Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
US7857376B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H21/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.