Truck bed wind deflector

• US 5,743,589 A
• Filed: 08/12/1996
• Issued: 04/28/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sandi G. Zinsmeister
• Original Assignee: Raymond J. Felker
• Inventors: Felker, Raymond J.
• Primary Examiner(s): HOGE, GARY CHAPMAN
• Application Number:
  US08/695,649
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 296/180.1, 296/180.5, 296/57.1, 296/37.6
• US Class Current: 296/180.5
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/0273 Movable tailboards for vehicles comprising non-movable sideboards, e.g. pick-up trucks B62D33/037 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/007 Rear spoilers B62D35/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/82 Elements for improving aerodynamics

Abstract

A substantially planar, substantially rectangular wind deflector including an extendable portion is pivotally attached to a truck. The deflector includes an extendable portion and is configured and arranged to extend between a top edge of a tailgate and a bed when the extendable portion is in an extended position, forming an inclined surface over which air flows when such a vehicle is in forward motion. The tailgate or the bed may alternatively include a recess therein to receive the deflector in a non-deployed position.

Claims

1. A wind deflector for use in a truck, the wind deflector comprising:

a. a substantially rectangular, substantially planar first section;

b. a substantially rectangular, substantially planar second section;

c. structure forming a slot within the first section;

d. structure forming a cavity within the first section, the cavity in physical communication with the slot and configured to contain the second section;

e. the second section being extendable and retractable through the slot;

f. the wind deflector adapted to extend between a top edge of a tailgate and a bed of the truck, forming an inclined surface over which air flows when the truck is in forward motion; and

g. a securing means for securing the second section in a fully extended position and for preventing separation of the second section from the first section, even when the wind deflector is not in contact with both the top edge of the tailgate and the bed of the truck.

2. The wind deflector of claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a spring-bolt apparatus including a spring and a bolt, the spring-bolt apparatus connected to the first section near the slot, the spring configured to urge the bolt into a recess within the second section when the second section is fully extended, thus securing the second section in position and preventing separation of the second section from the first section.