Abstract:
An automotive air deflector is substantially V-shaped with a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around the deflector. The deflector is configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. The air deflector is constructed of a lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment but is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes so as to accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles and in the various locations on those vehicles. By reducing turbulence and providing for the smooth flow of air around the vehicle, the air deflector reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a device for reducing the effect of aerodynamic drag on an automotive vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to an air deflector for directing air flow around at least one of the front end, the rear end, and the tires of automotive vehicles such as automobiles and trucks so as to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicles. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Various parts of automotive vehicles interfere with the smooth flow of air around the vehicle during vehicle operation. This interference creates turbulent air flow, and a corresponding increased coefficient of aerodynamic drag. The increased aerodynamic drag requires increased engine power to move the vehicle, thereby leading to decreased fuel efficiency and increased vehicle operating costs. There are, therefore, substantial advantages to be achieved by reducing the turbulence and aerodynamic drag associated with a moving vehicle by altering the flow of air around the vehicle. 
         [0005]    Various devices for reducing aerodynamic drag on vehicles, especially trucks, are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,541 discloses an under trailer air deflector for use with a tractor trailer. The deflector consists of a fairing that is suspended beneath the truck or trailer body immediately in front of the rear wheels and that extends completely across the width of the body. The surface of the fairing is curved in both a lateral and a vertical direction to deflect air and entrained water or snow around or under the wheels. The device is formed with a plurality of generally vertical grooves angled toward the center line of the vehicle. The grooves direct air downwardly and between the rear wheels of the vehicle. 
         [0006]    However, there can be various drawbacks associated with such conventional devices. For example, the above-described deflector is of relatively complex design, is of fixed shape for a specific vehicle, and is of relatively heavy duty construction for use with a tractor trailer. 
         [0007]    Therefore, a need exists for an automotive air deflector that provides the requisite amount of air deflection, but that is of relatively simple design and construction, is easily secured without alteration of the associated vehicle, and can be configured for a wide variety of vehicles, including both automobiles and trucks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention overcomes the above-described limitations of the prior art by providing an air deflector that not only provides improved aerodynamic flow around a moving vehicle, but is of relatively simple design and construction, is both easily secured to, and, if desired, removed from, the associated vehicle, and can be configured for mounting in a variety of positions on a variety of types of vehicles. 
         [0009]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the automotive air deflector includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element having a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around an outer surface of the deflecting element. Accordingly, one feature of the present invention is that the deflector reduces turbulence and provides for the improved smooth flow of air around a vehicle. Therefore, the air deflector reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs. 
         [0010]    Another feature of the present invention is that the deflector is constructed of a relatively lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment, yet is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes and sufficiently capable of retaining the shapes so that it can be adjusted to fit a specific vehicle, and thus can accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles. 
         [0011]    Still another feature of the present invention is that the deflector can be constructed in various configurations with a wide range of dimensions so that it can be utilized in various combinations on a specific vehicle, and on various types of vehicles. 
         [0012]    Yet another feature of the present invention is that the deflector can be configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. 
         [0013]    Another feature of the present invention is that the deflector can be placed in different orientations depending upon the placement location of the deflector on the vehicle. 
         [0014]    Still another feature of the present invention is that the deflector can be reversibly deformable, i.e., capable of returning to an original shape if deformed as a result of impact. 
         [0015]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system of automotive air deflectors is provided in association with a vehicle. 
         [0016]    Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an automotive air deflector that includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element having a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around an outer surface of the deflecting element so as to reduce turbulence and provide for the improved smooth flow of air around a vehicle. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a deflector that reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs. 
         [0018]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a deflector that is constructed of a relatively lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment, yet is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes and sufficiently capable of retaining the shapes so that it can be adjusted to fit a specific vehicle, and thus can accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles. 
         [0019]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a deflector that can be constructed in various configurations with a wide range of dimensions so that it can be utilized in various combinations on a specific vehicle, and on various types of vehicles. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a deflector that can be configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. 
         [0021]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a deflector that can be placed in different orientations depending upon the placement location of the deflector on the vehicle. 
         [0022]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a deflector that is reversibly deformable, i.e., capable of returning to an original shape if deformed as a result of impact. 
         [0023]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a system of automotive air deflectors in association with a vehicle. 
         [0024]    And, still another object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide an automotive air deflector in accordance with the preceding objects that will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of relatively simple construction and easy to use so as to provide an automotive air deflector that will be economically feasible, long lasting, durable in service, relatively trouble free in operation, and a general improvement in the art. 
         [0025]    These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout. The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the invention, but are not necessarily to scale. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 1  positioned in association with a tire of a vehicle. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 3  positioned in association with a tire of a vehicle. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 5  positioned in association with a tire of a vehicle. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 7  positioned in association with a tire of a vehicle. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 9  positioned in association with a tire of a vehicle. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 1  positioned in association with a tire of a vehicle. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a plurality of the deflectors shown in  FIG. 1  positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a front end of a vehicle. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a plurality of the deflectors shown in  FIG. 1  positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a rear end of a vehicle. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a plurality of deflectors of various lengths positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a front end of a vehicle. 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a single deflector positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a rear end of a vehicle. 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  is a plan view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  is a front view of the deflector shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an automotive air deflector constructed in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 21  is a partial rear view of the deflector taken along line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0047]    Although preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is to be limited in its scope to the details of constructions, and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. For example, one embodiment of the invention is described as being capable of directing impinging air laterally around the “tire” of a vehicle. Although the term “tire” is used in the interest of brevity, the air is of course directed around the entire tire/wheel assembly. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Where possible, components of the drawings that are alike are identified by the same reference numbers. 
         [0048]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  100 . The deflector  100  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  110  having a pair of opposed wing panels  120  each having an inner surface  121  and an outer surface  122  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  122  of the deflecting element  110 . 
         [0049]    For purposes of illustration, the deflector  100  is described and illustrated in conjunction with an automobile  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13 , the automobile  10  generally includes a front end  20  with a front bumper  21 , a rear end  30  with a rear bumper  31 , and a plurality of wheel wells  40  each having a tire  50  therein. 
         [0050]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the deflector  100  is adapted to be positioned within the wheel well  40  in front of a rear tire  50 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the deflector  100  is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , is positioned so as to direct air equally around each side of tire  50 . The deflector  100  is positioned sufficiently low in the wheel well  40  so as to maximize the deflection of air around the tire  50 , but sufficiently high to avoid road level obstructions. The deflector  100  is secured to a wheel well front portion  41  with suitable fasteners, such as, for example, sheet metal screws or threaded fasteners. By virtue of employing the aforementioned fasteners, the deflector  100  can be securely, but reversibly, attached, so that it can easily be repositioned or replaced. 
         [0051]    The deflector  100  can be constructed in various configurations with a wide range of dimensions so that it can be utilized on various types of vehicles. For example, according to a preferred embodiment of the deflector  100  for use with a passenger automobile, the deflecting element  110  has an interior angle “A” between the wing panels  120  of from approximately 80° to approximately 100°, has a height of approximately 10″, and the wing panels  120  each have a width of approximately 7.5″. According to a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the angle between the wing panels  120  is approximately 90° as shown in  FIG. 6 . However, the exact angle between the wing panels  120 , and the associated height and width of the deflecting element  110 , are of course dependent not only upon the desired amount of air deflection, but upon the available space within the wheel well  40  and the size of the vehicle tire  50 . 
         [0052]    A feature of the present invention is that the deflector  100  can be constructed of a relatively lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the automotive service environment, yet is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes and sufficiently capable of retaining the shapes so that it can be adjusted to fit a specific vehicle, and thus can accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles. The material of construction of the deflector  100  can be, for example, a sheet metal or another easily shaped and bent, relatively lightweight metal. 
         [0053]    According to another embodiment of the invention, instead of being constructed of a lightweight metal that may irreversibly bend upon impact, the deflector  100  can be reversibly deformable, i.e., constructed of a material capable of returning to an original shape if deformed as a result of impact. The material of construction of the deformable embodiment of the deflector  100  can be, for example, an elastically deformable thermoplastic. 
         [0054]    Road testing of the deflector  100  with a passenger vehicle demonstrated the improved aerodynamic characteristics as evidenced by improved fuel efficiency, i.e., better gasoline mileage. The test vehicle was a 2003 Jeep® Cherokee using regular unleaded gasoline. The vehicle was driven under city driving conditions at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The vehicle was first driven without the deflectors  100 , and achieved an average fuel mileage of 8.0 miles per gallon. A deflector  100  was then mounted as shown in  FIG. 11  in front of each of the rear tires  50 . The vehicle was again driven under city driving conditions at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour along an identical route under comparable traffic conditions and achieved an average fuel mileage of 12.0 miles per gallon. Therefore, by virtue of utilizing the deflectors  100 , the fuel mileage improved by approximately 50%. 
         [0055]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  200 . The deflector  200  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  210  having a pair of opposed wing panels  220  each having an inner surface  221  and an outer surface  222  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  222  of the deflecting element  210 . To further reduce the effect of aerodynamic drag, the deflecting element  210  includes a wing extension  230  on each of the wing panels  220 . The wing extensions  230  extend from a rear edge  223  of the wing panel  220  and are oriented substantially parallel to a bisector of the angle between the wing panels  220 . 
         [0056]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 5 and 6  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  300 . The deflector  300  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  310  having a pair of opposed wing panels  320  each having an inner surface  321  and an outer surface  322  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  322  of the deflecting element  310 . To further reduce the effect of aerodynamic drag, the deflecting element  310  includes a wing extension  330  on each of the wing panels  320 . The wing extensions  330  extend from a rear edge  323  of the wing panel  320  and are oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane of the wing panel  320 . 
         [0057]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  400 . The deflector  400  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  410  having a pair of opposed wing panels  420  each having an inner surface  421  and an outer surface  422  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  422  of the deflecting element  410 . To facilitate the attachment of the deflecting element  410  to a front portion  41  of the wheel well  40 , the deflecting element  410  includes a substantially flat portion disposed between each of the wing panels  420  so as to provide a deflector mounting surface  411 . 
         [0058]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 9 and 10  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  500 . The deflector  500  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  510  having a pair of opposed wing panels  520  each having an inner surface  521  and an outer surface  522  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  522  of the deflecting element  510 . To facilitate the attachment of the deflecting element  510  to a front portion  41  of the wheel well  40 , the deflecting element  510  includes a substantially flat portion disposed between each of the wing panels  520  so as to provide a deflector mounting surface  511 . To further reduce the effect of aerodynamic drag, the deflecting element  510  includes a wing extension  530  on each of the wing panels  520 . The wing extensions  530  extend from a rear edge  523  of the wing panel  520  and are oriented substantially parallel to a bisector of the angle between the wing panels  520 . 
         [0059]    According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a system of automotive air deflectors is provided in association with a vehicle.  FIG. 12  shows a plurality of the deflectors  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a front end  20  of automobile  10 . By positioning the deflectors  100  in a substantially horizontal orientation, the impinging air is deflected both over and under the front bumper  21  of the automobile  10 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 13  shows a plurality of the deflectors  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a rear end  30  of an automobile  10 . By positioning the deflectors  100  in a substantially horizontal orientation on a rear bumper  31 , i.e., on a bottommost portion  32  of a rear face  33  of the rear bumper  31 , the impinging air is deflected over the rear bumper  31  of the automobile  10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  shows a plurality of the deflectors  100  of various lengths positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a front end  20  of an automobile  10 . By positioning the deflectors  100  in a substantially horizontal orientation, the impinging air is deflected both over and under the front bumper  21  of the automobile  10 . The exact combination of deflectors  100  that is required, i.e., the quantity and length of the deflectors, depends upon the specific configuration of the front end  20  of the automobile  10 . For example, the deflectors  100  must be configured so as to avoid obscuring the license plate of the automobile  10 . However, in general, by maximizing the length of the deflector(s)  100 , air deflection is maximized and the labor associated with affixing the deflector  100  to the front bumper  21  is minimized. 
         [0062]      FIG. 15  shows a single deflector  100  positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation on a rear end  30  of an automobile  10 . By positioning the deflector  100  in a substantially horizontal orientation, the impinging air is deflected over the rear bumper  31  of the automobile  10 . In general, by using a single deflector  100  in association with the entire length of the rear bumper  31 , air deflection is maximized and the labor associated with affixing the deflector  100  to the rear bumper  31  is minimized. 
         [0063]    Further road testing of the vehicle described above with a plurality of the deflectors  100  positioned in the substantially horizontal orientation on both the front end  20  and the rear end  30  (see  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) also demonstrated the improved aerodynamic characteristics as evidenced by improved fuel efficiency, i.e., better gasoline mileage. By virtue of utilizing the deflectors  100  on the front bumper  21  and the rear bumper  31 , the fuel mileage improved by approximately 25%. 
         [0064]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 16 and 17  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  600 . The deflector  600  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  610  having a pair of opposed wing panels  620  each having an inner surface  621  and an outer surface  622  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  622  of the deflecting element  610 . In addition, the deflector  600  has a pair of opposed end panels  630  that enclose the ends of the deflector  600  between the wing panels  620 . It is believed that the opposed end panels  630  can aid in still further reducing the aerodynamic drag associated with both the front end  20  and the rear end  30  of the automobile  10 . 
         [0065]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 18 and 19  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  700 . The deflector  700  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  710  having a pair of opposed wing panels  720  each having an inner surface  721  and an outer surface  722  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  722  of the deflecting element  710 . In addition, the deflector  700  has a pair of opposed end portions  730  that enclose the ends of the deflector  700  between the wing panels  720 . Each of the end portions  730  includes opposed angled panels  731  and  732 . It is believed that the opposed end portions  730  aid in still further reducing the aerodynamic drag associated with both the front end  20  and the rear end  30  of the automobile  10 . Further road testing of the vehicle described above demonstrated that by utilizing the deflectors  700  on the front bumper  21  and the rear bumper  31 , the fuel mileage improved by approximately 3 miles per gallon. 
         [0066]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 20 and 21  of the drawings, an automotive air deflector in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference number  800 . The deflector  800  includes a substantially V-shaped deflecting element  810  having a pair of opposed wing panels  820  each having an inner surface  821  and an outer surface  822  configured such that impinging air is directed around the outer surface  822  of the deflecting element  810 . In addition, each of the wing panels  820  has a curved panel portion  823  located at both a topmost and a bottommost portion of the wing panels  820 . See  FIG. 21 , which is a partial rear view of the wing panel  820  taken along line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 20 . By virtue of employing the curved panel portions  823 , the deflecting element  810  is able to direct even more of the impinging air around the tire  50 . 
         [0067]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The automotive vehicle with which the air deflector is incorporated has been described for purposes of illustration as an automobile. However, the air deflector is contemplated for use with other types of automotive vehicles in which having the improved aerodynamic characteristics provided by the instant invention would be desirable. Such other types of automotive vehicles include, for example, various types of trucks, and buses. 
         [0068]    It is not intended that the present invention be limited to the specific embodiments described herein. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. For example, although the system of deflectors shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  depicts each deflector as being the open-ended embodiment, i.e., deflector  100 , the deflectors could instead be the closed-ended embodiment, i.e., deflector  600 . Further, the system could include a plurality of both the deflector  100  and the deflector  600 , depending upon the particular air deflection service requirements. 
         [0069]    Further, according to one embodiment of the invention, the deflector  100  has been described as being adapted to be positioned within the wheel well  40  in front of the rear tire  50  of the automobile  10 . However, it is also contemplated that the deflector  100  could be used in association with the front tires of the automobile  10  as long as the deflector is configured and positioned to enable the front tires to turn laterally so as to steer the vehicle. 
         [0070]    Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.