Improvements in and relating to the Prevention or Reduction of Dust on Motor Cars and like Road Vehicles.

摘要

20,135. Cuthbert, J. M. Sept. 25. Motor road vehicles.-To prevent the raising of dust, a series of inclined depending screens are used to direct the air current caused by the motion of the vehicle laterally and upwards towards the rear, so that the rapid motion of a large volume of air in close proximity to the road surface is avoided. Fig. 1 shows a screen or apron extending the whole width of the vehicle and fitted in front of the radiator. The upper portion a slopes backwards and has side wings g, which prevent access of air between the mud-guards and the front wheels of the vehicle. The lower portion b comprises an inclined screen cut away in the rear at b2 to clear the road wheels. The lower edge b1 may be close to the road surface, or it may be provided with a hinged spring shutter adapted to be displaced by obstacles on the road. The screen a is provided with an adjustable opening d controlled by a sliding door or equivalent mechanism for supplying air to the radiator and the carburettor, or alternately may be formed with a central boxed-in portion e (shown in dotted lines) surrounding the radiator. In the latter case a grooved plate f is fitted over the radiator to direct the air to the sides of the car. Grooved flanges c are formed on the screens to assist in directing the air currents clear of the vehicle. A second sloping plate or screen h, Fig. 2, V-shaped in cross-section, is mounted behind the front wheels and is preferably secured to the footboards of the vehicle by flanges h2. A third screen j, Fig. 4, is mounted on the back axle by means of bearings k, and has grooves or channels l formed on its surface by turning up the edges of the plate. This plate scoops up the air in front of the rear wheels and allows it to pass between the upper surface of the screen and the car body. The bottom of the car body and the open space for the differential-gear box may be lined with asbestos or like material to prevent the rush of cold air causing inconvenience to the passengers. Fig. 5 shows a modified form of screen m which has bearings ml for mounting on the rear axle and has inclined plates n, o extending laterally in front of the road wheels. The lower edges of the screens m, j may be provided with hinged shutters if necessary. Fig. 9 shows in plan an arrangement for preventing the splashing of dust or mud by the wheels. Two arms v are mounted on the swivelling axle and carry a bar y, from which is suspended a flexible curtain t of chain mail, manila rope, lengths of chain, or like material. Spring plates s which yield to obstructions on the road are mounted at each end of the bar. In an alternative arrangement, the curtain and spring plates are secured to a bracket mounted on the wheel axle or axle nut. A similar arrangement of hanging curtains may be fitted entirely round the car body or at intervals as required.