Rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for truck cargo bodies

US9039069B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ADVANCED TRANSIT DYNAMICS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Andrew F. Smith · Redwood City, US
• Charles M. Horrell · McGrady, US
• Jeffrey J. Grossmann · San Francisco, US
• Jonathan R. Feldman · Roslyn Heights, US
• Alexander R. Bruccoleri · Glastonbury, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2013
• Grant date: May 26, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D35/001
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear cargo body, having doors that swing open, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The embodiments provide an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the structure reduces drag, yet enables access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position allows access to the rear for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors, allows the doors to be folded through a 270-degree arc, with a minimal sideways projection. The various embodiments also enable relatively rapid and easy transition between the folded position and the deployed position using actuators and/or linkages that tie the folding and deployment of panels of the structure together. This allows selective folding and deployment of the structure without undue effort or strength.