Hood Guard
Patent Number: US 10926626 Grant Date: 2021-02-23 Filing Date: 2019-08-14
Overview
Filed on August 14, 2019 and granted on February 23, 2021, this patented guard plate embodies a practical mechanical solution for protecting vehicle fluid portals. Inventors based in Plantersville, TX worked with Creative Alloy Products Co. to develop a robust plate body that mounts with lower bolts and uses engineered rotational origins and radii so the plate pivots smoothly to cover or expose a protected surface. The design’s curved top edge and purpose-built upper indentions guide fastener movement and avoid interference, while integrated fastener catches and slotted openings balance security with serviceability. The result is a physically simple yet technically precise accessory that discourages misfueling (for example, diesel into DEF ports) while allowing straightforward maintenance access.
This patent highlights careful claim drafting around rotational geometry, fastener alignment, and user interaction constraints—demonstrating the firm’s technical depth in translating practical vehicle-access problems into enforceable intellectual property.
Key Features
- Curved top edge aligned to a defined rotational radius to prevent fastener snagging
- Upper indentions and half‑circular fastener catches for selective retention
- Lower bolt hole serving as a rotational origin for controlled pivoting
- Slotted openings enabling tool‑assisted removal while deterring accidental access
By combining mechanical precision with user‑experience considerations, the guard plate reduces costly contamination events and supports safer vehicle maintenance practices across agricultural and off‑road equipment sectors.
Invention Details
Abstract: A guard plate for selectively covering a protected surface, wherein: the guard plate comprises a plurality of fasteners, a plate body. The plate body comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a curved top edge, a lower edge, a back side, a front side, the guard plate comprises at least a first lower bolt hole arranged along the lower edge of the guard plate. proximate to the curved top edge, the guard plate comprises a first upper indention and a second upper indention, each configured to receive a portion of a first upper fastener and a second upper fastener, respectively. The guard plate comprises a rotational origin created by rotating the guard plate around a first lower fastener in the first lower bolt hole.
Summary of the Invention: A guard plate 102 for selectively covering a protected surface 520. Said guard plate 102 comprises a plurality of fasteners 708, and a plate body 102. Said plate body 102 comprises a fastener catch 522, a fastener indention 518, a second side edge 516, a first side edge 514, a lower edge 512, a fastener catching extension 510, a curved top edge 506, a rotational origin 504, a rotational radius 502, a first lower bolt hole 116a, a back side 114, a front side 112, a first upper indention 104, a second upper fastener 708b, and a first upper fastener 708a. Said guard plate 102 is configured to allow said plate body 102 to rotate around said second upper fastener 708b below said first upper fastener 708a to selectively cover and uncover said protected surface 520. Said plate body 102 is selectively held against a portion of said protected surface 520 with said second upper fastener 708b through said first lower bolt hole 116a. Said second upper fastener 708b is loosened to allow said plate body 102 to rotate. Said first upper fastener 708a is loosened to allow said plate body 102 to rotate away from said first upper fastener 708a. Said curved top edge 506 follows said rotational radius 502 to ensure said first upper fastener 708a can pass around without getting caught. Said curved top edge 506 comprises said fastener catching extension 510 extending up at said first upper indention 104 and forming said fastener catch 522. Said fastener catch 522 comprises at least a half circular cut out from said fastener catching extension 510 which selectively receives and holds a portion of said first upper fastener 708a to selectively hold or release said first upper fastener 708a to said first upper indention 104.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Safety Systems | Transportation | Plantersville, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney