초록 ▼

A deployable airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers including first and second frame structures supported for pivotal movement at the rear of the truck. Each of the first and second frame structures include a pair of frame members including upper and lower frame members. The u

A deployable airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers including first and second frame structures supported for pivotal movement at the rear of the truck. Each of the first and second frame structures include a pair of frame members including upper and lower frame members. The upper and lower pairs of frame members are connected through an actuation mechanism whereby the upper and lower frame members will move simultaneously to deploy or fold the airfoil. Each pair of upper and lower frame members support a fabric member wherein, in a deployed configuration, the fabric member is drawn substantially taut between the upper and lower frame members.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A deployable airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers having a substantially planar rear surface defining a plane, the airfoil comprising:first and second substantially rigid frame structures supported at the plane of the rear surface;each frame str

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A deployable airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers having a substantially planar rear surface defining a plane, the airfoil comprising:first and second substantially rigid frame structures supported at the plane of the rear surface;each frame structure having a proximal edge pivotally mounted adjacent to the plane of the rear surface and a distal edge movable outwardly from a location adjacent the plane of the rear surface to a location distal from the plane of the rear surface;a flexible fabric structure attached to the distal edges and extending between the first and second frame structures;a connecting structure between the first and second frame structures whereby the frame structures are connected to pivot simultaneously outwardly to move the fabric structure from a folded configuration adjacent to the plane of the rear surface to a deployed configuration where the fabric structure is substantially taut between the first and second frame structures; andwherein the distal edges of the frame structures pivot outwardly in opposite directions during movement from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration.