Abstract:
The subject invention is an air deflector for a motor vehicle that is adapted to be attached to the posterior portion of a roof structure of a motor vehicle for purposes of directing the flow of air over the roof of a moving motor vehicle downwardly over the rear surface of the motor vehicle, said deflector comprising an air collector member having an internal air passage that is curved downwardly to deflect air movements from a horizontal flow pattern to a substantial vertical flow directed downwardly adjacent to the posterior surface of the vehicle, such device having a concave lower surface adapted to fit conformingly over the rear portion of the roof, with attachment means affixed to such lower surface.

Description:
KNOWN PRIOR ART 
     The follow comprise a number of the patents that Applicant has found as relevant to the status of the prior art: 
     (A) U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,195 
     (B) U.S. Pat. No. 3,904,239 
     (C) U.S. Pat. No. 3,853,371 
     (D) U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,478 
     (E) U.S. Pat. No. 3,922,032 
     DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The subject invention relates to the devices and processes used to deflect the aerodynamic flow of air over the upper surface of a motor vehicle while the vehicle is moving. Such deflectors are variously and differentially structured to accomplish one or more functions. Some air deflectors are structured and deployed to deflect air away from vehicle surfaces that directly blunt the air flow, such as flat, vertical surfaces facing towards the vehicle&#39;s usual direction of movement, such air deflectors are primarily equipped and structured to reduce the resultant drag effect on the movement of the vehicle and thereby improve gas mileage. 
     Other air deflectors are appropriately structured to deflect the air flow over the roof of a vehicle to help yield downward force components to keep the rear portion of the vehicle stabilized relative to the wheel contact with the roadway. 
     Still other functions are accomplished by air deflectors, one of which is to direct the flow of air over the roof of a moving vehicle downwardly over the posterior vertical surface of the vehicle. Such deflectors are adapted to utilize air flowing over such surface process whereby the resultant redirected air flow cleanses dust, dirt, and other material accumulation that obscures the view through windows on such rear surface. The rear portion of the vehicle particularly the relatively vertical, flat surface of such vehicle, tend to collect dirt, dust and it is difficult to keep such clean for viewing and other purposes. 
     There are several devices conceived and structured in the existing art that are adapted to be retrofitted over the roof of a vehicle, particularly the van-type structure. Such devices are adapted to be affixed in some manner to the upper rear surface of the vehicle having means to receive the rearward flow of air to deflect it as stated. 
     In this regard there are several disadvantages to existing devices. One such disadvantage is that they are not generally structured as a universal fit to conform to the various roof structures of the different vans manufactured. Another disadvantage is that the existing air deflection structures are structured with attachment means that invade the integrity of the vehicle or roof. More specifically, most such air deflectors are affixed through insert means that are adapted to penetrate the vehicle&#39;s metallic roof or outer surface, which damages the vehicle. Other disadvantages exist in this regard. 
     By reason of these shortcomings, the subject invention is conceived as a means to improve such air deflector structures, and the subject invention is conceived accordingly, with the following objects. 
     OBJECTS OF INVENTION 
     It is an object of the subject invention to provide an improved air deflector for a motor vehicle; 
     Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved air deflector for helping to clean the posterior areas of motor vehicles; 
     A further object of the subject invention is to provide an improved air deflector for a van-type motor vehicle; 
     Still another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved structure for appending to the roof of a motor vehicle for deflecting air flow to the rear surface areas of the vehicle; 
     Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved structure that provides improved air deflection as a motor vehicle moves forward; 
     A further object is to provide a more efficient and effective means for air flow cleansing of the posterior areas of a motor vehicle; 
     Other and further objects of the subject invention will be apparent from a reading of the description taken in conjunction with the claims. 
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the subject invention, as shown in cross sectional configuration demonstrating how the subject apparatus is appended to a motor vehicle; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, in section, of the subject air deflector. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL EMBODIMENT AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The subject invention is an air deflector for a motor vehicle that is adapted to be attached to the posterior portion of a roof structure of a motor vehicle for purposes of directing the flow of air over the roof of a moving motor vehicle downwardly over the rear surface of a motor vehicle, said deflector comprising an air collector member having an internal air passage that is curved downwardly to deflect air movements from a horizontal flow pattern to a substantial vertical flow directed downwardly adjacent to the posterior surface of the vehicle, such device having a concave lower surface adapted to fit conformingly over the rear portion of the roof, with attachment means affixed to such lower surface. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In describing the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the following description is of only one specific and preferred embodiment of the subject invention and as a consequence, the following description shall not be considered as limiting the scope of the subject invention. 
     The subject structural concept of the subject invention centers on the use of the air flow over the roof of a moving motor vehicle to air cleanse the rear surface portion of a motor vehicle, particularly the outer surface of the back panel of a van-type vehicle. Generally, the apparatus directs such air flow for an air-fluid circulation system directed downwardly over the outer surface of the back windows and back door panel to keep such surface dust and dirt free. The subject device is generally an air deflector apparatus designed and structured to be retrofitted to the roof of motor vehicles, such as a van-type motor vehicle, and the like. The apparatus herein comprises a deflector panel having an internal air flow chamber adapted to receive and collect air moving over the upper surface of the roof into the confines of the air flow chamber to be funneled therethrough in a constricted manner and thence directed downwardly through the downwardly curved chamber so that the air flow is vented from the internal chamber into the outer surface of the back panel of the vehicle so as to continuously air cleanse such surface. 
     Specific attention is directed to the drawings in which a land-based motor vehicle  10  is shown. As seen in the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, motor vehicle  10  as shown incorporates the features of the subject invention, and as can be observed, motor vehicle  10  shown in part has the general features of a conventionally structured and styled van-type motor vehicle having a front section  20  and a posterior section  30 . Such motor vehicle may have any type of engine, not shown, so long as it is structured and adapted to be the primary motive power source for the motor vehicle  10 . Moreover, it is to be noted that the precise structure and pertinent features of the motor vehicle  10  may be varied without affecting the applicability of the subject invention. In this latter regard, it is to be understood that the concepts of the invention herein are provided as an auxiliary structure for the motor vehicle  10 . 
     Moreover, motor vehicle  10  has a passenger section  50  disposed between the front section  20  and the rear section  30  of such motor vehicle. Rear section  30  of motor vehicle in most vehicles houses seating areas as well as a storage area  65 . Additionally, motor vehicle  10  has a front axle  60  on which are mounted lo rotatable wheels, such as left front wheel  70  shown in FIG.  1 . Motor vehicle  10  also has a rear axle  80  on which rotatable wheels, such as left front wheel  70  shown in FIG.  1 . Motor vehicle  10  also has a rear axle  80  on which rotatable wheels are mounted, such as left rear wheel  90  as seen in FIG.  1 . In some vehicles the front wheels are structured to be drive wheels while in others the rear wheels are adapted as the drive wheels. In others, both front and back wheels function as the drive wheels. However, the subject invention shall not be considered as being limited to a vehicle of the type specified above, and it is to be understood that the subject invention is equally applicable to other types of land-based vehicles of varying or differing structures. 
     However, as seen in the drawings, vehicle  10  has a level upper roof surface  110  and a rear panel  120  which has an outer substantially vertical surface. 
     The air deflector apparatus system  150  is adapted to be fitted over the upper surface roof  10  in a conforming manner so as to maximize the utilization of the dynamic air flow over the upper surface of the roof. Air deflector member  150  functions as stated to divert the flow of air over the moving roof vehicle to permit passage of such air down to the immediate area of the outer surface of the back panel of the vehicle  10 . 
     In the preferred embodiment air deflector member  150  is disposed optimally one the rear portion of the roof  110  of vehicle  10  that is substantially in a position adjacent where the rear panel door is located, as seen in FIG.  2 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, as seen in FIG. 2, the air deflector member  150  is comprised of preferably a plastic-based member and is an elongated member having an upper surface  180  and a lower surface  190 . The respective upper surface and lower surface extend longitudinally from a front or leading edge portion  200  to a posterior portion  210 . Flanking the lateral portions of the upper surface  180  and lower surface  190  are side edges  220  and  240 . Moreover, in the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the lower surface  190  of the air deflector  150  is curved in a concave manner as viewed from the bottom thereof so that such lower surface  190  can be conformingly placed and affixed over the downwardly curved rear portion of the vehicle, as seen in FIG.  2 . More particularly, as seen in FIG. 2, the lower surface  190  is slightly curved in a concave manner as it extends from the front edge  200  rearwardly and such curvature is increased substantially at the most rearward portion so that the lower surface becomes vertically disposable downwardly in a direction somewhat parallel to the rear surface of vehicle  10 . 
     More specifically, the air deflector  100  has a curved undersurface  210  which can be conformingly affixed to the upper surface of the roof of vehicle  10  as more particularly seen in the drawings. In order to affix the undersurface of the air deflector to the roof, such undersurface is coated with some form of adhesive substance  300 , which will adhere the undersurface to the upper surface of the roof in an affixed position, such as the position seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is optimal that this adhesive substance  300  be of such composition that it will not damage the surface of the roof of the vehicle and is easily removed when the air deflector is to be removed for any purpose. 
     Another embodiment of the subject invention includes the use of a sheet metal stamping configures to fit conformingly against the lower surface of the air deflector, as seen, which stamping has upwardly projecting fittings that can be inserted into the body of the air deflector, as seen, to affix said stamping to the air deflector. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the stamping is provided with a bonding tape to hold the stamping to the upper surface of the van, as seen in FIG.  2 . Moreover, the front end of such stamping is provided with a curved frontal lip  390  that is adapted to be seated around the upper edge of the rear door  395  of the vehicle  10 . This further secures the stamping and air deflector to the vehicle  10 . 
     As can be further seen from the drawings, integrally disposed through the complete longitudinal extent of the air deflector from its leading edge to the rear edge, is an open air flow chamber  400  adapted to receive moving oncoming air on its front end at air inlet opening  410  and pass such air rearwardly through chamber  400  to air outlet opening  450 . As can be seen from the drawings, air that passes through the chamber  400  through air outlet opening  450  passes, by reason of the downward bend of the channel, directly downwardly next to the outer rear surface of vehicle  10 , as schematically shown.