Abstract: A mud flap comprises a rigid element which is permanently attached to a vehicle, a bracket depending from the bottom of the rigid element, and a flexible flap element releasably attached within a channel of the bracket. Pins through holes in the channel walls form the releasable attachment. The pins terminate in resilient detents. When a detent is not deformed, the shaft and detent is larger than the holes in the channel walls. This serves to retain the pin within the holes in normal use. However, an operator may nevertheless grasp the enlarged pin head and extract the pin when it is desired to remove the releasable element.

Abstract: A fender for a rotating tire. The fender has a leading section with parabolic shape vanes which control and discharge downwardly spray cast from the tire. A side shield is spaced apart from the upper half of the tire. The shield has specially dimensional louvers which ensure that the flow rate of the air therethrough is uniform as discharged from the shield to cool the tire and brake assembly.

Abstract: A splashguard capable of being applied to a wide variety of motor vehicles comprises a primary panel, a secondary panel having an area substantially less than the primary panel, and a tertiary panel. The primary panel has an outer edge, an inner edge, a bottom edge, and a top edge. The primary panel also has a forward splash-deflecting surface and an opposite rearward surface, the rearward surface being attachable directly to the wheel arch of a motor vehicle. The primary panel is elastically deformable to conform with the curvature of the wheel arch for a wide variety of motor vehicles. The secondary panel depends from the outer edge and the bottom edge of the primary panel and forms an angle of less than 180.degree. with the forward surface of the primary panel. The secondary panel has a proximal edge connected to the primary panel and a distal edge, the distal edge of the secondary panel lying substantially in a single plane. The tertiary panel depends from the distal edge of the secondary panel.

Abstract: The mist suppressant panel system (10) mounted to the rear of each vehicle wheel and tire (12 and 16) includes a mounting bar (26) attached to the vehicle frame (18). Four mist suppressant panels (28) are attached to the mounting bar (26). The mist suppressant panels (28) each have a mist suppressant surface (34) with an outboard edge (40), an inboard edge (82), a top edge (84), and a bottom edge (86). The mist suppresant surface (34) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the top edge (84) at an angle of about ten degrees from a vertical plane. The mist suppressant surface also extends rearwardly and inwardly from the outboard edge (40) at an angle of about forty-five degrees from a vertical plane that is transverse to the direction of vehicle travel. A plurality of parallel vanes (36) extend outwardly from the mist suppressant surface (34) to form grooves (38) that absorb kinetic energy from water drops and condense water drops. Spoilers (48) can be added to the vanes (36), if desired.

Abstract: A configuration for a splashguard as may be mounted rearwardly of at least one vehicle wheel to deflect and redirect water and other substances being sprayed rearwardly by a rotating tire. The splashguard comprises a rectangularly shaped body having a plurality of angularly disposed vanes or louvers which function to deflect and redirect water droplets and other materials downwardly upward the roadway surface rather than sidewardly or rearwardly into the paths of following traffic.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel splash attenuator has a deflection-suppressing member designed to be installed in a tire housing so as to face a tire and define a space of more than 15 mm between itself and the inner face of the tire housing. The deflection-suppressing member has strands formed therein which define a plurality of apertures through which muddy water flung by the tire is passed. The deflection-suppressing member thus suppresses the deflection of the muddy water impinging upon the tire housing. The opening ratio of the apertures is within a range of 25 to 55%, the diameter of the apertures elongated circumferentially of the tire is within a range of 30 to 150 mm, and the width of those strands defining the apertures and facing the tire is within a range of 2 to 15 mm. The cross-section of at least those strands projected toward the tire is shaped into a triangle whose apex is directed toward the tire and whose bottom is directed toward the tire housing.

Abstract: A tire chain hanger support assembly connectable to a support frame of a vehicle and having 1) a main support frame assembly secured to the support frame; 2) a chain support frame assembly telescopingly mounted on the main support frame assembly; 3) a telescoping control assembly to limit axial outer lateral movement of the chain support frame assembly; and 4) a mud flap support assembly connected to the chain support frame assembly. The chain support frame assembly is selectively operable to be moved outwardly laterally of the support frame and includes a chain support assembly to receive and convey tire chains. The chain support assembly is movable to a stored condition and held in a locked condition by the telescoping control assembly. The mud flap assembly includes a forward flap assembly connected to the chain support frame assembly and a rear flap assembly operable to be connected to the support frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppression of spray-mist escaping from the wheel area of vehicles having laterally spaced wheels comprises an exhaust suction apparatus located on each side of the vehicle, each suction apparatus has a fender surrounding a respective one of the laterally spaced wheels, the fender having a circumferential upper portion and a suction hood formed on an inner portion of the fender, an inner wall having a plurality of suction intake openings is located within the fender and laterally spaced from the suction hood, a suction tube is connected at one end to an outlet formed in the suction hood and at an opposite end to an exhaust conduit, the exhaust conduit has an exhaust outlet located at a rear end of the vehicle, and apparatus for creating a suction force in the suction tube for directing spray-mist from the fender to the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A wheel-housing shell for incorporation in mudguards of a motor vehicle extends at least approximately parallel to the mudguard and over a considerable part of the inner periphery of the mudguard; the shell forms a hoselike channel having an air inlet at its end at the front in the driving direction and at its other end an air outlet directed towards the roadway, is improved in that the wheel-housing shell is equipped with orifices which assist and make easier the passage of water splashes into the channel; and such a wheel-housing shell is covered with a sound attenuating filter mat on the side of the respective shell facing the wheel and over the respective entire surface that extends parallel to the mudguard.

Abstract: A spray control device for controlling the lateral discharge of spray generated by the rotation of a wheel of a wheeled vehicle during its forward movement over a wet surface, comprises a hollow body mountable to a sidewall of the vehicle above and laterally outwardly in relation to the wheel of the vehicle. The hollow body has a vertically elongated forwardly opening inlet at a forward end thereof for intaking air into the hollow body during forward movement of the vehicle, a horizontally elongated laterally inwardly directed outlet at a lower edge of the body, and at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet for directing air flow from the inlet to the outlet, which channel decreases in cross-sectional area from the inlet to the outlet whereby air flow speed is increased to create a high velocity air screen directed inwardly above and across the wheel toward the center of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle mudguard comprises a front member having openings facing the tire and a back member arresting and draining water which has passed through the openings. A space is formed between the front and back members. One embodiment has vertically spaced draining ribs fitted on the front part of the back member and a plurality of projections arranged, at least, among the draining ribs. A second embodiment has a water-permeable middle member having a three-dimensional, irregular-shaped foam structure situated in a space between the front and back members.

Abstract: A spray suppressant brush apparatus is mounted to a vehicle fender adjacent to the ground-engaging tires. The apparatus comprises a dual channel mounting member. The first channel is preferably U-shaped and slidably receives the base of a spray suppressant brush. The second channel is preferably C-shaped and slidably receives a rolled outboard edge of the vehicle fender. The C-shaped channel has a first arm and a second, thickened arm which substantially surrounds the rolled edge of the vehicle fender. The thickened arm has a lever flange which extends along the top edge of the fender a short distance. Outward force exerted on the spray suppressant brush is resisted by the thickened arm and the lever flange thereof.

Abstract: An improved fender flap and improved side skirts are presented for suppressing spray and coalescing and directing water droplets thrown from rotating tires of vehicles via centrifugal forces, or formed over the tires by the impact of high velocity throw on flat surfaces over the wheels. They are primarily of value to wheeled vehicles, especially large commercial trucks or tractor-trailer combinations. The preferred embodiments herein disclosed are used as fender flap and side skirts, located respectively behind and beside the wheel.The fender flap has symmetric closely spaced apart wedges aligned vertically parallel to the planes of rotation of the tire and a base having slanted slots between the wedges that deflect the coalesced and condensed water toward the center of the fender flap behind the fender flap.

Abstract: A mudflap for vehicles, whereby said the mudflap has a flat main body (1) with ribs (11), arranged in a V-formation for the intercepting, slowing-down and diverting of water thrown up from the wheel of a vehicle, and channels (24, 26, 29), for guiding water intercepted and diverted in the central area (9) down and away, located in two side areas (10) arranged symmetrically about the central longitudinal plane (8). The ribs are provided in a V-formation inclined downwardly from their apex in the region of the central longitudinal plane (8), and have a cross-section which tapers from the main body (1) to the free end. They are arranged so close to each other that the grooves (14) between the ribs (11) have approximately the same cross-sectional area, admittedly the other way round, as the cross-sectional area of the ribs (11).

Abstract: A wheel cover for catching spray water, dirt or the like, which, in its operating position, is located opposite to and at a distance from the tread periphery of the associated wheel and protrudes downwards relative to the level of the vehicle floor and which can be moved upwards into a non-operating position in which it is substantially retracted into the body of the vehicle. No complicated guide is necessary for the changeover of the wheel cover between its operating position and its non-operating position, since it is hinged on the body of the vehicle and can be pivoted to take up the non-operating position under the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A shield device for protecting the front lower portion of a boat or automobile which is trailered behind a towing vehicle via a tongue frame member is constructed of an elongated rigid bar whose extremities pendantly hold paired resilient shield members. A mounting bracket, configured to releasibly attach to the tongue frame member, contains an upwardly directed pivot post which penetrates the elongated bar at its midpoint, thereby permitting pivotal movement of the elongated bar in a horizontal path. Elastic tethers extend from each extremity of the bar to the corresponding extremity of the rear bumper of the towing vehicle. By virtue of such construction, the shield members stay directly behind the rear wheels of the towing vehicle, even on curved roads.

Abstract: An adjustable mud flap assembly (10) which utilizes the transverse bar member (6) of a trailer hitch assembly (5) as the main support for the mud flaps. Mud flap assembly (10 and 11) has a pair of right and left L-shaped mud flap frame members being removably attached to the ends of the transverse bar member (6). Each L-shaped mud flap frame generally has a rectangular mud flap (12 or 22) removably attached thereto. By varying the radial disposition of the L-shaped mud flap frame member with respect to the transverse bar member (6), the position of the mud flap with respect to vehicle (1) can be changed. Additionally, utilizing the transverse bar member (6) of the hitch assembly (5) as the support base for mud flap assembly (10), necessarily requires that mud flaps (12 and 22) be positioned at the rear of vehicle (1). This disposes mud flaps (12 and 22) in the trajectory path of any projectile destined for the trailer 3.

Abstract: A mud guard for use with an automotive vehicle having rear wheels and a fender panel having a corner behind each of the rear wheels. The mud guard comprises a fixture portion for attachment of the mud guard to the fender panel, a skirt portion continued from the fixture portion, and a flange portion formed between the fixture and skirt portions. The flange portion is tuned to form a fender guard for covering the corner of the fender panel. The fixture, skirt and flange portions are made integrally of a soft material. The mud guard also includes a reinforcement film formed on the fixture portion. The reinforcement film is made of a hard material.

Abstract: An inner fender liner can be applied against the underside of an exposed fender for protecting the fender from damage by rocks or other objects which may be thrown up against it. The fender liner comprises a relatively thick, but flexible, sheet of plastic material shaped to cover the rear portion of the fender. The liner is bent to conform to the underside of the fender and fit flush thereagainst. At least one peripheral attachment flange, formed by a scored section of the liner, may be used to help hold the liner in place using some of the fasteners normally used to hold the fender on the vehicle.

Abstract: A fender to control water spray and to cool tires and brakes which has a leading plate with blade-like openings. The fender further comprises a top plate, a side wall and a trailing plate. The top plate with the leading plate form an air scoop. The side walls are louvered. The air is directed to expand adiabatically to both control the spray cast from the rotating tire and to cool the tires and brakes whether or not there is spray present.

Abstract: A vehicle spray control system apparatus and method for suppressing spray and coalescing and directing water droplets thrown from rotating tires of vehicles via centrifugal forces comprises various embodiments of spray controllers adapted for selective locations on vehicles, such as large commercial trucks and tractor-trailer combinations. The preferred embodiments are used as: fender flap, between tractor-tandem, over-wheel, floor sill, and general purpose spray controllers, located where droplets impact at high velocity and side skirts to condense low-velocity mist and carry the water rearward. Embodiments have a receiving side and an opposite side and comprise a plurality of symmetric or asymmetric wedges which extend from the planar surface of and are integrally formed with a base. In respective embodiments, these wedges either touch or are closely spaced apart at the receiving side of an unperforated base, or a base having slots.

Abstract: Spray reducing apparatus (14) for a vehicle comprises a duct (16) adapted to be disposed in front of a vehicle wheel (10) and arranged to collect air in a forwardly directed mouth (18). The air is directed through an exit (20) towards the ground in front of the wheel so as to deflect any surface water away from the path of the wheel.One of such apparatus is arranged in front of each front wheel of the vehicle with the exit of the duct being disposed in the path of the vehicle wheel below the axle line thereof.

Abstract: A vertically mounted deflector attached to a landing gear, that prevents debris from being thrown by the tires into the engine of an aircraft. The deflector has two vertically mounted plates that have oblique stepped surfaces facing the tires.

Abstract: A mud flap anti-sail bracket having depending support rods secured to the upper corners of the mud flap and carrying a cross-member at variable vertical locations therealong.

Abstract: In a mud-flap attachment for the detachable connection of the attachment region of a mud-flap (3) which rests on the fender fold (2), which mud-flap has a main flap body (4) and an extension thereof which forms an adapter protrusion (5) which has an attachment region. A clamp is used which has a first clamping part (10, 110) which is connected with a second clamping part (6, 106) via two screws (11, 12) spaced apart in the longitudinal extension of the attachment region. The side of the clamping part forming the clamp opening has a central recess facing away from the screws (11, 12). The sides of recess are formed by two clamping projections (13, 14). Two corner angle parts (17, 18) of the free ends (15, 16) of the clamping projection are angled towards the clamping part (10, 110). The distance from the associated screw (11) to the free end (15) of the upper clamping projection is less than the corresponding distance of the other clamping projection.

Abstract: A mud flap which can be easily installed and removed from its mounting bracket is provided. The mud flap is substantially planar in form with a predetermined thickness. The mud flap has a peripheral edge whose cross section is larger than the predetermined thickness of the mud flap. The mounting bracket includes a bracket body from which two flanges extend downwardly. The flanges converge towards one another at their lower ends, forming a slot therebetween. The mounting bracket is provided with any conventional method for mounting the mounting bracket behind the tire of a vehicle. The mud flap is suspended from the mounting bracket by engaging the peripheral edge of the mud flap with the slot of the mounting bracket. The peripheral edge of the mud flap is engaged with the slot of the mounting bracket by inserting the peripheral edge through either end of the slot.

Abstract: A tire cover apparatus including a cylindrical elongate housing rotatably and retractively mounting a flexible curtain therewithin. The curtain is directed through elongate slot wherein the slot includes a covering of felt strips to effectively clean and maintain the curtain in an operative condition minimizing the contamination of the curtain when maintained interiorly of the housing. A plurality of axially spaced clamps secure the housing in combination with an interior flange of an associated vehicular body including a mounting flange to prevent unauthorized removal of the housing relative to the automotive flange.

Abstract: An adjustable mud flap assembly (10) which utilizes the transverse bar member (6) of a trailer hitch assembly (5) as the main support for the mud flaps. Mud flap assembly (10) has a pair of right and left L-shaped mud flap frame members (11 and 22) being removably attached to the ends of the transverse bar member (6). Each L-shaped mud flap frame generally has a rectangular mud flap (12 or 23) removably attached thereto. By varying the radial disposition of the L-shaped mud flap frame member (11 or 22) with respect to the transverse bar member (6), the position of the mud flap with respect to vehicle (1) can be changed. Additionally, utilizing the transverse bar member (6) of the hitch assembly (5) as the support base for mud flap assembly (10), necessarily requires that mud flaps (12 and 23) be positioned at the rear of vehicle (1). This disposes mud flaps (12 and 23) in the trajectory path of any projectile destined for the trailer.

Abstract: An illuminated splash guard includes a matrix of light emitting diodes (LED) arranged in a preconfigured matrix to direct a desired signal rearwardly of the splash guard organization. The light emitting diodes are arranged within the direct current circuit of an associated vehicle and may optionally be of a plug-in arrangement or in a modified aspect of the invention, include a snap-on illumination member containing a series of the light emitting diodes throughout, wherein the member is in turn mechanically associated with the direct current circuit of the vehicle. A further modification of the invention includes a translucent illumination member secured to the flexible mud flap member, wherein the translucent member includes a fiber optic cable including a series of spaced light emitting diode members arranged at terminal and juncture portions of the translucent member to effect illumination thereof.

Abstract: A spray-suppressant splash guard is adapted to depend from a vehicle body rearwardly of a wheel of the body and is provided with vertically extending channel means open at least the lower end thereof and baffle means which extend from the rib in a disposition whereby spray thrown rearwardly by the vehicle wheel will enter the channel means and rebound from a splash surface of the splash guard to be intercepted, in part, by the baffle means. The portion so intercepted will be confined to the channel means for discharge at the lower open end thereof.

Abstract: A stone shield adjustably attachable to the rear bumper of a pick-up truck extends substantially across the vehicle for protection of a load being towed. The stone shield is mounted to the bumper by brackets that may be adjustably positioned forwardly or rearwardly to allow proper positioning of the shield in the space ahead of the rear bumper and to facilitate alignment of hinge clips for the shield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved heavy duty mud flap. The improved mud flap includes metal segments on the outer edges of the mud flap that allow movement of the mud flap in one direction only. The segments are connected by rods which contain a plurality of alternating rubber discs and spacers between the outer metal segments. The rubber discs and spacers freely rotate about the rods, such rotation helping to reduce snagging of the mud flap on objects or tires. The series of rubber discs and spacers also act to break up spray generated by vehicle tires coming in contact with wet conditions. Finally, a mounting device is included to attach the mud flap to a vehicle frame.

Abstract: A mud flap supporting assembly is provided that allows pivotal movement of mounting arm and mud flap about both the vertical and horizontal axes adjacent to the vehicle to which the arm is attached. A spring connected between the base plate and the end cap of the mounting arm holds the arm in the usual position parallel to the vehicle axle. Should the arm be pushed out of position by an obstruction making contact with the arm, the arm will automatically return to its usual position when the obstruction is passed. Upon return, the base plate's raised portion embeds itself into the exact duplicate negative opening of the mounting arm, and returns the arm precisely to center.

Abstract: A splash guard for preventing or reducing throwing of water bursts from wheel boxes of power-driven vehicles during driving on wet roads. The guard has a two-wing guard member arranged to extend substantially over the entire transverse width of a wheel box at its rear lower end as considered in a traveling direction. The guard is turnable about an axis and has one wing which, in mounted position, extends from the axis toward a road, and another wing which, in mounted position, extends toward a running surface of a wheel so as to form a guarding part.

Abstract: A splash guard for vehicles having a main panel of conventional splash guard form. The main panel is mounted on a vehicle behind the wheels to control splash. In association with the main panel is a secondary panel that is hinged on the back face of the main panel. The secondary panel is shorter and wider than the main panel so that the projecting ends act as wings and catch the air passing the main panel when the vehicle is in motion. The two panels carry separate indicia, with indicia on the main panel being normally hidden by the secondary panel until the air passing the main panel lifts the secondary panel to expose the indicia on the main panel. The splash guard may be used for displaying advertizing, slogans, humorous sayings or illustrations.

Abstract: A custom molded vehicle splash guard includes a display surface and generally codimensional mounting surface, the surfaces joined along common edge margins to form an open pocket therebetween. A clamshell type template package is provided with opposing recesses adapted to retain a pair of the splash guards of the invention in back-to-back fashion so that the recess may be removed from the package and serve as a template for accurately trimming the splash guard for mounting to a vehicle fender.

Abstract: Attachment structure for attaching rubber mud flaps to the frame of a truck includes a back plate. The back plate is bolted to the frame of the truck. A face plate is clamped to a back plate by a tongue and slot on one end and a bolt through a post attached to the back plate and extending through the face plate on the other end. The rubber mud flap is clamped securely in place by nonaligned lugs on the back plate and face plate. A cam wrench is provided to press the face plate down at the post end.

Abstract: A fender for a wheel or a set of wheels for one side of an automotive vehicle, for controlling the wet weather spray and splash generated thereby when travelling on a roadway surface. The fender comprises a formed, rigid sheet mounted over and covering the wheels or set of wheels and downwardly curves at its forward and rearward ends. A removably downwardly depending skirt extends along the edges of the sheet. One or more air intake apertures in a forward, curved end of the sheet directs air from outside the fender to inside the fender and over the wheel or set of wheels covered thereby during forward movement of the vehicle. A spray shield in sheet form is adapted to be disposed above the roadway surface vertically depending form the rear of the rigid sheet and is spaced rearwardly from the vehicle wheel or wheels in a plane extending transversely to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mud-flap supporting assembly is provided that allows pivotal movement of mounting arm and mud-flap about both the vertical and horizontal axes adjacent to the vehicle to which the arm is attached. A spring connected between the base plate and the end cap of the mounting arm holds said arm in the usual position parallel to the vehicle axle. Should the arm be pushed out of position by an obstruction making contact with the arm, the arm will automatically return to its usual position when the obstruction is passed. Upon return, the base plate's raised portion embeds itself into the exact duplicate negative opening of the mounting arm, and returns the arm precisely to center.

Abstract: A custom molded vehicle splash guard includes a display surface and generally codimensional mounting surface, the surfaces joined along common edge margins to form an open pocket therebetween. A clamshell type template package is provided with opposing recesses adapted to retain a pair of the splash guards of the invention in back-to-back fashion so that the recess may be removed from the package and serve as a template for accurately trimming the splash guard for mounting to a vehicle fender.

Abstract: A structure to control the spray cast from rotating wheels. A forward plate spaced apart from the leading edge of a wheel includes openings which directs the water spray rearwardly and inwardly with reference to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A trailing plate is spaced apart from the trailing edge of the rotating wheel. A baffle is secured to the leading and trailing plates and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel(s). This baffle includes openings to direct the spray inwardly.

Abstract: Presented is a method and a device for releasably securing mud flaps to a vehicle. The method involves attachment of the mud flaps in such a way that upon the application of a predetermined downwardly exerted force on the mud flap, it will be released without damage to the flap, or its hanger bracket, thus enabling its retrieval and replacement. Structurally, the hanger bracket includes a metal socket fastened to the vehicle, and an elastically deformable insert which normally lies enclosed within the socket when supporting the flap, but which is elastically deformed and pulled through the socket when an extraordinary force is imposed on the flap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a universal splash guard deflector for use with a vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicles wheels. The deflector in use is positioned behind a vehicle wheel in respect of the vehicles primary direction of travel. The splash guard deflector is comprised of a planar central portion defined by upper and lower edge regions, as well as inside and outside edge regions. The upper edge region is adapted to be secured to a portion of the vehicle.A splash deflecting element is integrally secured to the planar central portion along a line equidistant to one of the edge regions. A plurality of openings are disposed along the equidistant line to thereby allow for the passage of air due to vehicle movement in the primary direction of travel.

Abstract: A modular rain skirt assembly (20', 20, 20") for use in reducing the laterally projected component of finely atomized, dense, mist emanating from the running gear of heavy vehicles traveling on rain coated road surfaces and including: one or more generally flat, elongate panels (28, 28', 28"), each having inturned leading and trailing edges (30, 31) and each defining a projected mist capture area adapted to extend downwardly about the outer upper surfaces of the tires mounted on the vehicle's running gear; at least one spacer panel (29, 29') interposed between each adjacent pair of elongate panels (28, 28', 28") in those rain skirt assemblies (20, 20") employing two or more elongate panels (28, 28', 28") for use with tandem axle configurations and wherein the spacer panel (29, 29') includes inturned leading and trailing edges (32, 34) complementally shaped with respect to the trailing and leading edges (31, 30), respectively, of the adjacent elongate panels (28, 28', 28") with the leading edge ( 32) of each s