Abstract: A safety system is provided that will (i) operate automatically, regardless of distraction or error by the driver or the backover victim; (ii) operate unaffected by the blindspots that block the driver's view or background noise that block audible alarms for the driver or the backover victim; (iii) operate through an external activation, intentional or unintentional, by the potential backover victim or passerby; and/or (iv) remove driver discretion by causing the vehicle to stop upon activation of the safety system by the potential backover victim or passerby.

Abstract: A scraper assembly includes a first scraping member configured to be positioned below a horizontal centerline of a rotating assembly and rearward of a vertical centerline of the rotating assembly. The first scraping member is configured to remove debris from the rotating assembly at least while the rotating assembly is rotating in a first direction. The scraper assembly also includes a second scraping member configured to be positioned above the horizontal centerline of the rotating assembly and forward of the vertical centerline of the rotating assembly. The second scraping member is configured to remove debris from the rotating assembly at least while the rotating assembly is rotating in a second direction, opposite the first direction. In addition, the scraper assembly includes a support structure configured to couple to a frame of an off-road vehicle, and the first and second scraping members are coupled to the support structure.

Abstract: A mud flap assembly for a vehicle includes a mud flap and a mud flap bracket. The mud flap is attached to the mud flap bracket. The mud flap bracket is in turn attached to the vehicle by an attachment means so that when the mud flap is pinched between a tire of the vehicle and a fixed object resting on the ground, the mud flap bracket and the mud flap are moved and/or deflected substantially uniformly downwardly toward the ground in order to prevent damage to the mud flap, the mud flap bracket and the vehicle.

Abstract: Mud flap hanger is disclosed which includes a post member that is configured to allow attachment of the hanger to a vehicle and a hanger arm extending from the post member having a flexible core of a composite material, for example, a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) and that is clad with a substantially inelastic polymer. Preferably, the hanger arm is formed with a cross-section shape of a polygon so that clips for hanging the mud flap from the arm may be conformed to that polygonal shape.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an aerodynamic fairing system that may comprise a base configured to mount to a vehicle, an arm coupled to the base at a proximate end and extending laterally, an a fairing mounted to the arm having an inboard and an outboard surface. The fairing outboard surface may provide an aerodynamic outer surface to direct flow to an angle to the rear. The arm may a fixed or adjustable length arm. The arm may provide a mounting area for a mud flap such that aerodynamic system may act as a mud flap hanger. Embodiments also provide an adjustable mud flap hanger.

Abstract: A vehicle splash guard includes a base portion, a mounting structure, and a first non-fastener locating projection. The base portion is configured to extend into a wheel well defined by a vehicle body structure. The mounting structure is defined on an inner surface of the base portion and is configured to fixedly couple the vehicle splash guard to the vehicle body structure. The first non-fastener locating projection extends away from an inner surface of the base portion and is spaced apart from the mounting structure. The first non-fastener locating projection is configured to contact a laterally extending edge of the vehicle body structure that is located on an underside of the vehicle body structure to restrict movement of the base portion relative to the vehicle body structure in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body structure when the vehicle splash guard is installed to the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A splash guard includes an elongate portion that extends along a side sill, and a rear wall that protrudes from a rear end of the elongate portion into a rear wheel house, wherein the rear wall covers a first flange formed by folding over an edge of the rear wheel house to a vehicle inner side, and a second flange formed by folding over an edge of the side body outer panel into the rear wheel house so as to overlap the rear side of the first flange, the rear wall covering the first flange and the second flange from behind with a clearance disposed therebetween. The splash guard further includes a pedestal formed protruding from a region nearby the rear end of the elongate portion toward the side body outer panel, and a coupling portion that couples the pedestal to the rear wall.

Abstract: A motor vehicle mud flap is a plate-like body having a suspension section, a quadrant section, and an extension section. The suspension section is adapted for attachment to a mud flap bracket for suspension of the mud flap therefrom. The quadrant section is coupled with the suspension section and has an array of elongate through-openings. The extension section is coupled with the quadrant section and has an array of elongate through-openings. The array of elongate through-openings is defined by alternating recesses and ribs in parallel and longitudinal disposition. Each recess is configured as a pair of opposed elongate shallow recesses fluidly coupled by an elongate through-opening having a width less than the width of each recess. Water and air can flow through the recesses, and debris larger than the width of the through-openings is deflected by the mud flap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire spray collecting assembly for a vehicle, such as a truck and/or trailer. There is accordingly provided a tire spray collecting assembly connectable to a fender of a vehicle. The assembly includes an air diverter connectable to the rear end of the fender for directing tire water spray towards the front end of the vehicle. The assembly includes a collector connectable to the bottom of the fender. The collector is configured to capture said water spray so re-directed.

Abstract: A mud flap system for a tractor is described. The mud flap system includes brackets that clamp or secure to a frame of the tractor. Lateral extensions engage to the brackets to support covers over a top surface of rear wheels of the tractor.

Abstract: An attachment clip assembly for securing a splash guard to an edge of a vehicle panel. The attachment clip assembly includes inner and outer clips and a threaded fastener. The inner clip includes wedging and gripping arms and the outer clip includes wedging and support arms, the inner clip fitting in nested relationship in the outer clip. The threaded fastener extends through an opening of the inner clip and a slotted opening of the outer clip. The wedging arm of the outer clip includes spaced apart shoulders overlying respective outer edges of the wedging arm of the inner clip such that, upon tightening the threaded fastener, the wedging arm of the inner clip slides along the wedging arm of the outer clip in a direction toward a central portion of the outer clip thereby moving the inner clip gripping arm toward the outer clip support arm.

Abstract: A vehicle having a rear fender disposed above a rear wheel and formed of a plate member having an upward projecting shape, includes a cover member which covers a portion of a lower open part of the rear fender on a lateral side of the rear wheel. The rear fender and the cover member are provided as separate bodies to keep the moldability of the rear fender favorable. The mud-guard performance can be enhanced by covering part of the lower open part of the rear fender by the cover member. Such configuration provides a vehicle in which the mud-guard performance can be enhanced while keeping the moldability of a rear fender favorable.

Abstract: A vehicle fender extension component for drilless assembly to the leading or trailing end said vehicle fender includes a main body structure and a plurality of clamping elements. The main body structure has a top, bottom, front, back and first and second sides with downwardly extending flanges. The main body has a central axis that is arcuate with a radius, width and taper approximately equal to those of the said vehicle fender. At least two orifices are located on the first and second flange of the main body. The at least two clamping elements are positioned at the at least two orifices on the first and second flange and a central fender end receiving shoe is positioned to have the end of a fender pushed into it.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wheel guard for a vehicle which may sufficiently absorb and reduce high frequency noise of various frequency bands produced from a tire, using resonance apertures 11a, resonance necks 11b, and resonance chambers 20. The wheel guard includes a resonance wheel guard that is fixed to a vehicle body panel and includes a plurality of resonance apertures. Additionally, the wheel guard includes a resonance chamber cover that is attached to a rear of the resonance wheel guard and forms a plurality of resonance chambers between the resonance wheel guard and the resonance chamber cover.

Abstract: A mud flap bracket assembly comprises a functional frame bracket assembly and one or more interchangeable bracket covers. The frame bracket assembly has unitary frame bracket that is formed from a sheet metal blank that is configured to form and integral spring mount and integral slots to mount a frame seat. The frame bracket has integral slots that mount mud flap clips that are adjustable within the slots for mounting mud flaps of different hole configurations. The frame bracket assembly is assembled with integral fasteners and without welds.

Abstract: A vehicle mud flap system is presented. This system provides the ability to allow a user a single person to replace a mud flap on a large truck such as a mining truck in approximately an hour. Currently, 3-4 people and about 3 hours are needed. The vehicle mud flap system comprises a first elongated member, a second elongated member and a third elongated member. The first elongated member is designed to install onto a vehicle. The second elongated member is connected to a mud flap. The third elongated member is connected to a base member and includes an elongated slit. The second elongated member is designed to slide into the third elongated member with the mud flap passing through the elongated slit. The third elongated member is designed to slide into the first elongated member.

Abstract: A mud flap lifter system wherein the rigid upper portion of a bi-fold mud flap is actuated to rotate and thereby raise upwardly the upper portion so as to draw upwards the rigid lower portion hinged to the upper portion. The upper portion rotates relative to the lower portion about a hinge line between the upper and lower edges of the lower and upper portions respectively. The upper and lower portions may be substantially planar.

Abstract: An inner fender that faces a wheel arch of a bumper face includes an undercut portion formed on a side of an inner peripheral wall, the side of the inner peripheral wall being an outer side with respect to a vehicle width direction. The undercut portion includes a lower side wall that radially inwardly recedes from the inner peripheral wall and is superposed with a lower end of the wheel arch of the bumper face, an upper side wall that radially outwardly protrudes from the inner peripheral wall and is disposed above the lower side wall so as to be continuous with the lower side wall, and a flange that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from a front end of the upper side wall and is secured to an inner portion of the bumper face.

Abstract: A mud flap assembly for a vehicle includes a mud flap and a mud flap bracket. The mud flap is attached to the mud flap bracket. The mud flap bracket is in turn attached to the vehicle by an attachment means so that when the mud flap is pinched between a tire of the vehicle and a fixed object resting on the ground, the mud flap bracket and the mud flap are moved and/or deflected substantially uniformly downwardly toward the ground in order to prevent damage to the mud flap, the mud flap bracket and the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire spray collecting assembly for a vehicle, such as a truck and/or trailer. There is accordingly provided a tire spray collecting assembly connectable to a fender of a vehicle. The assembly includes an air diverter connectable to the rear end of the fender for directing tire water spray towards the front end of the vehicle. The assembly includes a collector connectable to the bottom of the fender. The collector is configured to capture said water spray so re-directed.

Abstract: A retractable mud flap assembly has a housing suspended from a vehicle hitch receiver tube so as not to interfere with mounting of a hitch ball thereon. The housing receives a rotatable shaft therein upon which a flexible mud flap panel can be rolled into the housing in a stored position. The housing has a lower dispensing slot between opposing flanges through which a portion of increased thickness of the panel cannot pass. A tool attachment portion is supported at one end of the shaft for selective attachment of an auxiliary handle member or rotary tool for example. A radial locking member on the housing selectively engages shaft to lock the panel in either the stored position or a working position suspended from the dispensing slot.

Abstract: A water splash preventing apparatus for a vehicle is provided, where the water splash preventing apparatus is disposed on a mudguard of the vehicle to prevent water splash. The water splash preventing apparatus includes a porous panel and a plurality of pockets, where the porous panel has a plurality of apertures and allows water to enter the aperture. The plurality of pockets are disposed in the porous panel to allow water to drop to an open space thereunder. Here, water splashed from a tire passes through the aperture and then drops down by colliding with an inner side of the mudguard and simultaneously bouncing off the pocket.

Abstract: A grain cart has a wheel supported frame with a tow hitch, and the frame supports a hopper or container having front and rear walls connected by opposite side walls to define a chamber, and the walls incline downwardly and inwardly to a grain removal zone. Wheel well covers project into the chamber through openings in the inclined walls and have outwardly projecting elongated flanges adjacent the inclined walls. The flanges and the inclined walls have spaced aligned holes which receive fasteners or bolts for attaching the wheel well covers to the walls after components of the grain cart have been shipped to a destination. Each wheel well cover preferably has a generally vertical flat inner wall connected to a curved cover wall, and the flanges project from the inner and cover walls. The wheel well covers are formed to fit over the wheels for shipping efficiency.

Abstract: A water splash preventing apparatus for a vehicle is provided, where the water splash preventing apparatus is disposed on a mudguard of the vehicle to prevent water splash. The water splash preventing apparatus includes a porous panel and a plurality of pockets, where the porous panel has a plurality of apertures and allows water to enter the aperture. The plurality of pockets are disposed in the porous panel to allow water to drop to an open space thereunder. Here, water splashed from a tire passes through the aperture and then drops down by colliding with an inner side of the mudguard and simultaneously bouncing off the pocket.

Abstract: A fender flare includes a side portion and an inner portion. The inner portion includes troughs at a front area of the inner portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire spray collecting assembly for a vehicle, such as a truck and/or trailer. The vehicle has a front end, a frame, a ground-engaging tire operatively connected to the frame, and a fender connected to the frame. The frame is spaced-apart from and partially extends about the tire. The assembly has an air diverter operatively connected to the frame. The air diverter is configured to capture moving air caused by forward motion of the vehicle and direct the air so captured towards the front end of the vehicle between the fender and the tire. Air so directed promotes re-direction of water spray from the tire towards the front end of the vehicle. The assembly has a collector connected to the fender and interposed between the fender and the tire. The collector is configured to capture said water spray so re-directed.

Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine, a catalytic device, and a catalyst cover. The engine is disposed on the vehicle body frame and includes a cylinder block in a forwardly inclined position. The catalytic device is disposed at a front lower portion of the engine. The catalytic device includes an exhaust gas introducer oriented substantially at right angles, and a catalyst case disposed below the exhaust gas introducer. The catalyst cover is disposed on the vehicle body frame to cover a front portion of the catalytic device from a front downward direction. The catalyst cover is provided in a space between the catalytic device and a front wheel supported by a front fork provided at a front side of the vehicle body frame. The catalyst cover includes an opening portion at a forward portion of the exhaust gas introducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fender and splash guard device and system configured to be secured to either an axle or a truck of a recreational and personal boarding device including, but not limited to, skateboards, long boards, and or mountain boards thereby protecting the rider from any projecting debris or splashing when using the board. The fender and splash guard device and system can molded and or otherwise formed in a unitary construction or two piece construction.

Abstract: A multilayer automobile splashboard structure comprises a splashboard and a water guiding plate. The splashboard is connected to an automobile body above a tire. An arc shaped outer surface of the splashboard is corresponded to the tire, and a plurality of protruding portions is disposed on the outer surface. The water guiding plate is provided on the outer surface of the splashboard correspondingly and a water guiding space is formed between the water guiding plate and the outer surface. A plurality of holes is disposed on the water guiding plate corresponding to the protruding portions on the outer surface respectively. Thereby, the water flinged off from the tire can be splashed into the holes and dashed on the protruding portions. Then, the water is discharged from two sides of the each of the protruding portions along the water guiding space.

Abstract: A vehicle splash guard comprises a base portion, a guard portion, a mounting portion, a mating portion and a flexible portion. The guard portion extends from the base portion. The mounting portion extends from the base portion and is configured to mount to a vehicle body structure. The mounting portion includes a mounting portion free edge. The mating portion is configured to abut the vehicle body structure. The mating portion includes a first mating portion free edge and a second mating portion free edge. The first mating portion free edge extends from the base portion to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A retractable mud flap assembly has a housing suspended from a vehicle hitch receiver tube so as not to interfere with mounting of a hitch ball thereon. The housing receives a rotatable shaft therein upon which a flexible mud flap panel can be rolled into the housing in a stored position. The housing has a lower dispensing slot between opposing flanges through which a portion of increased thickness of the panel cannot pass. A tool attachment portion is supported at one end of the shaft for selective attachment of an auxiliary handle member or rotary tool for example. A radial locking member on the housing selectively engages shaft to lock the panel in either the stored position or a working position suspended from the dispensing slot.

Abstract: A splash guard includes an elongate portion that extends along a side sill, and a rear wall that protrudes from a rear end of the elongate portion into a rear wheel house, wherein the rear wall covers a first flange formed by folding over an edge of the rear wheel house to a vehicle inner side, and a second flange formed by folding over an edge of the side body outer panel into the rear wheel house so as to overlap the rear side of the first flange, the rear wall covering the first flange and the second flange from behind with a clearance disposed therebetween. The splash guard further includes a pedestal formed protruding from a region nearby the rear end of the elongate portion toward the side body outer panel, and a coupling portion that couples the pedestal to the rear wall.

Abstract: The vehicle splash guards and adaptors described herein aim to reduce drag forces caused by the splash guards thereby improving air flow characteristics around the splash guard. In that regard, the splash guards and adaptors may increase the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for preventing spray from emerging from the wheels of vehicles comprises a panel (4) that is adapted to be mounted substantially vertically behind a vehicle wheel (3) for receiving on a first side water released by the wheel (3) as it rotates. The panel (4) includes at least one passage (6) which leads from the first side to a rear second side of the panel (4). The or each passage (6) is other than normal to the plane of the panel (4). There is at least one water-collecting pocket (7A, 7B, 7C) along the side of the or each passage (6). In use, air and water enter the or each passage (6) and are separated so that air passes through the or each passage (6) and mixes with ambient air and water collects in the at least one water-collecting pocket (7A, 7B, 7C).

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a mainframe located between one pair of left and right front wheels and at least one pair of left and right rear wheels and forming a framework of a chassis. A ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) is provided in a middle part in the vehicle-body front-rear directions in the mainframe, and thereby surrounds a cabin. Front under guards are provided in spaces on rear sides of the front wheels so as to cover mud guard walls provided for separating the cabin from the spaces on the rear sides of the front wheels.

Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer.

Abstract: A removable mud flap assembly adapted to rapid and facile removal of a flap member from a wheeled vehicle or trailer is described. The removable mud flap assembly includes a bracket assembly having a fixed structure affixed to the vehicle or trailer, and a removable structure affixed to the flap member. The removable structure securely engages the fixed structure to form an intact bracket assembly, and is adapted to readily disengage from the fixed structure, thereby enabling the flap member to be quickly and easily removed from the vehicle. The flap member is typically, but not necessarily, removed from the vehicle by one person in a few seconds, without the use of tools.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle fender liner configured to easily form a solid shape and exhibit superior sound-absorption performance and excellent anti-icing, a fender liner 10 serving as a sound-absorption member to be attached to a vehicle includes a base-material layer 11 having sound-absorption function. The base-material layer 11 is formed into a solid shape of a fender liner by producing a sheet of a fibrous web 14 obtained by interlocking main fibers 12 and binder fibers 13 having a melting point lower than that of the main fibers 12, integrally providing a waterproof protective film of an LDPE resin, and then performing hot press mold.

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 fender assembly for an off-highway machine includes a metallic fender, and a non-metallic fender extension having a one-piece shell. The one-piece shell includes an interior surface defining a cavity, a shell wall extending throughout the one-piece shell, and a plurality of elongate reinforcement pockets formed by intrusions of the shell wall into the cavity.

Abstract: A removable mud flap assembly adapted to rapid and facile removal of a flap member from a wheeled vehicle or trailer is described. The removable mud flap assembly includes a bracket assembly having a fixed structure affixed to the vehicle or trailer, and a removable structure affixed to the flap member. The removable structure securely engages the fixed structure to form an intact bracket assembly, and is adapted to readily disengage from the fixed structure, thereby enabling the flap member to be quickly and easily removed from the vehicle. The flap member is typically, but not necessarily, removed from the vehicle by one person in a few seconds, without the use of tools.

Abstract: An adjustable splash guard assembly (50) for attachment to a vehicle (10) having a substantially planer mud flap (52) defined by first and second sides (60, 62). The adjustable splash guard assembly (50) further includes an adjustable cover (54) having an inside panel (86) and an outside panel (88) forming a pocket (90) therebetween, and an adjustable assembly (200) comprising a pivoting connection (202) formed by a first fastener (210) coupling the inside panel (86) of the adjustable cover (54) to the mud flap (52), the adjustable assembly (200) further comprises a selectively pivoting connection formed by a second fastener (216) coupled to the inside panel (86) of the adjustable cover (54), and a plurality of variable positioning apertures (204) located through the mud flap (52).

Abstract: The sprung mud flap device provides a sprung connection between a truck or trailer mount plate and a flap assembly. The device negates damages often incurred when a truck or trailer is backed into a berm or other obstacle and the mud flaps damaged by forces between the tires and the berm or obstacle. By allowing the flap to move, move downward, forward, or rearward, and to flex away from the mount plate fastened to a truck or trailer, the flap is not stressed, torn, or excessively worn. The device includes a rain shield. The rain shield includes a rearward angle. The mount plate includes a forward angle. The device includes a rearward angle on the rain shield. The device includes a u-channel as a part of the flap assembly.

Abstract: A mud flap assembly for a vehicle includes a mud flap and a mud flap bracket. The mud flap is attached to the mud flap bracket. The mud flap bracket is in turn attached to the vehicle by an attachment means so that when the mud flap is pinched between a tire of the vehicle and a fixed object resting on the ground, the mud flap bracket and the mud flap are moved and/or deflected substantially uniformly downwardly toward the ground in order to prevent damage to the mud flap, the mud flap bracket and the vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment clip assembly for securing a splash guard to an edge of a vehicle panel. The attachment clip assembly includes inner and outer clips and a threaded fastener. The inner clip includes wedging and gripping arms and the outer clip includes wedging and support arms, the inner clip fitting in nested relationship in the outer clip. The threaded fastener extends through an opening of the inner clip and a slotted opening of the outer clip. The wedging arm of the outer clip includes spaced apart shoulders overlying respective outer edges of the wedging arm of the inner clip such that, upon tightening the threaded fastener, the wedging arm of the inner clip slides along the wedging arm of the outer clip in a direction toward a central portion of the outer clip thereby moving the inner clip gripping arm toward the outer clip support arm.

Abstract: A vehicle splash guard includes a base portion, a mounting structure, and a first non-fastener locating projection. The base portion is configured to extend into a wheel well defined by a vehicle body structure. The mounting structure is defined on an inner surface of the base portion and is configured to fixedly couple the vehicle splash guard to the vehicle body structure. The first non-fastener locating projection extends away from an inner surface of the base portion and is spaced apart from the mounting structure. The first non-fastener locating projection is configured to contact a laterally extending edge of the vehicle body structure that is located on an underside of the vehicle body structure to restrict movement of the base portion relative to the vehicle body structure in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body structure when the vehicle splash guard is installed to the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer.

Abstract: The vehicle splash guards and adaptors described herein aim to reduce drag forces caused by the splash guards thereby improving air flow characteristics around the splash guard. In that regard, the splash guards and adaptors may increase the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inner fender that faces a wheel arch of a bumper face includes an undercut portion formed on a side of an inner peripheral wall, the side of the inner peripheral wall being an outer side with respect to a vehicle width direction. The undercut portion includes a lower side wall that radially inwardly recedes from the inner peripheral wall and is superposed with a lower end of the wheel arch of the bumper face, an upper side wall that radially outwardly protrudes from the inner peripheral wall and is disposed above the lower side wall so as to be continuous with the lower side wall, and a flange that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from a front end of the upper side wall and is secured to an inner portion of the bumper face.

Abstract: Mud flap having a plurality of laterally spaced, vertically extending vanes defining a plurality of vertically extending channels on the front side of the flap for directing water and debris from a wheel in a downward direction toward the roadway and not to the rear or sides of the flap, and vertically extending slotted openings in the channels of a size permitting air to pass through the openings to the rear of the flap and preventing water and debris from doing so. In some embodiments, vertically extending deflectors are positioned to the rear of the slotted openings for directing any water and debris passing through the openings in a downward direction toward the roadway.