Illuminated mud flap
View Patent ↗A mudflap assembly includes a bracket assembly that couples to a vehicle frame and a mudflap having a panel. The panel has a first edge coupled to the bracket assembly. The mudflap assembly also includes a lighting element encased in the bracket assembly proximate to the first edge of the mudflap. The lighting element illuminates the panel.
1. A mudflap assembly, comprising:
a bracket assembly that couples to a vehicle frame, said bracket assembly comprising a channel;
a mudflap comprising a panel having a first edge disposed within the channel and coupled to the bracket assembly; and
a lighting element disposed within the channel and interposed between the channel and the first edge of the panel, wherein the lighting element is configured to illuminate the panel.
2. The mudflap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lighting element comprises a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
3. The mudflap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lighting element is powered by a vehicle power supply.
4. The mudflap assembly of claim 3 , wherein the lighting element is connected to an electrical trailer connector.
5. The mudflap assembly of claim 3 , wherein the lighting element is connected to a vehicle tail light power supply, wherein the lighting element changes light color, pattern, or intensity when the brakes of the vehicle are applied or the vehicle is in a reverse gear.
6. The mudflap assembly of claim 3 , wherein the lighting element is connected to a vehicle turn signal, wherein the lighting element changes light color, pattern, or intensity when the turn signal of the vehicle is activated.
7. The mudflap assembly of claim 3 , wherein the lighting element is constantly illuminated while the vehicle is powered on.
8. The mudflap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bracket assembly comprises a mounting bracket that couples to the vehicle frame.
9. The mudflap assembly of claim 8 , wherein the mounting bracket is modular and retro-fittable.
10. The mudflap assembly of claim 8 , wherein the mounting bracket comprises quick-release connectors.
11. The mudflap assembly of claim 8 , wherein the mounting bracket comprises a series of bolts.
12. The mudflap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bracket assembly further comprises at least one mudflap attachment.
13. The mudflap assembly of claim 12 , wherein the mudflap attachment comprises a series of bolts that couple the mudflap to the bracket assembly.
14. The mudflap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises a rigid plate.
15. The mudflap assembly of claim 14 , wherein the rigid plate comprises an acrylic.
16. The mudflap assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an illustration, wherein the illustration is etched into the panel such that the illustration is illuminated by the lighting element.
17. The mudflap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mudflap further comprises a protective coating on at least one surface of the mudflap.
18. The mudflap assembly of claim 17 , wherein the protective coating is a rubber, a vinyl, or a clear plastic.
19. The mudflap assembly of claim 17 , wherein an illustration is located between the protective coating and the panel.