Abstract: A quarter fender (10) is adapted to mount on a tractor (12) comprising an arcuate top panel (20), a bottom panel (22) that is wider than the top panel (20), and an attachment member (24); the top panel (20) being connected to the bottom panel (22) and secured at its convex back side (36) to the attachment member (24) such that the concave front side (34) of the top panel (20) is facing the front wheel (16) of the tractor (12); the attachment member (24) is further mounted to a step portion (68) of the tractor (12). The quarter fender (10) of the present invention prevents mud, debris and hard objects from being thrown upward and backward to soil or damage the cab (18) and tractor body (14).

Abstract: The present mud flap attachment device provides an apparatus and method for attaching mud flaps to vehicles. An embodiment of the mud flap attachment device includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is configured for mounting to the vehicle and includes a plurality of flap supports configured to receive fasteners. The second plate is of lesser width than the first plate, includes a plurality of support apertures and is hingably attached to the first plate on one end. The plurality of support apertures are positioned such that when the apertures of a mud flap are placed over the flap supports, the second plate can be rotated into a position whereby the flap supports extend through the support apertures and the mud flap is positioned between the first and second plates. Fasteners are then used to engage the flap supports, thereby securely attaching the mud flap to the vehicle.

Abstract: A detachable mud flap assembly securable to a trailer hitch assembly. The hitch and receiver each define a transverse bore. Mud flap mounting arms have tubular inner ends which are joined by a connector. Removably pins adjacent the receiver extend though holes in registry in the arm and connector to secure the assembly. In an alternate embodiment, extension mud flap arms may be secured to the ends of the mounting bars.

Abstract: A fuel absorbent device for maintaining fuel spills and preventing overflow, spillage, and splashes of liquid, fuel, and/or lubricant during a liquid, fuel, and/or lubricant filling process from contacting surfaces adjacent a liquid, fuel, and/or lubricant filler entrance. The fuel absorbent device has absorbent material, an opposing non skid surface, which is substantially impervious to liquid strikethrough, and a hole therethrough. Liquids, fuels, and lubricants contacting the absorbent material are typically contained within the absorbent material, and prevented from reaching adjacent surfaces by the opposing non skid surface, which is substantially impervious to liquid, fuel, and/or lubricant strikethrough. The opposing non skid surface also substantially prevents slippage of the fuel absorbent device thereon surfaces that the fuel absorbent device is removably placed thereon.

Abstract: A mud flap hanger incorporates a tension spring within a mud flap support member of the hanger which can be tensioned from a location external of the support member. The apparatus includes a connector projecting from the support member threadedly connected to a tensioner nut which is rotated to tension the spring. A stop on the connector engages an end of the support member to limit the tension that can be applied to the tension spring.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing road vehicle spray comprises a partial enclosure (10) for a vehicle road wheel (1), defined by a top wall (2), a rear wall (20), and a side wall (12). The rear wall is provided with means for collecting water from water spray in the partial enclosure, the front (28) of the partial enclosure is substantially open and a side wall is provided with one or more air scoops (15) for directing air passing outside the enclosure into the enclosure. The air scoops create an air flow through the enclosure, which can lower the pressure at the front air intake, to suck in, and reduce the effects of, front wheel spray (6), and also cool the tires, while the apparatus also suppresses rear wheel spray (6).

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving the mud flaps mounted on a truck from their normal planar operating position behind the truck's rear tires to a protected position engaging the rear tires. The mud flaps are connected to a mounting member movably connected to the underside of the truck and fixed to the mud flaps to cause the mud flaps to move from a normal operating position and into a generally U-shaped configuration engaging a rear tire. Further, with the mud flaps in the generally U-shaped configuration, selectively causing rotation of the rear tires in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction effectively causes the mud flap to be drawn over the rear tire between positions resting on a forward or rearward facing side of the tire.

Abstract: A trailer guard is disclosed having a right brush assembly having a right brush support, a right mount, and a left brush assembly having a left brush support and a left mount wherein the right support and the left support are joined by a connector and the right mount and left mount are capable of fixedly and removably engaging the existing vehicle trailer hitch support. The right brush and left brush comprise a plurality of flexible plastic strands capable of deflecting stones and dirt.

Abstract: A mud flap system and method for attaching mud flaps to vehicles are provided. The mud flap system is arranged and configured for attachment to a receiver hitch mounted on a vehicle. The receiver hitch includes a transverse bar which includes a tubular wall. The mud flap system includes (a) a mud flap, (b) an integral (i.e., one-piece) beam having a first portion attached to the mud flap and a second portion fastenable to the transverse bar, and (c) a retaining device mounted on the beam and configured to fasten the second portion of the beam to the transverse bar without penetrating any portion of the tubular wall. The mud flap system maybe adapted for use with a transverse bar that has a protuberance, such as a flange, thereon. The second portion of the beam is adapted to be inserted into the opening in the ends of the transverse bar. The retaining device includes an integral retaining block that can be fastened to the beam.

Abstract: A stabilizer for flexible guards provides for the stabilization and control of flexible flaps, brush type devices, and the like as used in motor vehicle mud flaps, car washes, and in conveyor systems. The present stabilizer includes a rigid structure which completely surrounds the guard(s), and which is loosely and flexibly suspended from an overlying structure. The rigid portion of the device is preferably constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or tubing, or any other suitable elongate structural material (e.g., electrical metal tubing, pipe, and/or extruded metallic or non-metallic shapes, such as Tees, channels, angles, etc.). The rigid structure is preferably suspended from the overlying structure by chains at at least both ends of the device, with an additional chain(s) optionally installed at the center area of the device.

Abstract: A universal mudflap bracket mount for mounting a mudflap bracket to a vehicle frame, the bracket mount comprising a frame-mounting block having two opposing surfaces and a frame-mounting opening passing through the frame-mounting block transverse to the surfaces, a bracket-mounting plate having opposing faces, the bracket-mounting plate faces being parallel, at least one of the block surfaces being spaced outwardly from one of the plate faces to accommodate a bolt head, and openings in the bracket-mounting plate for receiving two fasteners of a mudflap bracket, at least one of the openings being arcuate in shape for adjustment of the angular position of the bracket mount with respect to the mudflap bracket.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a wheel housing, a tire and a wheel housing liner, a closure for the wheel housing liner comprising first and second brushes connected to the wheel housing liner, wherein the first brush is inside the wheel housing at a side away from a center of the vehicle near an outside periphery of a tire, and wherein the second brush is inside the wheel housing around a suspension opening contour, wherein the brushes reduce flow of outside air that enters the wheel housing and circulates in the housing, thereby reducing aerodynamic friction and increasing vehicle efficiency.

Abstract: A fender spray shield for preventing overspray onto the paint of a vehicle when tires are sprayed with a cleaning solution. The fender spray shield includes an elongate inner panel that is foldable at predetermined intervals and adapted for positioning adjacent a tire of a vehicle. The intervals define a plurality of sections that are pivotable with respect to each other. Each of the sections of the inner panel has a resiliently deformable core portion positioned between the intervals.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle splash guard is disclosed. The splash guard includes a generally flat and flexible mounting component contoured to be mounted in a wheel well of any vehicle of a class of vehicles and a contoured member shaped to provide body panel engagement with at least one selected vehicle but not all vehicles of the class. The member and the component have engaging portions which are contoured complementally such that when the member and the component are secured together the member and the component together give the appearance of a unitary splash guard custom molded to fit such at least one selected vehicle of the class. A process for making customized splash guards is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mud flap retainer system includes a mud flap retainer member; a plurality of threaded studs extending substantially horizontally and rearward from the rear face of the mud flap retainer member and positioned between the top and bottom ends of the mud flap retainer member; a plurality of nuts, sized for being threaded onto the threaded studs; and a plurality of coupling shoes. Each coupling shoe includes a bore extending substantially horizontally therethrough for receiving a corresponding one of the threaded studs. Thus the shoes can be positioned on the retainer member by sliding threaded studs through the bores. By holding the mud flap between the retainer member and the shoes, and below the threaded studs, and by threading the nuts onto the ends of the threaded studs extending through the rear opening of the bores, the shoes are caused to be pressed towards the retainer member, which in turn, causes the mud flap to be retained between the retainer member and the shoes.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly having an attachment mechanism in the form of a collar. The collar is adapted to fit around a portion of a ball mount or receiver hitch of a trailer hitch. A generally horizontal extending structure is attached to the collar and has splash guards operationally attached to its distal ends. The generally horizontal extending structure can be an integral horizontal bar or a series of bars fixedly or adjustably disposed with respect to the collar. The generally horizontal extending structure can include bent portions allowing the splash guards to be connected to the structure at a different vertical position than that of the collar. The collar can be made of any design that allows a firm connection with the ball mount or receiver hitch. The attachment mechanism can alternatively take the form of a generally horizontal plate adapted to be attached to a bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mud flap lifting device is provided for mounting on a truck or other vehicle in which the device selectively lifts the mud flap away from the tires. A cable has a first end fixedly secured relative to the vehicle and a second end fixedly secured to the mud flap near the lower edge thereof. A power cylinder is mounted to the vehicle in proximity to an upper edge of the mud flap, the cylinder including a movable piston. This piston engages the cable at a location intermediate the first and second ends thereof. In this manner, movement of the piston displaces the cable in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable, thereby moving the mud flap between a fully extended position and a raised position. The existing pneumatic power system of the vehicle may be used and the controls can be mounted in a truck cab to facilitate operation of the device to lift the mud flaps.

Abstract: A wheel well liner for a motor vehicle includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are connected by a living hinge. Preferably, the wheel liner is injection molded to include the first portion, the second portion and the living hinge.

Abstract: A quarter fender may be of a uniform homogenous material with a body having a fender portion, a deflector flap portion, and a mounting portion. The deflector flap portion may include a removable section of a reduced average thickness which may be severed from a neck of the deflector portion and replaced with a replacement deflector section. The neck may include recesses extending partially therethrough, which may be fully penetrated to accommodate fasteners coupling the replacement section to the neck. The upper surface of the fender body may be projection free.

Abstract: A mud flap lifting system for trucks pushes the mud flaps from their inside surface upward and rearward away from the rear tires. Push bars swing about a pivot from the underside of the truck body directly behind the mud flap. The push bars include C-shaped arms which receive the upper portion of the folded mud flap as it is retracted. Fully retracted, the mud flap is compactly folded so that it is less susceptible to damage. The lift mechanism is pneumatically powered by a single centrally-located cylinder which actuates twin linkages on either side of the truck through a transverse pivoting axle so that both mud flaps may be retracted simultaneously by a single pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: A replaceable mud flap system is provided including a rigid sleeve having a bottom face with a slot formed therein. The sleeve includes a hollow interior with a rectangular cross-section. An inboard end of the sleeve is perpendicularly coupled to a frame of a truck rearwardly of one of the tires thereof. An open outboard end allows communication with the hollow interior of the sleeve. An elastomeric flexible planar flap has a rigid guide coupled along a length thereof. The guide has a rectangular cross-section for being removably and slidably situated within the open outboard end of the sleeve such that the flap extends downwardly through the slot of the sleeve. An end cap is removably coupled to the outboard end of the sleeve for maintaining the flap within the sleeve.

Abstract: A mud flap holder for mounting the on rear portion of a vehicle behind its rear wheels, wherein the mud flap is held between the back plate of the holder and a pivotally mounted jaw cover by spring loaded tension. The mud flap is inserted in the holder by first opening the jaw cover of the holder, for example with a lever, placing the flap between the jaw cover and back plate of the holder, and releasing the lever so that the jaw cover closes, securing the mud flap between the back plate and the jaw cover. In a preferred embodiment, the mud flap is not damaged if the flap is accidentally pulled out from the holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting stabilizing jacks mounted on a travel trailer from contaminations which may be incident on the leading edge of a stabilizer jack when the travel is being pulled.

Abstract: A wheel-arch cover panel for a motor vehicle is formed by a thermoformed, laminar structure, and comprises a layer of plastics material impermeable to liquids, at least one layer of fabric, particularly a non-woven fabric, which is applied to the face of the layer of plastics material facing towards the wheel of the motor vehicle and at least a third layer of expanded plastics material on the face facing towards the bodywork.

Abstract: A support system for mounting mud flaps on the rear of a vehicle. The system includes a hub portion which has been adapted for mounting on a hitch at the rear of the vehicle and includes an adjustable support for attaching a mud flap support to the hub portion. At least one mud flap support is attached to the height adjustable support so that at least one mud flap may be supported from the mud flap support and the height of the mud flap relative to the vehicle may be adjusted through the height adjustable support.

Abstract: A splash guard assembly for preventing debris splash-back and vehicle damage is described. This assembly permits the tool free, vertical adjustment of a mud flap while attached to a vehicle. Further, the assembly prevents the build-up of debris between itself and the vehicle. The invention may be used, for example, with any vehicle capable of carrying a conventional mud flap, or may be customized to any other vehicle.

Abstract: A tire tread catcher consisting of canister that catches tread as they are thrown off tire(s) and a housing surrounding the tire(s) to funnel and direct tread and road debris to the canister. The canister is attached to a truck or trailer undercarriage adjacent to and right behind the tires. The canister is open towards the tire and may have a scope shaped bottom edge. The housing encloses the front and sides of the tire. The front plate of the housing can be tapered to reduce wind resistance. The side plates also reduces wind resistance and protects the tire(s) from sun exposure. The housing helps to ensure any tread thrown off the tire is directed towards the canister, where the tread and debris is captured and retained.

Abstract: A splashy-water removing apparatus for vehicle wheels including a plurality of water removing units mounted on a vehicle to be disposed around each vehicle wheel, each water removing unit having a plurality of energy-eliminating strips arcuately juxtapositionally secured in a casing arcuately disposing about each wheel for eliminating the dynamic energy of the water droplets as centrifugally thrusted by a rotating wheel and for collecting the droplets entering the water removing unit, and a water discharge system fluidically connecting all the water removing units, whereby upon running of a vehicle on a rainy road at high speed, the splashy water as thrusted from each wheel will be deactivated and collected in the water removing units and then drained rearwardly through the water discharge system for preventing the formation of water fog for preventing unclear vision for a rear vehicle.

Abstract: A hanger and bracket apparatus for mounting to a frame of a vehicle and for attachment of a mud flap. The hanger and bracket apparatus comprises a plate member, a bracket member, and a hanger member. The plate member has a pair of slotted channels and a pair of apertures located between the slotted channels. A pair of bolt members are respectively inserted through the pair of apertures on the plate member and threadedly engaged with a pair of nut members for securing the plate member to the frame of the vehicle. The bracket member has two protruding edges for inserting into and permanently affixed to the slotted channels of the plate member respectively and secured to the plate member by welding or soldering material. The bracket member also has a top wall and a bottom wall each having a pair of apertures. The hanger member has a top wall with a pair of apertures and two opposite sidewalls.

Abstract: A high strength mud flap (16) for deflecting debris (18) from a rear wheel (20) of a truck (22) comprising a plurality of curved flexible strong strips (24) of equal lengths. A facility (26) is for attaching abutting side edges of the curved flexible strong strips (24) together to produce a desired width thereof. A flexible strong band (28) is of a length equal to the width of the abutting curved flexible strong strips (24). A facility (30) is for affixing the flexible strong band (28) across the entire bottom edges (32) of the abutting curved flexible strong strips (24). A device (34) is for drilling a plurality of spaced apart anchor holes (36) adjacent the entire top edges (38) of the abutting curved flexible strong strips (24), so as to be mounted to a mud flap bracket (40) behind the rear wheel (20) of the truck (22). A plurality of flexible strong narrow straps (42) are provided. Each narrow strap (42) is of a length equal to the lengths of the curved flexible strong strips (24).

Abstract: A mud flap mount for releasably mounting mud flaps to vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, trailers and the like, to prevent damage to the mounting system, vehicle or mud flap when excessive downward force is exerted on the mud flap. The mud flap mount of the present invention comprises a planar member that connects to and extends downward from the angle bracket found under most vehicles. A shaped member attaches to the planar member, forming a cavity between the planar member and the shaped member. An opening is formed at the bottom of the cavity. The enlarged upper section is an insert member is slidably received within the cavity and releasably held by the planar member and shaped member until a downward force of a predetermined amount is applied to the mud flap, causing the upper section of the insert member to exit the cavity through the opening. By releasing the insert member upon application of a predetermined amount of force, the mud flap mount prevents damage to the mud flap, mount and vehicle.

Abstract: A staged coinjection molding process to produce a vehicular mud guard or similar molded article having regions of different mechanical properties. The process includes the steps of injecting a relatively small quantity of low flexural modulus (flexible) plastic resin to form a skin along the proximal walls of the mold cavity, followed by an injection of high flexural modulus (stiff) plastic resin. Finally, a second injection of flexible resin is introduced into the mold to force to stiff material to the distal region of the mold. This results in the two dissimilar plastic materials having a longitudinal interface to reduce the risk of delamination.

Abstract: A mud flap extender for mounting on the rear quarter panel behind each rear wheel or wheels of a truck or other vehicle and suspending a mud flap a sufficient distance rearwardly of the wheel(s) to prevent the wheel(s) from engaging the mud flap and tearing the mud flap from the vehicle frame when the vehicle is operated in reverse. Each mud flap extender is characterized by a fender module that matches the curvature of the vehicle rear quarter panel and typically mounts on the wheel well plate of the rear quarter panel and an angle-iron mount plate having a top flange for engaging the fender module and a bottom flange for mounting a mud flap which is suspended downwardly from the fender module in spaced relationship with respect to the rear wheel or wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing tire/road noise caused by a moving motor vehicle includes a spray water protective lining 3 in a wheel box 2 and/or a spray protective flap 41 mounted on the wheel box 2. The spray water protective lining 3 includes a composite layer structure which has at least one layer 17 for absorbing sound and at least one layer 11 for reducing spray mist.

Abstract: An accessory mounting unit for attachment to the rear end of a truck having an elongate substantially rigid mounting member which is coupled through a spring connection to a truck frame rail. Front and rear bumper shells having convex curvilinear external configurations are sealingly secured to front and rear faces of the mounting member. A depending portion of the mounting member is adapted to have a mudflap attached thereto, and apertures formed in the rear bumper shell are adapted to receive accessories such as vehicle lights.

Abstract: A mud flap adapter is provided for use behind the rear wheels of a truck having a hitch receiver with an elongated sleeve extending along the rear of the truck. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises a channel with hooked lower end between which the upper end of the mud flap is disposed. At the end of the channel opposite to the mud flap, the channel is secured to the hitch receiver sleeve via a J-bolt tightened against a flange mounted on the end of the hitch receiver sleeve when the adapter is in a telescoping relationship with the hitch receiver sleeve. A second embodiment of the present invention contemplates use of the adapter with a hitch receiver sleeve having closed ends. The sleeve end and the channel end are each equipped with cooperating flanges so that when the channel end of the sleeve end are abutted, the respective flanges are firmly but releasably secured to one another, thus also securing the mud flap adapter to the hitch receiver.

Abstract: The invention provides a truck wheel containment frame, for enclosing and containing disengaged wheels of a vehicle within an interior of the frame. The frame includes support posts extending from the truck body and disposed laterally outward of the wheels. Containment bars or sheet metal span between each adjacent post for containing a disengaged wheel within the interior of the frame bounded the containment bars, the vehicular body and a roadway surface. The containment bars are disposed above the roadway a distance less than the thickness of a disengaged wheel. Releasable fasteners releasably connect the containment bars to the support posts. Preferably the truck wheel containment frame includes sensors for sensing the presence of a disengaged truck wheel within the interior of the frame. The invention may be applied to any type of truck such as a truck trailer combination multi-trailer assemblies, cement trucks, dump truck, liquid transport trailers and others.

Abstract: An adjustable mud flap holder which can be used as an anti-wrap device for a truck or trailer or the like wherein the mud flap is secured to the vehicle by a mounting member disposed along the upper edge thereof The mud flap holder has a pair of inverted U-shaped mounting supports which have their U-shaped upper ends formed for engaging the front side of the mud flap mounting member proximate the upper opposite ends of the mud flap. The mounting supports are formed to allow a horizontal cross-bar member to be slidably attached proximate the lower ends thereof at variable heights along the mounting supports and for permitting the upper ends of the mounting supports to be disposed at variable spacing from each other to fit different width mud flaps.

Abstract: A splash guard is adapted to fit any one of a set of vehicles having fender wheel well opening curvatures falling within a predetermined range while providing an aesthetic appearance of being custom molded for any vehicle of the set on which the splash guard is intended to be mounted. The splash guard includes a mounting section for connection to a fender, a splash arresting section connected to the mounting section and extending downwardly from the mounting section when the splash guard is in use, and a flange section connected to the mounting and arresting sections. The flange section includes a pleated portion enabling enhanced flange deformation to accommodate a wide range of vehicle configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle mud guard made from discarded tires connected to a T-flange is connected to the vehicle body. The tires are recycled and easily attached to the T-flange.

Abstract: A mud flap bracket assembly (16) for a slider suspension has a forward portion (22) adapted to be fixedly secured to a shortened slider rail (14), and a rearward portion (28) adapted to be slidably mounted to a body rail (12). Mud flaps (30) are suspended from the rearward portion (28).

Abstract: A fender liner for a dual wheel fender formed of epoxy-fiberglass and having a substantially flat top and an inboard side for attaching to a vehicle with bolts along the top of the fender on the inboard side. The fender liner is formed as an elongated flat panel made of sheet material with an inboard side flange. The flat panel runs substantially the length and breadth of the flat top on the inside of the fender for guarding the underside of the flat top against damage by rocks and other objects which may be hurled up against it. The fender liner is attached to the fender along the inboard side flange by the bolts attaching the fender to the vehicle along the top of the fender.

Abstract: A retractable mud flap assembly for a motor vehicle includes an enclosure having a forward end and a rearward end and a generally flat profile and being open at its rearward end. A mud flap of a flat flexible shape is positioned for retraction into the enclosure and extension therefrom. A linear actuator, which is preferably a double acting hydraulically or pneumatically actuated cylinder, is attached to the mud flap and adapted to apply force thereto to extend and retract them. Preferably a downwardly curved lip extends from the lowermost rear surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: In order to improve a spray protection device for vehicles or vehicles trailers for reducing the spray occurring behind a travelling vehicle and produced by the wheels running on wet roads, the spray protection device having the form of a flat structure with a first side facing the relevant vehicle wheel and a second side facing away from this wheel, whereby the first side is formed by an inlet layer having water passage openings, at the back of this inlet layer facing away from the first side at least one spacer is provided for creating a void between the inlet layer and a carrier for the spacer and the inlet layer, such that it is economically produceable and can be fitted to any type of vehicle, it is proposed that the spray protection device be designed such that its inlet layer is formed from a textile material web flexible in any direction.

Abstract: A vehicle flap (10) carried in a rearward position with respect to a vehicle tire (12) including a frame (14) with a pair of substantially parallel side walls (22) substantially perpendicular to and carried by a top member (18). The top member (18) is adapted to be carried by a vehicle (48). Vehicle flap (10) has a front side facing a tire (12) opposite a rear side. A roll base (34) extends outwardly toward vehicle tire (12) from near the bottom of flap (10). Vehicle mud flap (10) also has a plurality of arcuate, angularly-directed parallel vanes (24) which extend between the side walls (22) and extend downwardly from the front side to the rear side of the flap (10). The parallel vanes (24) form a plurality of openings (28) such that the parallel vanes (24) redirect any debris from the rotating vehicle tire (12) downwardly through the debris openings (28) while allowing the flow of air therethrough.

Abstract: This invention is related to a safety apparatus for reducing side spray for trucks and other vehicles. The apparatus includes a flexible flap suspended behind the tires of the vehicle with a stiffening device of relatively elongate construction arranged at the outer edge thereof and extending forwardly therefrom. The flap further lacks any substantial stiffening element at the inner edge thereby effecting the flap so that the flap deflects inwardly along the inner edge of the flap and thereby directs air currents and roadway fluids to the inside of the truck. The stiffening device also obstructs fluids from passing around the outer edge of the flap with a forwardly extending main wall portion and an inwardly directed leading wall portion.

Abstract: A device to block and divert lateral water spray generated from a vehicle, the vehicle including a plurality of tires and a body having a pair of lateral sides on opposite sides of a center, an underside between said lateral sides, and a rear. The device includes a first gutter portion attached to one said lateral side to trap and direct said water spray toward said rear. A second gutter portion is in fluid communication with the first gutter portion in order to divert the water spray from the lateral side toward the center and away from the underside down toward the ground.

Abstract: A breakable bolt assembly comprising a pin member, a collet member and a thumb knob member. The assembly is designed to mount without the use of hand or power tools, and features a pin member which breaks apart when the shear force on it exceeds a predetermined magnitude. The pin member comprises an elongated pin body and a pin head. A proximal length portion of the pin body has a plurality of flutes transverse to the length of the pin body and spaced from each other by ribs. The diameter of the pin body at the flute most proximate the pin head is smaller than at the more distal flutes. Thus, shear force is transferred to the most proximal flute, and when the force exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the pin member breaks apart at the juncture of the pin body and pin head. The collet member has an internal passage for receiving the distal end of the pin member, and is compressible around the pin member.

Abstract: A rock deflector for a trailer is described which includes a deflector shield having a top, a bottom, a first face and a second face. A first mounting bracket is pivotally secured to the bottom of the deflector shield, whereby the deflector shield is pivotally mounted in a transverse orientation to a neck of a trailer. A brace is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the first face of the deflector shield. A second mounting bracket is secured to the second end of the brace, whereby the brace is mounted to a neck of a trailer.