GB2265875A - Mud flap - Google Patents

Abstract

A mud flap has a body with slats 4 incorporated inside. There is a chute 19 at the bottom. Spray and dirt is thrown up at the slats 4 and is directed downwards on the inside of the body and directed into the road surface 22 via the chute 19. Bristles, ribs and a leading edge flap may be provided to help with efficiency. A retractable mechanism/hinge may be provided so that if the body 1 is struck it will move backwards and or upwards with minimum damage and return to its original position. <IMAGE>

Description

MUD/SPRAY FLAP This invention relates to a Mud/Spray Flap.

Mud/Spray Flaps are well known accessories which comprise a Mud/Spray Flap attached usually to or near the bottom of the mudguard/wheel arch.

There are special types known as Spray Flaps which are similar to door mats or 'Astroturf' in appearance. There are also types with ribs in various disguises. Patent Number DE 2524344 Kind A,Date 761209 Week 7651 Derwent Class Q22, Int. Pat. Class B62D 025/18 is a Mudguard with slots that relies on an airflow, it is an integral part of wheel arch/body protection, it is not an accessory. Spray flaps are an essential part of road safety in the rain, especially on the motorways, however in the main are relatively ineffective. Moreover they are not self cleaning and this with use and time become clogged with dirt and are even less effective.

According to the present invention there is provided a Mud/Spray Flap essentially comprising of a body in which slats at particular spacing and angles are incorporated, a chute/opening at the bottom, means for securing the unit to the wheel arch/mudguard or body of vehicle and bristle/flaps fitted in the appropriate places.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows the Mud/Spray Flap in situation on various vehicles; Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows in isometric the Mud/Spray Flap in two possible guises; Figure 6 shows a detail of the lower portion of the Mud/Spray Flap; Figure 7, Figure 8 and Figure 9 shows in isometric, the Mud/Spray Flap in a typical situation including the bristles, additional ribs on the underside of the mudguard or vehicle wheel arch and additional forward edge flap; Figure 10 shows a side view of the Mud/Spray Flap indicating the relationship between slats and location of hinge; Figure 11 shows a side view of the Mud/Spray Flap in a more complicated slimmer configuration; Figure 12 shows a side view of the Mud/Spray Flap which is an alternative of figure 11;; Figure 13 shows the route taken by Spray/Diet through the Mud/Spray Flap.

Referring to the drawings the Mud/Spray Flap comprises a body 1 in which slats 4 are incorporated in a particular fashion. The Mud/Spray Flap is attached to the mudguard 21, vehicle body, or wheel arch by means of bolts or other suitable fasteners (which may or may not incorporate a spring) or by similar means (not shown) the unit may or may not pivot about this point and may also retract in an upwards direction. The relationship of the slats 4 is defined by projecting a tangent 14 from the wheel as shown in Fig. 10 the leading edge of a lower slat 4 and the trailing edge of the adjacent upper slat must contact this projected line. Fig. 10 is a simplified version of Fig. 11 & 12.

There is a chute/opening at the bottom as shown in Fig. 13 so as the spray/diet may exit in an orderly fashion, parallel or as near as to the road surface so as not to ricochet and cause spray. Shown in Fig. 6 are additional slats 5 positioned vertically and angled as shown so as the spray/diet is directed to the side of a following wheel.

In order to achieve maximum efficiency, bristles or flexible flaps are attached as shown in Fig. 7 & 9 by suitable means. Ribs 9 are attached or incorporated in the wheel arch/mudguard 21 and an additional flap 8 of simple structure is attached at the leading edge. Fig. 13 shows the route taken by the spray/diet 17. Spray/Diet leaves the wheel 18 and travels along a tangental path, it then hits the underside of the slats 4 and is directed down towards the back of the Mud/Spray Flap. The spray now becoming a liquid (by concentration) runs down inside of the back of the body 1 and comes into contact with the most powerful part of the spray/diet at the lowest part, is directed out of the chute 19 and laid on the road surface 22.

Claims (9)

1 A Mud/Spray Flap comprising of a'body in which slats at particular spacing and angles are incorporated, a chute/opening at the bottom, means for securing the unit to the wheel arch/mudguard or body of vehicle and bristle/flaps fitted in the appropriate places.

2 A Mud/Spray Flap as claimed in Claim 1 wherein means are provided on the body so as it may pivot and or retract in relationship with the fastening to the vehicle.

3 A Mud/Spray Flap as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein bristles or flexible flaps are provided along the top and bottom, the top one fixing in a way so as it is towards the wheel, the bottom towards the road surface.

4 A Mud/Spray Flap as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the body may be straight, curved or shaped.

5 A Mud/Spray Flap as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the slats may be straight, curved or shaped, the slats may vary in number and size.

6 A Mud/Spray Flap as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the chute may be set at various angles.

7 A Mud/Spray Flap as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vehicle wheel arch/mudguard is provided with additional ribs on the underside.

8 A Mud/Spray Flap as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vehicle wheel arch/mudguard is provided with at lease one additional flap at the leading edge.

9 A Mud/Spray Flap substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-13 of the accompanying drawings.