Abstract: A spray-suppressing surface configuration for mud flaps and other surfaces near the wheels of motor vehicles. Tapered finger-like projections are oriented in parallel with one another, projecting outward from a base surface at an angle a few degrees below the horizontal, when the base portion of the flap is vertical. The projections are arranged in a pattern of overlappingly adjacent rhombic groups arranged in parallel rows which define unobstructed channels for the flow of accumulated fluids received from the wheels of the vehicle, yet suppress splashing and formation of spray as fluid strikes a flap having such a surface configuration. At least the base surface and fingers may be of a flexible moldable material with an adhesion-resistant surface. Flexibility of the finger-like projections permits snow and ice to fall off the flap easily.

Abstract: A spray controlling system is provided for vehicles that includes, for a wheel-set, a splash guard and a side shield positioned at the rear and side of a wheel set, respectively. The guard comprises a panel having a plurality of rows of conical projections and a plurality of upstanding ribs formed on a wheel-facing surface thereof in a spaced parallel relationship. Both projections and ribs are disposed in an inverted-V configuration oriented on a vertical centerline of the panel with six rows of projections interposed between adjacent ribs. The projections are disposed closely adjacent in the rows to form water flow channels between rows and ribs with the ribs being about twice the height of the projections.

Abstract: A fender and support bar is provided for automotive vehicle wheel sets. The fender comprises a panel having a support seat formed thereon intermediate its longitudinal ends and the support comprises an elongated tube which is rigidly connected to the panel. The rigid mechanical connection is provided by pairs of clamping plates disposed at opposite sides of an inner wall of the support bar and a wheel set facing surface of the fender panel. A plurality of clamping bolts are positioned along the elongated clamping plates and the heads of these bolts are secured to that clamping plate inserted within the interior of the tube to facilitate assembly. Mounting of the support bar in supported relationship to a vehicle chassis is by a telescopic sleeve assembly utilizing compression clamps to obtain a fixed position connection.