Abstract: A support mechanism for moving a roof top pivotally mounted air deflector panel between raised and lowered positions includes a collapsible toggle linkage having a support link and a pivot link. The pivot link is pivotally mounted on the cab rear wall and has a handle by which an operator standing on the tractor at the rear of the cab pivots the pivot link between vertically upright extending and downward extending positions. A support link has an upper end pivotally connected to the deflector panel and a lower end pivotally connected to the pivot link so that rearward pivotal movement of the pivot link swings the lower end of the support link rearwardly and downwardly to withdraw the support link from support of the air deflector panel. The collapsible toggle linkage stores adjacent the cab rear wall for ready handle access by the operator for subsequent raising of the deflector panel.

Abstract: Flexible side members of semi-rigid mold urethane extend between a pivotally mounted deflector panel and the cab roof. The side members are formed of a plurality of foldably interconnected triangular segments which fold and unfold relative one another during movement of the deflector panel between a raised air deflecting position and a stored position upon the cab roof. A guide rod is pivotally mounted upon the deflector panel and depends downward therefrom. A plurality of eyelets are provided on the triangular segments and slidably receive the guide rod. Accordingly, when the deflector panel is raised in the air deflecting position the guide rod and eyelets cooperate to support and control the side member segments against lateral movement. Upon collapse of the deflector panel to the stored position upon the cab roof the guide rod and eyelets maintain the segments in line with one another for controlled stacking one atop another.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing device for a tractor trailer vehicle includes a rigid deflector panel having its leading edge pivotally mounted on the cab roof and having a length greater than the cab roof so that the trailing edge of the deflector panel overhangs the rear wall of the cab. A pair of rigid cab extender panels are mounted on the rear wall of the cab in alignment with the cab side walls. The deflector panel and extender panels terminate at a distance from the trailer which permits unrestricted turning movement of the tractor relative to the trailer. A pair of air deflecting side members extend generally vertically between each side edge of the rigid deflector panel and the cab roof and the extender panels. The side members are molded urethane and comprise a plurality of foldably interconnected triangular segments which fold relative one another to accommodate pivotal movement of the rigid deflector panel relative to the cab roof and the extender panels.