Patents by Inventor Craig R. Benton

Craig R. Benton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8360507
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing drag on a moving vehicle includes various combinations of a movable segments and a swing arm. Each combination is adapted to be mounted to the rear of the vehicle with a fixed portion being positioned forward of the movable segment upon extraction. The movable segments have a retracted position and an extended position and may be biased to the retracted position. The movable segments deploy to the extended position when moving above a predetermined velocity and returns to a retracted position when moving below the predetermined velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Craig R. Benton
  • Patent number: 8342594
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing atmospheric drag on a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airfoil having a receiving feature, wherein the airfoil is attachable with a back portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one extender attachable with the back portion of the vehicle, and a slide arm attached to the at least one extender and mateable with the recess portion of the airfoil. The apparatus is configured such that when the slide arm is disposed in the receiving portion of the airfoil, the airfoil is in an extended position relative to the back of the vehicle. The apparatus is further configured such that applying a force on the airfoil in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back portion of the vehicle buckles the airfoil, thereby lifting the slide arm from the recess and moving the airfoil to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Craig R. Benton
  • Publication number: 20120223544
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing atmospheric drag on a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airfoil having a receiving feature, wherein the airfoil is attachable with a back portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one extender attachable with the back portion of the vehicle, and a slide arm attached to the at least one extender and mateable with the recess portion of the airfoil. The apparatus is configured such that when the slide arm is disposed in the receiving portion of the airfoil, the airfoil is in an extended position relative to the back of the vehicle. The apparatus is further configured such that applying a force on the airfoil in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back portion of the vehicle buckles the airfoil, thereby lifting the slide arm from the recess and moving the airfoil to a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Craig R. BENTON
  • Publication number: 20110148140
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing drag on a moving vehicle includes various combinations of a movable segments and a swing arm. Each combination is adapted to be mounted to the rear of the vehicle with a fixed portion being positioned forward of the movable segment upon extraction. The movable segments have a retracted position and an extended position and may be biased to the retracted position. The movable segments deploy to the extended position when moving above a predetermined velocity and returns to a retracted position when moving below the predetermined velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Craig R. Benton
  • Patent number: 7862102
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the drag on a moving vehicle includes combinations of a movable diverter with a corresponding fixed diverter. Each combination is adapted to be mounted the rear of a vehicle with the fixed diverter positioned forward of the movable diverter. The movable diverter has a retracted position and an extended position and is biased to the retracted position. The movable diverter deploys to the extended position when moving above a predetermined velocity and returns to the retracted position when moving below the predetermined velocity. The movable diverter in the extended position having the rear end extending over the rear of a vehicle to direct air thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Craig R. Benton