Abstract: Generally described, an articulated wheel fairing system for a vehicle having a steering system with a neutral steering input and a non-neutral steering input is provided. The articulated wheel fairing system provides clearance to the steer tire and wheel of the vehicle during non-neutral steering input, such as when the vehicle is turning at slower road speeds. The wheel fairing system generally includes an articulating fairing panel configured to cover at least a portion of the steer wheel, where the fairing panel movable from a first position adjacent to the steer wheel, such as when the vehicle is traveling at higher road speeds, to a second position outwardly from the first position. The wheel fairing system includes a mechanical linkage or actuator coupled to the fairing panel and the vehicle and configured to move the frame between the first position and the second position relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a quarter panel comprised of a sheet molding compound and a fascia bracket. The fascia bracket includes a first flange integrated into the quarter panel, a second flange comprising a vehicle body mount interface, and a gripping feature configured to grip a portion of a fascia to be attached to the quarter panel.

Abstract: A wheel-well closure system for a motor vehicle has a wheel-arch delimiting a wheel-well and a wheel mounted in the wheel-well, the system comprising: a support structure connected to the wheel-arch; and a cover connected to the support structure and covering the wheel-well; wherein the cover is made of a flexible material and is secured to the wheel arch; wherein the system comprises a continuous annular part secured to the wheel facing the cover and rotating with the wheel about a horizontal axis; and wherein the support structure comprises an arm extending radially in front of the continuous annular part and against the cover, a steering movement of the wheel about a vertical axis causing the continuous annular to push the support structure and stretch the cover outside the wheel-well.

Abstract: A fender skirt for a vehicle includes an inner member having at least one mounting lug extending therefrom. An outer member mounted to the inner member defines an arcuate upper edge having a curvature that substantially matches a curvature of at least a first upper portion of a wheel opening in the vehicle. The outer member also defines an arched lower edge.

Abstract: A morphing fender skirt includes a rigid, open-ended arched base, stretchable exterior skin connected across the base, and a structural, bendable rib array connected over the base subjacent to the skin. The rib array is configured to bend between a flattened shape over the base, whereby the rib array imparts the flattened shape to the skin across the base, and a domed shape over the base, whereby the rib array imparts the domed shape to the skin across the base.

Abstract: Generally described, an articulated wheel fairing system for a vehicle having a steering system with a neutral steering input and a non-neutral steering input is provided. The articulated wheel fairing system provides clearance to the steer tire and wheel of the vehicle during non-neutral steering input, such as when the vehicle is turning at slower road speeds. The wheel fairing system generally includes an articulating fairing panel configured to cover at least a portion of the steer wheel, where the fairing panel movable from a first position adjacent to the steer wheel, such as when the vehicle is traveling at higher road speeds, to a second position outwardly from the first position. The wheel fairing system includes a mechanical linkage or actuator coupled to the fairing panel and the vehicle and configured to move the frame between the first position and the second position relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: The removable fender for a road grader attaches to the road grader, and is located just ahead of a forward rear tire of said road grader. The road grader fender is positioned at an angle in order to divert debris that is flown up and forwardly from the rear tires during use. The road grader fender is designed to protect the glass and mirrors of the cab from damage associated with flying debris. The road grader fender includes a fender that is affixed to a fender bar, which can be installed and removed with respect to a mounting plate. The mounting plate is affixed to a surface of the road grader just ahead of a forward rear tire of said road grader. The mounting plate includes a gusseted mounting bracket into which the fender bar is inserted and secured in place via a clevis pin.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes at least one wheel designed to turn in a well defined by a wheelhouse. The vehicle also includes a wheel deflector of an elongate overall shape extending from the wheelhouse towards the wheel with one end provided with a radius R corresponding substantially to an exterior radius of the wheel. The deflector is arranged in an upper portion of the wheelhouse and extends longitudinally on each side of a median plane of the wheel passing through an axis of rotation of the wheel, with an overall angular length L between 1/20 and ¼ of an external circumference of the wheel.

Abstract: A tongue of a finger hook of an openable area is opened outward about a resin hinge by pressing the tongue from the inner side of the inner fender. When the finger hook is pulled by the finger hooked therein, the openable area undergoes elastic deformation and can be opened from the fender panel. When the openable area is opened, a gap ? is formed between the fender panel and the openable area. In order to pull the finger hook, the finger is inserted into the finger hook from the resin hinge side to the slit portion side.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle wheel apparatus includes a turnable cover or door for a wheelhouse opening in a fender. In another aspect, a sheath or liner is provided close to at least half of a circumference of a wheel. A further aspect blocks and/or removes circumferential air moving with a wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle side fairing having a first fairing panel fixedly secured to the underside of a trailer box, and a second fairing panel slidable mounted to plural cylindrical bars mounted on the underside of the trailer box in a fore and aft orientation. The second fairing panel is secured to the wheel set with a mechanical fastener that selectively joins and releases the second fairing panel and the wheel set.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing improved aerodynamic performance in passenger vehicles are generally described. The underbody of the passenger vehicle can be, in some cases, relatively smooth to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. In addition, the contour of the underbody can include one or more recessed portions that maintain relatively constant air pressure as air passes under the vehicle. The wheel fairings of the vehicle can also include one or more features that reduce aerodynamic drag. For example, the vehicle can include wheel fairings comprising one or more contours adjacent the interface between the wheel well and the underbody that serve to reduce pressure buildup adjacent the wheel well. In some embodiments, one or more wheels can include a wheel well cover that at least partially encloses the outside of the wheel well, such that air can pass smoothly along the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A combination vehicle wheel well cover and mud flap device, comprising a semi-circular wheel well insert and a wrap-around rear flap portion that acts as a protective guard for flying debris ejected from the rotating rear wheel. The device provides a means to customize a vehicle by providing coverage of a rear tire and rim, changing the aesthetic nature of the vehicle, while also improving aerodynamic qualities therefor and further protecting the body from ejected rocks and dirt. A wrap-around portion attaches to the vehicle wheel well and forms a rear mounted mud flap, and also provides a lip for attachment of a wheel well cover. The cover may be removably attached via a row of fasteners to allow the cover to be removed without disassembling the entire assembly.

Abstract: The presented application is a system to improve the aerodynamic shape of a moving vehicle by covering and closing the wheel well openings. The covers described open and close as necessary to accommodate steering wheel movements. The improved aerodynamics reduces turbulence and improves vehicle-operating efficiency.

Abstract: A fender fastenable to a bicycle bracing post includes at least a fender body and a fastening assembly. The fender body has a front section on which a concave portion, a slit and a holding space are formed. The slit can be opened elastically to allow a bicycle rear fork to be held in the holding space. The fastening means and the fender body can be coupled and adjusted to quickly install the fender on the bicycle bracing post. As a result more space is available to hold other bicycle accessories.

Abstract: A device for attaching a fender to a vehicle comprises an elongated member and a fender fixation member. The elongated member has a proximal end and a distal portion, and the proximal end is configured to be attached to the vehicle. The fender fixation member is mounted to the distal portion of the elongated member, and the position of this fender fixation member is adjustable relative to the distal portion. The fender fixation member comprises a bracket for fixation to the fender of the vehicle, and a distance adjustment mechanism interposed between the distal portion of the elongated member and the fender fixation member. The bracket is also adjustable relative to a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: This fairing comprises a cowl (14) and means (26, 42) for connecting said fairing to the vehicle body (16),said connecting means are designed to allow the release of the fairing from the vehicle body, according to a release movement, when said fairing is subjected to a force exceeding a preset value, in particular when the tyre of said wheel bursts, and said fairing also includes means that enable it to be retained to vehicle body (16) during said release movement, to prevent said fairing from forming projectile material.

Abstract: A mudguard for a wheel of an agricultural vehicle comprises two or more radially stacked parts and that are movable relative to one another in the axial direction of the wheel and lockable in different relative axial positions to form a mudguard of adjustable width.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis skirt panel provides for hiding components attached to the outside of the frame rails of a vehicle chassis in a first, closed position and allowing access when moved to a second open position. The chassis skirt panel is mounted below a truck body on at least one side of the vehicle and is set in a track allowing the panel to be moved back and forth.

Abstract: A gimp made of flexible, compressible material attaches an edge of a trim piece to a panel. The gimp is bonded to the panel without visual gaps between the gimp and the panel. The gimp has a slip connection to the trim piece. The slip connection is provided by a slot in the gimp slidably receiving the edge of the trim piece.

Abstract: A trailer protection system is disclosed that includes a support assembly for being supported on the tow hitch assembly of a vehicle and a flexible deflection structure that extends downwardly from the support assembly. A reinforcing element comprises a first portion extending transverse to and rearwardly of the deflection structure, and second and third portions extending rearwardly and downwardly from the support assembly to the first portion through a plane defined by the deflection structure in a skewed relationship to the plane. A mounting assembly may comprise a clamp plate defining an aperture for receiving the tow hitch assembly with a slot being formed in the clamp plate, and a constriction structure for selectively reducing a size of an inner perimeter of the aperture of the clamp plate to thereby clamp the clamp plate on the portion of the tow hitch assembly. A mounting track may slidably receive a portion of the deflection structure.

Abstract: An attachment means (4) in the form of a hollow cylindrical socket (10) integral with a tangentially intersecting housing (30) in which a latch pin (8) is longitudinally slidable. The latch pin (8) has a cylindrical head (8a) of relatively large diameter but relatively short length, and a cylindrical shaft (8b) that is relatively long but of relatively small diameter. The axis of the latch housing is offset outwardly of an imaginary line tangentially intersecting the bore of the socket by more than half the diameter of the latch pin shaft (8b) but less than half the diameter of the latch pin head (8b). The latch pin (8) is biased by a spring (7) such that the latch pin head (8a) normally lies partly within the bore of the socket (10) to engage a notch (12) near the end of a rod (5) or other plug-like member attached to the socket (10) and thereby positively retain this rod (5).

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a plurality of wheels and a fender structure positioned over the wheels having a support portion designed as and defining a load-bearing surface. The fender structure may include a plurality of raised support portions that increase rigidity and load capacity. Additionally, it is not necessary to support either the fender structure or the support portion using the bumper of the ATV. The fender structure may be formed with plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or fiberglass-charged polyethylene, and may be manufactured using a blow-molding technique or an injection molding technique. The ATV may also include mud guards and a floor board that extends between the mud guards. The mud guards and the floor board may be formed as an integral or one piece unit with the fender structure. The mud guards can be injection molded or blow-molded while the fender structure can be blow-molded.

Abstract: A fender cover is mounted on a fender of an industrial vehicle. A step is attached to a side of the vehicle body to be located rearward relative to the fender cover. The fender cover and the step are made of resin and shaped as one body through molding. The step includes a floor panel and a side wall. The fender cover is integrated with a front edge of the floor panel. The side wall is integrated with an inner edge and rear edge of the floor panel. The floor panel is open to the side of the vehicle body through its outer edge. The integrally molded fender cover and step prevent foreign objects from entering a space below the step and are easily installed in the vehicle body.

Abstract: A fender flare having a body flare piece configured to be secured to a body portion of a vehicle, and a door flare piece configured to be secured to the door of the vehicle. Both pieces are secured near a wheel well of the vehicle, and collectively form an at least substantially continuous trim structure when the door of the vehicle is closed. The door flare piece includes inner and outer vehicle attachment members, which are configured to receive the door of the vehicle at least partially therebetween to secure the door flare piece to the vehicle door. The vehicle attachment members are configured to secure the door flare piece to the door of the vehicle without introducing holes into or otherwise structurally modifying the door of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer guard is disclosed having a right brush assembly having a right brush support, a right mount, and a left brush assembly having a left brush support and a left mount wherein the right support and the left support are joined by a connector and the right mount and left mount are capable of fixedly and removably engaging the existing vehicle trailer hitch support. The right brush and left brush comprise a plurality of flexible plastic strands capable of deflecting stones and dirt.

Abstract: A structure for detachably attaching a wheel housing cover to a vehicle body. Provided along the reverse side of a wheel house cover (2) on a peripheral edge are engagement parts (2E, 2F) having upwardly opened engagement holes (2E1, 2F1). In the vicinity of a lower part of the wheel house cover (2)are an insertion hole (2J1, 2K1) for a stud fastener at a front edge rib (2B) and a rear edge rib (2C). A vehicle body is provided with locking parts relatively and downwardly inserted into the corresponding engagement holes (2E1, 2F1) so as to lock said engagement parts (2E, 2F), and is further provided with nut members of receiving parts for receiving the stud fastener.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a plurality of wheels and a fender structure positioned over the wheels having a support portion designed as and defining a load-bearing surface. The fender structure may include a plurality of raised support portions that increase rigidity and load capacity. Additionally, it is not necessary to support either the fender structure or the support portion using the bumper of the ATV. The fender structure may be formed with plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or fiberglass-charged polyethylene, and may be manufactured using a blow-molding technique or an injection molding technique. The ATV may also include mud guards and a floor board that extends between the mud guards. The mud guards and the floor board may be formed as an integral or one piece unit with the fender structure. The mud guards can be injection molded or blow-molded while the fender structure can be blow-molded.

Abstract: The invention comprises a grader fender apparatus in a grader. The apparatus has front and rear fenders and front and rear support arms with the front support arms mounted to the leaning bar of the grader and the rear support arms mounted to the tandem frame of the grader. The front support arms extend upward from the lean bar to a location adjacent the top of the front wheels of the grader, with horizontal sockets extending outward toward the wheels mounted to the tops of the support arms. The fenders are each elongated and each have a fender rod mounted intermediate the length and extending horizontally inward and have substantially square inner ends adapted to be receive in the sockets of the support arms in non rotational manner for detachably mounting the fenders to the grader. The front fenders are mounted to the lean bar of the grader to tilt with the lean bar when the lean bar tilts the front wheels of the grader.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting an accessory on a vehicle. The bracket assembly comprises a frame-mounting block, an accessory-mounting plate, and a rotation-resisting fastener. The frame-mounting block has an inner face adapted to abut a vehicle frame, an outer face spaced from the inner face, and a frame-mounting opening passing through the frame-mounting block transverse to the inner face for receiving a frame-mounting fastener. The accessory-mounting plate has an inner face oriented toward a vehicle frame when the bracket is mounted to the vehicle frame, spaced outwardly from the inner face of the frame-mounting block to accommodate a bolt head, and an accessory-mounting opening in the accessory-mounting plate for receiving a fastener for an accessory. The rotation-resisting fastener is mounted to the bracket and is adapted to resist rotation of the bracket about an axis passing through the frame-mounting opening.

Abstract: Inside fender skirts for deflecting flying road debris away from a boat or car being transported by a trailer. The inside fender skirts can be configured to accommodate single and dual axle trailers with open fenders. Each skirt is bolted to its fender so that the skirt is disposed between the tire and the trailer in order to deflect flying debris.

Abstract: Inside fender skirts for deflecting flying road debris away from a boat or car being transported by a trailer. The inside fender skirts can be configured to accommodate single and dual axle trailers with open fenders. Each skirt is bolted to its fender so that the skirt is disposed between the tire and the trailer in order to deflect flying debris.

Abstract: A method of mounting a wheel flare or other body side molding on a motor vehicle body panel including the steps of forming the wheel flare or other body side molding with a face having a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive tape thereon covered by a protective film, mounting the wheel flare or other body side molding on the body panel for linear translation perpendicular to the body panel, removing the protective film from the pressure sensitive adhesive tape in a gap defined between the body panel and the face in a first position of the wheel flare or other body side molding relative to the body panel, linearly translating the wheel flare or other body side molding perpendicular to the body panel from the first position to a second position in which the face bears against the body panel with the pressure sensitive adhesive tape trapped therebetween and adhesively bonded to each, and rigidly clamping the wheel flare or other body side molding in the second position thereof to the body panel.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel-well skirt system for fitting within wheel-well openings of a vehicle and covering the wheel-well openings and wheel-well cavities which are defined by the wheel-well openings. The wheel-well skirt system comprises a number of adjustable wheel-well skirts corresponding in number to the number of wheel-well openings of the vehicle. Each adjustable wheel-well skirt is sized and shaped substantially similar to the size and shape of the respective wheel-well opening it will engage. When secured to the vehicle, each adjustable wheel-well skirt fills the wheel-well opening, giving the vehicle a smooth, continuous appearance. A track extends from each adjustable wheel-well skirt and slideably engages a bracket which is mounted to the vehicle behind the wheel-well opening.

Abstract: A mud flap extender for mounting on the rear quarter panel behind each rear wheel or wheels of a truck or other vehicle and suspending a mud flap a sufficient distance rearwardly of the wheel(s) to prevent the wheel(s) from engaging the mud flap and tearing the mud flap from the vehicle frame when the vehicle is operated in reverse. Each mud flap extender is characterized by a fender module that matches the curvature of the vehicle rear quarter panel and typically mounts on the wheel well plate of the rear quarter panel and an angle-iron mount plate having a top flange for engaging the fender module and a bottom flange for mounting a mud flap which is suspended downwardly from the fender module in spaced relationship with respect to the rear wheel or wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety barrier (20) for a vehicle (22) includes a safety barrier portion (38, 100) for deflecting objects from the path of the wheels (24) of the vehicle (22). The safety barrier (20) further includes a wheel well molding (32, 66, 101) to prevent the placement of hands or limbs between the wheel well (26) and wheel (24) of the vehicle (22).

Abstract: A mechanic's creeper is provided with a surrounding skirt that serves to deflect tools and other objects lying on the floor, thereby maintaining them accessible to the mechanic.

Abstract: A safety barrier for a vehicle includes a safety barrier portion for deflecting objects from the path of the wheels of the vehicle. The safety barrier further includes a wheel well molding to prevent the placement of hands or limbs between the wheel well and wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fender flare removably secured to a vehicle fender. The flare has an upper edge abutting the fender surface and an intermediate bowed configuration terminating in a flange that underlies an inturned flange of the fender. The flanges are secured together and the upper edge of the flare is fitted with a bonding strip that bonds the full length of the edge to the fender surface. The bonding strip is characterized in having a sufficient thickness to prevent rubbing of the flare edge against the fender, seals the juncture against leaking of contaminants into the cavity defined by the flare, and securely adheres the upper edge of the flare to the fender surface.

Abstract: A spray suppressant brush apparatus is mounted to a vehicle fender adjacent to the ground-engaging tires. The apparatus comprises a dual channel mounting member. The first channel is preferably U-shaped and slidably receives the base of a spray suppressant brush. The second channel is preferably C-shaped and slidably receives a rolled outboard edge of the vehicle fender. The C-shaped channel has a first arm and a second, thickened arm which substantially surrounds the rolled edge of the vehicle fender. The thickened arm has a lever flange which extends along the top edge of the fender a short distance. Outward force exerted on the spray suppressant brush is resisted by the thickened arm and the lever flange thereof.

Abstract: A wheel-opening extension molding is disclosed for use on vehicle fenders which have a door or other removable or movable body part in close proximity to the wheel opening. Vehicle extension moldings, such as wide fender flares or the like, cannot be installed on some vehicles because they will interfere with the opening and closing of vehicle doors. The present invention provides a multiple-piece vehicular body extension for attachment to both the fender and door, and to other vehicle body parts, to present the appearance of a single-piece wide flare or fender extension. A first part of the extension molding is shaped to fit against the fender along the margin of the wheel opening. A notch or cut-out is formed in the extension molding to accommodate the opening and closing of the vehicle door. A second extension molding, having an outer face contoured to appear as an extension on the door of the first molding, is attached to the door.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a wheel opening skirt in a wheel access opening of a body panel of a motor vehicle. The skirt has a forward tab, a rear tab and a pair of center tabs. A bracket for the forward tab and each of the center tabs is permanently secured to the body panel. Each bracket has a slot for receiving the aligned tab retaining and positioning the skirt in an inboard-outboard position relative to the body panel. A ramp latch has a ramp surface with a slot for receiving the rear tab of the skirt to retain the skirt to the body panel. The ramp latch is pivotally mounted to the body panel for movement between an engaged position with the rear tab engagable by the slot and a released position with the rear tab disengaged from the slot. A spring engages the latch for biasing the latch to the engaged position.

Abstract: A modular rain skirt assembly (20', 20, 20") for use in reducing the laterally projected component of finely atomized, dense, mist emanating from the running gear of heavy vehicles traveling on rain coated road surfaces and including: one or more generally flat, elongate panels (28, 28', 28"), each having inturned leading and trailing edges (30, 31) and each defining a projected mist capture area adapted to extend downwardly about the outer upper surfaces of the tires mounted on the vehicle's running gear; at least one spacer panel (29, 29') interposed between each adjacent pair of elongate panels (28, 28', 28") in those rain skirt assemblies (20, 20") employing two or more elongate panels (28, 28', 28") for use with tandem axle configurations and wherein the spacer panel (29, 29') includes inturned leading and trailing edges (32, 34) complementally shaped with respect to the trailing and leading edges (31, 30), respectively, of the adjacent elongate panels (28, 28', 28") with the leading edge ( 32) of each s