Rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for truck cargo bodies
US8708399B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D35/004
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a foldable/retractable and unfoldable/deployable, rearwardly tapered assembly for vehicle bodies that accommodate dual swing-out doors. The aerodynamic assembly includes a right half and a left half mounted on respective doors. Each half is constructed with a series of panels that form half of a tapered box when deployed on the rear of the vehicle, the bottom panels and top panels being sealed together at a pair of weather seals along the centerline. The panels are joined by hinges and the top and bottom panels form two sections along diagonal lines to facilitate folding of all panels in a low-profile stacked orientation. A swing arm assembly and gas spring biases the panels into a deployed position that can be refolded. The top and bottom panels are partly inwardly folded when deployed to define external valleys using a stop assembly that prevents the panels from “locking up”.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.