초록 ▼

Two layers of a flexible and essentially impervious material are sealed to each other at their edges and are otherwise separate from each other so as to form an interior portion. Many lengths of thread connect the layers together at numerous points throughout the interior portion. The length of the

Two layers of a flexible and essentially impervious material are sealed to each other at their edges and are otherwise separate from each other so as to form an interior portion. Many lengths of thread connect the layers together at numerous points throughout the interior portion. The length of the thread that is between the layers is relatively short and the thread connects the layers at a sufficient number of points to restrain the layers and hold them in a spaced relationship when the interior portion is inflated with air. Applying modest air pressure to the interior portion produces a lightweight structure of sufficient stiffness that is attached to the rear ends of truck trailers to improve airflow and reduce drag at highway speeds.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Structure for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a vehicle comprisingat least two layers of flexible material, said layers having peripheral portions and interior portions, said peripheral portions being pneumatically sealed to each other, connecting and restraining means for connecting the interio

1. Structure for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a vehicle comprisingat least two layers of flexible material, said layers having peripheral portions and interior portions, said peripheral portions being pneumatically sealed to each other, connecting and restraining means for connecting the interior portions of the layers to each other while restraining separation from each other for a controlled distance so that the interior portions of the layers are in a spaced relationship to each other, and air admitting means for inflating the space between the interior portions of the layers to impose tension within the connecting means, thereby producing an essentially rigid and light weight structure having a shape that minimizes air turbulence when attached to a vehicle.