US Patent 7210718 Apparatus for protecting the exterior of a vehicle

A vehicle protection apparatus can protect a vehicle's exterior. The exterior can have an optional opening. A support attached to the vehicle can support a guard and allow it to move between (a) a retracted position that does not obtrude on the appearance of the vehicle's exterior, and (a) a deployed position in front of the vehicle's exterior and, when existing, in front of the opening in the exterior. The guard may be mounted on the support to translate linearly and in some cases angularly as well. In such cases the guard may be in an upright position when deployed, and in a non-upright position under the vehicle when retracted.