Abstract: An attachment assembly for an aerodynamic cover includes a substantially flattened aerodynamic cover adapted to be located on a body panel with a predetermined height (H) form the body panel; a first clip; and a second clip. The first clip comprises a flange and a shank adapted to engage with a stud on the body panel. The second clip includes a flange and a tubular body adapted to receive the shank therein and connect the shank therewith. The first and second clips are connected to each other in a manner that the aerodynamic cover is sandwiched and held between the flange. Thus, the aerodynamic cover is located on the body panel with the predetermined height (H) form the body panel.

Abstract: A frame extension device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of bluff base ground vehicles by increasing the pressure on the base of the vehicle by stabilizing the wake flow. The device is particularly suited for tractor-trailers utilizing a roll-up type rear door in that it does not block any part of the door opening. The device may be of sufficient thickness to support the weight of an unloading device.

Abstract: A method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance and stability of ground vehicles by reducing the mass and velocity of the flow passing under a vehicle is described. The device is particularly suited for a single unit truck system but may also be applied to a tractor-trailer truck system or any combination vehicle that includes a motorized lead vehicle pulling one or more non-motorized vehicles. The device is designed to control the flow from entering the undercarriage region from the front and side of the subject ground vehicle system.

Abstract: The presented application is a system to improve the aerodynamic shape of a moving vehicle by covering and closing the wheel well openings. The covers described open and close as necessary to accommodate steering wheel movements. The improved aerodynamics reduces turbulence and improves vehicle-operating efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing aerodynamic resistance in an over the road vehicle is provided. The apparatus can include a frame assembly and first and second airfoils to be coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly ahead of first and second tires of an axle assembly provided to the vehicle. The first and second airfoils each include an air deflecting surface with a convex outward portion that extends away from a leading edge that is to be directed into the airflow to transition the portions of the airflow directed toward the first and second tires outward beyond the externally exposed sides of the first and second tires. The first and second airfoils are also spaced laterally apart from each other when coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly to define an aperture between the first and second airfoils through which at least a portion of the airflow directed toward the axle assembly is to pass while the vehicle is underway.

Abstract: A wing element (W) on the spoiler (S) of a motor vehicle is characterized in that the lower side (U?, U?) of the wing element is provided in a manner to substantially planar below a limit speed and therefore has a small end surface in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and an aerodynamic profiling of the lower side, and therefore an increased end surface, is provided above said limit speed.

Abstract: A reinforcing brace excellent in productivity and cost performance is provided which can advantageously improve a rigidity of a floor panel without deteriorating aerodynamic performance. The reinforcing brace comprising a longitudinal press-formed product including a cylindrical section 12 located at a middle area in a longitudinal direction thereof and flat portions 44, 44 located at end areas in the longitudinal direction thereof. Further, an outer surface of the cylindrical section 12 is made as regulating surfaces 26, 32, 36 which reduce air resistance by regulating a flow of air passing under the vehicle body. Furthermore, a plurality of insertion holes 46 are positioned in the flat portions 44, 44 into which fastener members are inserted.

Abstract: An air dam assembly mounted under a front end of a vehicle includes a passively deployable air dam assembly. The passively deployable air dam assembly includes a passively deployable air dam having a front surface at least partially exposed to ram air when the vehicle is traveling in a forward direction, and a passive deployment assembly including at least one spring biasing the passively deployable air dam into a retracted position, with the passive deployment assembly engaging the passively deployable air dam to allow the passively deployable air dam to move, against the bias of the spring, from the retracted position to a deployed position closer to ground under the vehicle when a forward speed of the vehicle reaches or exceeds a predetermined activation speed.

Abstract: In a wheel pant device (12), wheel pant plates (34 and 36) that form this wheel pant device are able to be rotated in at least a vehicle width direction. By detecting a driving state of a vehicle using a detecting device and rotating the wheel pant plates of the wheel pant device (12) in response to that detected driving state, the airflow acting on the vehicle can be controlled, thereby enabling the driving performance of the vehicle to be improved.

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: An aerodynamic boat tailed attachment is disclosed. The attachment is a flexible membrane 2 attached to a frame 3 that is inflated to an aerodynamic shape by the forces of the air pressures flowing past and or into the mechanism. The shape may be further controlled by flexible stays 9 as required. The attachment reduces aerodynamic drag on rectangular vehicles and trailers. The attachment can be pivoted to another position for access.

Abstract: A wind-stop device for a two-seater convertible comprises a panel provided with means for its removable anchorage behind the backrests of the seats of the automobile, between two roll-hoops anchored to the structure of the automobile, behind the seats. The anchorage means comprise at least one pair of lateral tabs projecting from the panel and designed to be received within guide slits made in the inner sides of the two roll-hoops and at least one blocking tongue projecting at the bottom from the panel and designed to co-operate with a receiving and blocking device in the form of a buckle for safety belts, rigidly connected to the structure of the motor vehicle and having a receiving seat open upwards, set at the top of a wall at the back of the two seats with a release button adjacent to the seat.

Abstract: An air guiding device (8) is mounted in the rear end (2) of a passenger motor vehicle (1) and a setting-out mechanism (7) is connected to the underside of the air guiding device (8) for moving the air-guiding device (8). A collar (14) with a streamlined profile extends from the air guiding device (8) and surrounds the setting-out mechanism (7). Thus, the end of the setting-out mechanism (7) that faces toward the air guiding device (8) is concealed, and there is an optimum flow around the setting-out mechanism (7) in the region of the setting-out mechanism (7) when the air guiding device (8) is deployed.

Abstract: An air drag reduction apparatus includes left and right panels and top and bottom panels for mounting to the rear doors of a tractor trailer along the top, bottom and side edges thereof. Hinges are interposed between the panels and the doors so that the panels can pivot about the hinges between an extended drag-reducing position and a collapsed position generally adjacent the rear doors. Stop devices releasably secure the panels in the extended position, and biasing devices such as tensioning springs are operative to bias the panels outwardly and rearwardly to the extended position and are further operative to permit the panels to pivot between the extended position towards and to the collapsed position upon impact and contact from an external object occurring and then return to the extended position substantially immediately upon contact ceasing thereby significantly reducing the impact damage. The apparatus also includes a ramp and wheel arrangement to facilitate opening and collapsing of the panels.

Abstract: An air deflector adapted to be attached to the upper windshield crossbeam of a convertible vehicle. The air deflector includes a top surface, a front portion, an outer side portion, an inner side portion and a rear wing portion. The rear wing portion extends upwards from the top surface. The air deflector may further include a locking device adapted to lock the air deflector in the locking arrangement for the retractable top.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for a pickup truck box cover includes a frame having a generally flat rectangular shape and configured to reside in a plane generally perpendicular to a bed of the pickup truck and proximate a back of a cab of the pickup truck. A means joins the frame to a frame of the pickup truck. A means joins the frame to the pickup truck box. A top surface is removably joined to the frame and configured to extend back from a top portion of the cab of the pickup truck along a sloping plane intersecting a plane containing the bed of the pickup truck. Side panels are removably joined to the frame and configured to extend from the top surface to the bed of the pickup truck where, in conjunction with the pickup truck, a shape resembling generally flat bottom airfoil is formed.

Abstract: Vanes are used for reducing drag on a moving vehicle having a substantially planar rear surface. The vanes are mounted to the vehicle using pliant material which creates no work for the driver of the vehicle during loading or unloading activities. The apparatus is extremely light weight, and includes a rigid vane of length L having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an aerodynamic center positioned at a distance of between 0.15 L and 0.5 L from the leading edge. The vane has an inner surface facing the vehicle and an outer surface. Multiple pliant attachment devices connect the vane to the vehicle. The vane helps prevent or reduce formation of a zone of turbulent air behind the vehicle. The apparatus allows substantial reductions in fuel consumption and truck CO2 emissions during use.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle includes an upper panel having a shape such that it acts as a spoiler, and a lower panel attached to the upper panel. The lower panel may define a windshield mounting hole. The lower panel may include two side pillars and an upper crossing member, the side pillars and upper crossing member defining the windshield mounting hole. The upper crossing member and the side pillars may be welded to the upper panel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for decreasing automotive drag in vehicles are provided herein. In embodiments, a vehicle underbody airflow modulator may comprise one or more flexible panels and fasteners. A flexible panel may be retained below the underbody of a vehicle, covering one or more features of the underbody and preventing disruption of airflow by the features. In some embodiments, a tensioning device may be provided to tension the panel. Various embodiments may permit access to the vehicle underbody, dampen road noise, and/or decrease high speed vehicle lift, and may be made available at a lower initial cost than current alternatives.

Abstract: A vehicle substructure (1) having a rectifying fin (10) that is attached under the floor of a car body and rectifies a flow of fluid under the floor of the car body, wherein the rectifying fin (10) is an airfoil fin that has a blade thickness in a right-to-left direction of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rear lid closes a rear compartment of a passenger vehicle. The rear lid, when fitted, is attached to the vehicle and is composed of an inner part and an outer part. The rear lid contains a spoiler device which can be displaced between an inoperative position and an operative position and interacts with an adjustment device. In order to simplify producibility of the rear lid, the inner part is formed by an assembly carrier which forms the supporting structure of the rear lid and to which at least the adjustment device of the spoiler device is fastened. The outer part is formed by the spoiler device and a panel device.

Abstract: A drag reduction system generally comprises a pair of deflectors that conjunctively compensate for the angular designs typical of currently existing vehicles. In one embodiment, the pair of deflectors includes a first deflector positioned proximate the interface between the vertical grille and the hood, for example, near the upper end of the grille crown at the forward end of the hood and a second deflector positioned on the upper hood surface toward the rearward end of the hood, forwardly of the windshield. The first and second deflectors and function in concert, twice maneuvering an air stream to both avoid direct impact with the vehicle and to displace the stream laterally in such a manner that minimizes the amount of work energy expended in its redirection. In one example, the drag reduction system tailors the air stream around the hood and cab sections of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle having reduced aerodynamic drag includes a wheel assembly configured for moving the vehicle across a surface. The wheel assembly has an inboard surface and an outboard surface and includes a wheel configured for rotation with respect to the vehicle and a tire disposed on the wheel. The vehicle also includes a fairing assembly configured for reducing aerodynamic drag across the wheel assembly. The fairing assembly includes a first portion configured for partially enclosing an inboard surface of the wheel assembly and a second portion configured for partially enclosing an outboard surface of the wheel assembly and removably coupled to the first portion. The fairing assembly is moveable in unison with the wheel assembly during vehicle steering and suspension maneuvers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing drag in vehicles, typically trucks, such as tractor-trailers, have movable moving drag reducing apparatus. This movable drag reducing apparatus is for movement into and out of various positions, in accordance with the location of the vehicle with respect to its distance from an obstacle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for drag reduction on a moving object through the atmosphere, thus increasing fuel efficiency. This is accomplished by attaching an inflatable boattail (i.e. drag reducer) to the aft face or rear end of a vehicle or trailer, thus delaying the flow separation to a point further downstream and mitigating the intensity of the negative pressure on the aft face.

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: The present disclosure provides an airstream deflector fairing comprising a front or fore end having a leading edge attached to an undercarriage of a wheeled vehicle. The fairing further includes a rear or aft end and a lower bottom portion of the fairing includes a panel facing the ground at an angle which in turn directs an airstream passing thereunder downwardly and outwardly relative to the undercarriage and substantially at an area below a trailing axle downstream from the fairing. The lower bottom panel includes an angle of declination relative to the undercarriage from about 12 degrees to about 24 degrees.

Abstract: A device for sensing a position of a spoiler on a motor vehicle, where the spoiler is moved with a drive unit between a retracted setpoint base position and an extended setpoint operating position. At least one sensor is provided with which at least one of the setpoint positions of the spoiler can be sensed, and which generates first position signals on the basis of the sensed setpoint position. An adjustment position sensing device is provided which senses a current position of the spoiler, and which generates second position signals on the basis of the sensed current position. An evaluation unit evaluates the first position signals and the second position signals, and which actuates, on the basis of the evaluation result, an information device which provides the driver with information about the state of at least one of the position sensing devices and/or actuates the drive unit.

Abstract: A front part of a motor vehicle body is provided with a bumper and a lower bumper support supporting the bumper. A clearance that is open to the bottom is formed in the lower bumper support, from which a spoiler can be extended downwards.

Abstract: A backdoor apparatus includes a backdoor panel, a rear spoiler and a wiper mechanism. The wiper mechanism includes a motor assembly, a wiper arm and a wiper blade. A motor installation recess is formed in a top portion of the backdoor panel to receive the motor assembly. The motor assembly includes a cover, which covers a portion of a motor, which is exposed from the rear spoiler. The cover has a flange, which covers a top end part of the glass. The cover, which includes the flange, does not contact the glass.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing aerodynamic resistance in an over the road vehicle is provided. The apparatus can include a frame assembly and first and second airfoils to be coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly ahead of first and second tires of an axle assembly provided to the vehicle. The first and second airfoils each include an air deflecting surface with a convex outward portion that extends away from a leading edge that is to be directed into the airflow to transition the portions of the airflow directed toward the first and second tires outward beyond the externally exposed sides of the first and second tires. The first and second airfoils are also spaced laterally apart from each other when coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly to define an aperture between the first and second airfoils through which at least a portion of the airflow directed toward the axle assembly is to pass while the vehicle is underway.

Abstract: A plasma-induced drag reduction device is mounted on an underside of a vehicle front fascia. The drag reduction device has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second electrode mounted a top surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The second electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the first electrode. When activated, the device generates a plasma region that attracts an air flow passing underneath the vehicle, reducing the separation of the flow field and thereby reducing the impingement of the air flow on the ground and reducing the drag on the vehicle.

Abstract: A drainage arrangement for a tailgate of a motor vehicle body has water outflow spouts in the inner panel of the tailgate. The water outflow spouts are arranged correspondingly to water outflow openings in a rear part or a rear-end trim panel of the body behind a vehicle license plate as viewed in relation to the direction of travel.

Abstract: An air-directing component (10) of a motor vehicle has an installation surface (18) that bears against an outer side (20) of the front end (12) of the motor vehicle. Hook-shaped projections (14.1, 14.2) protrude from the installation surface (18) and have dimensions which are matched to dimensions of the recesses (16.1, 16.2) in the front end (12) in such a manner that be pushed into recesses (16.1, 16.2) of a body front end (12) of the motor vehicle. Each projection (14.1, 14.2) reaches through the recess (16.1, 16.2) and engages behind an edge (26) of the recess (16.1, 16.2) on an inner side (28) of the front end (12). The shape and arrangement of the projections (14.1, 14.2) permit the projections (14.1, 14.2) to be pushed transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle into the recesses (16.1, 16.2).

Abstract: An airflow deflector assembly for an open bed truck or like vehicle including a plurality of preferably two cover sections each having a base and an attachment assembly cooperatively disposed and structured to adjustably interconnect the two cover sections facilitating their selective positioning into any one of a plurality of operative orientations. The selected operative orientation corresponds to the width of the trailing end of the open bed of the vehicle so as to so as to establish a substantially continuous air deflecting surface over the trailing end and thereby increasing the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The cooperative structuring of the attachment assemblies facilitate an adjustable sliding interconnection there between such that the bases of each cover section may be reciprocally positioned toward and away from one another to assume the preferred operative orientation corresponding to the width of the truck bed.

Abstract: A rear air guiding device is disposed in a region of a roof rear edge on a tailgate provided with a rear window. An upper approach flow surface of the air guiding device forms an extension of the roof upper side mounted in front thereof, and the air guiding device protrudes over an upper border region of the rear window. In order to reduce the outlay on components and installation and also the weight of the air guiding device, it is provided that the latter is composed of a front part which is integrated in the tailgate and of a rear part which adjoins the front part such that their outer skins are flush and is connected to the front part.

Abstract: A drag reduction device for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a substantially flat plate member preferably rotatably connected to a tailgate assembly. The tailgate assembly has at least one, but preferably two panels defining a cavity. The plate member can be selectively positioned at a first position and a second, third, or fourth position. When in the first position, the plate member is inside the cavity. In the second position, the plate member is substantially vertical, and partially extending outside the cavity. In the third position, the plate member is extending forward, preferably in a horizontal orientation outside the cavity. When in the fourth position, the plate member is extending rearward, preferably in a horizontal orientation outside the cavity. The plate member is of sufficient length when in the second, third, and fourth positions to thereby reduce the coefficient of drag and lift on the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic air dam device comprising a polychloroprene panel adapted for mounting on the front bumper of a vehicle, wherein the polychloroprene panel can wrap around the outer side corners of the bumper; a mounting strip positioned along the top edge of the panel for holding the panel in place by clamping the panel between the mounting strip and the bumper; a bolt for inserting through a coinciding strip aperture, panel aperture, and bumper of a vehicle, wherein the bolt together with a nut secure the mounting strip and the panel to the bumper.

Abstract: An inflatable shaping system has a frame, rectangular with four sides, similar to the rear of a trailer or truck. The frame has a hinged connection and swings from an over-the-road configuration and to a deflated stowed position against the side of the trailer. Upon the frame, the system has an inflatable body and a durable skin covering the frame and the inflatable body. The inflatable body has a continuous attachment to the frame. The inflatable body has at least one inflatable element connected by a flexible adhesive or device. The inflatable elements remain contained between the frame and the durable skin, generally outwardly from the trailer. In communication with the inflatable elements, a pump system supplies air for their inflation and removes air for their deflation. The pump system operates remotely in the vicinity of the truck.

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 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: A motor vehicle (2) has a roof (3) with two longitudinal roof members (4, 5). Side windows (9) are under longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and fins (12, 13) extend rearward of the longitudinal roof members (4, 5). An outer skin (16) of a rear deck lid (17) is arranged between the fins (12, 13). Air inlet openings (20, 21) are formed in outer sides of the fins (12, 13) adjacent to the side window (9) are connected by a two-channel air duct (23, 24) to an air outlet opening (25, 26) adjacent the outer skin (16) of the lid on the inner side (15) of the fin (12, 13) and to an assembly compartment (RA) for an assembly (AG) of the motor vehicle (2). A rear air deflection device (32) is arranged behind the air outlet opening (25, 26).

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.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing member for motor vehicle wind deflectors has a shaped configuration with at least one curved portion, and a plurality of mutually spaced apart, plastically formed deformation sections which provide structural rigidity to maintain the shaped configuration and geometry of the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus 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 apparatus is provided for reducing aerodynamic drag experienced by an over-the-road vehicle while underway. A frame assembly including a fastening fixture couples the apparatus to the vehicle, and a first airfoil including a first outward air deflecting surface deflects a portion of the airflow directed toward a first tire laterally outward toward an externally exposed side of the first tire. A second airfoil including a second outward air deflecting surface deflects a portion of the airflow directed toward a second tire laterally outward toward an externally exposed side of the second tire. The first and second airfoils are spaced laterally apart from each other when coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly to define an aperture between the first and second airfoils through which at least a portion of the airflow directed toward the axle assembly is to pass while the vehicle is underway.

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: An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit changes in driving conditions such as weather, ground clearance and speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. As such, the device reduces vehicle damage due to inadequate ground clearance, while increasing vehicle stability and fuel economy. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device.

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.