Drag reducing apparatus for a vehicle
US8287030B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D35/001
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The disclosure comprises a pair of inflatable substantially inelastic lobes. A single lobe can be mounted on each of the rear trailer doors of a standard tractor-trailer unit. Each lobe can be inflated or deployed to provide an aerodynamic substantially planar contour extending rearwardly of the rear end of the vehicle. The aerodynamic shape of the lobes with stable and substantially planar external surfaces for air to pass over can be created by a series of internal cords and flag sets extending substantially horizontally and vertically in an array from one side of the lobe to the other side of each lobe. When the lobes are deflated, the trailer doors can be opened and latched to the side of the trailer in a conventional manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.