초록 ▼

An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes a series of successively nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a spac

An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes a series of successively nesting shapes and/or frameworks 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 including at least a first section and a second section that successively nests within the first section, the second section moving outward from the first section when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration, and the second section nesting into the first section when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the extended configuration toward the retracted configuration; the drag reducing assembly 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; and a first set of linkage assemblies that interconnect the first section to the second section. 2. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first set of linkage assemblies is located inside the drag reducing assembly when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration. 3. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first set of linkage assemblies is located between the nested first and second sections when the drag reducing assembly is in the retracted configuration. 4. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the drag reducing assembly is substantially enclosed when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration. 5. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second sections includes a framework covered by a fabric. 6. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the first and second sections include door portions to enclose the second end of the drag reducing assembly when the drag reducing assembly is in the retracted configuration. 7. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein at least some of the linkage assemblies each include a first link pivotally connected to a second link, the first link being pivotally connected to the first section and the second link being pivotally connected to the second section. 8. The drag reducing device of claim 7, wherein the first and second links are movable between an open position and a closed position, the first and second links being in the open position when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, the first and second links also being in the open position when the drag reducing assembly is in the retracted configuration, and the first and second links pivoting towards and then away from the closed position as the drag reducing assembly is moved from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration. 9. The drag reducing device of claim 8, wherein the first and second links include a positive stop for stopping the links from pivoting beyond the open position. 10. The drag reducing device of claim 9, further comprising a spring for biasing the first and second links toward the open position. 11. The drag reducing device of claim 7, wherein the first and second links are movable between an open position and a closed position, the first and second links being in the open position when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, and the first and second links being in the closed position when the drag reducing assembly is in the retracted configuration. 12. The drag reducing device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator for automatically moving the drag reducing assembly between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. 13. The drag reducing device of claim 12, wherein the actuator includes a flexible actuator member connected to the first and second sections and a motor for moving the flexible actuator member in first and second directions, the flexible actuator member causing the drag reducing assembly to extend when moved in the first direction, the flexible actuator member causing the drag reducing assembly to retract when moved in the second direction, and the flexible actuator member having a constant route length. 14. The drag reducing device of claim 13, wherein a tensile load is transferred through the flexible actuator member to move the drag reducing assembly from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, and wherein another tensile load is also transferred through the flexible actuator member to move the drag reducing assembly from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. 15. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the extended volume defines a generally conical shape. 16. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the extended volume defines a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side that all converge toward one another as the top side, the bottom side, the left side and the right side extend toward the second end. 17. The drag reducing device of claim 16, wherein the top side, the bottom side, the left side, and the right side are generally planar. 18. The drag reducing device of claim 17, wherein the top side, the bottom side, the left side, and the right side are all 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. 19. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the drag reducing assembly has an extended length when in the extended configuration and a retracted length when in the retracted configuration, the extended length being at least 3 times as long as the retracted length. 20. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the drag reducing assembly includes a third section connected to the second section by a second set of linkage assemblies, the third section successively nesting within the second section, the third section moving outward from the second section when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, and the third section nesting into the second section when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the extended configuration toward the retracted configuration. 21. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the drag reducing assembly defines a split at a central location so as to define a first half adapted for connection to a first trailer door and a second half adapted for connection to a second trailer door, wherein the split allows the doors to be opened without removing the drag reducing device from the doors. 22. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second sections of the drag reducing assembly includes a non-fabric panel, and wherein the other of the first and second sections includes a panel including framework supporting a fabric covering. 23. The drag reducing device of claim 1, wherein the second section moves linearly relative to the first section when the drag reducing assembly is moved between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. 24. A collapsible/expandable structure mountable behind a vehicle comprising: a panel assembly that is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the panel assembly including at least a first section and a second section that successively nests within the first section, the second section moving outward from the first section when the panel assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration, and the second section moving into the first section when the panel assembly is moved from the extended configuration toward the retracted configuration; and a first set of linkage assemblies that interconnect the first section to the second section, the first set of linkage assembles being located inside the panel assembly when the panel assembly is in the extended configuration. 25. A collapsible/expandable structure mountable behind a vehicle comprising: an assembly that is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the assembly including at least a first section and a second section that successively nests within the first section, the second section moving outward from the first section when the assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration, and the second section moving into the first section when the assembly is moved from the extended configuration toward the retracted configuration; at least one of the first and second sections including a framework forming a skeleton that supports a fabric covering; and a first set of linkage assemblies that interconnect the first section to the second section. 26. The collapsible/expandable structure of claim 25, wherein the first and second sections each define a framework that support the fabric covering, and wherein the fabric covering extends from the first section to the second section such that no breaks in the fabric covering are defined between the first and second sections when the assembly is in the extended configuration.