Spray-suppressant mud flap
US4564204A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1983 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D25/188
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.