Abstract: An automobile windshield rain deflector which functions as a result of a mathematical relationship between rain deflector, forward velocity of vehicle windshield and downward velocity of rain drops; and comprises a shield arranged above the driver's line of vision and is positioned substantially in front of the windshield, with a substantial gap between the deflector shield and the windshield. The shield is connected to a support means for movement between an inoperative orientation to an operative orientation by which a substantially rain free clear vision zone is provided on the windshield. In addition, the support means is movable relative to the windshield to adjust the position of the shield in its operative orientation so that the substantially rain free clear vision zone always coincides with the driver's line of vision regardless of the vehicle's speed or rainfall quantity.

Abstract: An air-deflecting arrangement in a motor vehicle for maintaining a predetermined portion of a side window in a door of said motor vehicle substantially clear and unobscured from airborne road dust, said motor vehicle door having a bodywork portion located adjacent a forward edge of said side window and a rear-view mirror mounted on said door so as to be readily visible to an occupant of the vehicle through said predetermined portion of said side window, said air-deflecting arrangement comprising an air-deflecting edge member extending substantially vertically along said bodywork portion and adjacent said forward edge of said side window, said air-deflecting edge member being formed with a smoothly curved lip portion extending away from said side window such that, when the vehicle is in forward motion, the air stream passing said side window is deflected away from said predetermined portion and thus substantially prevented from depositing thereon any road dust and water entrained in said air stream.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the wind resistance or drag imposed on a prime mover-trailer combination, said apparatus being adapted for mounting on top of the prime mover, said apparatus comprising an upper surface generally extending upwardly and rearwardly from a lower forward portion to an upper rearward portion, and a first vane spaced from the forward portion for directing an air current generally along said upper surface when the prime mover-trailer combination is in forward motion.

Abstract: An air deflector for use with a side view mirror of a motor vehicle which includes a vertical air foil and an upper and a lower air foil coupled to the upper and lower end of the vertical air foil and being mounted to the vehicle adjacent the leading edge of the side windows thereof and out of the field of view of the driver, the air foils producing a plurality of airstreams for diverting the direction of foreign material such as mud, snow and ice away from the reflecting surface of the mirror.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a rear window arrangement having first and second rear window portions at different angles from the vertical, and a spoiler with an upper deflection surface having an angle of at least 90.degree. from the vertical. The two portion rear window arrangement provides increased rearward visibility and decreased vehicle wind resistance. The spoiler may be arranged to form a flow channel around the edge where the two window portions meet, to deflect an air stream and prevent accumulation of dirt on the lower rear window portion.

Abstract: A luggage carrier or similar vehicle mounted rack has a pivotally moveable air deflector incorporated therewith. The deflector is positionable between a locked position and a freely moveable position. A locking mechanism defined by a biassing assembly moveable within a housing or stanchion to which the deflector blade is pivotally mounted. The locking mechanism engages or disengages the pivotal assembly of the deflector blade to lock it in position or to render it freely between a horizontal and vertical position in response to the velocity of the air impinging thereon.

Abstract: An insect protection apparatus for protecting moving vehicles from insects having a rigid frame, at least partially covered with a screen, to prevent the passage of insects therethrough. The frame has a bumper attaching system which may be rapidly attached to most vehicle bumpers and which allows the frame to be aligned in front of the vehicle. A deflector shield may also be attached to the top of the rigid frame.

Abstract: An air-guide installation for motor vehicles, especially station wagons, which is constructed as profile bar that projects from the vehicle outer body panel within the transition area between roof and rear part, extends in the vehicle transverse direction and is effective as spoiler; the profile bar is thereby adapted to be extended away from the outer body panel so that an air-guide channel results between the outer body panel and the bottom side of the profile bar.

Abstract: A wind deflector construction including a wind deflector, a base bracket and a wind deflector bracket. The base bracket and wind deflector bracket are provided with a plurality of openings that can be selectively aligned to adjust the wind deflector in a plurality of positions to accommodate the contours of the automotive vehicle. According to the method of adjustment, after the base bracket is mounted on the vehicle, a template is mounted on the deflector and a portion of the template extends along the window of the automotive vehicle. This latter portion is arranged so that it is parallel to the window and then the final adjustment is completed by fastening the base bracket and wind deflector bracket in the adjusted positions relative to one another.

Abstract: A car top carrier comprises spaced pairs of stanchions and a side rail between the stanchions. Each stanchion has a laterally extending opening therein and an insert projecting into said opening. A screw locks the insert in angularly adjustable position with respect to the stanchion. A cross rail and the inserts have telescoping portions forming a connection therebetween. The cross rail has the major portion thereof of non-circular cross section so that the angular position of said cross section with respect to said stanchions can be adjusted by adjusting the angular position of each insert with respect to each pair of stanchions.

Abstract: A device aerodynamically designed to lessen air drag in trailers, commonly referred to as a wind deflector, and specifically related recreational trailers having a window at the front end, the device being manually shiftable to a second position, wherein it is self-supporting, to function as an awning for the front window. When functioning as a drag reducer or wind deflector the device is a simple horizontal wedge extending across the major width of the trailer except that the upper and lower panels of such wedge are isosceles trapezoids, and generally triangular wings are provided at each end of the wedge to provide a carefully limited bilateral deflection of the air for minimizing turbulence and streaking of the sides of the trailer during use.

Abstract: A pair of deflector segments are telescopingly interconnected to provide an air deflector of adjustable length. Each deflector segment includes a sloping forwardly facing portion, a relatively flat top, a vertical rear wall, and closed outer ends. The combined segments are fittingly received onto the top rear edge portion of the truck car and, after adjustment to accommodate the cab width, they are fixedly secured to the cab surface.

Abstract: An accessory mountable along a front of an automotive vehicle, so as to deflect air upwardly, and forming a curtain of air forwardly of the windshield, so that dust, bugs, rain or snow is lifted over the top of the vehicle, instead of being deposited upon the windshield; the accessory including a laterally extending inclined baffle, for thrusting the air upwardly, and also including a louver thereabove, which is pivoted by the force of air, in order to open a throat, and thrust the air at a desired angle and at a desired volume.

Abstract: An insect deflector consisting of a transparent centrally hinged deflector attached to plastic attaching strips at each end of the deflector and mounted to an edge of the vehicle by a bracket attached to the distal ends of each of the mounting strips, adjustable straps tighten the deflector on the adjustable mounting strips and attachments to the front of the bottom edge of the window of the vehicle engage attachments to the deflector to position the deflector at the proper distance from the window to deflect insects from the window surface.

Abstract: A deflector for attaching to forward portions of an open frame boat trailer to deflect road debris thrown rearwardly from the wheels of a vehicle towing the trailer comprises a generally trapezoidally-shaped deflecting member, major portions of which are flat. A forward edge portion of the member, which forms the shorter of the parallel sides of the trapezoid, is inclined upwardly and forwardly; whereas, an opposite rearward edge portion is inclined downwardly and rearwardly. Swept back side edges are inclined upwardly and generally outwardly and forwardly. The flat portion of the member rests upon, and is attached to, generally longitudinal beams of the trailer. The deflector is positioned rearwardly of the trailer hitching portion and extends rearwardly to beneath upswept bow portions of a boat carried on the trailer. The inclined edge portions of the deflector increase deflection efficiency while minimizing deflector size, and also add rigidity to the deflector.

Abstract: An adjustable air-deflector device adapted to be movably mounted on the roof of a driving cab of a commercial vehicle and comprising a substantially planar member having the shape of a truncated isosceles triangle, the shorter parallel edge of which is hinged to the cab roof, and the non-parallel edges of which are connected to the cab roof through adjustable bellows-type side walls, there being angle-adjustment means provided to allow the driver of the vehicle to adjust the angle of the planar member relative to the cab roof to produce minimal drag over a trailer portion of the vehicle. Driver determines optimum angle either from a table of predetermined figures or from a drag pressure metering instrument mounted in the cab of the vehicle. Air-deflector device can be used in a tractor-trailer assembly in combination with adjustable side curtains, which close the gap between the tractor and trailer and reduce the component of drag produced by yaw between the moving tractor and trailer.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a variable position wind deflector assembly adapted to be attached to a luggage rack or other portion of a motor vehicle including locking means for releasably securing the deflector in selected positions. The wind deflector assembly of the present invention includes a pair of spaced frame members having a deflector member extending therebetween. The frame members are each hingedly secured to support members and are provided with locking means for securing the deflector and associated frame members in one or more predetermined positions relative to the support means.

Abstract: An air current deflector shield is disclosed comprising a shield member being a single piece of unbroken transparent material, an elongated rigid bracket curved at its mid-point and having a forward wall and rearward wall defining a channel therebetween to receive the lower edge of the transparent shield member and an adhesive material interposed between the lower edge of the shield member and the channel of the bracket to securely bind the shield member to the bracket in the curved shape defined by the bracket. A pair of spaced apart transversely extending support members having bolt receiving apertures therethrough are secured to the lower portion of the bracket for attachment to the body of an automobile.

Abstract: An air deflector of the type having a central deflector surface with hingedly attached lateral wings is supported in deployed position against a frame by upright struts foldable on a pivoted end and engaged in socketed relation to the frame at the opposite end, the struts being urged to remain in socketed engagement by normal wind forces. The lateral wings are held in deployed position by arms also fastened in socketed relation to the frame, and latches on the frame have wind vanes thereon for preventing the latches from becoming disengaged under vibration. A strap provides added tension to hold the deflector in deployed position, or to retain the deflector with wings folded under the central deflector surface in folded position.

Abstract: A truck tractor and trailer combination is disclosed having air deflector shields extending from the cab to the trailer and a drag reducer shield enclosing the rear end of the trailer whereby air drag against the truck tractor and trailer is substantially reduced.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of a transparent deflector shield, means for mounting said transparent shield in the forward portion of a vehicle so as to interrupt the wind currents passing therethrough and deflect them over the windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy-saving streamlining structure for the fronts of motor trucks, motor homes, buses and the like, comprises when deployed a forward-pointing transparent conical shell supported on the front of a truck by a stem generally axial to the shell; telescoping and rotary linkages of the stem fold the shell into damage resistant horizontal opposed-segment or bow-tie storage-configuration compactly retracted against the front of the vehicle. Transparent panels provide driver-view of the highway through the unit, anti-shake spring biasing stabilizes the mechanism when deployed, and power drive provides for remote control operation from the truck cab at all times. Compactness and integration of the parts adapt the unit for after-market attachment and capability for transfer from one vehicle to another as well as for installation as original equipment at the factory; in an embodiment provision is made for the invention when deployed to return to storage mode when the vehicle reduces speed to a predetermined rate.

Abstract: An air deflector for a road vehicle is described. The deflector defines a streamlined face which reflects air impinging on said face, upwardly and rearwardly to an upright spoiler region which imparts an upward motion to the air as it leaves the deflector.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting moving vehicles from insects is attachable to an air current deflector shield, which is attached to the hood of the vehicle by a bracket extending under the front lip of the vehicle hood. A flexible, mesh screen of a predetermined shape, has a flexible reinforcing edge material attached to the periphery thereof and snap fasteners located along one edge portion which meet with mating snap fasteners attached to the deflector shield bracket attached to the vehicle hood, so that the screen can be rapidly attached and removed from the deflector shield. A plurality of flexible resilient straps are attached to the edge reinforcing material and have hook connectors for connecting to the bottom of the bumper, so that the screen is held in position between the deflector shield and the bumper to cover the grill and radiator area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for diverting air from the outside of an automotive vehicle to the interior. The device comprises a base attached to a pillar of the vehicle and an elongated deflector of arcuate cross-sectional shape movably mounted on the base. The deflector may be stored parallel to the pillar or swung through a partial opening in the window to divert air from the outside. The position of the deflector may be adjusted angularly in several different directions to direct the air in the manner desired.

Abstract: A wind deflector arrangement for a motor vehicle roof of the type having a roof cutout closeable by a rigid sliding cover is provided. The wind deflector is mounted along its forward edge of the roof cutout and pivotable and about an axis located transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Lever arms are provided at each lateral side of the sliding cover and extend from a pivot connection at the sliding cover to a frame part surrounding the roof cutout. A spring is provided which biases the wind deflector to pivot about the transverse axis. In order to minimize the lateral dimensions of the wind deflector arrangement, the lever arms are disposed directly underneath guide shoes for the sliding cover. The forward portion of the guide frame for the guide shoes of the sliding cover is cut away in the position above these lever arms so that the guide shoe rides on the lever arm to close the wind deflector when the sliding cover is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: A wind deflector which is mounted spacedly above the roof of a vehicle towing a trailer and which includes a baffle at its leading edge to displace and direct air flow between the deflector and the vehicle roof for the purpose of improving the stability and ride of the vehicle and to reduce the formation of eddies in the air flow between the deflector and the trailer.

Abstract: By providing an upstanding drag reducing baffle wherein the upper edge of said baffle comprises smoothly curved extension portions on both sides thereof, lying in substantially the same plane of the baffle, an improved wind deflector capable of increased drag reduction is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, these extension portions extend from the edge of the baffle toward the center and comprise at least half the distance from the edge to the mid-point of the baffle. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a front curved vortex stabilizer, a portion of which extends above the wind deflector, is used in combination with the wind deflector for additional drag reduction.

Abstract: An enclosure for protecting occupants on a motorcycle is provided and includes a windscreen and a fairing having contoured sides fitted about the front wheel fork and having a seal member extending from the fairing to the fork to provide a waterproof seal therebetween. An electrically powered wiper and washer are provided to keep the windscreen clear. The fairing may include an air inlet with appropriate ducts and vents to permit the rider to control air circulation into the semi-enclosed compartment and to deflect water droplets away from the rear face of the windscreen. A rain and sun shield is removably located atop the windscreen and extends generally horizontally rearward therefrom. The shield is longitudinally divided by a flexible hinge to provide for ease of storage. The shield has a hooked mounting edge for insertion onto the windscreen.

Abstract: A tailgate vent and deflector for use with a vehicle having an open top carrying compartment for allowing the passage of air through and around the tailgate when the compartment is empty thereby relieving the force of the wind on the tailgate as the vehicle moves along the road, but preventing the passage of material from the compartment. The tailgate includes at least one opening and a material shield is positioned in the compartment extending downwardly from above the opening to adjacent the bottom of the opening for preventing material in the compartment from moving through the opening and the shield forms an air passage between the opening and the compartment for allowing the passage of air through the tailgate from the compartment as well as deflecting a portion of the air out of the compartment.

Abstract: An air deflector for deflecting airborne particles, such as dust, rain, insects, road spray and the like, clear of the windshield of a vehicle comprising a member of channel-shaped in cross section having a substantially planar web and side portions. The member is adapted to be mounted in inverted position on the hood of the vehicle with the side flanges engaging the hood and extending generally longitudinally thereof with the front and rear edges of the web extending transversely of the hood and with the rear edge being spaced above the hood so that the web constitutes a ram angling upwardly from front to rear whereby as the vehicle is driven forwardly airborne particles are deflected by the web up over the windshield.

Abstract: Dual oncoming air spoilers for vehicles are mounted near the hood to deflect air carried bugs, rain, road spray, snow, and lightweight debris up and away from the windshield. They are provided essentially in a one embodiment kit having: two plastic panels; two bottom channels to respectively receive the two panels; four bendable and breakaway pre-drilled and countersunk brackets to be used in securing the bottom channels and their inserted bottom edges of the dual oncoming air spoilers to a front of a vehicle on or near the hood and standard fastener assemblies, all these components being assembled and installed using conventional hand tools for drilling access holes to receive the fastener assemblies and to secure them. By following selective installation procedures, the contents of this one embodiment kit are mountable on many different vehicles having many different hood widths and hood contour designs.

Abstract: A collapsible airstream deflector is secured to the roof of a towing vehicle to deflect air over a towed vehicle when the vehicles are in motion to reduce the air resistance or drag and fuel consumption of the vehicles. The airstream deflector has pivotal arms secured to the rear surface of a sheetlike airstream deflecting member. The arms respectively are swung to planes, each of which is generally perpendicular to the plane of the deflecting member, the arms being locked in place by means of a single removable locking bar applied to the ends of the arms before the deflector is secured to the roof. When the deflector is removed from the vehicle roof, the locking bar is removed; then the arms are swung against the rear surface of the deflecting member so that the deflector can be easily stored. Notwithstanding the fact that the arms are easily pivotable, the deflector is self-stabilizing when the arms are locked in their operative positions by the removable locking bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices removably mountable by magnetic means on a metallic hood of motor vehicle for deflecting air currents containing bugs, road grime, etc., to prevent contact thereof with the windshield of the vehicle. The deflecting devices generally comprise a horizontal base member containing semi-rigid, flexible, strip, permanent magnet members, and a transparent shield canted backwardly and connected to the base. The device is molded of a semi-rigid, flexible plastic material which permits the shield and base to flex with the air currents produced when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: An insect shield assembly for protecting the front end of a moving vehicle from insects is disclosed which includes two relatively rigid panels with mesh screening connected together to span across the entire front of the vehicle. A windshield deflector is made from flexible plastic film or sheet overlying the upper portion of the screening. A shield mounting system is provided which includes tubular members attached to and bracing the panels and which are slidably received within cooperating tubular members mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A deflector which mounts on the hood of a vehicle to deflect bugs and dust away from the windshield during normal driving, and which is automatically stored flat against the hood when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly. The deflector includes a pair of sheet-like members pivotally mounted on the front of the hood, so that they are lifted up by air moving over the hood during forward vehicle movement, or by a driver-operated vacuum cylinder.

Abstract: An air inflated bag of flexible sheet material includes a front portion which is mounted on the body or cab of a vehicle such as a tractor hitched to a semi-trailer. A rear portion of the inflated bag extends between the cab and the trailer body to provide for a smooth non-turbulentflow of air around the cab and to the side and top walls of the trailer body for significantly reducing the aerodynamic drag on the tractor-trailer vehicle. The front portion of the bag is provided with a generally horizontal inlet which is located directly above the front windshield of the cab to direct a portion of the upward flow of air over the cab into the bag and thereby effect dynamic inflation of the bag at a predetermined road speed. The bag may be collapsed to a folded condition adjacent the cab for when the tractor is being driven without a trailer, and a bottom recess is formed within the rear portion of the bag to provide for extending service lines between the cab and the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle air deflector of the disclosure includes an air scoop mounted by an adjustable connection on a support portion of a support member that also has a mounting portion which is positioned between an associated vehicle side door and a detachable exterior rear view mirror support of the door. The adjustable connection for mounting the air scoop is preferably of the ball and socket type so as to permit adjustment of the horizontal and vertical directions of air deflection independently of each other. As disclosed, the rear view mirror and air deflector are located adjacent a front inclined edge of the side door window. The air scoop of the deflector has a curved shape and is positionable in a streamlined position so as to be concave in a downwardly and inwardly facing direction. In this streamlined position, a curved forward and upper edge and a curved rear edge cooperate to give the air scoop a swept-back shape.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable drag reduction structure for attachment to a moving vehicle such as a trailer or a truck body.

Abstract: An insect protection apparatus for protecting moving vehicles from insects having a rigid frame at least partially covered with a screen to prevent the passage of insects therethrough. The frame has a bumper attaching system which may be easily attached to most vehicle bumpers and which allows the frame to be rapidly attached and removed from the bumper attaching system. A deflector shield may also be attached to the front of the rigid frame and the bumper attaching system may be aligned to align the frame in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wind drag reducer for trailers or cargo carrying bodies wherein the front upper portion of the trailer or body is exposed above the cab of the motor vehicle connected to pull the same. The drag reducer consists of two substantially flat and vertical side panel means which are each respectively attached at one end to the front or sides of the trailer adjacent the front side edges thereof and converge therefrom to a vertical line midway between the front sides of the trailer where they are connected together over top of the cab of the tractor or motor vehicle to thereby form a V-shaped structure which splits the wind and reduces the resultant drag on the sides of the trailer.

Abstract: A land, water or air vehicle has a jet air stream unit mounted in front with a plurality of distributed jets generated immediately preceding the front wall portion of the vehicle to reduce the opposing pressure as well as the mass of air with the resulting greater ease in movement of the vehicle. As applied to an automobile type vehicle, an air pump is located immediately behind the radiator so as not to unduly interfere with the air flow through the conventional radiator. A small air jet forming unit is mounted in front of the vehicle having an inlet connected to the air pump and outlets directed at right angles to the line of motion. The jets are generally in a semi-circular pattern with the lower portion free of jets for removal of the air from immediately preceding the automobile while permitting sufficient air flow to the radiator.

Abstract: A drag reducer for a gap in a land vehicle moving through air capable of stabilizing the stagnant air in the gap which tends to rotate and form a horseshoe shaped vortex. The vortex directs the surrounding airstream around the stable vortex and thereby reduces air resistance. The drag reducer is a substantially V-shaped plate having concave sides vertically mounted midway in the gap existing between a tractor and trailer on the forward panel of the trailer. The plate stabilizes the rotating vortices and, particularly, prevents side winds from forcing the vortices out of the gap. The drag reducer can take the form of two plates mounted in parallel on one wall or can be mounted on opposite walls substantially in the same plane.

Abstract: A dust-repelling apparatus for a vehicle of the type having a driver's seat accessible to dust and an operating instrument of the type which builds up dust and is arranged ahead of the driver's seat, said apparatus comprising at least one source of air current arranged between the driver's seat and the operating instrument with the discharge of the blast air current directed in the viewing direction of the driver. Preferably the source of the air current is at least one ventilator being directed toward the operating instrument and having a pressure effect opposite to the current of the dust built up by the operating instrument.

Abstract: An air inflated bag of inflexible sheet material includes a front portion which is mounted on the body or cab of a vehicle such as a tractor hitched to a semi-trailer. A rear portion of the inflated bag extends between the cab and the trailer body to provide for a smooth non-turbulent flow of air around the cab and to the side and top walls of the trailer body for significantly reducing the aerodynamic drag on the tractor-trailer vehicle. The front portion of the bag is provided with a generally horizontal inlet which is located directly above the front windshield of the cab to direct a portion of the upward flow of air over the cab into the bag and thereby effect dynamic inflation of the bag at a predetermined road speed. The bag may be collapsed to a folded condition adjacent the cab for when the tractor is being driven without a trailer, and a bottom recess is formed within the rear portion of the bag to provide for extending service lines between the cab and the trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus combined with or combinable with a vehicle body having a longitudinally elongated corner from which body surfaces extend at an angle, one of the surfaces presented forwardly toward oncoming air flow, and the other surface extending generally rearwardly away from that corner, the apparatus comprisingA. means for preventing, reducing, or delaying separation of the flow boundary layer from said other surface rearwardly of said corner at normal operating speeds of the vehicle,B. said means comprising a longitudinally elongated protrusion having a substantially smooth, arcuate outer surface projecting smoothly outwardly of a first of said body surfaces said protrusion surface having a first longitudinally elongated terminal extent merging toward said first body surface in spaced relation to said corner, and second longitudinally elongated terminal extent merging toward a second of said body surfaces proximate said corner.

Abstract: A drag reducing means for a truck includes a porous structure typically mounted on the cab roof to pass air into the gap between the cab and trailer body in rearward flowing streams that undergo deceleration. Eddies are formed in the gap and act as a barrier to airfow into the gap at its sides and top.