초록

An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on vehicles, the drag reducing device comprising: a drag reducing assembly that is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the drag reducing assembly including a first end adapted for connection

What is claimed is: 1. A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on vehicles, the drag reducing device comprising: a drag reducing assembly that is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the drag reducing assembly including a first end adapted for connection to the vehicle and a second end that is moved outwardly from the first end when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration; the drag reducing assembly at least partially defining an extended volume when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, the extended volume tapering inwardly as the drag reducing assembly extends in a direction from the first end to the second end of the drag reducing assembly; the drag reducing assembly including at least a first panel group that at least partially encloses at least a first portion of the extended volume when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, the first panel group defining at least a first side and a second side, the first panel group including a plurality of panels that are movable relative to one another about fold-lines that are relatively positioned to define a fold-line arrangement, the fold-line arrangement being configured to enable the panels of the first panel group to be folded and unfolded in a coordinated manner such that the first panel group can be extended and retracted as a unit; and the plurality of panels of the first panel group including at least three panels forming the first side and at least three panels forming the second side. 2. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first side includes a top side and the second side includes a right side or a left side. 3. The drag reducing device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels of the first panel group includes at least three panels forming a bottom side. 4. The drag reducing device of claim 3, further comprising an end support member positioned at the second end of the drag reducing assembly for maintaining a spatial relationship between the top side, the bottom side and the right or left side of the drag reducing assembly. 5. The drag reducing device of claim 4, wherein the end support member includes a panel that encloses the second end of the drag reducing assembly. 6. The drag reducing device of claim 3, wherein the panels of the top side are movable relative to one another about top fold-lines that are parallel to one another, wherein the panels of the bottom side are movable relative to one another about bottom fold-lines that are parallel to the top fold-lines, and wherein the panels of the right or left side are movable about certain right or left side fold-lines that are not parallel to one another. 7. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first side includes more panels than the second side. 8. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the panels of the first panel group are generally parallel to one another when the drag reducing assembly is in the retracted configuration. 9. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first panel group includes a front end and a rear end, wherein the front end of the first panel group corresponds to the first end of the drag reducing assembly, and wherein the drag reducing assembly also includes a second panel group, the second panel group being connected to the rear end of the first panel group, the second panel group at least partially enclosing a second portion of the extended volume when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, the second panel group including a plurality of panels movable relative to one another about fold-lines arranged in a fold-line arrangement, the fold-line arrangement being configured to enable the panels of the second panel group to be folded and unfolded in a coordinated manner. 10. The drag reducing device of claim 9, wherein the first portion of the extended volume is larger than the second portion of the extended volume. 11. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the panels of the first panel group include framed panels having frame members that support a flexible covering material. 12. The drag reducing device of claim 11, wherein the frame members are positioned inside the flexible covering material. 13. The drag reducing device of claim 11, wherein the flexible covering material includes a fabric material. 14. The drag reducing device of claim 1, further comprising a second panel group that is generally symmetrical with respect to the first panel group. 15. The drag reducing device of claim 14, wherein the drag reducing assembly defines a split between the first and second panel groups, wherein the first panel group is adapted for connection to a first trailer door, wherein the second panel group is adapted for connection to a second trailer door, and wherein the split allows the first and second trailer doors to be opened without removing the drag reducing device from the first and second trailer doors. 16. The drag reducing device of claim 1, further comprising a second panel group, a third panel group and a fourth panel group, the first, second, third and fourth panel groups cooperating to at least partially define four quadrants of the drag reducing assembly. 17. The drag reducing device of claim 1, further comprising springs for biasing the drag reducing assembly toward the retracted configuration. 18. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first side and the second side are generally planar when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration. 19. The drag reducing device of claim 18, wherein the first and second sides are oriented at angles in the range of 10-18 degrees relative to a central axis of the drag reducing assembly, the central axis of the drag reducing assembly extending in a direction from the first end of the drag reducing assembly to the second end of the drag reducing assembly. 20. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first side includes a top side and the second side includes a right side, and wherein the plurality of panels of the first panel group includes at least three panels forming a bottom side and at least three panels forming a left side. 21. A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on vehicles, the drag reducing device comprising: a drag reducing assembly that is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the drag reducing assembly including a first end adapted for connection to the vehicle and a second end that is moved outwardly from the first end when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration; the drag reducing assembly at least partially defining an extended volume when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, the extended volume tapering inwardly as the drag reducing assembly extends in a direction from the first end to the second end of the drag reducing assembly; the drag reducing assembly including a plurality of frames that are movable relative to one another about fold-lines relatively positioned to define a fold-line arrangement that allows the drag reducing assembly to be folded to the retracted configuration and unfolded to the extended configuration; and a flexible covering that is supported by the frames at least when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration.