US3743343A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle spray control means
Assignee: GROTE Manufacturing CO Inc
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Filing: 1971-09-21
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Granted: 1973-07-03
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Expires: 1991-09-21
Abstract
Abstract This invention provides means for controlling the discharge of spray and mist generated by the rotation of the wheels of a wheeled vehicle during its forward movement over a wet surface. Basically, the means provided by the present invention comprise baffle means located on the bottom of the vehicle and being arranged to channel air flow generated by its forward movement toward its rear in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axes of its wheels such that turbulent discharge of spray and mist from beneath the vehicle in a direction generally transverse to that of its movement is greatly mitigated.
Inventors
- 👤 W Grote
- 👤 E Kimmel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:43
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D25/00; B62D25/08; B62D25/16; B62D25/18; B62D25/188
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
Means for controlling the discharge of spray and mist generated by rotation of its wheels during forward movement of a wheeled vehicle over a wet surface comprising: ducted baffle means located on the bottom of said vehicle and being arranged to channel air flow generated by said forward movement of said vehicle toward its rear in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axes of its wheels such that turbulent discharge of said spray and mist from beneath said vehicle in a direction generally transverse to that of said movement is greatly mitigated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
Means for controlling the discharge of spray and mist generated by rotation of its wheels during forward movement of a wheeled vehicle over a wet surface comprising: ducted baffle means located on the bottom of said vehicle and being arranged to channel air flow generated by said forward movement of said vehicle toward its rear in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axes of its wheels such that turbulent discharge of said spray and mist from beneath said vehicle in a direction generally transverse to that of said movement is greatly mitigated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said baffle means comprise disposable baffle elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein said baffle elements are formed of paper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein said baffle elements are formed of a plastic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said baffle means include a baffle element having a generally rectangular cross-section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 5, wherein said cross-section is divided by partition means into a plurality of air flow-directing ducts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 6, wherein said partition means include vertically arranged partition members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 7, wherein said partition means also include horizontally arranged partition members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention of claim 6, wherein said partition means include a plurality of hollow tubular members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 1, further including coagulating means pivotally mounted on the rear of said vehicle for gathering said spray and mist together into a liquid stream and deflecting said stream downwardly onto said surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 10, wherein said coagulating means comprises a rigid coagulator member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention of claim 11, wherein: a. said coagulator member has a generally W-shaped cross-section including a pair of apices; b. said coagulator member has one of its ends pivotally mounted to said rear of said vehicle and has another end opposite said pivotally mounted end which hangs downwardly toward said wet surface; and c. said apices are respectively aligned with the circumferential centerlines of two of said rear wheels.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 12, wherein said coagulator member has surfaces on opposite sides of each of said apices that are wide enough to cover the width of each of said two rear wheels and which converge rearwardly toward said apices.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 13, wherein said baffle means comprise disposable baffle elements.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 14, wherein said baffle elements are formed of paper.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 14, wherein said baffle elements are formed of a plastic material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention of claim 14 wherein each of said baffle elements has a generally rectangular cross-section.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 17, wherein said rectangular cross-section is divided by partition means into a plurality of air flow-directing ducts.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein sAid baffle means comprise baffle members located on opposite sides of the bottom of said vehicle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 19, wherein said baffle members are arranged to channel said air flow toward the rear wheels of said vehicle.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said baffle means are arranged to channel said air flow toward the rear wheels of said vehicle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-02 | 1977-01-01 | 1977-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-02 | 1981-01-01 | 1981-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-02 | 1985-01-01 | 1985-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |