Abstract: An aerodynamic mud flap includes a body having a first lateral side, an opposite second lateral side, an upper end, an opposite lower end, a front face, and an opposite rear face. The body extends in a horizontal, vertical, and transverse directions. The body has a generally planar upper portion extending vertically from the upper end to a horizontal transition line, and an arcuate lower portion extending vertically from the transition line to the lower end. The lower portion is curved along the vertical direction such that the lower end of the body is offset from the upper end in the transverse direction and is disposed rearward of the upper end. A plurality of octagonal openings in the body extend from the front face to the rear face to allow for air flow through the mud flap from the front side to the rear side.

Abstract: A bolt-retaining strip for a fender support arm may include a base with a first surface configured to be seated against an elongated support member, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a hole dimensioned to receive a shank of a bolt extending from the first surface to the second surface. A first arm and a second arm extending from the second surface may be positioned on opposite lateral sides of the hole so that the head of the bolt can be received therebetween. A lip may extend from a respective interior surface of each of the first and second arms towards the opposite arm and can be dimensioned to extend over a portion of the head of the bolt. A flange may be positioned proximate each of the first and second arms and can be configured to restrict rotation of the bolt relative to the hole.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing, one-wheeled electric skateboard may include improved features. In some examples, the vehicle includes a status indicator viewable through a slot formed in an upper surface of the board. In some examples, the vehicle includes a convertible carrying handle transitionable between stowed and deployed positions. In some examples, the vehicle includes an interchangeable fender and fender substitute that may be removably coupled to an upper surface of the board. In some examples, a motor controller of the vehicle may operate a field-oriented control (FOC) scheme configured to control the electric motor by manipulating a direct current aligned with a rotating rotor flux angle and a quadrature current defined at ninety degrees from the rotating rotor flux angle. In some examples, the motor controller may be configured to permit intuitive dismounting of the vehicle by tilting and/or moving the vehicle backward.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed as it may be implemented for a specialized motor vehicle (e.g., the SLINGSHOT™ by Polaris, Inc.). An example trailer hitch includes a receiver member for mounting to a swing arm assembly for a rear wheel of the specialized motor vehicle. An example trailer hitch also includes a hitch member for connecting to the receiver, the hitch member configured to extend out and around the rear wheel of the specialized motor vehicle. An example trailer hitch also includes a mounting member on the hitch member to provide a mounting location for a trailer connection behind the rear wheel.

Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes a swing arm swingably supported on a vehicle body, a rear wheel supported by the swing arm, and a rear fender covering the rear wheel from an upper side, the rear fender being supported rotatably. In the saddle riding vehicle, the rear fender is supported by the swing arm, and the rear fender is supported rotatably in a vehicle width direction by a rotating section.

Abstract: An exterior accessory panel that connects to a vehicle includes a vehicle panel connecting structure including a boss structure including a fastener receiving member having a fastener receiving opening extending therethrough that aligns with a fastener receiving opening of an exterior body panel of the vehicle and an anti-rotation flange that extends outward from the fastener receiving member toward the exterior body panel adjacent to a stop member of the exterior body vehicle panel that inhibits rotation of the anti-rotation flange and boss structure during a torqueing operation on a fastener extending through the fastener receiving openings.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises a fairing assembly adapted to couple to a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a support arm mountable to a frame rail of a vehicle and a fairing adapter adapted to mount a fairing to the support arm. The fairing adapter is rotatably coupled to the support arm and is rotatable from a first orientation corresponding to an aerodynamic position to a second orientation corresponding to a first access position. The fairing adapter may also be rotatable to a third orientation corresponding to a second access position. The assembly further comprises a manually releasable lock to lock the fairing adapter in the first orientation and releasable to allow the fairing adapter to rotate to the second orientation or the third orientation.

Abstract: This front assembly of a motor vehicle includes a bumper skin defining an outer surface that is visible from the outside and having at least one opening formed in the outer surface. The front assembly also includes a shutter for selectively closing and releasing the opening, at least partially. The shutter includes a flexible flap having a fixed portion relative to the bumper skin and a movable portion relative to the bumper skin, wherein the movable portion is movable between a shuttering position in which the opening is shuttered by the flexible flap and a releasing position in which the opening is released.

Abstract: A fender assembly for a tractor, as well as a tractor having such a fender assembly. The fender assembly is constructed as first and second fender parts, connected via a rail. The rail has a partial spiral or helical shape. As a result, the second fender part is moveable on the rail along a path substantially parallel to a portion of the circumference of a wheel of the tractor, in a direction downwardly and outwardly relative to the first fender part. This provides a fender assembly allowing for improved access to tractor components located inboard of the fender assembly, as well as allowing for ease of access to the second fender part for an operator standing on the ground adjacent the tractor.

Abstract: A reflector mounting structure includes a fender reinforcement section (13A) that is attached to an inner side surface of a fender which faces a wheel, the fender being configured to cover an outside of the wheel, and a reflector support section (13B) to which a reflector (17) is attached, wherein the reflector support section (13B) and the fender reinforcement section (13A) are formed as an integrated fender assembly (13).

Abstract: A motor vehicle fender has inner and outer sides joined to top and bottom covers to form a four sided, closed structure having a downward extending front portion, generally straight middle portion and a downwardly extending rear portion encircling the top portion of a wheel well of a motor vehicle. The top cover angles inward toward the vehicle and downward toward the ground so the top, outer edge of the fender protrudes to deflect vegetation from the top of the fender, and the outer side angles inward and downward so the top, outer edge protrudes to deflect vertically growing vegetation from parts of the outer side of the fender.

Abstract: An exterior component is disclosed for attachment to a vehicle surface of an external vehicle structure. The exterior component comprises a primary body having a pad support wall and a profile wall extending therefrom, the profile wall defining an exterior profile of the exterior component, and presenting an exterior surface having a desired aesthetic finish. The pad support wall is an elongate continuous structure that runs substantially the entire length of the exterior component. The pad support wall presents a continuous tape pad configured to receive a suitable adhesive for bonding the exterior component to a receiving vehicle surface. The exterior component is exemplified in the form of a door cladding, and a wheel-flare molding.

Abstract: Mud flap assemblies including a frame, a securing assembly and mud flap panels; the securing assembly enabling the frame to be secured to a hitch assembly having a shaft, for further attachment to a hitch receiver secured to a vehicle; the frame having two side portions secured to a center portion to which the securing assembly is attached. The center portion of the frame is preferably configured to rest on a portion of a bumper of the vehicle to minimize vibration of the frame during use. The frame includes two side portions having channels within which reside at least a portion of fasteners that attach mud flap panels to each of the respective side portions. Methods of installing mud flap assemblies and attaching the flap panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved removable and installable fender for the bolsters of a trailer group relies on the use of a bracket on the bolster, the bracket having two retaining arms. A single fastening means is provided on the bolster to receive a bolt securing a medial portion of the end of the fender to the bolster, allowing the distal sides of the fender to be retained between the two retaining arms of the bracket and the body of the bolster.

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 exterior component is disclosed for attachment to a vehicle surface of an external vehicle structure. The exterior component comprises a primary body having a pad support wall and a profile wall extending therefrom, the profile wall defining an exterior profile of the exterior component, and presenting an exterior surface having a desired aesthetic finish. The pad support wall is an elongate continuous structure that runs substantially the entire length of the exterior component. The pad support wall presents a continuous tape pad configured to receive a suitable adhesive for bonding the exterior component to a receiving vehicle surface. The exterior component is exemplified in the form of a door cladding, and a wheel-flare molding.

Abstract: Mud flap assemblies including a frame, a securing assembly and mud flap panels; the securing assembly enabling the frame to be secured to a hitch assembly having a shaft, for further attachment to a hitch receiver secured to a vehicle; the frame having a rear plate that preferably includes a hitch opening for receiving the shaft of the hitch assembly. The frame is preferably configured to engage or rest upon a portion of a bumper of the vehicle to minimize vibration of the frame during use. The mud flap assembly preferably includes a pair of stops that are preferably adjustable and are constructed and arranged to engage or rest against the bumper. The mud flap assembly preferably includes enlarged mud flap panels and mud flap support members for additional support of the enlarged mud flap panels. Methods of installing mud flap assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of a retractable debris deflector that interrupts the path of road debris thrown up at a tangential angle by a vehicle's rotating wheel. The deflector is conformally shaped to a wheel well cavity and is rotationally attached out of sight within the wheel well cavity at two points on an underside of a vehicle's body panel. The deflector moves along an arched path between a retracted position within the wheel well cavity that is parallel to the wheel's typical direction of rotation and an extended position substantially out from the wheel well cavity that is partially perpendicular to the wheel's direction of rotation. The deflector is releasably latched into place at the desired position and a force applied to the deflector will allow the deflector to be moved along its arched travel path either towards the extended or back to the retracted position.

Abstract: Mud flap assemblies including a frame that can be interconnected to a hitch assembly which can be interconnected to a hitch receiver. Mud flap assemblies including a frame, a securing assembly and mud flap panels; the frame having two longitudinal ends and a rear plate that includes a hitch opening spaced for receiving the shaft of the hitch assembly. One frame is designed to rest on a portion of the bumper to minimize vibration of the frame while in use. The mud flap assembly may include a pair of stops or stop assemblies that are preferably adjustable and are constructed and arranged to rest against the bumper. The mud flap assemblies may also include exhaust ventilation apertures and/or protective heat shields. Methods of installing mud flap assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mud flap assemblies including a frame, a securing assembly and mud flap panels; the securing assembly enabling the frame to be secured to a hitch assembly having a shaft, for further attachment to a hitch receiver secured to a vehicle; the frame having a rear plate that includes a hitch opening for receiving the shaft of the hitch assembly. The frame is preferably configured to rest on a portion of a bumper of the vehicle to minimize vibration of the frame during use. The mud flap assembly preferably including a pair of stops that are preferably adjustable and are constructed and arranged to rest against the bumper. The mud flap assembly preferably includes enlarged mud flap panels and mud flap support members for additional support of the enlarged mud flap panels. Methods of installing mud flap assemblies are also disclosed.

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 fender is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The fender may have a first wall, a plurality of corrugations formed within the first wall and extending in a lengthwise direction, and a second wall spaced apart from the first wall to at least partially form a hollow enclosure. The fender may also have a first lip integral with a lengthwise edge of the first wall and a lengthwise edge of the second wall and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second walls; and a lengthwise recess disposed within the first lip. The first wall, the second wall, and the first lip may be fabricated from a plastic material.

Abstract: A mountable water spray shield device is shown herein. A rigid sheet, with an inverted, cropped tear-drop profile, is attached to a rear insert section, and is mounted to a designated vehicle within the area defined by the wheel well and between a pair of tires of the designated vehicle via a bracket secured to the undercarriage of the vehicle. During operation of the designated vehicle upon a wet roadway, the mountable water spray shield serves to divert water spray which would otherwise be emitted into the path of adjacent traffic by rotation of the tires upon the wet roadway at speed.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mud flaps has an elongated mounting arm defining an interior elongated chamber with a slot opening at the bottom. The assembly includes a one or more biased clips that attach to the top edge of the mud flap, which is inserted into the chamber with the lower portion of the mud flap extending through the bottom slot and the clips seated within the chamber. The clips include a pair of protrusions that engage the interior of the chamber, and are configured such that sufficient downward force on the mud flap causes the clip to open and release the mud flap.

Abstract: A fender assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The fender assembly may have a fender with an upper wall, a lower wall, and a frame configured to support the fender. The upper and lower walls may be spaced apart to at least partially form a hollow enclosure. The fender assembly may also have at least one boss extending from the frame at least partially through the hollow enclosure, and at least one fastener configured to engage the at least one boss and press the upper and lower walls toward each other.

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 rear portion structure for a saddle vehicle includes a wide accommodation space for accommodating parts therein while improving the foot grounding property of a rider. A rear fender of a motorcycle has a bottom wall disposed on the inner side of a rear frame in the vehicle widthwise direction, and left and right side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. An accommodation space for accommodating a part therein is formed from the bottom wall and the left and right side walls. Left and right first bending portions which individually extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at which the left and right side walls can individually be bent with respect to the bottom wall are formed between the bottom wall and the left and right side walls. The left and right side walls are inclined inwardly and upwardly along the inner side of the rear frame.

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

Abstract: A reflective mud flap is disclosed. The reflective mud flap includes a front facing covered with reflective material and a rear facing covered with reflective material. A planar attachment tab extends from a top portion of the reflective mud flap, the planar attachment tab includes a pair of attachment apertures disposed on a top portion of the planar attachment tab. The pair of attachment apertures accommodate a pair of fasteners to couple the reflective mud flap to a vehicle. A process for the manufacture of a reflective mud flap includes obtaining a base mud flap, molding a plurality of reflective material into the base mud flap and producing a plurality of attachment apertures disposed on the base mud flap.

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 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: A fender assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The fender assembly may have a fender with an upper wall, a lower wall, and a frame configured to support the fender. The upper and lower walls may be spaced apart to at least partially form a hollow enclosure. The fender assembly may also have at least one boss extending from the frame at least partially through the hollow enclosure, and at least one fastener configured to engage the at least one boss and press the upper and lower walls toward each other.

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

Abstract: 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: To provide a motorcycle having a rear fender that effectively prevents a rear wheel, for example, from splashing mud and may support a light stably in accordance with various embodiments. For example, a motorcycle is disclosed for an embodiment having a rear fender that covers a rear wheel, and lights supported by the rear fender. The rear fender includes a support portion that supports the lights, and a lower mudguard extending downward from the support portion, and a dented portion is formed on a surface thereof between the support portion and the lower mudguard to extend to one edge of the rear fender in a motorcycle width direction from the other edge.

Abstract: A releasing hanger for mud flaps for trucks includes a rotatable release bar supported on a support plate and having flap lugs for supporting a mud flap. A tension spring encircling the release bar cooperates with retaining pins mounted on the releasing bar to yieldingly hold the release bar in a rotatable position at which the flap legs extend outwardly from the support plate. Under a modified embodiment, the retaining pins are releasably held by a bracket having resilient legs.

Abstract: A mud flap holder for securing a mud flap to a motor vehicle includes a base plate, a pivot plate, and a securing mechanism. The base plate mounts to a vehicle. The pivot plate is connected to the base plate via a hinge. The securing mechanism secures the base and pivot plates in a locked position, which frictionally secures a mud flap between the base and pivot plates.

Abstract: There is provided a mudguard mounting structure, superior in versatility and capable of reducing the number of steps for mounting. The present invention is a structure for mounting a mudguard on a rear bumper of a vehicle, in which a mounting member is used to mount the mudguard on the rear bumper, said mounting member comprising a clamping portion on one side thereof for clamping an end portion of the rear bumper, and a mounting portion on which the mudguard is mounted on an other side. The mounting member can be mounted on the rear bumper by allowing the clamping portion to clamp the aforementioned end portion, thereby reducing the number of parts and steps for mounting, and costs. Since the mounting member excels in versatility, costs can be further reduced. An engagement portion for engaging the rear bumper is provided on an inner surface of the clamping portion.

Abstract: A wheel-arch protector mounted on the rear edge of a side door for covering a wheel arch for a rear wheel, the wheel-arch protector including a protector body formed from a polymer material and a seal part formed from a polymer material that elastically deforms more readily than the polymer material for forming the protector body. The body includes a mounting baseplate, a extending plate, and a distended part. The extending plate extends from an end of the mounting baseplate to outside in a widthwise direction of the vehicle. The distended part is distended to an inner angle part of a corner between the mounting baseplate and the extending plate and has a hollow part. The seal part is comprised of a basal part formed on a vehicle-interior-facing surface of the mounting baseplate and a seal-lip part formed on the basal part.

Abstract: An adjustable fender vehicle has an upper wall with inner and outer side walls. The inner side wall includes an elongated longitudinal clamping edge and an interior wall depends from the underside of upper wall between the inner and outer walls. The interior wall has an elongated longitudinal opening in registry with the elongated longitudinal clamping edge in the inner side wall for receiving a fastener for adjustable mounting of the fender to a vehicle. The inner side wall includes an elongated longitudinal opening in registry with the elongated longitudinal opening in the interior wall and the elongated longitudinal clamping edge is formed in the elongated longitudinal opening in the inner side wall. The elongated longitudinal opening is configured to receive a mounting arm that is adapted to extend through the elongated longitudinal opening to the interior wall. Fasteners on the mounting arm clamp the fender to the mounting arm.

Abstract: A mud flap mounting assembly for vehicles providing an elongate laterally extending central support beam defining a medial channel slidably carrying similar elongate mud flap extensions extendible from each opposing end to positions laterally outward of the vehicles' rear tires. The central support beam is secured to a ball mount receiving box beam extending rearwardly from the vehicle by two medial spacedly adjacent depending fastening arms carrying two vertically spaced fasteners extending therethrough above and below the receiving box beam. A mud flap mounting arm carrying a depending mud flap is fastened to the laterally outer end portion of each mud flap extension. A collar carried at the inner end portion of each mud flap mounting arm and having a releasable fastener positionally secures and maintains the mud flap extension and mud flap mounting arm to the central support beam.

Abstract: A mudflap assembly comprising a bracket for connection to a vehicle and a hanger extended therefrom. A mudflap is connected to one end of the hanger, while the bracket rotatable receives the other end and maintains the hanger in an initial resting position until the hanger is acted upon by a sufficient horizontal force. A bulge or detent on the bracket resists horizontal movement of the hanger.

Abstract: An adjustable fender vehicle has an upper wall with inner and outer side walls. The inner side wall includes an elongated longitudinal clamping edge and an interior wall depends from the underside of upper wall between the inner and outer walls. The interior wall has an elongated longitudinal opening in registry with the elongated longitudinal clamping edge in the inner side wall for receiving a fastener for adjustable mounting of the fender to a vehicle. The inner side wall includes an elongated longitudinal opening in registry with the elongated longitudinal opening in the interior wall and the elongated longitudinal clamping edge is formed in the elongated longitudinal opening in the inner side wall. The elongated longitudinal opening is configured to receive a mounting arm that is adapted to extend through the elongated longitudinal opening to the interior wall. Fasteners on the mounting arm clamp the fender to the mounting arm.

Abstract: A one-piece-construction vehicle part may include both a mudguard portion and a side-sill-garnish portion.

Abstract: The mist and stone flaps consists of a first screen and a second screen, both of which are suspended via a bracket from behind a tire of a vehicle. The first screen is generally parallel with the second screen, and the first screen has a screen size different from that of the second screen. The first screen is also displaced from the second screen by a predetermined distance. A first embodiment provides a hinge that connects the bracket to the vehicle. A second embodiment connects the bracket directly to the vehicle. A third embodiment connects each screen to the vehicle independent of the other screen.

Abstract: A motorcycle that prevents attachment of splashed water to the entire periphery of the front fork. A front fender is separated into a front fender half and a rear fender half. The front fender half has left and right sidewalls (rear end portions), and the rear fender half has left and right sidewalls (front end portions). The front and rear fender half sidewalls enclose the outer periphery of left and right fork bodies. The sidewalls have extended portions extending downward along the left and right fork bodies and lower rear end faces that extend generally linearly from the lower front ends of the extended portions to the upper rear ends thereof obliquely upward.

Abstract: A vehicle fender is mounted to a mounting arm through at least one clamp that is mounted on the mounting arm. The clamp and an edge of the fender have complementary teeth and grooves to adjustably mount the fender to the mounting arm. The fender teeth and grooves are formed in a pocket and the pocket extends beneath the fender panel and receives the mounting arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing a vehicle-body accessory on a corresponding vehicle body include a vehicle-body accessory and an intermediate structural member configured to be positioned between the vehicle-body accessory and the corresponding vehicle body. The intermediate structural member includes one or more of a plurality of discrete projections and/or a plurality of discrete depressions for securing the structural member to the body and body accessory, such as with adhesive, spanning the projections and/or depressions. In some embodiments the structural member at least generally conforms to an internal recess, or channel, in the vehicle-body accessory. In some embodiments, the structural member includes at least one, optionally removable, alignment tab to facilitate proper installation of the intermediate structural member on a vehicle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mudguard (38) for motor vehicles, in particular for mobile concrete pumps. The mudguard (38) has a dirt trap (42) which partially extends over the running surfaces of wheels of the mobile working machine, and fastening means (40) for fixing the dirt trap to a point on the working machine which is fixed to the chassis. According to the invention, the mudguard (38) is in the form of a plastic self-supporting hollow chamber component which has a dirt trap part (42) and a flange part (44) which is integrally connected to said dirt trap part, wherein the flange part (44) has a plurality of transverse apertures (46), which are arranged in a grid-like fashion in relation to one another, for holding the fixing means (40).

Abstract: A rear fender assembly for a vehicle is provided. The rear fender assembly has an outer fender having an inner surface, an inner fender having an outer surface connected with the inner surface of the outer fender, and an upper bracket sandwiched between the inner surface of the outer fender and the outer surface of the inner fender. The upper bracket has an outer surface connected with the inner surface of the outer fender. The upper bracket forms an upper protrusion which extends from the outer surface of the upper bracket through a first opening defined by the outer fender.