Abstract: A laterally extending aerodynamic deflector panel disposed upstream in front of an otherwise exposed uppermost portion of a vehicle wheel assembly, and arranged to divert headwinds from otherwise impinging upon drag-magnified uppermost wheel surfaces to thereby minimize overall vehicle drag.

Abstract: Aerodynamic fairing devices divert rising headwinds lifted over the top of a truck more laterally outwards to reduce vehicle drag. Embodiments include a truck cab roof mounted fairing, a streamlined truck cab roof, a fairing visor disposed on either cab roof fairing or on a streamlined truck cab roof, and a forwardly open-box sidewall assembly disposed on an upper portion of the front wall of a cargo box of a truck or semitrailer.

Abstract: An inwardly disposed trailer skirt panel assembly disposed laterally inset toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The trailer skirt panel assembly is suspended underneath a rearward body component of a truck or semitrailer, extending forwards in front of a rearward wheel assembly. The trailer skirt panel assembly stabilizes the generally static air passing under the central portion of the moving vehicle, further increasing the effective air pressure being developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce drag thereon. An inner wheel skirt panel centrally located under the body of a vehicle reduces overall vehicle drag by inhibiting air from otherwise being displaced laterally inward by the passing wheels of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: An inner wheel skirt panel centrally located under the body of a vehicle reduces overall vehicle drag by inhibiting air from otherwise being displaced laterally inward by the passing wheels of the moving vehicle. Maintaining air to remain generally static while passing under the vehicle through the central open-space between the wheels increases the effective air pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce overall drag developed between the front and rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inwardly disposed vehicle skirt panel assembly disposed laterally inset toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The vehicle skirt panel assembly is suspended underneath a rearward body component of a truck or semitrailer, extending forwards in front of a rearward wheel assembly. The vehicle skirt panel assembly stabilizes otherwise laterally displaced air passing under the central portion of the moving vehicle, further increasing the effective air pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle. Maintaining air generally static while passing under the vehicle increases the effective pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce drag thereon.

Abstract: A laterally extending aerodynamic deflector panel disposed upstream in front of an otherwise exposed uppermost portion of a vehicle wheel assembly, and arranged to divert headwinds from otherwise impinging upon drag-magnified uppermost wheel surfaces to thereby minimize overall vehicle drag.

Abstract: A laterally extending aerodynamic deflector panel disposed upstream in front of an otherwise exposed uppermost portion of a vehicle wheel assembly, and arranged to divert headwinds from otherwise impinging upon drag-magnified uppermost wheel surfaces to thereby minimize overall vehicle drag.

Abstract: A wind-diverting apparatus for minimally shielding only the faster-moving drag-sensitive uppermost wheel surfaces from headwinds reduces overall vehicle drag. The apparatus includes various upper wheel fairings of FIGS. 1-6. Each fairing shields a primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surface from headwinds otherwise impinging directly thereon.

Abstract: A streamlined tailfin pivotably attached to a shaft-shaped member disposed on a vehicle provides for reduced drag in winds varying in direction impinging thereon.

Abstract: A laterally extending aerodynamic deflector panel disposed upstream in front of an otherwise exposed uppermost portion of a vehicle wheel assembly, and arranged to divert headwinds from otherwise impinging upon drag-magnified uppermost wheel surfaces to thereby minimize overall vehicle drag.

Abstract: An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced.

Abstract: An inwardly disposed vehicle skirt panel assembly disposed laterally inset toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The vehicle skirt panel assembly is suspended underneath a rearward body component of a truck or semitrailer, extending forwards in front of a rearward wheel assembly. The vehicle skirt panel assembly stabilizes otherwise laterally displaced air passing under the central portion of the moving vehicle, further increasing the effective air pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle. Maintaining air generally static while passing under the vehicle increases the effective pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce drag thereon.

Abstract: An inwardly disposed vehicle skirt panel assembly disposed laterally inset toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The vehicle skirt panel assembly is suspended underneath a rearward body component of a truck or semitrailer, extending forwards in front of a rearward wheel assembly. The vehicle skirt panel assembly stabilizes otherwise laterally displaced air passing under the central portion of the moving vehicle, further increasing the effective air pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle. Maintaining air generally static while passing under the vehicle increases the effective pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce drag thereon.

Abstract: A system having an inwardly disposed trailer skirt combined with an inner wheel skirt panel, with each being located laterally inset toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The system inhibits lateral displacement of air under the vehicle to increase the effective air pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle, thereby reducing overall vehicle drag.

Abstract: A wind-diverting panel centrally located under the body of a vehicle inhibits air from otherwise being displaced laterally inward by the passing wheels of the moving vehicle. Maintaining air to remain generally static while passing under the vehicle through the central open-space between the wheels increases the effective air pressure developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce overall drag between the front and rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction appartus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced.

Abstract: An inwardly disposed trailer skirt panel assembly disposed laterally inset toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The trailer skirt panel assembly is suspended underneath a rearward body component of a truck or semitrailer, extending forwards in front of a rearward wheel assembly. The trailer skirt panel assembly stabilizes the generally static air passing under the central portion of the moving vehicle, further increasing the effective air pressure being developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce drag thereon.

Abstract: An inwardly disposed trailer skirt panel assembly disposed laterally inset toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The trailer skirt panel assembly is suspended underneath a rearward body component of a truck or semitrailer, extending forwards in front of a rearward wheel assembly. The trailer skirt panel assembly stabilizes the generally static air passing under the central portion of the moving vehicle, further increasing the effective air pressure being developed immediately behind the vehicle to reduce drag thereon. An inner wheel skirt panel centrally located under the body of a vehicle reduces overall vehicle drag by inhibiting air from otherwise being displaced laterally inward by the passing wheels of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: A longitudinally tapered wheel spoke having a thin aerodynamic cross-sectional profile proximate to the wheel rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub, with the tapered section optimized to minimize drag against a combined headwind and crosswind impinging upon the primary vehicle-drag-inducing uppermost region of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: An aerodynamic tailfin rotatably attached to a shaft-shaped member disposed on a vehicle. The tailfin swivels about the round shaft-shaped member for reduced drag in response to winds varying in direction impinging thereon.