Universal bracket and mounting system
AssigneeCruiser Accessories, LLC
InventorsTodd R. Spencer, Mark Hunter Basenberg, JR., Eldon L. Goates
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Universal brackets comprising universal yokes that are compatible with a variety of yoke caps are disclosed. Selection of a particular yoke cap determines the size of an opening formed when the yoke and yoke cap are joined to form the bracket, which can be used, for example, in mudflap mounting systems that optionally include additional safety features, such as cylindrical clamps, bent support arms, flared rods, and reinforced mudflaps.
Claims21
A universal bracket comprising:
- a yoke, the yoke comprising:
- a top member, a first side member, and a second side member, the yoke having a substantially u-shape;
- the first side member having a first pocket and a first hole extending from the first pocket through the first side member;
- and
- the second side member having a second pocket and a second hole extending from the second pocket through the second side member;
- and
- a first yoke cap having a substantially u-shape configured to attach to the yoke, the first yoke cap comprising:
- a bottom member having a third hole through a proximal end thereof and a fourth hole through a distal end thereof;
- wherein the yoke and the first yoke cap are configured to attach together through an alignment of the first hole with the third hole and an alignment of the second hole with the fourth hole and forming a substantially square opening between the yoke and the first yoke cap.
A method for mounting a universal bracket to a vehicle hitch, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) positioning a yoke having a substantially u-shape on a top side of the vehicle hitch;
- (b) positioning a first yoke cap having a substantially u-shape on a bottom side of the vehicle hitch forming a square opening between the yoke and the first yoke cap wherein only a four corners of the vehicle hitch are in contact with the yoke and the first yoke cap;
- (c) passing a first bolt through the first yoke cap and into a first pocket of the yoke;
- (d) placing a first nut within the first pocket and tightening the first nut to the first bolt;
- (e) passing a second bolt through the first yoke cap and into a second pocket of the yoke;
- and
- (f) placing a second nut within the second pocket and tightening the second nut to the second bolt.
A universal bracket comprising:
- a yoke having a substantially u-shape configured to attach to a first yoke cap having a substantially u-shape forming a substantially square opening between the yoke and the first yoke cap;
- a square opening formed between the yoke and the first yoke cap;
- and
- a vehicle hitch within the square opening where only a four corners of the vehicle hitch are in contact with the yoke and the first yoke cap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.