US 5,685,597 AGranted

Vehicle wind deflector

OwnerJames Charles Reidinventor

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Abstract

Today when most passenger cars are fabricated without frames, many people are using vans and sports utility vehicles to pull trailers. These vehicles have improved efficiency and apparent power when equipped with a wind deflector. A wind deflector for such vehicles is disclosed which comprises a top member which is mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle and two side members having front side portions which extend downwardly from the top member along the sides of the vehicle. All said members curve outwardly from the front side portions thereof away from the vehicle. All members are molded from semi rigid plastic and have spaced braces on the rear interior side portion thereof. The top and side members are matably fitted together and releasably held together by buckles. The wind deflector is removably mounted on the vehicle using hook bolts, straps and bars which are fastened to the frame beneath the vehicle.

A wind deflector for releasable attachment to a vehicle, comprising:

(a) a top member comprising:
(a) a curving top portion, extending between a front side portion and a rear side portion, the front side portion terminating in a front lip carrying a protective rubber grip strip seatable on and extending across a rear portion of the vehicle, wherein the rear side portion of the curving top portion is elevated above the front lip of the front side portion;
(b) two opposed end side portions, each end side portion substantially perpendicular to, and adjacent to, the curving top portion, each end side portion having a first tongue and groove fastener portion;
and
(c) brace means, carried by the top member, for providing additional strength;
(b) two side members, each side member having a curved body, each side member further comprising:
(a) an upper edge, having a second tongue and groove fastener portion for releasably engaging the first tongue and groove fastener portion carried by a lower edge of the end side portions of the top member;
(b) a front lip, carrying a protective rubber grip, adjacent to the vehicle;
(c) a bottom portion, carrying an anchoring strap;
and
(d) brace means, carried by the side members for providing additional strength;
(c) two bars, rotatably mounted on a frame of the vehicle, wherein the bars may be rotated between a first position for attachment to the anchoring straps of the side members and for support of the weight of the wind deflector, and a second position wherein the bars are rotated inwardly when not in use;
(d) first and second hook bolts, the hook belts extending through opposite ends of the front lip of the top member, each hook bolt having a first end fastenable to a rain gutter carried by the vehicle and a second end securable by a wing nut, thereby securing the top member to the vehicle;
and
(e) at least one buckle, carried by each side member, for releasable attachment to the top member, thereby securing each side members to the top member.

12 more elements

Abstract

Claims3