Abstract: In an electric vehicle, the generation of unusual sounds due to the movement of snow and ice remaining in an undercover is prevented, thereby enhancing silence. An electric vehicle comprising an undercover arranged below a vehicle floor is provided. The undercover comprises: a substantially flat-plate cover body that covers the vehicle floor from the vehicle front side to the vehicle rear side; a discharge portion for discharging snow and ice that have entered between the vehicle floor and the cover body; and an upward protruding portion which is arranged on the vehicle front side relative to the discharge portion and which is formed to extend in a vehicle width direction and to protrude upwardly from the plane including the cover body.

Abstract: An automotive air deflector is substantially V-shaped with a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around the deflector. The deflector is configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. The air deflector is constructed of a lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment but is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes so as to accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles and in the various locations on those vehicles. By reducing turbulence and providing for the smooth flow of air around the vehicle, the air deflector reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs.

Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle has an engine compartment protected from mud and water splash by wheel well shields and a centrally located underbody splash guard member, arranged to substantially block mud and water from splashing back toward an engine during operation of the vehicle. These splash guards are also configured to ensure a space for maintenance. The vehicle includes inner wheel well shields located respectively laterally inside of the front wheels, and an underbody splash guard member including first and second guard portions. The first guard portion provided on the underbody splash guard member is located laterally inside of the wheel well shields, and the second guard portion is located laterally inside of the first guard portion for covering a front portion of the engine.

Abstract: Fender flares are disclosed for attachment to a vehicle having a mud flap and a wheel well that generally defines a volume. Vehicles that include fender flares are also disclosed. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body having a first surface and a second surface that together define a mud-flap channel that is adapted to receive the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body that is configured to support more than one side of the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes an inner portion extending from an outer portion, with the inner portion having a first surface adapted to support a front side of a mud flap, and with the outer portion having a second surface adapted to support a rear side of a mud flap.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle that effectively cools an engine using running wind while inhibiting damage to the engine caused by contact with the road surface or objects thrown up by a front wheel. An under cover is disposed beneath a leg shield. An opening that opens toward the front of the vehicle is formed in the under cover. A fender lower end section is positioned above a lower end section of the under cover. An engine is disposed to the rear of the opening.

Abstract: A mud flap for land vehicles, comprising at least one drive element (4) cooperating with the mud flap (1) for pivoting thereof to a desired position around the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle with a protective panel. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a frame to which components of the vehicle are attached. At least one fender is attached to the frame. An opening is located on the at least one fender. At least one of a headlight and a light assembly is disposed at the opening. A suspension system is attached to the frame, and the suspension system comprises at least one wheel disposed adjacent the opening. A protective panel is attached to the at least one fender and is located adjacent the at least one wheel and the opening. The protective panel includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel is joined to the lower panel by a living hinge so that at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel is movable between and open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A front bicycle mudguard is detachably coupled with a clamping assembly. The mudguard has a main body, and a head portion is defined on an end of the main body, with a fixed end provided on an extremity of the head portion. The clamping assembly includes one first clamping device and two second clamping devices. The first clamping device includes a tightening member and a clamping member. The tightening member is inserted into an orifice of a front fork of the bicycle, with an end of the clamping member engaged with the tightening member. Another end of the clamping member is detachably installed to the fixed end. Each second clamping device includes a belt adapted to quickly attach to/detach from the front fork.

Abstract: A mud flap is provided with an integrally molded upstanding tab which captures a free edge of a wheel liner or similar wheel well-forming vehicle body element. The upstanding tab may be combined with OEM screw holes or clamping members to affix the mud flap to the vehicle wheel well.

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: 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 present invention relates to a mud flap lifting system for raising and lowering a pair of mud flaps connected to a rear portion of a vehicle and suspended behind corresponding rear wheels of the vehicle. A shaft extends between the mud flaps. First and second sheaves are disposed on the shaft, wherein each of the sheaves is aligned with one of the mud flaps. A pair of cables is provided, each of the cables having a first end connected to one of the sheaves and a second end connected to the correspondingly aligned mud flap. A motor is coupled to the shaft, wherein the shaft is axially rotated upon actuation of the motor. Each of the cables is coiled around the corresponding sheave upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, thereby raising the mud flaps.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle with a protective panel. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a frame to which components of the vehicle are attached. At least one fender is attached to the frame. An opening is located on the at least one fender. At least one of a headlight and a light assembly is disposed at the opening. A suspension system is attached to the frame, and the suspension system comprises at least one wheel disposed adjacent the opening. A protective panel is attached to the at least one fender and is located adjacent the at least one wheel and the opening. The protective panel includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel is joined to the lower panel by a living hinge so that at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel is movable between and open position and a closed position.

Abstract: The power-operated mud flap device may include a mud flap adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer face of the existing vehicle tire. The device may also include a mechanism for automatically displacing the mud flap between a raised and a lowered position defined along a vertical plane. The automatic displacing mechanism may further include a drive shaft coupled to a power actuated motor. First and second linear adjustable driven shafts may be mated to the drive shaft. The driven shafts are preferably registered perpendicular to the drive shaft. Additionally, each driven shaft may include a threaded male member and a female member containing an axial bore. The male member may be rotatably inserted into and extracted from the female member in such a way that the longitudinal length of the driven shaft decreases and increases respectively, thus displacing the mud flap into a raised or lowered position respectively.

Abstract: Bicycle frame, of the type which consist of a diagonal tube (1) of quadrangular section, in which at least in the mid-upper zone (11) of the diagonal tube (1) which faces the bicycle wheel, the outer side (10) of said quadrangular section is concave, and the size (a) of said outer side (10) increases approximately from the upper section (A:A) to the central section (C:C) of the diagonal tube (1).

Abstract: A vehicle operation assembly comprising: stairs including a step; and a vehicle operation system positioned behind the stairs such that the step of the stairs is exposed for use in front of the vehicle operation system, the stairs being adapted to permit access to the vehicle operation system. The vehicle operation system may include a sleeper cab heater, a hydraulic system, a diesel generator, or a fuel supplement system such as a hydrogen generating system.

Abstract: A suspension is provided for mud flaps to be deployed behind wheels of a vehicle. The suspension allows for resilient translation of the mud flaps, such as should they get pinched against a curb and the wheels. A housing is adapted to be coupled to a bumper or other frame portion of the vehicle. The housing supports a spring therein. Cables are coupled to opposite ends of the spring and also to one of the mud flaps. When downward forces are exerted on one of the mud flaps, the cable associated allows the mud flap to translate downward slightly and cause the spring to be extended. When the loads subside, the spring causes the mud flap to return. In one embodiment a single suspension suspends two mud flaps over separate wheels. In a second embodiment, the suspension supports a single mud flap over a single wheel or wheel set.

Abstract: A shield for a component, such as a weight gauge box, of a tractor trailer is described. The shield includes a bracket for mounting of a shield member, such as a heavy rubber mud flap, that mounts the flap rearward of the component and forward of wheels of the tractor trailer. The shield limits the likelihood of damage to the component by impact from an object thrown by the wheels and also limits the deposit of road dirt and grime thrown by the wheels.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an all terrain straddle-type vehicle for carrying a load including a rider. The vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of wheels, a rear fender, a front fender, and a body panel. The wheels, including front and rear wheels coupled to the frame. The fenders are secured to the frame for covering the wheels. The fenders are formed from a plastic material having a smooth portion and a textured portion thereon. The smooth and textured portions are disposed adjacent to one another and formed integrally on the fender. The textured portion is positioned on the fender in a location of frequent rider or other load contact. The body panel is secured to the frame forward of the rear fender. The body panel includes a textured portion situated in a location of frequent rider contact. A method of manufacturing a fender is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fairing assembly 100 is demountably coupled to a vehicle and includes a first and second support structure 112 and 122 fixedly secured to the vehicle. The fairing assembly 100 further includes a first support member 136 having first end coupled to the first support structure 112 and a second end coupled to the second support structure 122. A first elastic compression member 170 is positioned between the first end of the first support member 136 and the first support structure 112, and a second elastic compression member 170 is positioned between the second end of the first support member 136 and the second support structure 122. The first and second elastic compression members 170 impart opposing forces on the first support member 136 to position the first support member relative to the first and second support structures 112 and 122.

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

Abstract: 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: A recycled tire vehicle mud flap includes a substantially flat structure having a predetermined shape and thickness for use as a mud flap, composed of fused shredded rubber from used tires and including at least one sidewall, a front, a back, and a connection mechanism adapted for connection to an outside of a vehicle in a position behind a vehicle wheel; such that the at least one vehicle mud flap is connectable via the connection mechanism to the outside of a vehicle to facilitate repression of elements hitting the motor vehicle, thereby providing enhanced protection in isolating the motor vehicle and following vehicles on a roadway from the elements.

Abstract: The drilling of new holes into a vehicle fender fold is avoided by providing a mud flap with a rotating clamping member. A clamping arm of the rotating clamping member is rotated from a disengaged position to an engaged position behind the fender fold, and is then drawn forwardly on the threads of an attachment bolt to clamp the fender fold between the rotating clamping member and a stationary clamping member in-molded into the mud flap. A visual indicator may be provided to show whether the rotating clamping member is behind the vehicle fender fold to which the mud flap is to be attached.

Abstract: A removable mud flap includes a panel member having a curved top mounting edge, and a reinforced malleable engagement channel attached along the curved top mounting edge and adapted to frictionally engage a fender flange. The reinforced malleable engagement channel includes an interior U-shaped gripping surface defining a cavity, a plurality of opposed gripping lips protruding into the cavity, a plurality of gripping ribs protruding into said cavity, an exterior surface and an intermediate malleable U-shaped channel disposed between the interior U-shaped gripping surface and the exterior surface. The reinforced malleable engagement channel securely grips a fender flange without damaging the finish of the fender. The mud flap may be removed, without tools and without damaging the fender, by pulling it from the fender.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for fixing fenders in motorcycles. It is essentially characterized in that it comprises applying a key 1, 5 to a specific fixing area of the fender, such key being either interchangeable, so that the holes thereon are made to match the holes in the fender, or able to move along the fixing area. Therefor, it is respectively provided with specific holes that are adapted to each model of motorcycle or with slant openings which, by sliding the key, allow for a coincident location with horizontal openings of the fender's fixing area.

Abstract: Fender flares are disclosed for attachment to a vehicle having a mud flap and a wheel well that generally defines a volume. Vehicles that include fender flares are also disclosed. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body having a first surface and a second surface that together define a mud-flap channel that is adapted to receive the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes a body that is configured to support more than one side of the mud flap of a corresponding vehicle. In some embodiments, a fender flare includes an inner portion extending from an outer portion, with the inner portion having a first surface adapted to support a front side of a mud flap, and with the outer portion having a second surface adapted to support a rear side of a mud flap.

Abstract: A method of installing a mud flap onto a vehicle having a fender which has a contour, so that the mud flap is in a predetermined position. A mud flap installation kit is used. This kit has a mud flap that defines a set of at least three apertures positioned along a curve that parallels the fender contour and a set of flat clips equal in number to the apertures, each flat clip having a bolt and a leaf, defining a leaf aperture. Each flat clip bolt is threaded through a mud flap aperture and a leaf aperture. Then the mud flap is aligned so that each of the apertures is a predetermined distance from the fender, thereby placing the mud flap in the predetermined position. Finally, the flat clips are used to clamp the mud flap to the fender.

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: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

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 mudflap assembly comprising a bracket for connection to a vehicle and a swiveling support is claimed. A mudflap support bar is connected to an upper end of the swiveling support for supporting a mudflap. The bracket rotatably receives the free lower end of the swiveling support hanger and maintains the mudflap support bar in an initial resting position until the support bar is acted upon by a horizontal force. A spring installed on the free lower end of the swiveling support hanger provides compressive force against the bracket.

Abstract: A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body including a continuous rail wall of substantially uniform thickness. The rail wall describes a continuous cross-sectional profile between two elongated free edges, the cross-sectional profile of the rail being substantially uniform along the length of the rail body. The cross-sectional profile of the rail body includes a relatively flat top portion disposed between a substantially semi-circular front curved portion and a substantially quarter-circular rear curved portion. A rear mounting lip extends forward from the rear curved portion to one of the elongated free edges. A front mounting lip extends upward and then rearwards from the front curved portion to another of the elongated free edges. The elongated free edges are generally in line with one another, but spaced apart to define a longitudinal channel therebetween having a predetermined width. The rail body is formed from a sheet of material by a process of roll forming.

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 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: A splash guard assembly for an over the highway vehicle and a kit for making the assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a contoured splash guard and an intermediate mounting element for positioning between the splash guard and a vehicle side panel. The guard and the element are complementally contoured to fit together. The element is also contoured to fit a specific vehicle panel adjacent a wheel well of a vehicle having such panel. When assembled the element and panel are interconnected to enable mounting of the guard. Fasteners securing the element and guard together and the element to the panel.

Abstract: A body cover, for a vehicle with a saddle seat, includes a cover main body disposed at a central part in a lateral direction of the vehicle, and fenders which are provided for covering wheels of the vehicle disposed at lateral sides, and which are attached to the cover main body. The fenders are attached to the cover main body in a state in which abutting surfaces of the fenders abut against side wall surfaces of the cover main body, respectively.

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 bracket and mud flap assembly for vehicles and heavy equipment with a generally planar rectangular backing, a perpendicular flange attached to and extending across the top edge of the generally planar rectangular backing and a bracket that is below the area of the top edge and having two ends, the bracket being triangular in cross-section and being raised on each end of the bracket forming a slot across the generally planar rectangular backing and the bracket. The generally planar and rectangular mud-flap itself has a raised triangle-shaped protrusion running across its width and can be pulled between and through the front facing of the generally planar and rectangular backing and the bracket until the raised triangle-shaped protrusion is received in the slot.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with an automated device for covering the windows of the vehicle. The device comprises a collection container, a plurality of the extensions attached to the collection container, a motor attached to the collection container to rotate the collection container, and a covering attached to the plurality of extensions and sized to cover the windows of the vehicle. The rotation of the collection container extends and retracts the plurality of extensions which results in the deployment of the covering over the windows of the vehicle and the collection of the covering from the windows of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of extensions comprises malleable metal strips with eyelets at the end of the metal strips. The eyelets and the metal strips are positioned within sleeves or channels which are made integral to the covering. The covering includes a reflective fabric that is substantially opaque to sunlight.

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.