Abstract: A vehicle drag reducer. Implementations may include an upper portion attached or integrated within a top of a vehicle and having four air ducts configured to receive air from a front end of the top of the vehicle and transmit it towards a rear end of the top of the vehicle; and two back portions located at a back of the vehicle each including two air ducts and six exit ports, each back portion being configured to receive air from two of the four air ducts of the upper portion and exit the air from the back portion through the six exit ports. The upper portion may include one of a U joint, a Z joint, and an L joint connecting the upper portion to the vehicle. The back portion may include one of a U joint and a Z joint. Methods of reducing vehicle drag are disclosed.

Abstract: A semi-trailer has an elongate bed with skirts depending there from adjacent to either side of the bed. The skirts are laterally flexible and can also flex vertically to overcome obstacles and objects. Elongate plates are mounted at one end to the underside of the bed adjacent one or the other of the depending skirts. The elongate plates extend inwardly beneath the bed and then diagonally downwardly to the adjacent skirt displaced below the attachment to the bed. Leaf springs are superimposed on the underside of the inward extensions of the elongate plates to preload the plates toward the bed of the semi-trailer. The skirts extend from landing leg assemblies on the semi-trailer to longitudinally adjacent the forward outboard tires of the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for providing naturally driven routing of air bleed derived from the external air pressure field typically developed about a moving vehicle were conceived. By design, internal duct ways to be used for providing an open flow path from relatively higher air pressure sources (such as that in the undercarriage region of a driven car) into lower base pressure regions (typically developed aft of blunt trailing body regions) as are generally found on road and ‘airdrop” cargo delivery air vehicles having open rear doors. Low energy air bleed flow injected into the vehicle's separated afterbody region acts to replenish entrained base flow and its base drag reduction is thereby, achieved.

Abstract: A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular body disposed above rear wheels, comprising a plurality of flexible opposing flat sheets and a plurality flexible load bearing struts attached to the bottom of the rectangular body, that bend to resist damage when struck by the ground, and guide airflow around the rear wheels of the vehicle to reduce its aerodynamic resistance when moving.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for reducing the wind resistance of a vehicle or a trailer is provided. The aerodynamic device is intended to be mounted to a vehicle structure at or close to the rear end of a vehicle. The device includes a flexible sheet material arranged to the vehicle or trailer such that it is hanging along the vehicle structure when it is in a resting position and arranged to extend beyond the rear end of the vehicle or trailer when deployed. The flexible sheet material includes an inner side and an outer side. The flexible sheet material is attached to the vehicle structure such that it deploys as a result of the coanda effect inducing a lower pressure on the outer side than on the inner side of the flexible sheet material when the vehicle or trailer is moving. The flexible sheet material is further attached to the vehicle structure by at least one restrictor such that the restrictor by the restriction shapes the flexible sheet material in its deployed state to a desired shape.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (2) has a roof (3) with two laterally spaced longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and side windows (9) under the longitudinal roof members (4, 5). Fins (4, 5) extend rearward from the longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and an outer skin (16) of a rear deck lid (17) is arranged between the fins (12, 13). Air inlet openings (20, 21) are formed on outer sides (14) of the fins (12, 13) adjacent the side windows (9). An air duct (23, 24) extends from the air inlet opening (20, 21) to an air outlet opening (25, 26) on the inner side (15) of the fin (12, 13). The outer skin (16) has at least one supply air inlet (28, 29) for an assembly of the motor vehicle (2) and a rear air deflection device (32) is arranged behind the supply air inlet (28, 29).

Abstract: Methods providing naturally driven routing of air bleed derived from the external air pressure field typically developed about a moving vehicle were conceived. By design, internal ductways are to be used for providing an open flow path from relatively higher air pressure sources (such as that in the undercarriage region of a driven car) into lower base pressure regions (typically developed aft of blunt trailing body regions) as are generally found on road and ‘airdrop’ cargo delivery air vehicles having open rear doors. Low energy air bleed flow injected into the vehicle's separated afterbody region acts to replenish entrained base flow and its base drag reduction is thereby achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing drag on a transport vehicle, which comprises retractable aerodynamic panels for deployment at the rear of the vehicle, behind the cabin, or both. When these panels are deployed, they provide an aerodynamic design, thereby reducing drag and turbulence as the vehicle travels, for example, down a highway, which in turn, reduces energy costs associated with transportation. When not in use, the panels retract adjacent to the planar surfaces of the vehicle (for example, the sides, top and bottom surfaces). The retracted panels are housed either on the outside surface of the vehicle; the inside surface of the vehicle, or within the walls of the vehicle. The retracted position of the panels allows for easy unloading of cargo from the rear of the vehicle when it is docked.

Abstract: An automatic gap closing system automatically moves a gap closing cover between an un-deployed and a deployed configuration to selectively cover a gap between two coupled vehicles (e.g., tractor-trailer combination) in response to an actual or expected speed of at least one of the vehicles, thereby increasing fuel efficiency at relatively high or fast speeds without hindering maneuverability of the coupled vehicles at relatively low or slow speeds. Indications of speed and/or location may come from speed sensors, on-board computers (i.e., black box), GPS receivers, or wireless receivers.

Abstract: Inflatable drag reduction device (20, 22) for vehicles, comprising an inflatable bag of a durable, flexible and generally air-tight material, arranged for attachment to the vehicle. The bag comprises of a plurality of conjoined panels and an air duct arranged for allowing the inflow of air into the interior of the bag when the vehicle is in motion. The bag further comprises internal ribs of a generally non-elastic material attached to the internal surfaces of the panels, that assist the bag in assuming a predetermined geometrical shape in which the panels are prevented from billowing outward.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is obtained. A fixed aerodynamic stabilizer device 10 is formed at a vehicle body longitudinal direction rear side of a rotational axis of a front wheel 15 within a wheel house 16, as a step having an airflow collision groove wall that faces downward in a vehicle body vertical direction. This fixed aerodynamic stabilizer device 10 suppresses flowing-in, into the wheel house 16, of airflow F that is generated accompanying the front wheel 15 rotating in a direction of arrow R.

Abstract: A wind deflector for a vehicle is provided. The wind deflector includes a movably mounted deflector element and an actuator for moving the deflector element. The actuator can move the deflector element in a linearly oscillating manner in one direction in space, especially vertically. The linear movement can be performed regardless of a curvature of a class A surface of a vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes at least one wheel designed to turn in a well defined by a wheelhouse. The vehicle also includes a wheel deflector of an elongate overall shape extending from the wheelhouse towards the wheel with one end provided with a radius R corresponding substantially to an exterior radius of the wheel. The deflector is arranged in an upper portion of the wheelhouse and extends longitudinally on each side of a median plane of the wheel passing through an axis of rotation of the wheel, with an overall angular length L between 1/20 and ¼ of an external circumference of the wheel.

Abstract: A drag reducing device utilizing sealed aft cavities designed to limit interference with existing truck and trailer designs is described. The invention comprises one or more sealed aft cavities affixed to the rear of a traditional commercial straight truck or trailer, or any other blunt (or mostly blunt) aft faced vehicle. A means is provided by which the device is stowed to allow normal operation of the straight truck, trailer or vehicle. Drag is reduced by the streamlining of the rear of the vehicle, postponing and narrowing the flow separation downstream of the trailing edge as well as increasing the pressure on the back of the vehicle with the open to the rear, sealed aft cavity. The concept described focuses on the utilization of (a) sealed aft cavity(ies) to limit the effects of blunt body drag and the means for attachment and stowage for loading and unloading cargo.

Abstract: A vehicle with a drag-reducing outer surface. A method of reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes the steps of: providing an outer surface on a body of the vehicle, with the outer surface including spaced apart turbulence-inducing structures thereon. The structures cause boundary layer separation to be delayed along a length of the body, thereby reducing a drag coefficient of the body. A vehicle wrapping product for reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes an outer surface for applying onto an opaque portion of a body of the vehicle. The outer surface includes a plurality of structures which induce turbulence and thereby delay separation of a boundary layer along a length of the body, to thereby reduce a drag coefficient of the body.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for actuation of a hatch of a motor vehicle with a drive is provided, wherein the hatch is pivotable via hinges around a geometrical hatch axis, whereby a hatch opening of the motor vehicle body may be closed, wherein the drive is designed as an elongate linear drive for producing linear drive movements, wherein in the installed state the drive extends along the hatch axis and is aligned basically parallel to the hatch axis in view of its linear drive movements. In the installed state, the drive is positioned in cavity of the hatch in the area of the hatch axis, a redirection gear is provided which is arranged in the area of the hatch axis, and the drive is drive-wise coupled to the motor vehicle body via the redirection gear through openings in the hatch.

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided. An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall provided at a rear in a vehicle body longitudinal direction with respect to a front wheel in a wheel house, and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, an airflow guiding wall extending downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from an end portion of the airflow collision wall which end portion is at a side that is far from the front wheel, and a step portion formed at a portion in the vehicle width direction of at least one of the airflow guiding wall and the airflow collision wall, and including inward-facing walls that extend along a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A spoiler includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member includes a base plate portion, a cover plate portion facing the base plate portion, and a bent portion connecting the base plate portion and the cover plate portion. The inner member is arranged between the base plate portion and the cover plate portion. The inner member includes a back plate portion facing the base plate portion, and a wall portion extending from the back plate portion toward the cover plate portion. The base plate portion and the back plate portion are vibration-welded, and the cover plate portion and the wall portion are vibration-welded. The wall portion includes a plurality of grooves forming a corrugated structure in a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the wall portion extends from the back plate portion toward the cover plate portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a structure having a first side, a second side substantially opposite to the first side, a flexible skin, and a plurality of deformable assemblies. The flexible skin is attached to the first side and the second side of the structure. The plurality of deformable assemblies is moveably connected to the structure, in which each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a vertex and a base. The each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a height that is capable of changing to change a shape of the structure and a shape of the flexible skin.

Abstract: A bumper for a front end of a vehicle includes a body having an opening defining an air flow inlet. The opening is elongated in the transverse direction of the body and is defined by spaced apart transverse walls and spaced apart side walls. A grille is disposed in the opening. The grille includes at least one generally horizontal member having at least one sound attenuating member attached thereto and configured to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grill.

Abstract: A screen for a vehicle which allows air flow to flow appropriately along a rear face of a wind screen having an adjustable inclination angle. A baffle plate inclined toward the rear direction of a vehicle body is provided between a cowling which covers a front upper portion of the vehicle body and a movable wind screen. The inclination angle of the baffle plate can be adjusted so that air flow from between the cowling and the movable wind screen flows along a rear face of the movable wind screen.

Abstract: A power or motive source for an extensible fairing for an articulated motor vehicle is based on a fluid power system. The fluid power system is disposed on the vehicle to be exposed to airflow around the vehicle resulting from forward movement of the vehicle. A coupling mechanism responsive to exposure of the fluid power system to airflow for extending and retracting the extensible fairing responsive to changes in vehicle speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for affecting airflow in a gap between a lead vehicle and a connected trailing vehicle, includes a guide vane having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a gap side surface, and an outward facing surface, and a support apparatus mountable on a vehicle for supporting the guide vane in a vertical orientation relative to the vehicle with a space between the vehicle and the guide vane gap side surface and with at least a portion of the vane extending beyond an end of the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy-saving vehicle, has a housing including an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The first air inlet is disposed in the front of the vehicle The air outlet is disposed at the back of the vehicle, The first air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the air-flow channel. The front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by a power unit. The length of the air-flow channel is no less than that of the upper portion of the housing. As the vehicle travels at a high velocity, air is led in from the air inlet and sprayed from the back of the vehicle, instantly filling a low pressure region at the back of the vehicle and turning the back of the vehicle into a high pressure region, which saves energy.

Abstract: A passenger motor vehicle has an air guiding device (8) mounted at a rear end of the vehicle and moveable relative to the rear end by a setting-out mechanism (7). A mounting element (11) connects the setting-out mechanism (7) at a downwardly open depression (12) at an underside region of the air guiding device (8). The mounting element (11) is hooked into the air guiding device (8) in a first region (13), and is connected to the air guiding device (8) by a screw connection (21) in a second region (15). The design enables particularly simple, cheap and fast mounting of the setting-out mechanism in the air guiding device (8).

Abstract: A spoiler assembly for a rear hatch closure assembly on a vehicle includes a base member extending laterally across the hatch closure assembly, a latch mounted to the base member, and a shell member secured to the base member to cover and conceal the latch.

Abstract: An air dam is attached to the underside of a vehicle and extends downwardly into proximity with the road surface and potential interference with curbs or like obstructions extending above the road surface. A panel assembly includes a top wall attached to the underside of the motor vehicle, forward and rearward walls depending from the top wall, and a bottom wall. These walls cooperate to define an interior space, and the forward and rearward walls have serially arranged pleats connected by living hinges by which the panel assembly can adjusted in height by flexing the living hinges to provide an extended position of the panel assembly in which the bottom wall is positioned further below the underside of the motor vehicle and a withdrawn position in which the bottom wall is withdrawn upwardly closer to the underside of the motor vehicle to avoid potential interference with curb or like obstructions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle front spoiler has a spoiler lip (11) extending in the region of a front part of the motor vehicle over the entire width or part of the width of the front part. An actuating element (12) enables the spoiler lip (11) to be shifted between an extended operating position, in which the spoiler lip (11) forms a downwardly directed extension of the front part and acts as an aerodynamic air-guiding device, and a retracted inoperative position, in which the spoiler lip (11) is directed to the rear and essentially has no aerodynamic air-guiding effect. A portion (13) of the spoiler lip (11) that is at the bottom in the operating position of the spoiler lip (11) and is in the vicinity of the roadway can be replaced.

Abstract: In a vehicle-body stiffening device, a wind-receiving plate that receives traveling wind is fixed to a main bar portion of a lower bar that connects brackets formed at left and right lower sections of a suspension cross member to each other and supporting suspension lower arms. The wind-receiving plate receiving a traveling-wind pressure biases the main bar portion so as to generate bending stress. Due to this bending stress, a preload is generated between the left and right brackets. Since the preload is generated by the traveling-wind pressure, the preload is 0 (kg/mm) when the vehicle speed is 0 (km/h), but increases as the vehicle speed increases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a ground vehicle's fuel economy.

Abstract: A semi-trailer or other cargo vehicle enclosure includes a rearward end portion extending between opposite left and right sidewalls. The sidewalls include vertically extending rearward corner portions that define air passageways for directing rearwardly flowing air from alongside the sidewalls toward a region of low pressure behind the rearward end portion of the enclosure. Preferably, the rearward corner portions include vertically extending rearward corner posts and deflector components that are formed to cooperatively define circularly shaped passageways for gradual air-flow redirection, with the sidewall exterior surfaces and the deflector exterior surfaces being within prescribed maximum semi-trailer widths while the interior corner post spacing does not reduce the usual width of semi-trailer cargo space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a surface over which airflow passes. A plasma actuator is configured to generate plasma above the surface, the plasma coupling a directed momentum into the air surrounding the surface to reduce separation of the airflow from the surface. A method of reducing separation of airflow from a surface of the vehicle includes generating plasma in air surrounding the surface at a position where the airflow would separate from the surface in the absence of the plasma.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape.

Abstract: An air dam deployment and retraction system includes an air dam, a compressor, an air reservoir, a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch. The air dam is configured for moving between a deployed position and a retracted position. The compressor is configured to compress fluid. The air reservoir defines a chamber that is configured to receive a volume of the compressed fluid. The first switch is configured to selectively move between a first inactive position and a first active position. The first inactive position is configured to provide the compressed fluid to the atmosphere. The first active position is configured to provide the compressed fluid from the compressor to one of the chamber of the air reservoir and the air dam. The air dam is configured to move from the retracted position to the deployed position upon receiving the compressed fluid.

Abstract: The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.

Abstract: An air guiding device on a wheel suspension element of a rear axle of a motor vehicle extends approximately transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The air guiding device includes an element that extends substantially in a horizontal plane and is divided into a front section and a rear section. The two sections extend upwardly at different angles from a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A drag reducing device utilizing sealed aft cavities designed to limit interference with existing truck and trailer designs is described. The invention comprises one or more sealed aft cavities affixed to the rear of a traditional commercial straight truck or trailer, or any other blunt (or mostly blunt) aft faced vehicle. A means is provided by which the device is stowed to allow normal operation of the straight truck, trailer or vehicle. Drag is reduced by the streamlining of the rear of the vehicle, postponing and narrowing the flow separation downstream of the trailing edge as well as increasing the pressure on the back of the vehicle with the open to the rear, sealed aft cavity. The concept described focuses on the utilization of (a) sealed aft cavity(ies) to limit the effects of blunt body drag and the means for attachment and stowage for loading and unloading cargo.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: An aerodynamic panel assembly with surface macrostructure is provided for a land vehicle. The panel assembly includes a first plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width, and a second plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width. The first and second plurality of slats are interwoven, thereby providing significant structural strength while increasing the versatility of the panel assembly to be used on various types of vehicles. Various types of attachment mechanisms are provided for attaching a panel assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has an inflatable air dam assembly that is deployed and stowed by a bidirectional deploy/stow system. The deployment and stowing may be based on vehicle speed. The deploy/stow system includes an air compressor and first and second valves for directing air into and out of the air dam assembly. The compressor operates on both deploy and stow operations to fill and evacuate, respectively, the air dam assembly.

Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.

Abstract: In a rear end of the vehicle body, an assembly carrier which is arranged in the vehicle transverse direction is inserted between inner body-side side parts of the vehicle rear end. The assembly carrier holds pre-assemblable components and to which assembly carrier is fastened a rear-end trim panel and which assembly carrier is fixedly connected to the two inner side parts by screw devices and forms a stiffening body cross member.

Abstract: A reinforcement member 30 integratedly includes a top surface 31, a rear surface 32, a first side 33, and a second side 34. The top surface 31 has an air deflector attaching portion 35. An air deflector arranged on top of a roof panel 2 is attachable to the air deflector attaching portion 35. The second side 34 includes a base 40 and a seatbelt anchor attaching portion 41. The base 40 is formed in approximately the same plane as the first side 33. The seatbelt anchor attaching portion 41 extends inward from the base 40 along the vehicle width and is in contact with a rear pillar inner section. A seatbelt anchor arranged on the inner side of the rear pillar inner section is attachable to the air deflector attaching portion 41.

Abstract: This air scoop is a revolutionary idea, which allows a portion of drag wind to be used to push an automobile, or to lighten an aircraft. There are no working parts, just the box. This is made possible, by using a car-top box with a wind entrance that narrows down, increasing the wind's velocity as it passes through, then turns approximately 90° at the point of exit, to either push an automobile, or lift an aircraft. The result for either an automobile, or an aircraft is that, as speed in miles per hour increases, the miles per gallon of fuel used decreases asymptotically. In the case of private or commercial aircraft, they can either fly faster, or use less fuel for a given distance flown. In the case of very high-speed military aircraft, they can both fly faster, and stay in the air longer between fueling stops.

Abstract: The purpose of the device is to minimize drag and turbulence otherwise occurring at the rear of a semi trailer, in order to reduced the consumption of fuel by a semi tractor. This is accomplished using directionally flexible sheets of composite material, which create contours that taper towards a terminating edge to form a teardrop shape, as established by panels attached to the top and bottom of either door. Along the trailing edge of the main body, another vertical panel known as a wake separator maintains separation between confliction columns of air. An additional wake separator attached to the bottom of the device performs a similar function, and will facilitate collapse in the event of a collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wing in the shape of a tubed perfect square, the vertical stabilizers and air brake being built into the structure thereof, characterized in that said wing reduces induced drag and increases the efficiency of aircraft in flight.

Abstract: In combination with a highway tractor of the type having an operator's cab mounted on a frame, a vertical pivotal coupling means coupled to the frame behind the cab adapted to be coupled to a trailer, and an aerodynamic structure at the top of the cab which includes a plurality of LED bulbs and a heat generating element in the front of the aerodynamic structure. A front panel of glass or plastic material having information such as a logo containing letters and/or images located on its first surface, second surface or embedded surface covers the LED bulbs with a weatherproof seal. Light from the LED bulbs provides illumination for the information on the front panel to be viewed from the front of the highway tractor and heat from the heat generating element helps to keep the front panel having information such as a logo free of snow and/or ice.

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