초록 ▼

Apparatus for streamlining a tractor-trailer truckcomprises an inflatable balloon bag member at an end of the trailer. Supporting attachments for the bag automatically lock when the bag member is inflated but may be easily disconnected once the bag is deflated. The attachments are hinged for loading

Apparatus for streamlining a tractor-trailer truckcomprises an inflatable balloon bag member at an end of the trailer. Supporting attachments for the bag automatically lock when the bag member is inflated but may be easily disconnected once the bag is deflated. The attachments are hinged for loading door clearance, a top attachment being hinged forwardly of the end for swinging the deflated bag to one side of the trailer. A belt timber reenforces the bag between the attachments, the bag being otherwise self-supporting. Both front and rear bag members cooperate to significantly reduce aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption on long hauls.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for streamlining a vehicle body having at least one end member having a face area comprising a substantially plane surface perpendicular to a travel axis of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: (a) attachment means ona perimeter of the face area of the end member of the vehicle, the atta

Apparatus for streamlining a vehicle body having at least one end member having a face area comprising a substantially plane surface perpendicular to a travel axis of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: (a) attachment means ona perimeter of the face area of the end member of the vehicle, the attachment means comprising a plurality of plate members spaced along the perimeter of the face area; (b) inflatable bag means located against the face area, the bag means having a smooth aerodynamic convex portion facing away from the face area, the bag means comprising: (i) mounting means for supporting the bag means by the attachment means, the plate members of the attachment means extending toward the convex portion of the bag means the mounting means comprising a plurality of engagement members extending from the convex portion of the bag means, the engagement members being supported by the corresponding plate members; (ii) fill means for admitting a pressurized gas into the bag means; and (iii) blowdown means for deflating the bag means; and (c) coupling means for connecting the mounting means to the attachment means, the coupling means being locked when the bag means is inflated and releasable when the bag means is deflated, the coupling means comprising a hook member on each plate member and a pin member on each engagement member, the hook member preventing the pin member from moving away from the face area beyond a predetermined distance when the bag means is inflated, the hook member releasing the pin member when the bag means is deflated and the pin member is moved toward the face area.