Abstract: A method and apparatus for advertisement using printed graphic images bonded to rubber based products, such as mud flaps for vehicles and tile for flooring.

Abstract: A fender mountable to a vehicle having a wheel. The fender includes a mounting bracket mountable to the vehicle, a suspension component mechanically coupled to the mounting bracket and a shield component mechanically coupled to the suspension component so as to be positionable substantially adjacent the wheel. The suspension component includes a deformable portion extending between the mounting bracket and the shield component. Upon a biasing force being exerted onto the shield component, the biasing force deforms the deformable portion so as to move the shield component relatively to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Mudguard support for self-propelled operating machinery mounted on wheels, comprising a first element (2) intended to be fixed on the hub (11) of a steered wheel of the machinery, and a second element (3) which is articulated to the preceding along a substantially vertical axis (4), and is set to support the mudguard of said wheel, where between said first (2) and second (3) elements a repositioning system is interposed adapted to constantly force the mentioned elements towards a neutral configuration wherein the mudguard is found in the normal covering position of the wheel, and where a counter means is foreseen adapted to hold said second element at the time of particularly sharp turns in the direction wherein the position plane of the wheel diverges from the axis of the machinery in the movement direction, a further counter means being foreseen adapted to hold said second element at the time of particularly sharp turns in the direction wherein the position plane of the wheel converges towards the axis of t

Abstract: A splashguard for use in controlling tire splashes of a vehicle is disclosed. The splashguard includes a first plate that is attachable to a vehicle where the first plate has a top and bottom, and a second plate is attached to the bottom of the first plate. The splashguard includes an adjustably-spaced aperture and is configured so that when a surface being traveled on by the vehicle changes surface level, the second plate pivots relative to the first plate to adjust height of the splashguard. The splashguard may include a fastening mechanism that involves a strap and hanger arrangement. The splashguard may further include a removable portion configured to accommodate at least one vehicle component protruding from the rear side of the vehicle, such as a muffler or a trailer hitch receiver.

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: A vehicle undershield is disclosed which is made from a material which is essentially conformed to the shape of the wheel housing and attached thereto, which undershield, due to its shape and structure, provides protection from corrosion by the sandblasting effect, causes reduction of the spray mist occurring on road surfaces wet from rain, and an effective noise damping on roads wet from rain and also on dry roads, having a sound-absorbing design for air-borne sound coming from the side facing away from the wheel, having a very good self-cleaning effect, while having a low weight of the constructional part.

Abstract: A mud flap system for vehicles is provided with first and second mounting arms that releasably engage side portions of a tow assembly. First and second support arms depend from the first and second mounting arms and support one or more mud flaps so that the mud flaps are positioned behind the rearward wheels of the vehicles and substantially across the space between the rearward wheels. A leash or brace are provided for structural stability and to secure the system with the tow assembly. A central mud flap may be provided in horizontal or vertical configurations according to the desired flow of matter beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A mud flap includes a moulded body having a first face, a second face and a recess on the first face. A metallic plate is positioned in the recess of the moulded body. The plate has a peripheral edge with apertures positioned adjacent to the peripheral edge. The plate is secured in position within the recess by overlying lips with integral rivets that extend through the apertures; the overlying lips and integral rivets being part of the moulded body.

Abstract: A splash shield for an automobile which is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle panel of the automobile, wherein the splash shield is adapted to be conform to the vehicle panel and to cover a tire, the splash shield comprises: at least two divided portions which are arranged in a front-rear direction of the automobile; a hinge which pivotably connects the divided portions to each other; at least two vertical walls which are formed on edges of the at least two divided portions and extend in a direction that is away from a rotation center of the tire, wherein two vertical walls from among the at least two vertical walls are formed on the edges of two divided portions from among the at least two divided portions, respectively, the two divided portions being adjacent to each other, and wherein the two vertical walls are arranged adjacent to each other on both sides of a gap that is located at a position that corresponds to the hinge, respectively; and a shielding member for covering the gap, the shielding member be

Abstract: A spray prevention device that is attachable in proximity to one or more wheels of a vehicle is provided. The spray prevention device comprises a panel provided with a front face, a top edge and a plurality of randomly or irregularly spaced and sized openings that are adapted to permit air to flow through the device while deflecting substantially all water and roadway debris encountered by the panel. In certain embodiments, each opening has an area of about 1/16 in2, and the sum of the areas of the plurality of irregularly spaced and sized openings represents at least about 50% of the surface area of the front face of the panel.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes front and rear wheels. A frame supports the front and rear wheels. A leg shield shields legs of a rider. A portion of the frame extends in front of the leg shield. The leg shield has a forward end and a rear end. The rear end is positioned generally at a height of the forward end. The leg shield has first and second portions and at least one third portion. The first portion generally extends upward and rearward from the forward end. The second portion generally extends downward and rearward from the forward end. The third portion generally extends upward from the second portion. The third portion defines a pocket at least together with the first or second portion. The third portion is positioned generally farther forward than the rear end or positioned adjacent to the rear end in the rear of the rear end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that utilize a fluid to affect accumulations of water on a road surface in a path of a vehicle. The fluid can be water or an air-water mixture in the environment of the vehicle. A tire is used to gather the fluid. A structure, such as a fender, is disposed adjacent to the tire to focus the fluid that has been gathered by the tire into a spray. The spray is projected ahead of the tire to reduce the depth of, or substantially dissipate, the accumulations of water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved spray suppression device for vehicles. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a front panel having generally opposed first and second main surfaces and being configured to have a plurality of first through openings laterally and longitudinally spaced apart from each other, each forming a flow path through the front panel and a plurality of protrusions each having a cap and at least one post, connected to said front panel and positioned to project from the first main surface for substantially facing their leading wheel of the vehicle. Each cap is positioned substantially above at least one said first opening in said front panel and forming a second opening between the first main surface and the cap. The present invention provides a mud flap which allows air to pass through its opening without clogging with mud, rocks, and road debris.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mudguard for motor vehicles in general, comprising an external body (10) and an intrados (17) between which a curved cavity (16) extending from a front sector to a rear sector of the mudguard is defined, with reference to the wheel (2, 3) where it is mounted. The mudguard is further provided with a manifold (18) and a pair of deflectros (19, 20) which convey air into the cavity, so as to evacurate the water sprayed by the vehicle wheels and preventing sprays towards the outside.

Abstract: A one-piece synthetic splash and spray suppressor (50) is fastened to the margin of the trailing edge (48) of a front wheel well, or fender, (24) of a vehicle (10) to suppress road splash and spray created by a wheel within the well or fender from hitting steps (40, 42) by which a driver climbs into a cab (36). A wall (58) of the suppressor forms a continuation of an eyebrow (46) in the wheel well, or fender.

Abstract: A mud flap mounting system for connection to a mud flap mounting bracket of a vehicle that allows release and reinstallation of mud flap when it is pinched between a rotating tire and an obstruction. The system includes a flexible sheet of mud flap material with a top edge defining at least two mounting boles with both mounting holes to include a bolt hole and either a slot or a first slit extending from the top edge and to its corresponding bolt hole, at least a second slit may be used in conjunction with sheet having a first slit. The second slit or plurality of second slits extend from the bolt hole, parallel to, or away from the top edge of the mud flap material. The threaded distal end of a bolt extends through the mounting hole in the sheet and extends through a bracket hole in the mounting bracket.

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: Certain embodiments of the present invention comprises a splashguard for use in controlling tire splashes of a vehicle. The splashguard comprises a main plate that is attachable to a vehicle. The main plate has a top and bottom. An insert is attached to the bottom of the main plate. The insert is adapted to protect the plate from abrasion and wear. A hanger is mounted to the top of the first plate. The splashguard further comprises a method of creating a splashguard that comprises providing a hanger and molding a plate around a portion of the hanger. An insert is attached to the plate. The insert and the plate form a splashguard assembly that is attached to the vehicle through the hanger.

Abstract: The invention provides a retractable cover apparatus, which when extended to cover the wheel or track area of a variety of vehicles minimizes the amount of spray and debris flying from the tires or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system is mounted to the frame of a vehicle without requiring extensive modifications to the frame, and includes, for each side of the vehicle, an elongated flexible cover having first and second ends and a width sufficient to extend laterally outwardly beyond an outer extent of the wheels or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system also include at least first and second cover housings, one of the housings adapted to contain the cover in a rolled retracted condition and the other housing being adapted to anchor a free end of the cover in an extended condition thereof. At least one support bar is removably mounted to the frame of the vehicle over which the cover is supported.

Abstract: A splash guard for vehicles and for other applications. The splash guard has a splash guard body having a plurality of attachment holes extending therethrough, and a reinforcing structure, at least in the vicinity of the attachment holes for resisting tearing or cracking of the splash guard. The reinforcing structure includes one or both of thickened portions through which the attachment holes extend, and a reinforcing scrim embedded in the splash guard body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing hydrocarbons and other pollutants from roadway surfaces are provided. The systems can include a pollution trap attached to a vehicle, where the pollution trap comprises an absorbent pad, filter, or membrane. The pollution trap is affixed to the vehicle, for example, in the wheel well, on a mud flap, on the underside of a vehicle or another suitable place where the pollution trap can be exposed to a roadway pollutant. The methods described herein can include liberating roadway pollutants from a roadway and using a pollution trap to collect the liberated roadway pollutants.

Abstract: A mud flap is provided for a vehicle which comprises a panel member of rubber having a top mounting end for securement within the wheel well of a vehicle, a bottom free end having a metallic accent plate supported thereon and respective inner and outer sides extending between the ends of the panel member. A recessed portion in the panel member received the accent plate therein and includes a peripheral lip to overlap the peripheral edges of the accent plate. The use of a peripheral lip which overlaps a peripheral edge of the accent plate prevents separation of the plate from the panel member when the panel member is deformed by wind and debris in use. Accordingly dirt and debris are not permitted to be lodged between the plate and the panel member, thus preventing deformation and an unattractive appearance to the mud flap.

Abstract: A mud flap holder assembly includes a mud flap support clip bifurcated at one of the ends thereof to define an open ended variable width slot. The mud flap is held in position by a bolt positioned in the slot with portions of the support clip defining the slot forming a detent frictionally releasably engaging the flap.

Abstract: A box for handling materials with a vehicle and a mud flap lifter apparatus positioned in it includes a box, generally indicated at having front and rear corners and front, rear and side walls, and a sleeve extending between the top and bottom of the adjacent side-walls. At least one mud flap is secured under the rear wall of the box frame and at least one lifting unit connected with the mud flap. The lifting unit extends vertically within the sleeve and is connected to the mud flap for raising and lowering the mud flap. In one of several alternative embodiments, a solenoid valve is added to convert electric power to activate the air delivery to outward and inward pressure airlines and to distribute the air supply between the outward and inward pressure airlines, respectively.

Abstract: A quick release mud flap apparatus includes a flexible panel having a bottom end and a top end. A rigid bracket is attached to and extends along a length of the top end. Each of a plurality of clamps is attached to the bracket and extends upwardly away therefrom. The clamps each include an actuator for selectively opening or closing the clamps. Each of the clamps are closed when the actuators are in a downward position located generally adjacent to the bracket and open when the actuators are spaced away from the brackets. The clamps are each selectively coupled to a floor rail such that the panel functions as a mud flap. A locking assembly selectively locks the actuators in the downward position.

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: A selectively attachable road debris flap/splash guard for vehicles which is secured to a component of the vehicle hitch apparatus and which does not acquire access to the entire perimeter of the component of the vehicle hitch apparatus to which it is attached. In one exemplary embodiment, a hanger rail receiver is secured to a component of the hitch apparatus and accommodates a hanger rail positioned therein. The hanger rail extends from the hanger rail receiver, with a debris flap secured to and depending therefrom. Alternative mechanisms are disclosed for securing the hanger rail receiver to the hitch apparatus, none of which require access to the entire perimeter of the hitch component to which the hanger rail receiver is secured. In an alternative embodiment, the hanger rail is directly secured to a component of the hitch apparatus.

Abstract: A mud flap of the type typically used on motor vehicles is constructed of thermoplastic material that defines a cavity therein. An opening in the front surface of the mud flap communicates with the cavity. A bottom surface of the cavity defines an area that is larger than an area defined by edges of the opening such that the front surface overhangs the bottom surface of the cavity. A mud flap weight is sized such that when the mud flap is located within the cavity, the front surface overhang secures the mud flap within the cavity. The resulting mud flap assembly has a clean, attractive appearance and eliminates potentially dangerous bolt protrusions typically found on other designs.

Abstract: A mud flap is provided for a vehicle which comprises a panel member of rubber having a top mounting end for securement within the wheel well of a vehicle, a bottom free end having a metallic accent plate supported thereon and respective inner and outer sides extending between the ends of the panel member. A recessed portion in the panel member received the accent plate therein and includes a peripheral lip to overlap the peripheral edges of the accent plate. The use of a peripheral lip which overlaps a peripheral edge of the accent plate prevents separation of the plate from the panel member when the panel member is deformed by wind and debris in use. Accordingly dirt and debris are not permitted to be lodged between the plate and the panel member, thus preventing deformation and an unattractive appearance to the mud flap.

Abstract: The invention provides a sound-insulating part for a motor vehicle having an engine compartment and, beside the engine compartment, a clearance volume for accommodating vertical travel of a wheel of the vehicle, the part being characterized by the fact that it is arranged to form a sound screen between said engine compartment and said volume. The invention also provides a mudguard constituting such a sound-insulating part and a side module made from such a mudguard.

Abstract: A mud flap adapted to be attached behind or outside a wheel of a vehicle. The mud flap includes an integrally-formed, mesh panel. The integrally-formed, mesh panel has a front face, a top edge and a plurality of strands. The plurality of strands define a plurality of openings adapted to permit air to flow therethrough. The sum of the areas of the plurality of openings represents at least 75% of the surface area of the front face of the panel. Each individual opening in the integrally-formed, mesh panel is sized such that it deflects substantially all water and roadway debris it encounters. The mud flap also includes a means for attaching the panel to a vehicle.

Abstract: A mud flap assembly includes a vehicle attachment bracket and an elongated support member of integral construction from which a mud flap depends extending outwardly from the attachment bracket. The elongated support member is inflexible in up and down directions and flexible in forward and rearward directions. The support member is positioned in a channel formed in the mud flap.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an automatic mud flap retractor system for commercial dump trucks wherein the mud flaps are automatically activated into their raised position when the operator of the vehicle places the transmission gear in reverse during backingup of the truck to receive or discharge a load and lowered when the driver depresses a deactivating button in the cab. An indicator light in the cab of the vehicle is also activated to inform the driver that the mud flaps have been raised and it is now safe to discharge his load. The system utilizes a plurality of short stroke pistons/cylinders and a unique pulley and cable arrangement permitting the operating mechanism to be located directly above the mud flaps wherein the length of the cables required is kept to a minimum thus reducing the overall space requirements of the system. The operating mechanism is enclosed in a compact housing unit that is mounted to the vehicle utilizing the previously used non-retracting mud flap mounting bolts.

Abstract: The invention is a splash and spray suppressor for a wheeled motor vehicle, especially for trucks. The splash and spray suppressor includes a wheel panel nested within the fender. Apertures in the wheel panel allow water droplets to flow into the gap between the wheel panel and the fender. Droplets then flow within the gap toward an opening from where the droplets are drained from the splash and spray suppressor.

Abstract: A shield for controlling air, spray and airborne debris generated by a wheel of an automotive vehicle when traveling on a roadway surface. The shield includes a planar frame having front and rear surfaces and top, side and bottom borders. The shield is adapted to be disposed above the roadway surface vertically depending from the vehicle and spaced rearwardly from the vehicle wheel in a plane extending transversely to the vehicle. A plurality of downwardly and rearwardly oriented louvers are fixed on the frame to extend rearwardly beyond its rear surface, so as to be oriented horizontally (when the shield is in position on the vehicle) between the side borders, and the louvers are shaped so as to permit, when the vehicle is moving, a flow of air, spray and airborne debris through the shield and downward deflection thereof as they pass between louvers.

Abstract: The invention provides a retractable cover apparatus, which when extended to cover the wheel or track area of a variety of vehicles minimizes the amount of spray and debris flying from the tires or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system is mounted to the frame of a vehicle without requiring extensive modifications to the frame, and includes, for each side of the vehicle, an elongated flexible cover having first and second ends and a width sufficient to extend laterally outwardly beyond an outer extent of the wheels or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system also include at least first and second cover housings, one of the housings adapted to contain the cover in a rolled retracted condition and the other housing being adapted to anchor a free end of the cover in an extended condition thereof. At least one support bar is removably mounted to the frame of the vehicle over which the cover is supported.

Abstract: A horse trailer having a cover plate releasably secured to a fender such that the cover plate will provide a shield extending downwardly from the fender to cover the wheel well area and wheels against pawing and kicking of horses tied to the side of the trailer and extending upwardly from the fender to provide a support for an animal feed trough.

Abstract: A mud flap is provided for a vehicle which comprises a panel member of rubber having a top mounting end for securement within the wheel well of a vehicle, a bottom free end having a metallic accent plate supported thereon and respective inner and outer sides extending between the ends of the panel member. Means are provided to protect the metallic accent plate from being dented by rocks thrown onto the mud flap from between a pair of dual wheels for which the mud flap is intended to be used. In one embodiment, stiffener members are provided to prevent denting of an accent plate which extends fully across the panel member. In another embodiment, the accent plate is protected from denting by providing a flexible central portion in the mud flap in alignment with the mating surfaces of the dual wheels to allow the mud flap and accent plates supported thereon to return to an unflexed and unbent position after a rock has been thrown against the mud flap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mudguard for motor vehicles in general, comprising an external body (10) and an intrados (17) between ewhich a curved cavity (16) extending from a front sector to a rear sector of the mudguard is defined, with reference to the wheel (2, 3) where it is mounted. The mudguard is further provided with a manifold (18) and a pair of deflectros (19, 20) which convey air into the cavity, so as to evacurate the water sprayed by the vehicle wheels and preventing sprays towards the outside.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a splashguard for use in controlling tire splashes of a vehicle. The splashguard comprises a first plate being attachable to the vehicle. The splashguard further comprises a second plate attached to the first plate. When a surface being traveled on by the vehicle changes surface level, the second plate preferably pivots relative to the first plate to adjust height of the splashguard. The present invention further comprises a method of creating a splashguard. The method comprises providing a first plate, which is configured to be attached to a vehicle and to substantially block tire splashes. The first plate preferably defines at least one removable portion. The removable portion is preferably configured to accommodate at least one vehicle component protruding from the rear side of the vehicle, such as a muffler or a trailer hitch receiver.

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 assembly comprising a fender and an adjustable bracket assembly that is adapted to adjustably mount the fender to the vehicle. The bracket assembly includes an arm with a longitudinal axis offset from and a fastener for rotationally mounting the bracket to a vehicle frame through and adjustable link. A vibration decoupler is mounted between the arm and the fender.

Abstract: A selectively attachable road debris flap/splash guard for vehicles which is secured to a component of the vehicle hitch apparatus and which does not acquire access to the entire perimeter of the component of the vehicle hitch apparatus to which it is attached. In one exemplary embodiment, a hanger rail receiver is secured to a component of the hitch apparatus and accommodates a hanger rail positioned therein. The hanger rail extends from the hanger rail receiver, with a debris flap secured to and depending therefrom. Alternative mechanisms are disclosed for securing the hanger rail receiver to the hitch apparatus, none of which require access to the entire perimeter of the hitch component to which the hanger rail receiver is secured. In an alternative embodiment, the hanger rail is directly secured to a component of the hitch apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic lifting mud flap assembly for a motor vehicle includes at least two identical flap control boxes or housings. Each box is detachably mounted on the motor vehicle in the location of the mud flap after the standard mud flap is removed, and the mud flap is then mounted on the mounting box using standardized fittings. Lifting bars are detachably attached to the mud flaps adjacent their lower edge. A cable is securely connected inside the box and extends outside the box for connection to the lifting bar. An air cylinder and pulley system inside the housing controls the extent of the cable outside the box, and the air cylinder is operatively connected to the pneumatic system of the vehicle through an electric air valve which retracts or extends the cable, thus raising or lowering the mud flap. The electric air valve can be actuated manually from the vehicle cab or automatically by connection to the rear back up lights to raise the flaps when the vehicle is put into reverse gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with underbody and wheels mounted in wheelhouses which are guided on wheel guide elements coupled to the body, functional elements being mounted in the area of wheel dishes opening inward, and with wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody in front of the wheels in the direction of travel, for the sake of better deflection of environmental influences such as dirt particles, moisture, etc the wheel spoilers of at least one wheel axle per wheel ending in a structurally simple configuration in a deflecting strip extending more or less vertically downward, the deflecting strips being extended continously inward and rearward at least to the vertical central plane of the wheels extending through the axes of rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: A spring-biased mudflap bracket assembly includes a hollow tube with a mounting plate at a proximate end and a frame seat mating to the mounting plate and yieldably biased into contact with the mounting plate by a spring mounted at one end within the hollow tube and to the frame seat at another end. A vibration-absorbing gasket can be mounted on an outer surface of the frame seat to abut the vehicle frame. A double-headed bolt mounts the spring to the hollow tube. The frame seat has three apertures in alignment, a central one of the apertures having a spacing to an upper aperture different than a spacing to a lower aperture, and a pair of mounting fasteners are received in two of the three apertures for mounting the frame seat to a vehicle frame. A concave perimetrical channel in the frame seat mates with a complementary convex annular projection on the mounting plate to form a pivot socket for the mounting plate with respect to the frame seat.

Abstract: A concave shaped portion is formed in a position corresponding to the jack attachment portion of a splash guard. The concave shaped portion is provided in only a lower surface portion of the splash guard, and has a notch portion obtained by cutting out an edge portion and a pair of ribs opposed separately from each other in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body in the notch portion. The ribs are adjacent to the notch portion and enhance the rigidity of the notch portion, and furthermore, act as guides for jack attachment. By the concave shaped portion, a clearance S between the splash guard and a jack arm portion can be maintained sufficiently. The notch portion has such a minimum dimension that a jack head portion can be accommodated therein, and can minimize the amount of mud entering during running together with the ribs and a vertical wall.

Abstract: A box for handling materials with a vehicle and a mud flap lifter apparatus positioned in it includes a box, generally indicated at having front and rear corners and front, rear and side walls, and a sleeve extending between the top and bottom of the adjacent side-walls. The invention includes at least one mud flap secured under the rear wall of the box frame and at least one lifting unit connected with the mud flap. The lifting unit extends vertically within the sleeve and is connected to the mud flap for raising and lowering the mud flap. The invention includes several alternative embodiments wherein in one embodiment, a solenoid valve is added to convert electric power to activate the air delivery to outward and inward pressure airlines and to distribute the air supply between the outward and inward pressure airlines, respectively.

Abstract: A retractable mud flap assembly for being able to retract the mud flaps when the box of the dump truck is raised. The retractable mud flap assembly includes a housing having front, top, side, and bottom walls, and also having an open back end, and a hole being disposed through the front wall with the housing being adapted to be attached to either a vehicle or a trailer above rear tires thereof; and also includes bracket members being attached to the housing for fastening the housing to either the vehicle or trailer; and further includes a mud flap support member being movably disposed in the housing; and also includes a mud flap member being attached to the mud flap support member and being movably disposed in and from the housing; and further includes an assembly for moving the mud flap support member and the mud flap member.

Abstract: An engine compartment splash panel for a vehicle is disposed generally between the engine of the vehicle and a nearby wheel to prevent water and debris from being flung from the nearby wheel onto the engine. The engine compartment splash panel and the panel-support components that mount it to the vehicle are constructed in such a manner that the engine compartment splash panel can be quickly and easily mounted to and removed from the vehicle to provide for expedient execution of service procedures. The engine compartment splash panel has a substantially rigid portion that defines and/or has mounted to it a number of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another. The panel-support components define and/or have mounted to them a plurality of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another and that are complimentary to the locating features of the engine compartment splash panel.