Patent Publication Number: US-2009218787-A1

Title: Protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/891,413 filed Aug. 10, 2007, which claims priority from and benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/837,082 filed Aug. 11, 2006 (Aug. 11, 2006), and the entire disclosures of said application Ser. No. 11/891,413 and said provisional application Ser. No. 60/837,082 are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present specification. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DEVELOPMENT 
     This development relates to vehicle tow bar assemblies and, more particularly, to tow bar assemblies or systems that facilitate so-called “four wheels down” towing. The development is particularly suited for towing an automobile type vehicle behind a self contained or bus type camper or coach and will be described with reference thereto. However, the development can also be used for similar applications in related environments. 
     Self contained camper units, coaches or buses are becoming quite popular with families and the like who travel the country for business and/or pleasure. Oftentimes, these units are rather large and cumbersome and difficult to drive or otherwise maneuver in cities or other urban areas. The camper units are typically parked in campgrounds or other designated areas where, once parked, they are difficult or inconvenient to move if the owner for some reason wants or needs drive to an area some distance from the parked unit. 
     As a result of the foregoing circumstances, many people have commenced to tow regular automobiles behind their camper units in order to have the flexibility of taking side trips or other travel once the camper units have been parked in a camper parking area. While towing vehicles is itself well known, the so-called four wheels down type of towing arrangement is becoming quite popular in this environment. In this type of towing arrangement, a tow bar extends outwardly from the rear of the camper unit and is secured by releasable means to the towed vehicle so that all four wheels of the towed vehicle ride on the road surface during towing. 
     Tow bar systems for accommodating four wheels down towing are known in the industry and typically require a special tow bar connection to be installed on the vehicle to be towed. The tow bar connection requires some modification to or removal of a portion of the vehicle grill. In existing arrangements, the tow bar connection is such that a pair of spaced apart elongated prongs or spikes extend outwardly from the vehicle grill and/or bumper area generally parallel to and on opposite sides of the vehicle longitudinal axis. These prongs or spikes, in turn, are received by spaced apart receivers disposed on the rear of the tow bar itself. Locking pin arrangements are then used to interconnect the tow bar and prongs in order that the vehicle can be safely towed behind the camper unit. When the camper is parked and it is desired to use the towed vehicle, it is simply necessary to remove the locking pins to release the vehicle from its connected condition to the camper unit. 
     While the foregoing type of towing arrangement is finding success, some problems and issues have been noted. First, it is typically necessary to remove or alter at least a portion of the vehicle grill to facilitate installation of the special tow bar connection. This, in turn, leaves an unsightly appearance to the vehicle when it is separately or independently driven. Second, the spikes or prongs extend outwardly from the vehicle grill area and thus create a safety hazard. That is, the spikes or prongs are most generally located at or slightly below knee level and create a potential hazard to persons walking by the front of the vehicle when it is parked. Such potential is particularly acute in the night season when the spikes or prongs are much more difficult to observe to an unwary pedestrian. In an effort to help alleviate this problem, some people have taken to cutting slits in tennis balls, and then inserting such a tennis ball over the outwardly protruding end of each of the spikes or prongs. This, at best, is deemed to be only a temporary fix, and the tennis balls may fall off during driving or otherwise. Moreover, this approach creates an unsightly condition on the vehicle. While it is possible to remove the entire tow bar connection or the spikes or prongs from the vehicle when not in use, such removal can be both time consuming and difficult. 
     Many of the four wheels down installations also include an additional air connection terminal which similarly protrudes outwardly from the grill area of the towed vehicle intermediate the spikes or prongs. This air connection facilitates operation of the brakes of the towed vehicle as is known and presents another unsightly appearance and safety hazard. Still further, installation of the tow bar connection oftentimes necessitates removal of the front license plate mounting bracket. Many states mandate that both front and rear license plates be displayed, so the front license plate must then be displayed in the front window or some other available area at the front of the automobile. This is both cumbersome and unsightly. 
     The subject new development is deemed to address and overcome the foregoing issues and problems, and provides a new protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component which readily accommodates four wheels down types of vehicle towing systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a protective and decorative faux bumper component is adapted for selective installation on a tow bar connecting assembly of the type having a pair of outwardly protruding laterally spaced apart connecting prongs. The bumper component includes: an elongated main panel having opposed end sections extending generally outward from a panel center section; a prong connector secured to each of the panel end sections and having a prong receiver at an area thereof. Axes of the prong receivers are disposed generally parallel to each other and generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the main panel extending between the opposed end sections. The prong receivers are adapted to retainingly communicate with the connecting prongs of an associated tow bar connecting assembly. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a protective and decorative faux bumper component is adapted for selective connection to a tow bar connecting assembly having a pair of outwardly protruding connecting prongs. The bumper component includes: an elongated main panel having a longitudinal axis extending between opposed panel ends disposed outwardly of a panel center section; at least one elongated through slot in each of the panel opposed ends; a prong connector secured to the main panel through the at least one slot at each of the panel ends; and, a prong receiver included in each prong connector. The prong receivers have axes disposed generally parallel to each other and generally transverse to the main panel longitudinal axis. The bumper component further includes first retainers for securing the prong connectors to the main panel through the slots and allowing selective adjustment of one of the transverse distance between said prong connectors and the lateral distance between said prong connectors and said main panel longitudinal axis. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a protective bumper device includes first and second connectors adapted for respective releasable engagement with first and second protruding prongs of an associated vehicle tow bar connecting assembly. The protective bumper device further includes a body connected to and extending between the first and second connectors, the body adapted to cover at least part of the first and second prongs with which the first and second connectors are engaged. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The development may take form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred and alternative embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an automobile with a four wheels down type of hitch or tow connection secured thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the subject development; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a spike or prong connector assembly formed in accordance with the subject development; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the development in the installed condition on an automobile; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 2  showing an alternative embodiment of the subject development; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view similar to  FIG. 3  for showing the prong connector assembly formed in accordance with this alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of another alternative embodiment of the development; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 2  showing another alternative embodiment of the development; and, 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 2  showing still another alternative embodiment of the development. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the development only and not for purposes of limiting same,  FIG. 1  shows the forward end of a conventional automobile type vehicle A. A tow bar connecting assembly  10  protrudes outwardly from an opening  12  in the conventional grill and/or bumper area of the automobile. Normally, the grill area may have to be modified at least slightly to create opening  12  as is known in order to accommodate tow bar connecting assembly  10 . The construction of the connecting assembly itself is generally known and includes a pair of spaced apart spikes or prongs  14 ,  16  fixedly secured to the automobile so as to protrude outwardly from the grill area generally parallel to and transversely spaced apart on opposite sides of the automobile centerline. 
     The spikes or prongs are most often removably secured to tow bar connecting assembly  10  in a known manner (not shown) wholly sufficient to allow towing of the automobile. The spikes or prongs  14 ,  16  are constructed from a strong metal such as steel or metal alloy and have a generally cylindrical conformation with a somewhat blunt or rounded outer end as is shown in  FIG. 1 . A slot  18  ( FIG. 2 ) extends axially inward from the blunt outer end of each of prongs  14 ,  16  to facilitate installation of the subject faux bumper to an associated vehicle. A locking pin receiving opening  20  is included in each spike or prong adjacent the outer end thereof. Conventional locking pins are removably receivable through these openings for attaching a tow bar (not shown) to the tow bar connecting assembly. 
     In addition, an air cylinder assembly  22  is sometimes also mounted to the tow bar connecting assembly in such manner that it similarly protrudes outwardly from automobile grill opening  12 . This cylinder includes a fitting or coupling  24  to accept an air supply hose running from the camper unit itself in order to facilitate operation of the automobile brakes during towing. 
     Because spikes or prongs  14 ,  16  protrude outwardly from the grill area at approximately knee height or so, they present a hazardous situation when the automobile is not connected to the tow vehicle and is being driven around in public areas. When cylinder assembly  22  is used, it, too, presents a potentially hazardous condition. Moreover, since it may be necessary to remove a portion of the automobile grill in order to successfully mount the tow bar connecting assembly to the automobile, removal of the front license plate bracket is most often required. This presents some issues in those states which require display of both front and rear license plates on vehicles registered in those states. 
     In an effort to reduce the hazardous potential presented by the outwardly protruding spikes or prongs, as well as the cylinder in those installations where it is used, some people have taken to slitting tennis balls and then slipping them over the outermost ends of the protruding components. This presents an unsightly appearance, and simple driving of automobile A may dislodge the balls from their protective positions, thus re-exposing the hazardous elements of the spikes and cylinder. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2 through 4 , the subject new development advantageously provides a protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component or unit generally designated B. This device is comprised of an elongated generally flat panel or body  30  and a pair of spaced apart prong receiver or connector assemblies  32 ,  34 . The panel or body  30  has a central area  36  with opposed ends or wings  38 ,  40  extending oppositely outward therefrom at wall areas  42 ,  44 , respectively. Each of opposed ends or wings  38 ,  40  includes a downwardly depending or extending flange area  46  extending along at least the front edge thereof. In like manner, central area  36  includes a slightly recessed flange area  48  depending therefrom. It is to be noted that the front edges of ends or wings  38 ,  40  have a generally arcuate or otherwise convexly curved conformation from their connections with central portion  36  to their outermost ends. This conformation is highly desirable for reasons to be described hereinbelow. 
     A pair of elongated slots  50 ,  52  extend through the surface of each of ends or wings  38 ,  40  for mounting and adjustment purposes as will be described. These slots are located so that when the device is installed on an automobile, the slots are disposed to run transversely of the automobile longitudinal axis and the spikes or prongs protruding from the vehicle grill area. In addition, fastener openings  56 ,  58  penetrate flange area  48  and are appropriately spaced apart from each other to facilitate securing a license plate and/or a license plate holder frame thereto. 
     The protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component or unit B is preferably molded from a suitable plastic material or resin which has some flexibility and is capable of absorbing some shocks or loading as may be encountered in a vehicle driving type of environment. Depending upon the specific application of unit B, different types of plastics or resins may be preferred. Flange areas  46 ,  48  and walls  42 ,  44  provide structural strength to unit B but will allow for some bending or flexing to accommodate some loading during use. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , prong receivers or connectors  32  and  34  are virtually identical. Accordingly, description will hereafter be made to prong receiver  32 , it being appreciated that receiver  34  is identical thereto. 
       FIG. 3  in particular shows receiver  32  as comprised of a generally square or rectangular intermediate plate or plane  60  and a lower or vertical slot or clevis adaptor  62 . Plate or plane  60  has a generally flat base or body  64  with a peripheral flange  66  protruding at least upwardly therefrom. A plurality of screw receiving protrusions or pedestals  68  extend at least upwardly from base or body  64 , and each includes a threaded fastener receiving opening  70  extending thereinto for reasons and purposes to be described. Four such openings are used in the preferred embodiment and they are positioned to align with slots  50 ,  52  in wings  38 ,  40  of body  30  for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter. An elongated through slot  72  is disposed adjacent one side edge of the intermediate plate  60  from adjacent the front face toward the rear face thereof. The purpose of slot  72  will likewise be described hereinbelow. 
     Lower or vertical slot or clevis adaptor  62  has a generally T-shaped overall conformation with a cross section which is similar to an I-beam. However, many other conformations may also be satisfactorily employed within the spirit and scope of the subject development. A planer upper surface  74  of this adaptor includes a plurality of threaded fastener receiving openings  76  extending thereinto along leg  78  which defines a tang or extension/projection for mounting purposes in a manner to be described. A reinforced pin receiving opening  80  extends through leg  78  transversely of openings  76  for likewise mounting the faux grill B to an associated vehicle A in a manner to be described. 
     Intermediate plate or plane  60  and lower or vertical slot or clevis adaptor  62  are preferably constructed or molded from a plastic material which has suitable strength and rigidity to retain the faux grill in a securely mounted position on an associated vehicle while allowing flexibility to absorb some impact. The specific type of material employed will be dictated to some extent by the particular application intended for the faux grill. 
     Referring now to all of  FIGS. 1-4 , description will be made to installation and use of the subject protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component or unit B. Component B is adapted to conceal the outwardly protruding portions of tow bar connecting assembly  10  ( FIG. 1 ) including the spikes or prongs  12 ,  14  as well as air cylinder  22  while providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the automobile. 
     To that end, for each of connectors or receivers  32 ,  34 , first retainers or threaded fasteners  90  are employed to first loosely connect plate or plane  60  to slot or clevis adaptor  62  via slot  72  and selected ones of openings  76  ( FIG. 3 ). These components are then loosely secured to ends or wings  38 ,  40  of flat panel or body  30  by second retainers or threaded fasteners  92 . These fasteners pass through slots or openings  50 ,  52  of body  30  and into openings  70  in base or body  64  of clevis adaptor  62 . Components  60 ,  62  may then be manipulated in slots  50 ,  52  and  72 , respectively, to secure the proper and desired alignment of the faux grill component or unit B with prongs  14 ,  16  of connecting assembly  10  on an associated automotive vehicle A. Once the desired alignment is achieved, fasteners  90 ,  92  may be tightened to secure the components in their desired fixed positions. While threaded fasteners  90 ,  92  are preferred, it is to be appreciated that other types of retaining or securing devices or systems may also be used to advantage within the spirit and scope of the development. 
     When properly aligned, legs  78  of prong receivers or connectors  32  and  34  are received in slots  18  of spikes or prongs  14 ,  16 , respectively, so that through openings  80  align with openings  20  in the prongs. Unit B is then retained in position by means of conventional locking pins or the like (not shown) which are inserted through these aligned openings  80 ,  20 . In fact, the locking pins may comprise the very same pins used for connecting tow bar connecting assembly  10  to the tow bar itself and, thus, are known. In addition, a strip of adhesive foam or gasket material (not shown) may advantageously be applied to a flange area depending from central area  36  of panel or body  30  opposite from flange area  48 . This foam or gasket material will cushion the assembly and prevent noise or rattling between the vehicle and unit B under normal driving conditions. 
     The design and arrangement of the preferred embodiment here under discussion allows for selective adjustment of the transverse distance between legs  78  in connectors or receivers  32 ,  34  along slots  50 ,  52  ( FIG. 2 ) of from a minimum of approximately 16.25 inches to a maximum of approximately 31.5 inches. Similarly, slots  72  in intermediate plates or planes  60  in combination with threaded openings  76  in legs  78  of slot or crevice adaptors  62  allow for a forward and aft adjustment of approximately 3.25 inches. Thus, the faux grill unit of the subject embodiment is readily adapted to effective use in a wide variety of different applications to accommodate a wide variety of different types of vehicles. 
     When fully installed, the arcuate or otherwise convexly curved shape of end areas or wings  38 ,  40  prevent injury to anyone who may accidentally bump into the grill area of the vehicle. Flange  46  helps conceal the prong connectors or receivers  32 ,  34  from view while enhancing the overall aesthetic appearance. Raised central area  36  of panel or body  30  covers and conceals cylinder  22  and air supply fitting  24 . Spaced openings  56 ,  58  in wall or flange  48  provide means for attaching a front license or other plate (not shown) against wall  48 . When it is desired to tow automobile A, it is simply necessary to remove unit B from its mounted relationship as shown in  FIG. 4  to expose tow bar connecting assembly  10  as shown in  FIG. 1  for connection in a known manner to the tow bar connecting assembly on an associated camper vehicle. Unit B can then be conveniently stored until it is again required for use. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show a modified version of the subject protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component. For ease of appreciating and understanding this alternative, like components are identified by like numerals with a primed (′) suffix and new components are identified with new numerals.  FIG. 5  in particular shows receiver  32 ′ as having opposed top and bottom faces  100 ,  102 , opposed side faces  104 ,  106 , and opposed rear and front faces  108 ,  110 . While side faces  104 ,  106  are shown as being somewhat outwardly convex, it will be appreciated that other conformations for all the various faces may be varied as necessary and/or desirable for manufacturing or product utility purposes. Receivers  32 ′,  34 ′ may also be molded from a plastic material or resin material as necessary and desired to achieve the necessary strength and flexibility. In some cases, it may be desirable to have the internal portion of the receivers constructed from an impact absorbent material. Such design and manufacturing modifications will be mandated by the specific application intended for the faux vehicle grill component B′. 
     A series of openings  112  penetrate receiver  32 ′ from top surface  100  and are used to adjustably secure the receiver to flat panel or body  30 ′ at end area or wing  38 ′ by means of conventional threaded fasteners or the like  92 ′. A series of locking pin receiving openings  114  extend through the receiver between side walls  104 ,  106 . These openings are used to fixedly secure unit B′ to an associated tow bar connecting assembly in a manner to be described. A larger opening or bore  116  extends inwardly into receiver  32 ′ from rear face  108  toward front face  110 . While this opening is shown as being generally circular in cross section, it is dimensioned and configured to conform generally to and receive an associated spike or prong  14 ,  16  when the unit B′ is installed on an automobile. Openings  114  communicate transversely through opening or bore  116  in order to adjustably receive a locking pin therethrough when unit B′ is installed. 
     Referring to both of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , component B′ is again adapted to fit over and conceal the outwardly protruding portions of a tow bar connecting assembly in the same manner as previously described. To that end, retainers or threaded fasteners  92 ′ are employed to connect prong receivers  32 ′,  34 ′ to ends or wings  38 ′,  40 ′, respectively, of generally flat body  30 ′. These fasteners pass through slots or openings  50 ′,  52 ′ of body  30 ′ and into openings  112  in top walls  100  of the prong receivers ( FIG. 6 ) to thereby assemble these components together into a single unit. The prong receivers may be moved laterally toward and away from each to accommodate the lateral spacing between the spikes or prongs  14 ,  16  of the tow bar assembly. 
     Once the prong receivers are appropriately spaced and securely fastened to flat panel or body  30 ′ by tightening fasteners  92 ′, unit B′ is ready for installation on an associated automobile. This is accomplished simply by sliding the unit onto the outwardly protruding prongs ( 14 ,  16  in  FIG. 1 ) in the same advantageous manner previously described. Unit B′ is retained in position by conventional locking pins or the like (not shown) which are inserted through an appropriate one of openings  114  in the side walls of prong receivers  32 ′,  34 ′. These fasteners also pass through pin receiving openings ( 20  in  FIG. 1 ). The plurality of openings  114  thus accommodate some forward and aft adjustment of unit B′ relative to an associated tow bar connecting assembly. 
       FIG. 7  shows another modified version of the subject protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component. There, for ease of appreciating and understanding this alternative, like components are identified by like numerals with a double primed (″) suffix and new components are identified with new numerals. Unit B″ is comprised of first upper and second lower panels  120 ,  122  which have peripheral conformations similar to the arrangement of the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 . These panels have downwardly and upwardly disposed flanges  124 ,  126 , respectively, along the peripheral edges thereof as shown in the drawing. Flange extensions  128 ,  130  extend from flanges  124 ,  126 , respectively, and include holes or openings  56 ″,  58 ″ to accommodate affixation of a license plate and/or a frame for retaining a license plate. 
     Spacing and stabilizing fins  132 ,  134  are affixed to and extend laterally between panels  120 ,  122 . Curved/arcuate spacing and stabilizing fins  136 ,  138  extend between the panels adjacent the outboard ends thereof, and prong receivers  32 ″,  34 ″ are likewise interposed between panels  120 ,  122  intermediate fins  132 ,  136  and  134 ,  138 , respectively. As with the preferred embodiment, the receivers are adjustable laterally of each other along upper and lower panels  120 ,  122 . This alternative arrangement provides a strong reinforced construction and functions in the same manner as described above relative to the preferred embodiment. The various components of unit B″ can be molded from a plastic or other suitable resinous material and then fabricated into a single unit by conventional means which themselves do not form a part of the present development. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show additional modified versions of the subject new protective and decorative faux vehicle bumper component. For ease of appreciating and understanding these alternatives, like components are identified by like numerals with a triple primed (″′) suffix and new components are identified by new numerals. These particular alternatives are particularly adapted to use in a manner similar to the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 1-4  where another type of known tow bar assembly is employed. In these arrangements, the prongs or spikes that protrude outwardly from the vehicle to be towed are such that they are disposed at predetermined laterally spaced apart distances regardless of the style or type of vehicle involved. Thus, virtually no significant accommodation for lateral adjustment is required for the tow bar mounting points in the faux bumper component. This different type of tow bar assembly is, again, known in the art and does not itself form a part of the present development. 
     In the  FIGS. 8 and 9  arrangements, laterally spaced apart elongated slots  150 ,  152  are included in panel body ends or wings  38 ″′,  40 ″′, respectively, to extend transversely of the longitudinal axis of the flat panel or body  30 ″′. This, again, is due to the fact that the prongs of the associated tow bar assembly are disposed at a predetermined constant distance apart from each other regardless of the type of vehicle involved. However, the arrangements of  FIGS. 8 and 9  do facilitate some front to back adjustment of the faux bumper component relative to an associated vehicle. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 8 , a pair of prong or yoke receiver assemblies  32 ″′,  34 ″′ are identical, so description will hereinafter be made with reference to assembly  32 ″′, it being appreciated that it is equally applicable to assembly  34 ″′. Assembly  32 ″′ is comprised of a somewhat J shaped receiver body  160  having a planar first or mounting surface  162  at a top or upper end thereof. Receiver body  160  is preferably constructed or molded from a plastic or other material which has suitable strength and rigidity to retain the faux bumper in a securely mounted position on an associated vehicle. A plurality of aligned threaded fastener receiving openings  164  penetrate surface  162  to facilitate secure attachment of the receiver assembly to flat panel or body  30 ″′ at end or wing  38 ″′ through slot  150  via threaded fasteners  92 ″′. The spacing of these fastener receiving openings and the length of slot  150  are such that they will allow for some forward and rearward adjustment of the faux bumper component relative to an associated vehicle. 
     The lower end of receiver body  160  defines a second or receiver end  166  adapted to receivingly communicate with a mounting clevis or yoke (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) from a spike or prong of an associated tow bar connecting assembly. This type of associated tow bar assembly, itself, is already known in the art and does not form a part of the present development. A through opening or bore  168  adjacent receiver end  166  of body  160  allows for selective convenient and secure interconnection between the spike or prong and the faux bumper via a locking pin (not shown) in much the same manner as previously described with reference to the  FIGS. 2-4  structure. 
     Top plates or caps  170 ,  172  are provided for cooperation with prong or yoke receiver assemblies  32 ″′,  34 ″′ at panel ends or wings  38 ″′,  40 ″′, respectfully. Plates  170 ,  172  are preferably constructed or molded from a plastic or other material which has suitable strength and rigidity to retain the faux grill in a securely mounted position on an associated vehicle. Since these top plates are identical, description will only be made with reference to plate  170 . This plate is generally square or rectangular in conformation with planar top and bottom surfaces  174 ,  175 . A plurality of fastener clearance openings  176  extend through the top plate between planar top and bottom surfaces  174 ,  175  at spaced intervals thereacross. The spacing between openings  176  corresponds to the spacing between fastener receiving openings  164  in receiver body  160  and readily accept passage of threaded fasteners  92 ″′ therethrough for assembly of the faux bumper. 
     Assembly of the faux bumper requires that the shanks of conventional threaded fasteners  92 ″′ pass through top plates or caps  170 ,  172  from top surfaces  174 , through slots  150  in ends or wings  38 ″′,  40 ″′ of body  30 ″′, and then into threaded engagement with fastener receiving openings  164  of receiver bodies  160 ,  162 . Tightening of fasteners  92 ″′ then brings the opposed bottom faces  175  of top plates or caps  170 ,  172  and top faces  162  of receiver bodies  160 , respectively, into close retaining engagement with opposite face surfaces of ends or wings  38 ″′,  40 ″′. The opposed faces  175  of top plates or caps  170 ,  172  and faces  162  of receiver bodies  160  provide solid support for flat panel or body  30 ″′ to enhance the strength and rigidity of the overall faux bumper assembly. Slots  150  allow for some forward and rearward adjustment of receiver assemblies  32 ″′,  34 ″′ relative to flat panel or body  30 ″′ to facilitate use with different types of vehicle designs while maintaining a substantially fixed distance between receiver assemblies  32 ″′,  34 ″′. 
     The construction shown in  FIG. 9  is to accommodate yet another type of known tow bar assembly. In this alternative, a pair of intermediate, square or rectangular adaptor or mounting plates generally designated  180 ,  182  are provided. These plates preferably are constructed or molded from a plastic material which has suitable strength and rigidity for faux bumper mounting purposes, although other materials could also be satisfactorily used. As the adaptor plates are identical, description will hereinafter only be made with reference to plate  180 . This plate includes a planar first or top surface  184  and a planar second or bottom surface  185 . A plurality of spaced apart aligned threaded fastener receiving openings  186  extend into top surface  184  toward bottom surface  185 . 
     A through bore or opening  188  is generally centrally located in planar face  184  for use in mounting the faux bumper component to an associated vehicle in a manner to be described. This through bore or opening  188  is aligned with fastener receiving openings  186  so, in turn, to align with elongated slot  150  when adaptor or mounting plate  180  is fixedly secured to panel or body  30 ″′. The diameter of bore or opening  188  is preferably greater than the diameters of threaded fastener receiving openings  186  for stability reasons which should become apparent below. 
     This alternative arrangement also uses a pair of top plates or caps  190 ,  192  for cooperation with mounting plates  180 ,  182 , respectively. These plates  190 ,  192  are likewise constructed or molded from a plastic or other material which has a suitable strength and rigidity for their purpose. Here, too, the plates or caps  190 ,  192  are identical, so description will be hereinafter made only to plate or cap  190 . This plate or cap is generally square or rectangular in conformation similar to plate  180  with planar top and bottom surfaces  194 ,  195 . A plurality of fastener clearance openings  196  extend through the top plate from top surface  194  at spaced intervals which correspond to fastener receiving openings  186  in mounting plate  180  and which allow passage of threaded fasteners  92 ″′ therethrough for assembly of the faux bumper component. A through bore or opening  198  having the same diameter as bore  188  is generally centrally located in planar face  194  for use in mounting the faux bumper component to an associated vehicle in a manner to be described. This bore is located to align with bore  188  in mounting plate  180 , likewise for use in mounting the faux bumper. 
     Assembly of the faux bumper of  FIG. 9  again requires that the shanks of conventional threaded fasteners  92 ″′ pass through top plates or caps  190 ,  192  from top surfaces  194 , through slots  150  in ends or wings  38 ″′,  40 ″′, and then into threaded engagement with fastener receiving openings  186  in mounting plates  180 ,  182 , respectively. Tightening of fasteners  92 ″′ then brings the opposed faces of top plates or caps  190 ,  192  and mounting plates  180 ,  182  into close retaining engagement with opposite face surfaces of ends or wings  38 ″′,  40 ″′, respectively. Through bores or openings  188  and  198  will then be aligned with each other to accept a mounting prong of a known type from the tow bar assembly in a manner to be described. 
     The  FIG. 9  construction has been developed for use with a particular known type of tow bar assembly (not shown) including a pair of generally L shaped tow bar brackets  200 ,  202 . These brackets are not themselves part of the present development and are included simply for allowing a better appreciation of the development. Since brackets  200 ,  202  are identical, description will hereinafter only be made to bracket  200 . This mounting bracket includes a lower leg or base  204  having a plurality of slots and/or openings  206  passing therethrough for use in securely mounting the bracket to an associated tow bar assembly in an already known manner. An upright leg  208  extends from one end of base  204  and has a generally cylindrical locating and mounting prong  210  protruding outwardly from the free terminal end thereof. A cross drilled hole  212  extends through prong  210  intermediate the outer free end of leg  208  and the outer terminal end of prong  210 . Hole  212  is adapted to receive a linchpin  214  or similar type of locking device for retaining the faux bumper component in a secure position on a tow bar assembly. 
     When assembled as described above and placed on an associated tow bar assembly, the lower or bottom surfaces  185  of adaptor or mounting plates  180 ,  182  rest upon the top surfaces of legs  208  of tow bar brackets  200 ,  202  with pins or prongs  210  of tow bar brackets  200 ,  202  protruding through bores or openings  188  of mounting plates  180 ,  182 , through slots  150 , and then through bores or openings  198  of top plates or caps  190 ,  192 . It will be appreciated that the thickness dimensions of mounting plates  180 ,  182 , panel body opposed ends  38 ″′,  40 ″′, and cap or top plates  190 ,  192  are predetermined so that when the faux grill component is positioned on tow bar mounting brackets  200 ,  202 , pin openings  212  will be located immediately above and closely spaced to top surfaces  194  of the top plates or caps  190 ,  192 . This ensures that linchpins  214  or other locking pins inserted through cross openings  212  in mounting pins or prongs  210  of mounting brackets  200 ,  202  will closely retain the faux bumper in the desired protective position on the associated tow bar assembly. Some forward and rearward adjustment of the faux bumper is easily effected simply by loosening or positioning fasteners  92 ″′ to allow sliding adjustment of the faux bumper via slots  150  in much the same manner as in the  FIG. 8  construction. 
     Both arrangements as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  include the capability for accommodating a license or other name plate in a manner similar to the  FIGS. 2-4  embodiment. Particularly referring to  FIG. 8 , spaced apart through openings  56 ″′,  58 ″′ in panel flange area  48 ″′ are placed to receive threaded fasteners  220  therethrough for affixing a standard license or other name plate P to the front of the flange. Wing type or other conventional nuts  222  received on the fasteners fixedly secure plate P in position and facilitate ease of removal or change. 
     The development has been described with reference to the preferred and alternative embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.