GB2172256A

GB2172256A - Wheel spray suppressors

Info

Publication number: GB2172256A
Application number: GB08606277A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Kirkwood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-03-15
Filing date: 1986-03-13
Publication date: 1986-09-17
Also published as: GB8506708D0; GB8606277D0

Abstract

Apparatus for suppressing the spray created by the wheels of road vehicles on a wet surface comprises a curved deflector plate (10) for location within each wheel arch 11 of the vehicle to overlie the wheel 13. The plate is angled transversely downwardly and outwardly so that spray from the respective wheel is directed downwardly and inwardly below the vehicle. Apparatus is also provided for suppressing rearward spray by an elongate aerodynamic plate 20 mounted transversely at the rear end of the vehicle. The aerodynamic plate may be mounted at the rear end of a vehicle body but spaced therefrom so that air can pass under the aerodynamic underside of the plate means to create a rearwardly and downwardly directed barrier against rising spray from the rear of the vehicle. The wheel arch defector plates 10 may be used in combination with the aerodynamic plate 20. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Wheel spray suppressors This invention relates to apparatus for suppressing the spray created by the wheels of road vehicles on a wet surface.

A great disadvantage when driving on a wet surface is the amount of dense spray created by the vehicle ahead and thrown not only laterally from the vehicle but also rearwards and upwards.

It is an object of this invention to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantage.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for suppressing lateral spray caused by the road wheels of a vehicle travelling over a wet surface, said apparatus comprising a curved plate for location within each wheel arch of the vehicle to overlie the wheel said plate being angled transversely downwardly and outwardly so that spray from the respective wheel is directed by each plate downwardly and inwardly below the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for suppressing rearward spray caused by the wheels of a road vehicle travelling over a wet surface, said apparatus comprising an elongate aerodynamic plate means mounted transversely at the rear end of the vehicle rearwardly of the rear wheel axle and disposed horizontally to deflect spray downwards onto the road surface behind the vehicle, at least the lower surface of said plate having aerodynamic curvature.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for suppressing spray caused by the wheels of a road vehicle travelling over a wet surface, said apparatus comprsing in combinaton wheel arch deflector plates as defined in the second preceding paragraph located in each wheel arch of the vehicle and an aerodynamic plate as defined in the first preceding paragraph located behind the rear wheel axle of the vehicle.

Preferably, the aerodynamic plate means is mounted below the chassis; it may comprise a single elongate plate or a pair of plates spaced apart on either side of tow bar connecting means mounted on the vehicle.

Alternatively, the aerodynamic plate means may be mounted at the rear end of a vehicle body but spaced therefrom so that air can pass under the aerodynamic underside of the plate means to create a rearwardly and downwardly directed barrier against rising spray from the rear of the vehicle.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a side deflector plate according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a plate mounted in a wheel arch; Figure 3 is a top perspective view from the rear and to one side of a rear deflector plate according to the invention Figure 4 illustrates the plate in Fig. 3 in situ; Figure 5 illustrates a rear deflector plate on a saloon car; and Figure 6 illustrates a rear deflector plate on a hatch-back, estate car or small van.

Referring firstly to Figs. 1 and 2, a side deflector plate 10 is provided for location under each wheel arch 11 of a road vehicle. The plate is curved and angled relative to its transverse axis, i.e. it is a development of a portion of the annular curved surface of a zone of a right cone. Each plate 10 is mounted so that the angled face 12 runs downwards and outwards and will therefore deflect spray from the road wheel 13 downwards and inwards as indicated by arrows in Fig. 2 onto the road surface beneath the vehicle. The lower rear end of the plate 10 may carry a flexible flap 14 to increase the deflecting surface area. These side deflector plates therefore suppress spray which is normally thrown laterally from a vehicle.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, a rear deflector plate 20 comprises an elongate aerodynamic plate which is located below the vehicle chassis 21 just behind the rear wheels 22 by a pair of mounting brackets 23 mounted at or adjacent to the ends of the plate and extending substantially across the width of the vehicle. The upper surface 24 of the plate is flat and the lower surface 25 is curved to taper towards the rear edge. The depth of the plate is greatest at its zenith Z which is 1/3 of the distance from the leading edge, and at that location its depth is equal to half of that 1/3 distance. Thus for a plate 9" in width, the zenith is 3" back from the leading edge and is 1 1/2" deep.

When the vehicle is in motion, the aerodynamic configuration of the plate causes a greater pressure to build up above the plate and thus force rearwardly directed spray downwards onto the road surface 26 behind the vehicle. This deflector plate therefore suppresses spray normally thrown upwards from the rear of a vehicle.

The rear deflector may extend the full width of the vehicle, but where side deflectors are fitted under the rear wheel arches to deflect spray inwardly of the vehicle, the rear plate need only extend the width between the wheels.

If the vehicle has a tow bar connector, it is possible that a full length rear deflector plate would prevent connection of the towing equipment. Therefore, the rear deflector plate may be in two parts spaced apart on either side of the tow bar connector Alternatively, for motor vehicles and small vans, the rear deflector may be mounted at the rear of the vehicle body for example as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. As shown in Fig.

5 the deflector plate 30 can be mounted at the rear end of the boot 31 of a saloon car or as shown in Fig. 6 at the top rear end 32 of a hatch-back vehicle or small van.

Referring now to Fig. 5 the rear deflector plate 30 has a flat upper surface 33, an aerodynamically curved lower surace 34 and is spaced above the boot 31 of the vehicle body surface by at least two mounting brackets 35, located at or adjacent to each end of the plate. The trailing end 36 of the deflector plate extends rearwardly of the boot 31.

Fig. 6 shows the deflector plate 30 mounted at the rear end 40 of a hatch-back, estate car or small van, where, as no boot is provided the deflector plate is mounted at the top of the vehicle body, to extend rearwardly of the rear door or hatch 41. The deflector plate 30 is preferably just below the level of the roof of the vehicle body, so as not to project above the vehicle body and act as a wind-brake or other obstruction which could adversely affect the vehicle's performance.

When the vehicle is in motion, a current of air passes under the deflector plate and due to the dynamic curvature of the underside of the plate, the air stream is directed rearwards and downwards and forms a barrier against rising spray behind the vehicle.

The side and chassis mounted rear deflectors are applicable to all forms of road vehicles from heavy goods vehicles to private cars, and thus will vary in size for different vehicles. The rear deflector plate for a private car such as an Escort, may be to 56" inches long and 9 inches broad. The rear deflectors mounted on the vehicle body are applicable to private cars and small vans.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. Apparatus for suppressing lateral spray caused by the road wheels of a vehicle travelling over a wet surface, said apparatus comprising a curved plate for location within each wheel arch of the vehicle to overlie the wheel said plate being angled transversely downwardly and outwardly so that spray from the respective wheel is directed by each plate downwardly and inwardly below the vehicle.

2. Apparatus for suppressing rearward spray caused by the wheels of a road vehicle travelling over a wet surface, said apparatus comprising an elongate aerodynamic plate means mounted transversely at the rear end of the vehicle rearwardly of the rear wheel axle and disposed horizontally to deflect spray downwards onto the road surface behind the vehicle, at least the lower surface of said plate having aerodynamic curvature to create a netative pressure beneath said plate when the vehice is in motion.

2. Apparatus for suppressing rearward spray caused by the wheels of a road vehicle travelling over a wet surface, said apparatus comprising an elongate aerodynamic plate means mounted transversely at the rear end of the vehicle rearwardly of the rear wheel axle and disposed horizontally to deflect spray downwards onto the road surface behind the vehicie, at least the lower surface of said plate having aerodynamic curvature.

3. Apparatus for suppressing spray caused by the wheels of a road vehicle travelling over a wet surface, said apparatus comprising in combination wheel arch deflector plates as claimed in claim 1 located in each wheel arch of the vehicle and an aerodynamic plate as claimed in claim 2 located at the rear of the vehicle.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 in which the aerodynamic plate means is mounted below the chassis.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the aerodynamic plate comprises a single elongate plate.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the aerodynamic plate comprises a pair of plates spaced apart on either side of tow bar connecting means mounted on the vehicle.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the aerodynamic plate means is mounted at the rear end of a vehicle body but spaced therefrom so so that air can pass under the aerodynamic underside of the plate means to create a rearwardly and downwardly directed barrier against rising spray from the rear of the vehicle.

8. Apparatus for suppressing lateral spray caused by the road wheel of a vehicle travelling over a wet surface, substantially as here it before described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

9. Apparatus for suppressing rearward spray caused by the road wheels of a vehicle travelling over a wet surface, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs.

3 and 4 or Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings.

CLAIMS Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: (a) Claim 2 above has been textually amended.

(b) New or textually amended claims have been filed as follows: