Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – With distinct wind deflector
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-12
2001-08-21
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
With distinct wind deflector
C296S198000, C280S851000, C280S160000, C280S159000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276746
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related to wheel housing liners of wheeled vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to means within wheel housing liners to limit circulation of air inside the wheel housing when the vehicle is in motion which reduces aerodynamic losses and hence increases the efficiency of operation of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many attempts have been made in the past to reduce air circulation in the wheel liners of vehicles. This is because the more air that circulates in the wheel liners, the greater the aerodynamic losses. Wheel skirts have been tried to limit this circulation, both on steerable wheels and on non-steerable wheels. These have been tried in a number of combinations but have not proved durable enough for regular use.
It would be desirable to have an aerodynamic closure for a wheel housing that would be durable enough for regular use. An aerodynamic closure for a wheel housing of a vehicle must be demonstrably effective in reducing drag. It must be relatively low in cost to manufacture, and it must be capable of assembly in production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides an aerodynamic closure for a wheel housing liner comprising a pair of brushes connected to the wheel housing liner in positions that reduce the aperture between the wheel that is in the wheel housing and the outside of the vehicle. The brushes extend into the portions of the wheel hop area providing a barrier reducing the amount of outside air that enters the wheel housing and circulates in the housing to create aerodynamic friction. The result is an increase in vehicle efficiency. The brushes are flexible and provide little friction so that occasional contact by the vehicle wheel into the brushes during wheel hop events does not damage either the brushes or the wheel.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1506684 (1924-08-01), Staples
patent: 1774242 (1930-08-01), Schneider
patent: 3899192 (1975-08-01), Reddaway
patent: 4361606 (1982-11-01), Butler et al.
patent: 5269547 (1993-12-01), Antekeier
patent: 0066478 (1948-03-01), None
patent: 0139345 A1 (1984-05-01), None
patent: 14279 (1909-01-01), None
patent: 0170240 (1921-10-01), None
patent: 2074109 (1981-10-01), None
patent: 2158790 (1985-11-01), None
patent: 2227985 (1990-08-01), None
Claypole George M.
Gentry Garvin
Kutcher Michael J.
Coletta Lori L.
General Motors Corporation
Pape Joseph D.
Simon Anthony Luke
LandOfFree
Aerodynamic closure for wheel housing liner of a vehicle and... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Aerodynamic closure for wheel housing liner of a vehicle and..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Aerodynamic closure for wheel housing liner of a vehicle and... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2510126