초록 ▼

The present invention provides an adjustable airfoil mountable to a vehicle and movable from a first position to a second position. The invention further includes an actuator device coupled to the adjustable airfoil to selectively move the airfoil from the first position to the second position and o

The present invention provides an adjustable airfoil mountable to a vehicle and movable from a first position to a second position. The invention further includes an actuator device coupled to the adjustable airfoil to selectively move the airfoil from the first position to the second position and operatively coupled to a vehicle brake system so that the actuator device is able to receive a signal pertaining to operation of the vehicle brake system, wherein the actuator device moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable airfoil further comprises a remote control device operably coupled to the actuator to provided a second signal, wherein the actuator device also moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the second signal. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for operating an adjustable airfoil as just described.

대표청구항 ▼

The present invention provides an adjustable airfoil mountable to a vehicle and movable from a first position to a second position. The invention further includes an actuator device coupled to the adjustable airfoil to selectively move the airfoil from the first position to the second position and o

The present invention provides an adjustable airfoil mountable to a vehicle and movable from a first position to a second position. The invention further includes an actuator device coupled to the adjustable airfoil to selectively move the airfoil from the first position to the second position and operatively coupled to a vehicle brake system so that the actuator device is able to receive a signal pertaining to operation of the vehicle brake system, wherein the actuator device moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable airfoil further comprises a remote control device operably coupled to the actuator to provided a second signal, wherein the actuator device also moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the second signal. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for operating an adjustable airfoil as just described. n exterior surface of the bottom of the vertically adjustable body. 13. The hitch adapter of claim 12, wherein the latch pin has a radius and said milled slot has a contoured shape matching the radius of the latch pin. 14. A method of coupling a first vehicle with a king pin and king pin box mounted thereon to a second vehicle with a ball hitch, said method comprising: attaching a threaded collar assembly to the king pin; screwing a vertically adjustable body onto the threaded collar assembly, said vertically adjustable body comprising a first end having a slightly serrated top and an internal threaded section and a second end having a bell-shaped opening for receiving the ball hitch; adjusting the vertically adjustable body to a height; aligning the bell-shaped opening within about two inches of a center of the ball hitch; coupling the vertically adjustable body to the ball hitch; and remotely activating a latching mechanism. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein attaching the threaded collar assembly comprises: placing two halves of a split collar around the king pin; securing the two collar halves to each other; and securing the split collar against the king pin. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein attaching the threaded collar assembly comprises: sliding a threaded collar over a major diameter of the king pin; inserting a tapered collar having two halves around the king pin; and sliding the threaded collar down over the tapered collar. 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying anti-seize grease to the threaded collar assembly before screwing the vertically adjustable body to the threaded collar assembly. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein screwing the vertically adjustable body onto the threaded collar assembly is effected with a force of at least 1,200 ft/lbs. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein screwing the vertically adjustable body onto the threaded collar assembly comprises mating the internal threaded section with the threaded collar assembly and allowing the slightly serrated top to bite into the king pin box. 20. The method of claim 14, wherein remotely activating the latching mechanism comprises manipulating a handle on an end of a cable, said handle being located proximate said first vehicle. 21. A hitch adapter for coupling any king pin to a ball hitch, said hitch adapter comprising: a threaded collar assembly for attaching to the king pin; a vertically adjustable stem including a first end with an internal threaded section and a top, said internal threaded section configured to mate with the threaded collar assembly and said top being cone-shaped, slightly serrated and heat treated, and a second end having a bell-shaped opening for receiving the ball hitch, said bell-shaped opening being considerably larger than the ball hitch; and a latching mechanism attached to the vertically adjustable stem, said latching mechanism being operated by a handle located proximate the king pin. 22. The hitch adapter of claim 21, wherein said slightly serrated top grips the king pin box. 23. The hitch adapter of claim 21, further comprising a milled slot on an exterior surface of the bell-shaped opening. 24. The hitch adapter of claim 21, wherein said threaded collar assembly comprises a split collar consisting of a first collar half and a second collar half wherein said first collar half and said second collar half are secured around the king pin. 25. The hitch adapter of claim 21, wherein said vertically adjustable stem comprises a pair of mating sleeves. 26. The hitch adapter of claim 25, wherein said pair of mating sleeves is held together by at least one screw. 27. The hitch adapter of claim 21, wherein said vertically adjustable stem can be lengthened by about three inches. 28. The hitch adapter of claim 21, wherein said latching mechanism comprises: a latch pin, said latch pin being configured to ride against a shoulder of the ball hitch; a positive wedge block for securing s