US20050167191A1

US20050167191A1 - Exhaust pipe decoration device

Info

Publication number: US20050167191A1
Application number: US10/916,363
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-03
Filing date: 2004-08-11
Publication date: 2005-08-04

Abstract

A decorative attachment for a tailpipe. The invention comprises a cylindrical member for attachment to the tailpipe of a vehicle and having an ornamental design across its span and the ornamental design may comprise a geometric shape or that of a figure such as an eagle or flag. The design may include a reflective material.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORTY

The present invention claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 60/54/445, filed Feb. 3, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for covering the tailpipe of a vehicle. In particular, the cover would be a novelty device, having a shape or design that the buyer deems to be ornamental, while not blocking the exhaust.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to ornamental devices to be placed on the tailpipe of motor vehicles. Automobiles have a large number of ornamental features. These include detailing and striping, ornamental wheels and wheel covers, and lighting. Heretofore, the tailpipe of a vehicle has been largely ignored.
Several patents have been directed to systems for providing ornamental features on or in association with vehicle exhaust pipes. U.S. Pat. No. 1,447,749, to Beselin, has an issue date of Mar. 6, 1923. It is directed to an advertising device. The device may be carried upon an automobile for attracting attention to certain classes of goods, such as tobacco products. The device may be coupled to the ordinary exhaust pipe of the automobile without changing its position or construction. The device rests on the roof of an automobile and contains a pipe which is adapted to convey the exhaust gases from the muffler to a point above the body of the automobile.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,134, to Chang, has an issue date of Sep. 23, 2003. This invention is directed to a light-emitting structures of an automotive exhaust tailpipe, muffler, or the like. A light-emitting structure of the automotive exhaust tailpipe includes an outer tubular member which is fitted over the exhaust tailpipe and is provided with an inner tubular member fitted thereinto along with a first retaining member. A second retaining member is fitted over the inner tubular member such that a receiving space is formed between the first retaining member and a second retaining member for receiving a heat-resistant piece. The second retaining member is provided with a plurality of light bulb sockets. The automotive exhaust tailpipe is thus provided with a light-emitting effect to reinforce the warning effect of the tail lights of the motor vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,377, to Stegoll, has an issue date of Oct. 29, 2002. The invention is directed to an illuminated exhaust tail pipe assembly that can readily be attached to an existing vehicle exhaust system and including (1) a connector end section secured to the existing exhaust system; (2) an internal pipe assembly secured at one end to the connector end section; (3) an external pipe assembly connected at an inner end to the connector end section and mounted about an enclosing a major portion of the internal pipe assembly; and (4) an illuminated light assembly having at least one light bulb member mounted therein to provide a lighted area between an outer surface of the internal pipe assembly and an inner surface of the external pipe assembly. The external pipe assembly, at an inner end thereof, is provided with a plurality of air coolant holes and a light receiving opening. The air coolant holes can be equally spaced thereabout being of a number and size to provide the desired amount of coolant air to flow about an outer surface of the internal pipe assembly to achieve a coolant effect on the exhaust gases. The light receiving opening is adapted to receive a light bulb member therein and being activated through a tail light switch member to achieve illumination thereof when the normal tail light members on a vehicle are energized when darkness approaches.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,478, to Barry, has an issue date of Apr. 16, 1996. The patent is directed to a visible flame exhaust pipe for use with internal combustion engines. A high temperature resistant glass is incorporated within the exhaust system to allow visibility of combustion flames passing through the exhaust pipe as the flame exits the exhaust system.
While the prior art has illustrated a number of ornamental systems and devices for tailpipes, it would be desirable to provide an ornamental attachment for an automobile tailpipe. It would be desirable to provide an ornamental tailpipe cover which reflected light or which glows in the dark.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an ornamental tailpipe cover which is securely attached to a tailpipe and which provides an ornamental feature.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system which facilitates the covering of a tail pipe, without interfering with the operation of the vehicle.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A decorative attachment for a tailpipe. The invention comprises a cylindrical member for attachment to the tailpipe of a vehicle and having an ornamental design across its span. The ornamental design may comprise a geometric shape or that of a figure such as an eagle or flag. The design may include a reflective material.
A decorative attachment for a tail pipe is shown. The invention comprises a cylindrical shaped outer sleeve which fits over an exhaust pipe.
A tailpipe decorative attachment comprising: a cylindrical tube attached to the exhaust, having an ornamental design affixed transversely over the end of the tube which provides an artistic rendition while not blocking the exhaust.
A tailpipe decoration attachment comprising: a cylindrical tube having a heat resistant lining and designed to fit over the end of a vehicle exhaust.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the tailpipe cover of the present invention.
FIG. 1 a is a second embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 2 to 6 are illustrative examples of designs of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described with reference to the enclosed figures wherein the same numbers are utilized where applicable. Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a tailpipe accessory 10 which is affixed to the exhaust pipe of a vehicle. For the purpose of this disclosing, the term “vehicle” has a broad definition and covers all types of vehicles, including cars, RV's, Vans, Pick-ups, Motorcycles, and the like. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a cylindrical outer sheath 12 which attaches over a tailpipe 14 at one end. While the device is shown as comprising a cylindrical shape, it is to be appreciated that other geometric configurations fulfill the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention can comprise a series of shapes including square, hexagonal, trapezoidal, etc. 15 The outer casing can be constructed from a metal such as copper, titanium, graphite or steel.
The second end of the sheath is open but features an artistic transverse design 16 constructed from heat resistant steel or metallic sheeting which is affixed transversely. The steel sheeting has a very thin diameter so as not to interfere with the exhaust from the vehicle. The purpose of the sheeting is to merely provide an artistic rendition to vehicles which are following the vehicle in question. FIG. 1 a is a second embodiment of the invention wherein the invention is cylindrical in shape 19 and in which the artistic rendition 16 is shown.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the artistic rendition 16 can comprise any shape or symbol, such as an eagle, cross, square, series of concentric circles, or any other geometric shape or configuration such as a skull and cross-bones or flame. The rendition may also comprise a popular logo such as “Ford,” “GM,” “Chevy,” or “Mercedes” or a symbol such as an eagle. In one embodiment, the symbol may include a phosphorescent or reflective material attached thereto so that the shape or configuration glows or reflects at night. Hence, the shape may be illuminated by the headlights of a vehicle which follows the vehicle with the device.
The shell may have a locking mechanism 18 to secure the device to the tailpipe of the vehicle so it cannot be easily removed or stolen. Preferably the mechanism includes an insulator 19 and an outer casing of thermally resistant steel or other material 22.
The present invention has been described with reference to the enclosed figures. It is to be appreciated that the true nature and scope of the present invention is to be determined with reference to the claims which will be added at the time the application is converted to a utility application.

Claims

1. A tailpipe decorative attachment comprising:

a substantially cylindrical tube attached to the exhaust;

an ornamental design affixed transversely over the end of the tube which provides an artistic rendition while not blocking the exhaust.

2. The tailpipe decoration attachment of claim 1 wherein the attachment is a logo.

3. The tailpipe decoration of claim 1 wherein the decoration is a geometric shape.

4. A tailpipe decoration attachment comprising:

a cylindrical tube having a heat resistant lining and designed to fit over the end of a vehicle exhaust.

an ornamental decoration affixed transversely over the tube; said decoration having free space to permit the flow of exhaust; and

means for securing the attachment to a vehicle exhaust.