A system for managing wheel kinematics during a small overlap collision event includes a deflector apparatus. The deflector is configured to direct a wheel away from an occupant compartment of a vehicle. The deflector includes a first section arranged at an inside wall of a wheel well facing a wheel, near the base of a hinge-pillar. The first section includes a hollow structure configured to absorb energy from the collision event by plastically deforming. The deflector also includes a second section arranged at an angle to the wheel and configured to deflect the wheel laterally outwards from the vehicle away from an occupant compartment during the small overlap collision event. The deflector may be formed of extruded aluminum. The system may include an absorber arranged behind the first section and configured to further absorb energy from the collision event by plastically deforming.

A protective covering assembly for a tire features a wing bracket, a mounting bracket coupled to the wing bracket, and a fender coupled to the wing bracket. The mounting bracket is configured to couple to a swing arm of an independent suspension system of a trailer. As a result, the fender is suspended around at least a portion of a tire to thereby protect the trailer from a tire blowout.

The present invention provides an aerodynamic housing for the steerable wheels of a vehicle. The housings may present a minimal profile perpendicular to the axis of motion and substantially match the streamlines of the airflow around the body of the vehicle to minimize drag. The housings may steer with the wheels and may float with the wheel suspensions. The housings may include front and rear bumpers to minimize damage to the housings. The housings may further be articulated; that is to say that a portion of the housings may be rotated or otherwise moved clear of the wheels, to enable maintenance, repair, and/or servicing without being disassembled. The housings may include appropriate mechanisms for securing the articulated portion of the housings during vehicle operation.

A mechanism for securing a vehicle protection system to an axle of a vehicle is provided. The mechanism may include a plurality of studs that are configured to secure the vehicle protection system and the backing plate of a brake assembly to an axle flange of a vehicle's axle. Each stud may include an outer end separated from an inner end by a spacer. The outer end may also include an expanded section adjacent the spacer that can be positioned within bolt holes of the axle flange. The expanded section may include knurls for forming a press fit within the bolt holes.

A vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, a wheel attached to the vehicle frame, and a wheel deflector assembly attached to the vehicle frame. The wheel deflector assembly includes a deflector plate that extends angularly outward from the vehicle frame, and the wheel deflector assembly is configured, in the event of an offset frontal impact to the vehicle that forces the wheel in a direction toward the frame, to be struck by the wheel and deflect the wheel in a direction away from the frame to prevent the wheel from travelling beneath the vehicle frame.

A vehicle defines a forward direction and a rearward direction along a longitudinal axis, a rightward direction and a leftward direction along a lateral axis, and an upward direction and a downward direction along a vertical axis, and includes a wheel well cavity, a wheel positioned within the wheel well cavity, and a wheel well cavity cover assembly including a front cover plate that covers at least a front portion of a bottom opening of the wheel well cavity. The front cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the lateral axis when a front portion of the wheel is turned towards the front cover plate.

A tow truck dolly fenders kit designed to enhance the functionality and safety of tow dollies, as described. The kit includes a pair of durable fenders, a front fender aligned with a rear fender, each shaped to contour over at least the top of the dolly wheels or tires for providing a protective shield against debris and hazards. A central bracket is positioned between the fenders and facilitates easy, secure attachment to the tow dolly without the need for drilling or permanent modifications. The bracket is integrated with the fenders via a connecting member and extends below thereof for straightforward mounting. The fenders are equipped with multiple reflectors to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring safe navigation. The kit is made from robust materials such as aluminum or steel and may include apertures for additional securement and an anti-corrosion coating for enhanced durability.