Spring-biased mud flap hanger with improved pivoting motion guidance

A mudflap hanger apparatus adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

• a hanger arm assembly having a hanger arm and a mounting plate connected to a proximal end of the hanger arm, wherein the hanger arm comprises a tubular structure having a proximal opening;
• a frame seat configured to movably engage the mounting plate;
• and
• a spring coupled to the hanger arm assembly and the frame seat, wherein the spring biases the mounting plate toward a resting position against the frame seat;
• wherein when a lateral force is applied to the hanger arm, the mounting plate variably pivots against the frame seat at one of a plurality of pivot axes, enabling the hanger arm to move angularly away from a resting position of the hanger arm;
• wherein each of the mounting plate and the frame seat has one or more corresponding guidance surfaces, wherein the one or more guidance surfaces of the mounting plate oppose the one or more guidance surfaces of the frame seat, wherein a portion of the mounting plate extends into the hanger arm, wherein the portion of the mounting plate extending into the hanger arm includes at least a portion of the one or more guidance surfaces of the mounting plate;
• and
• wherein when the mounting plate pivots against the frame seat at the one of a plurality of pivot axes, the one or more guidance surfaces of the mounting plate and the one or more guidance surfaces of the frame seat cause the mounting plate to move along a corresponding guided pivot path.