초록 ▼

A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system is disclosed. In operation, the bracing system need not attach to a trailer base rail. The innovation discloses straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, ‘v-braces,’ ‘v-wi

A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system is disclosed. In operation, the bracing system need not attach to a trailer base rail. The innovation discloses straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, ‘v-braces,’ ‘v-wings,’ and integral rib bracing mechanisms are disclosed. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a ‘memory’ to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an “anti-skid” clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system that facilitates aerodynamics comprising: a skirt panel configured for installation upon a trailer; anda brace that provides structural support to the skirt panel, wherein the brace resists wind deflection, wherein the brace comprises a vertical portion with a height at least half of a h

1. A system that facilitates aerodynamics comprising: a skirt panel configured for installation upon a trailer; anda brace that provides structural support to the skirt panel, wherein the brace resists wind deflection, wherein the brace comprises a vertical portion with a height at least half of a height of the skirt panel, the skirt panel is a resilient skirt panel that bends under force and regains an original shape upon alleviation of the force, the brace is a resilient brace that bends under the force and regains an original shape upon alleviation of the force, and wherein the brace is one of a ‘v-brace’ or ‘v-wing’ that is wholly positioned within an interior portion of the skirt panel. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge portion of the skirt panel includes a hem that enhances a strength of the skirt panel. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the brace is an angled member that is wholly positioned within the interior portion of the skirt panel between an interior panel face and a horizontal mounting flange. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the skirt panel comprises a curve between a rear portion and a forward portion of the skirt panel, wherein the forward portion bends inward toward a landing gear portion of the trailer and wherein the rear portion is substantially in-plane with a sidewall of the trailer. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spacers that at least one of separate the skirt panel from the trailer or adapt one or more heights of a base rail or cross member to accommodate installation of the skirt panel. 6. A method of installing a skirt panel assembly to a trailer comprising: positioning a resilient skirt panel upon an underside of the trailer in a predetermined configuration;mounting a resilient ‘v brace’ upon an interior surface of the skirt panel, wherein the resilient ‘v-brace’ brace has a vertical portion with a height at least half of a height of the resilient skirt panel and wherein the ‘v-brace’ is wholly positioned within the interior surface of the skirt panel; andsecuring the skirt panel to the underside of the trailer via a pair of brackets that facilitate connection to an upper flange of the skirt panel. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the predetermined configuration includes a curve that transitions from a rear flush position with the trailer to an inward front landing gear position. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the skirt panel includes integrated stiffeners that facilitate a strength of the skirt panel. 9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of brackets having at least one countersink that establishes friction upon a mounting surface. 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of brackets having treatment that establishes friction upon a mounting surface. 11. A trailer skirt assembly comprising: a resilient skirt panel for installation on a trailer;a resilient ‘v-brace’ brace that supports the skirt panel, wherein the resilient ‘v-brace’ brace provides structural support to the skirt panel and resists wind deflection, wherein the resilient ‘v-brace’ brace comprises a vertical portion and a horizontal portion that meet at an angle of around 90° , and wherein the vertical portion has a height of at least half of the height of the skirt panel and wherein the ‘v-brace’ is wholly positioned within an interior surface of the skirt panel; anda plurality of brackets that facilitate mounting of the resilient skirt panel to a mounting surface. 12. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of brackets includes at least one countersink that penetrates a coating of the mounting surface and establishes friction upon the mounting surface. 13. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of brackets includes teeth that penetrate a coating of the mounting surface and establishes a force upon the mounting surface. 14. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein the resilient skirt panel includes a curve between a rear portion and a forward portion of the resilient skirt panel such that the forward portion bends inward toward a landing gear portion of the trailer and wherein the rear portion is substantially in-plane with a sidewall of the trailer. 15. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein the resilient skirt panel is configured in a straight orientation substantially in-plane with a sidewall of the trailer. 16. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein the resilient skirt panel is a straight panel and is mounted at an angle inward from a rear wheel of the trailer toward a landing gear portion of the trailer. 17. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein the resilient brace comprises a rib molded into the resilient skirt panel that enhances a strength of the resilient skirt panel. 18. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein a bottom edge portion of the resilient skirt panel includes a hem that enhances a strength of the resilient skirt panel. 19. The trailer skirt assembly of claim 11, wherein the resilient skirt panel and the resilient ‘v-brace’ brace are adapted to bend under a force and automatically regain an original shape upon alleviation of the force.