configured to allow the push bumper  12  to be quickly and easily mounted to the vehicle bumper  14  without drilling additional mounting holes within the bumper  14 . Along these lines, the push bumper  12  may be mounted to the vehicle  16  via mounting apertures already formed within the bumper  14  during the manufacturing process, and therefore does not mitigate the structural strength of the bumper  14 . The mounting system  10  generally includes one or more mounting brackets  18 ,  20  which may be easily connected to the front portion of the bumper  14  i.e., the portion that faces away from the vehicle  16 , which is generally more easily accessible. The mounting brackets  18 ,  20  do not extend behind the bumper  14  in the generally small space between the bumper and the vehicle  16 , which would otherwise make mounting of the brackets  18 ,  20  more difficult. 
         [0028]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in past years, Ford&#39;s Crown Victoria™ was widely employed by law enforcement agencies to fill their fleet of vehicles. However, law enforcement agencies have recently phased out the usage of Crown Victoria™ vehicles and have transitioned to Dodge Chargers™. Accordingly, several aspects of the push bumper and mounting system  10  are directed toward accommodating the particular sizes and configuration of the 2011 Dodge Charger™. For instance, various aspects of the present invention are directed toward configuring the push bumper  12  to include a cutout that is generally complimentary to the particular grille fascia of the 2011 Dodge Charger™, which allows portions of the push bumper  12  to reside closer to the vehicle, rather than extending outwardly therefrom (See  FIG. 1A ). Although the following discussion and related drawings focus on the 2011 Dodge Charger™, it is understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that the push bumper and mounting system  10  may be adapted for use on other Dodge Charger™ models, and vehicles other than the Dodge Charger™. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vehicle  16  having a push bumper  12  mounted to the vehicle bumper  14  via the mounting system  10 .  FIG. 2  is a front view of the vehicle  16  and mounting system  10 , with the bumper  14  shown in dashed lines. The vehicle  16  includes a front fender  22  that covers bumper  14 . The mounting system  10  is specifically adapted to extend around the front fender  22  to accommodate the particular size and configuration thereof. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a partial upper perspective view of the push bumper and mounting system  10  connected to the bumper  14  of the vehicle  16 , while  FIG. 4  is an exploded upper perspective view of the push bumper and mounting system shown  10  in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the push bumper and mounting system  10  includes a first mounting bracket  18  and a first push bumper member  24 . The first mounting bracket  18  is connectable to the bumper  14  and the first push bumper member  24  is connectable to the first mounting bracket  18 . 
         [0031]    The vehicle bumper  14  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is elongate and defines a substantially quadrangular cross section in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis thereof. The vehicle bumper  14  is substantially hollow and defines an inner portion  24  that faces toward the vehicle  16  and an outer portion  26  that faces away from the vehicle  16 . The vehicle bumper  14  also defines a first upper wall  28 , second outer wall  30 , third lower wall  32  and fourth inner wall  34 . 
         [0032]    The first mounting bracket  18  includes a first bumper portion  36 , a first mounting tab  38  and a second mounting tab  40 . The first bumper portion  36  is complimentary to the outer portion  26  of the bumper  14  and includes a top plate  42 , a front plate  44  and a bottom plate  46  (See  FIG. 4 ) that are complimentary to the first wall  28 , second wall  30  and third wall  32  of the bumper  14 . When the first mounting bracket  18  is coupled to the bumper  14 , the top plate  42  is disposed adjacent the first wall  28 , the front plate  44  is disposed adjacent the second wall  30 , and the bottom plate  46  is disposed adjacent the third wall  32 . 
         [0033]    According to one embodiment, the top plate  42  and bottom plate  46  extend generally orthogonally from the front plate  44  and in spaced relation to each other. The distance between the top plate  42  and the bottom plate  46  is slightly larger than the distance between the first wall  28  and the third wall  32  of the vehicle bumper  14  to allow the bumper  14  to reside between the top plate  42  and the bottom plate  46  when the first mounting bracket  18  is attached to the bumper  14 . However, the spacing between the top and bottom plates  42 ,  46  is such that the top and bottom plates  42 ,  46  are adjacent to, and preferably in contact with, the first and third walls  28 ,  32  of the bumper  14  when the first mounting bracket  18  is coupled thereto. 
         [0034]    The first mounting tab  38  defines a proximal end portion  48  (See  FIG. 4 ) and a distal end portion  50  (See  FIG. 4 ) and extends generally parallel to the top plate  42 . The distal end portion  50  is configured to connect to the first push bumper member  24 , while the proximal end portion  48  is coupled to the top plate  42  by a first connecting plate  52  and a second connecting plate  54 . The first connecting plate  52  extends between the top plate  42  and the first mounting tab  38 , and is disposed in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the top plate  42  and the first mounting tab  38 . The second connecting plate  54  also extends between the top plate  42  and first mounting tab  38 , and extends in a plane that is perpendicular to the first connecting plate  52 . The second connecting plate  54  is positioned adjacent the first connecting plate  52 , and is preferably connected to the first connecting plate  52 . The second connecting plate  54  is configured to mitigate bending of the first mounting tab  38  toward the top plate  42  when the first push bumper member  24  is coupled to the first mounting tab  38 . 
         [0035]    The second mounting tab  40  extends generally parallel to the first mounting tab  38  and the bottom plate  46  and defines a proximal end portion  56  and a distal end portion  58 . The distal end portion  58  is configured to connect to the first push bumper member  24 , and the proximal end portion  56  is connected to the bottom plate  46  and the front plate  44 . A forward support plate  60  extends from the second mounting tab  40  to the front plate  44  while a rearward support  62  plate extends from the second mounting tab  40  to the bottom plate  40 . According to one embodiment, the forward support plate  60  and rearward support plate  62  are angularly disposed relative to each other to generally define a “V” shape which intersects adjacent the second mounting tab  40 . 
         [0036]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the front plate  44  includes a pair of mounting apertures  64 . As described in detail below, the front plate apertures  64  are alignable with mounting apertures  66  already formed within the bumper  14 . Therefore, additional holes may not be required for the bumper  14 , which may otherwise compromise the structural strength of the bumper  14 . Each bumper mounting aperture  66  extends completely through the bumper  14 , i.e., completely through the second wall  30  and completely through the fourth wall  34 . 
         [0037]    Mechanical fasteners  68  may couple the first mounting bracket  18  to the vehicle bumper  14 . As shown in the Figures, a threaded bolt is advanced through the front plate mounting aperture  64  and the bumper mounting apertures  66  and is secured by a nut located adjacent the fourth wall  34 . In this regard, the first mounting bracket  18  does not completely circumscribe the bumper  14 , and only extends along portions for the first face  28 , second face  30 , and third face  32 , which facilitates installation thereof because the bracket  18  is not required to fit in the generally small space between the fourth wall  34  and the vehicle&#39;s engine. 
         [0038]    The first push bumper member  24  generally includes a main panel  70  having a medial face  72 , a lateral face  74  and a peripheral face  76  extending between the medial face  72  and lateral face  74 . The main panel  70  also defines a first end portion  78 , a second end portion  80 , and a medial portion  82  disposed between the first end portion  78  and the second end portion  80 . A guard member  84  may be disposed over the peripheral face  76  and may be formed from rubber, plastic, metal or other materials known in the art. 
         [0039]    The first push bumper member  24  includes a first connector  86  which is connectable to the first mounting tab  38  of the first mounting bracket  18 , and a second connector  88  (See  FIG. 4 ) which is connectable to the second mounting tab  40  of the first mounting bracket  18 . The first connector  86  extends from the main panel  70  adjacent the medial portion  82 , between the first end portion  78  and the second end portion  80 , while the second connector  88  extends from the main panel  70  adjacent the second end portion  80 . 
         [0040]    The first and second connectors  86 ,  88  are employed to connect the first push bumper member  24  to the first mounting bracket  18  by engaging with the first mounting tab  38  and second mounting tab  40 , respectively, to secure the first push bumper member  24  to the first mounting bracket  18 . Along these lines, the first and second connectors  86 ,  88  may be placed adjacent the first mounting tab  38  and second mounting tab  40  to mount the first push bumper member  24  to the first mounting bracket  18 . 
         [0041]    Mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the first and second connectors  86 ,  88  to the first and second mounting tabs  38 ,  40 . According to one embodiment, the first connector  86  includes one or more apertures which may be brought into alignment with one or more apertures formed in the first mounting tab  38  when the first connector  86  is disposed adjacent the first mounting tab  38 . Likewise, the second connector  88  includes one or more apertures which may be brought into alignment with one or more apertures formed in the second mounting tab  40  when the second connector  88  is disposed adjacent the second mounting tab  40 . Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets, and the like, may be advanced through the aligned apertures to secure the first push bumper member  24  to the first mounting bracket  18 . 
         [0042]    The first and second mounting tabs  38 ,  40  are generally sized and configured to extend around the front fender/fascia  22  of the vehicle  16  toward the first push bumper member  24  when the mounting bracket  18  is mounted to the bumper  14 . In this regard, the distance between the first and second mounting tabs  38 ,  40  may be specifically adapted to accommodate the front fender  22 . It is additionally contemplated that the vehicle  16  may include a decorative plate/cover connected to the fender, which may interfere with the first and second mounting tabs  38 ,  40 . In such circumstances, a small opening may be formed within the decorative plate to allow the first and second mounting tabs  38 ,  40  to extend through the decorative plate/cover. Given that the decorative plate/cover generally provides aesthetic qualities to the vehicle  16  and is not a structural feature, such passages formed within the decorative plate do not mitigate the overall structural integrity of the bumper  14 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the vehicle  16  may include a second push bumper member  90  connected to the bumper  14  in spaced relation to the first push bumper member  24 . The second push bumper member  90  is similar in structure and function to the first push bumper member  24  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . Furthermore, the second push bumper member  90  is mounted to the bumper  14  via a second mounting bracket  20  which is similar in structure and function to the first mounting bracket  18  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0044]    A grille guard extends between the first push bumper member  24  and the second push bumper member  90  over the front of the vehicle  16 . The grille guard includes a first grille guard member  92  and a second grille guard member  94  (See  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) disposed in spaced relation to the first grille guard member  92 . The first grille guard member  92  shown in the Figures defines a substantially quadrangular cross-section and includes a first upper grille face  96 , a second forward grille face  98 , a third lower grille face  100 , and a fourth inner grille face  102 . The first grille guard member  92  also defines a first end portion coupled to the first push bumper member  24  and a second end portion to the second push bumper member  90 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first grille guard member  92  extends over the grille fascia and includes a cutout  104  (See  FIGS. 1 and 1A ) to accommodate the structure of the grille fascia. In this regard, the cutout  104  is complimentary to the grille fascia to allow the first grille guard member  92  to accommodate the grille fascia. When the first grille guard member  92  is disposed in front of the vehicle  16 , the cutout  104  allows the grille fascia to be inserted therein, which in turn allows portions of the first grille guard member  92  to be disposed closer to the vehicle  16 , rather than having to completely extend away from the grille fascia. As such, portions of the first grille guard member  92  extend over the side faces of the grille fascia toward the engine of the vehicle  16 . 
         [0045]    According to one embodiment, the cutout  104  extends from the fourth inner grille face  102  toward the second forward grille face  98  in one direction, and between the first upper grille face  96  and the third lower grille face  100  in another direction. The cutout  104  may be formed within the first grille guard member  92  during manufacturing of the first grille guard. 
         [0046]    The second grille guard member  94  shown in the Figures is substantially cylindrical. The first and second push bumper members  24 ,  90  include apertures formed within the main panels  70  thereof, with the apertures being complimentary in cross-sectional size and shape to the second grille guard member  94 . Along these lines, the second grille guard member  94  may be advanced through the apertures to connect the second grille guard member  94  to the first and second push bumper members  24 ,  90 . One or more mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the second grille guard member  94  to the first and second push bumpers  24 ,  90  when the second grille guard member  94  is disposed within the apertures. In this regard, the second grille guard member may be removably secured to the first and second push bumper members  24 ,  90 , which would allow a user to remove the second grille guard member  94  and replace the second grille guard member  94  with a new second grille guard member  94  in the event of damage thereto. 
         [0047]    The size and shape of the first and second grille guard members  92 ,  94  shown in the Figures and described herein are exemplary in nature only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that grille guard members  92 ,  94  that vary in size and shape may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although the second grille guard member  94  is described as being detachable from the first and second push bumper members  24 ,  90 , it is contemplated that various embodiments include a second push bumper member  90  that is more permanently secured to the first and second push bumper members  24 ,  90 . Various embodiments may also include a first grille guard member  92  which is detachable from the first and second push bumper members  24 ,  90 , or more permanently secured thereto. 
         [0048]    Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.