The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 31, 2000
Filed:
Jun. 05, 1998
Frank E Smith, Battle Creek, MI (US);
Craig A Harbour, Northville, MI (US);
Raymond T Ueberroth, Clarksville, MI (US);
Jody M Sullivan, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
American Bumper & Mfg. Co., Ionia, MI (US);
Abstract
An integrated bumper and hitch assembly is disclosed that integrates a bumper and a weight distributing hitch into a single unit. The integrated assembly includes a square, tubular socket for supporting and receiving a weight distributing hitch. A pair of outer struts are secured to a transverse arm at the corners of the bumper and hitch assembly. The outer struts support the corners of the bumper against vertical deflection and provide corner impact resistance. The bumper and hitch assembly includes three degree-of-freedom adjustability when attaching to a vehicle, thereby allowing the assembly to be properly aligned with the vehicle in three different directions. A cover over the hitch and another cover over the top of the bumper conceal the fasteners used to secure the assembly together and provide an overall pleasing exterior.