A DEVICE FOR PROTECTING MOTOR VEHICLE PAINTWORK AGAINST DAMAGE

摘要

A device (14) for protecting the side of a motor vehicle against damage is disclosed. The device comprises a main plate (16) and a flap (24). The flap (24) is secured to the base plate (16) by a hinge comprising sleeves (20, 26) on the base plate and flap and a pivot pin (22) passed through the aligned sleeves. A spring (28) lifts the flap to the operative position illustrated from the inoperative chain dotted position shown. Two magnets (34,36) hold the flap in its retracted inoperative position. An operating member (38) abuts a fixed part of the vehicle body when the door to which the device is fitted is opened. This wedges the flap (24) away from the main plate (16) against the force exerted by the magnets.