Abstract: A mechanism for producing turbulent flow of the air moving over the rear deck of a vehicle is an air flow control apparatus comprising a vehicle spoiler of a typical and well known type having a horizontal portion joined integrally with spaced apart vertical standoffs. Mounted between the standoffs is a rotating spinner held in bearing sets. The spinner provides blades configured for rotating the spinner when the vehicle moves using its slipstream.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, a method for reducing the pressure drag of a vehicle is disclosed. Embodiments may include capturing air from the airflow around the vehicle when the vehicle is moving and directing air from a first location to a second location. Embodiments may also include forcing the captured air from the second location into a lower pressure region to reduce pressure drag associated with movement of the vehicle in a direction, where the lower pressure region is created in response to movement of the vehicle. Further embodiments may include where directing the air includes directing the air through a duct internal to the vehicle or through a duct attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis skirt panel provides for hiding components attached to the outside of the frame rails of a vehicle chassis in a first, closed position and allowing access when moved to a second open position. The chassis skirt panel is mounted below a truck body on at least one side of the vehicle and is set in a track allowing the panel to be moved back and forth.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments may include at least one fan for directing air into a lower pressure region behind a vehicle in motion in order to reduce pressure drag. Embodiments may also include one or more internal ducts for directing air from other parts of the vehicle to the at least one fan. In one embodiment, the operation of the at least one fan may be controlled based on sensed conditions, user control, or other means.

Abstract: A vehicle shield is provided according to the invention. The vehicle shield is constructed to avoid excessive hood flutter. The shield includes a hood protector region and an attachment region. The hood protector region is constructed for extending across at least a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The attachment region is constructed for attaching the hood protector region to a vehicle. Also provided is a method of installing the shield to a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system, method and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles is disclosed. More particularly, at least one fan for directing air into a lower pressure region behind a vehicle in motion in order to reduce pressure drag is disclosed. Embodiments include one or more ducts from directing air from other parts of the vehicle to the at least one fan. In one embodiment, the operation of the at least one fan may be controlled based on sensed conditions, user control, or other means.

Abstract: A twin bag inflatable rear airfoil for truck or transport trailer with attached shelves that bridge the surface gap between the trailer side and top surfaces, and the corresponding side and top surfaces of the inflatable bags. Shelves also bridge the upper surface gap between the two bags and provide a platform to deploy a collapsible yaw control fin. Another set of panels provide airfoil surfaces in the ground domain and are integral to the organised automatic folding and stowage of the apparatus. Interrupted ribs stiffen the inflatable surfaces while allowing them to fold in an orderly manner.

Abstract: An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as a 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 the need for increased airflow through the radiator due to increases in engine coolant temperature. As such, the device improves vehicle fuel economy while maintaining proper engine cooling. 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 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: A storage or cargo container designed to fit into an air fairing of a ground traveling vehicle having a cab with mounting points with a latching system to which the cargo container is adapted to be attached. Use of the storage or cargo container more efficiently utilizes the space occupied by air fairings on cargo-carrying vehicles currently, and provides for Less Than full-Load capacity.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a trunk lid having a rear transverse edge, an air guide extending across the width of the vehicle, and a lower rear end panel including a continuation that runs beneath the rear transverse edge of the trunk lid. The air guide adjoins the rear transverse edge of the trunk lid and includes a slotted wing system. The slotted wing system includes a rear wing displaceable between a retracted rest position and a deployed active position and a fixed rear-deck spoiler lying below the rear wing. The continuation has a shallow trough which runs across the vehicle width and which at least partially accommodates the rear wing when the rear wing is in the rest position.

Abstract: A system and method for deflecting the wind which would otherwise impinge upon the closed tailgate of a pickup truck, the deflector being mounted on the tailgate to preserve cargo space, including a spoiler and including a pair of relatively slidable rigid panels for deflecting the wind. The lower, forward panel overlies the upper rear panel and the relative position of the two panels is controlled by a scissors jack. The position of the distal end of the lower, forward panel is maintained adjacent the truck bed by a gust strap.

Abstract: A windbreaker air drag reduction system for trailers and other box-like towed vehicles having a blunt-nosed forward face. The system comprises a wedge-shaped fairing element including a pair of upstanding panel members adjoining one another and being secured to an upstanding riser. The panel members and riser are attached to a crossbar member which is securely clamped to the trailer tongue support beams. The panel members are secured to the upper and lower face of forward face of the trailer at their respective outward edges. The combined components of the fairing element cooperate to form a triangular arrangement, the apex of the triangle being located forwardly of the blunt-nosed forward face of the vehicle. The entire system may be attached, detached, and reattached to multiple trailers or towed vehicles by means of simple tools and assembly and ease of use by only one operator.

Abstract: Provided is a wake disturbing apparatus and method for reducing drag, which can considerably reduce drag caused by a sharp decrease in the pressure behind an object with a blunt trailing edge, such as a vehicle, while the object is traveling at high speed. The wake disturbing apparatus includes a plurality of disrupters, which are arranged at regular intervals along the trailing edge of the object to protrude to a predetermined height so that the vortical strength of the wake occurring around the rear part of the object can be reduced and the pressure at the base surface, which has been decreased due to the wake, can be recovered. Accordingly, it is possible to considerably reduce drag on a vehicle by simply attaching a wake disturbing apparatus to the vehicle without modifying the structure of the vehicle or using additional energy. Thus, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the vehicle and thus maximize the energy consumption efficiency.

Abstract: A roll bar is provided behind seats of an open car, and there is provided a wind deflector to deflect air flow coming from the vehicle rear during the open-state driving on the roll bar. The wind deflector is configured so as to have air permeability in such a manner that an air permeability rate of its upper section is greater than that of its lower section. Part of air flow passes through the wind deflector. Since the amount of the air flow passing through the lower section of the deflector directed to the neck portion is suppressed compared to the air flow passing through the upper section, both the reducing of the air flow beyond the wind deflector and the suppressing of the passenger feeling displeasure with the air flow (against the neck portion) can be attained, and thereby the passenger can be prevented effectively from feeling displeasure.

Abstract: A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular body disposed above rear wheels, comprising a plurality of load bearing struts attached to the bottom of the rectangular body adjacent its sides, a plurality of opposing flat sheets attached to the load bearing struts, and angled flaps attached to the lower edge of the opposing sheets defining an obtuse angle with the opposing flat sheets extending inwardly with respect to the sides of the rectangular body to a predetermined height above the ground, which, stiffen the opposing flat sheets, 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: A wind deflector for a pickup truck or a similar vehicle, is formed with a frame that includes left and right side members for removably attaching to structure in the truck. A rigid wind deflector panel is supported on the frame and extends diagonally up and back from the floor of the truck bed over the tailgate. One or more strap members secure to a lower transverse member of the frame, and each has a bracket member that removably grips the rear lip of the truck bed floor where the tail gate is located. The strap member is tightened to pull the transverse member downward and rearward to hold the wind deflector in place in the truck bed. A spoiler bar can be attached. A tray supported on the frame holds small articles in the space beneath the wind deflector. The wind deflector can be quickly installed and removed.

Abstract: A post pressurizing material is preferably embodied in a collection of dense, flexible elements oriented generally perpendicularly and extending from a flexible mounting base which can be attached to the rear surface of the body. The elements have the ability to entrap fluid flow and accumulate pressure therein so that, in applied form, it will reduce drag and simultaneously push or propel the body to which rear surface it is attached into the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield for retractable devices that are part of or attached to vehicles, such as school buses, to protect the retractable device from damage or destruction from air movement. While such retractable devices are bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the vehicle, the retractable devices are susceptible to being damaged or torn off of the vehicle due to air movement such as headwinds, wind gusts, and turbulence from passing vehicles. The current invention overcomes the susceptibility to damage of the retractable devices from air movement by shielding the retractable device from such air movement. The current invention may include a shock absorber assembly to minimize or eliminate noisy vibration from the shield. As such, the present invention provides protection for retractable devices on vehicles from air movement with minimal additional noise.

Abstract: An awning assembly for the front portion of a recreational vehicle. The awning assembly in a closed position provides an aerodynamic profile for the front portion of the recreational vehicle, so that a front wall can be arranged to allow more efficient use of the interior. In one embodiment, the front wall is vertical so that the front portion of the interior has a full ceiling height. The awning assembly in an open position helps to block out external elements, so that the front wall can be used more efficiently. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a window, and the awning assembly provides a shade for that window while allowing an occupant to look outside towards the front of recreational vehicle. Various structures and methods for implementing the awning assembly to the front portion of the recreational vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: An air curtain (jet flow) replaces the conventional air-diverting baffle on the underside of a vehicle's front engine compartment to reduce drag and increase volumetric air flow for cooling.

Abstract: The protective plate assembly may protect a wheel differential and drive line of a land vehicle from damage and from causing damage. A wheel differential plate may have two axle mount members extending upwardly therefrom and a plate mounting bracket may be attached at an upper end of the axle mount members that may be attachable to an axle housing. A drive line assembly may be attached to the wheel differential plate wherein the drive line assembly may have a bottom plate and two side walls extending upwardly therefrom. A rod may be attached to a front end of the drive line assembly wherein the rod may be positioned to slidably engage a rod mounting bracket that may have an aperture therein and the rod mounting bracket may be attachable to a land vehicle structure to retain the drive line assembly to partially enclose a drive line.

Abstract: A rear wing for a motor vehicle has a wing roof and a wing bottom formed as a hollow body. A reinforcing structure is arranged inside the hollow body and has several upright webs, of which at least one cross web extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle is connected with the interior surface of the wing bottom. At least one drainage opening is provided in the wing bottom. In order to be able to drain water penetrating into the hollow body, the at least one cross web has a plane web surface which forms a wall of a water channel, and the at least one opening is arranged in the course of the water channel.

Abstract: A cantilevered fin (34) or spoiler includes an upper shell (36) and a lower shell (38) Each shell (36, 38) extends from the cover (32) of the roof to engaging distal edges (40). The cover (32) includes a frame (42) and a sheet (44) supported by the frame (42).

Abstract: A molded plastic vehicle shield device includes a hood protector region and hood attachment region. The hood protector region is constructed for extending across a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The hood protector region includes at least one flexible region for allowing bending of the hood protector region. The hood attachment region includes a first hood attachment flange attached to a portion of the hood protector region and constructed for attaching to a left side of the vehicle hood, and a second hood attachment flange attached to a portion of the hood protector region and constructed for attachment to a right side of the vehicle hood.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic base drag of a bluff body having a leading end, a trailing end, a top surface, opposing left and right side surfaces, and a base surface at the trailing end substantially normal to a longitudinal centerline of the bluff body, with the base surface joined (1) to the left side surface at a left trailing edge, (2) to the right side surface at a right trailing edge, and (3) to the top surface at a top trailing edge. The apparatus includes left and right vertical boattail plates which are orthogonally attached to the base surface of the bluff body and inwardly offset from the left and right trailing edges, respectively. This produces left and right vertical channels which generate, in a flowstream substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline, respective left and right vertically-aligned vortical structures, with the left and right vertical boattail plates each having a plate width defined by a rear edge of the plate spaced from the base surface.

Abstract: Automobile body performing with reduced aerodynamic lift while speeding, and therefore having its fuselage shape of a parallelogram with acute angle. The fuselage is made with roof projected straight backward and also having its body rear plate, slanted upward toward its car's rear end to create a body of parallelogram shape at the side section. Reducing aerodynamic lift, which normally occurs while car is moving at a high speed, will happen when separation of air flow around the top and bottom of the car's body will distributed with less than a standard difference in length, speed, and air density of both parts, and will result in more or less equality in air pressure occurring around the top and bottom of the automobile fuselage. Such an air flow redistribution allow lower air drug with higher profile of the vehicle fuselage and more control over a speeding vehicle.

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 improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of multiple component vehicles by reducing the pressure on the front face of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the flow in the gap between the leading vehicle component and the trailing vehicle component. An improved method and device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff face object moving through air. The apparatus consist of a plurality of forward extending surfaces that are positioned adjacent to one another on the forward facing surface of a bluff face object and are aligned parallel to the object center line and perpendicular to the local flow direction. The reduction in drag force results from the summation of a plurality of local reductions in drag force generated by the interaction of vortex structures emanating from the leading edges of the plurality of forward extending surfaces with the forward facing surface of a blunt face object.

Abstract: An aerodynamic base drag reduction apparatus and method for bluff bodies, such as tractor-trailer trucks, utilizing a pair of lift surfaces extending to lift surface tips and located alongside the bluff body such as on opposing left and right side surfaces. In a flowstream substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the bluff body, the pair of lift surfaces generate a pair of counter-rotating trailing vortices which confluence together in the wake of the bluff body in a direction orthogonal to the flowstream. The confluence draws or otherwise turns the flowstream, such as the flowstream passing over a top surface of the bluff body, in and around behind a trailing end of the bluff body to raise the pressure on a base surface at the trailing end and thereby reduce the aerodynamic base drag.

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 apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a wheeled vehicle in a flowstream, the vehicle having a vehicle body and a wheel assembly supporting the vehicle body. The apparatus includes a baffle assembly adapted to be positioned upstream of the wheel assembly for deflecting airflow away from the wheel assembly so as to reduce the incident pressure on the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A bumper spoiler to be mounted on a bumper of a vehicle, includes a bumper spoiler main body section to be disposed to orient toward a roadbed on which the vehicle travels, when mounted on the bumper; a plurality of insert/mount sections each formed on a back of the spoiler main body section integrally therewith to protrude rearward of the vehicle; and a plurality of fixing sections integrally formed on the plurality of insert/mount sections respectively and each protruding from a position between the spoiler main body section and a rear end of each of the insert/mount section to be fixed to the bumper.

Abstract: An inflatable air spoiler for the use with a vehicle to reduce wind resistance. The inflatable air spoiler is made from abrasion resistant materials capable of forming a wedge shaped air spoiler. Securement of the inflatable air spoiler to a vehicle can be achieved with hooks, snaps and other fasteners. In another embodiment, securement of the inflatable spoiler in a vehicle's cargo bed is achieved by pressurizing the inflatable spoiler so its side panels or portions of its exterior surfaces are urged against the side walls of the cargo bed. Further securement is achieved by ballast chambers located on the bottom region of the inflatable air spoiler.

Abstract: An improved method and device for reducing the base drag of bluff bodies, including large boxy highway vehicles such as semi-trailer trucks, which uses low drag vortex generators in combination with either a trailing panel or shortened boattail plates, to provide greater base drag reduction than other previously known methods. The preferred embodiment reduces the required length of boattail plates by over half, making it compatible with current U.S. regulations for trailer underride bars, and providing easier access for rear cargo doors. The device is easily installed as an add-on device on both new and existing truck bodies. In an alternate configuration, the shape of one or more sets of shortened boattail plates can be built into the rear body shape of vehicles, to maximize the interior volume for a given total vehicle length.

Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof with at least two rigid roof parts arranged in a closed position in the longitudinal vehicle direction one behind another such that they cover an interior vehicle space and, in an open position, one of the roof sections extends upwardly behind the interior vehicle space so as to form a wind deflector while the other roof parts are disposed in a rear storage compartment, a trunk lid extends over the rear storage compartment in such a way that, with the roof opened, a gap is formed between the front end of the trunk lid and a front wall of the rear storage compartment through which the roof part forming the wind deflector projects upwardly behind the interior vehicle space.

Abstract: An air-conducting element for a motor vehicle has an operating element and a flow-conducting element extending completely or partly over the vehicle width. The flow-conducting element can be displaced by the operating element from a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. The flow-conducting element comprises an elastic and extensible material as well as, in a area of its free end, in a duct, a bending-elastic element which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is displaceably accommodated in the duct. For an improved guidance of the bending-elastic element in the duct, it is provided that—viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle—the bending elastic element, at least in sections, is supported by at least one guiding device arranged in the area of the free end of the flow-conducting element with respect to the wall bounding the duct.

Abstract: A motor vehicle shell is at least partially movable. For movement of the sheel, at least one actuator is provided. The actuator contains a material that is polymeric and/or ion-exchanging and/or exhibits varying confirmations, and is movable by of way physical or chemical effects.

Abstract: An aerodynamic guiding arrangement for a vehicle that includes a forward gap enclosure with an upper element and a lower element. The gap enclosure is configured to be positioned and attached proximate a forward end of the vehicle. The guiding arrangement includes a gap closure mechanism for automatically moving the forward gap enclosure from an open position to a closed position, and from a closed position to an open position, based on speed of the vehicle. Another aerodynamic guiding arrangement includes a windscreen with a top, a bottom, and a center of curvature. The windscreen curves smoothly rearward with increasing distance from a central plane, and has a reverse slope such that over a majority of the windscreen the top is farther from the center of curvature than the bottom.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicular airflow control device (10 and 100). The control device includes a deflector panel (12 and 112) adapted to be disposed on a front section (14) of a vehicle to selectively control airflow about the front section of the vehicle. The control device further includes an actuator assembly (28 and 128) coupled to the deflector panel for linearly moving the deflector panel, such as in vertical direction and/or a fore and aft direction, and rotating the deflector panel. Preferably, the deflector panel is adjustable while the vehicle is moving. A method of controlling a position of a deflector panel disposed on a front section of a vehicle. The method includes sensing a speed of the vehicle and automatically adjusting a position of the deflector panel relative to the vehicle based upon the sensed speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic base drag reduction apparatus and method for bluff bodies, such as tractor-trailer trucks, utilizing a pair of lift surfaces extending to lift surface tips and located alongside the bluff body such as on opposing left and right side surfaces. In a flowstream substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the bluff body, the pair of lift surfaces generate a pair of counter-rotating trailing vortices which confluence together in the wake of the bluff body in a direction orthogonal to the flowstream. The confluence draws or otherwise turns the flowstream, such as the flowstream passing over a top surface of the bluff body, in and around behind a trailing end of the bluff body to raise the pressure on a base surface at the trailing end and thereby reduce the aerodynamic base drag.

Abstract: A screen element for motor vehicles having a piece of flat material extending in a surface area. The piece of flat material has strands which are inherently stiff to enable the flat material to stand alone without a frame. The strands also provide primary stability for the screen element. A frame on at least one edge area of the piece of flat material provides secondary stability for the screen element.

Abstract: An improved system for selectively deploying an auxiliary lighting system in which the vehicle onboard power system is utilized to permit the operator of the vehicle to deploy lamps to an in use position and to stow the same in a protected environment.

Abstract: A structure having a first semi-rigid surface with a first curved edge, the first semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to a reference to permit the first semi-rigid surface to assume a first position and a second position, and a first joint structure spanning the first semi-rigid surface to permit the first semi-rigid surface to be folded when in the first position and unfolded when in the second position. The structure includes a second semi-rigid surface having a second curved edge, the second semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to the reference to permit the second semi-rigid surface to assume a first position and a second position. The first and second semi-rigid surfaces are joined together at their first and second curved edges by a second joint structure adapted to permit the first and second semi-rigid surfaces to fold approximately together when the first and second semi-rigid surfaces are in their first positions.

Abstract: A wind-deflecting device for a convertible includes a center part of the wind-deflecting device, which in its upright operating position is arranged between spaced-apart bar sections of a rollover bar and is held in place on the rollover bar via releasable locking connections. Each releasable locking connection includes a receiver fixed to the rollover bar and interlocking with a laterally supported holding element of the center part. The locking connection further has a pivotably supported spring-loaded notch lever to release the locking connection. To enable the releasable locking connection to be released from a sitting position and to increase ease of operation, the notch lever is arranged on the fixed receiver and a pushbutton interacting with the notch lever is provided on the receiver to pivot the notch lever.

Abstract: A motor vehicle provides redirection of the slipstream to keep side windows of the vehicle clear of grime thrown into the path of the vehicle as spray or carried by precipitation. Redirection of the slipstream is provided by a turbulence or eddy generating protrusions extending into the slipstream from the vehicle's A-pillars. The protrusions or contours may be formed integrally with the encapsulation molding attached around the circumference of the vehicle's windshield.

Abstract: A cab extender assembly (200) for selectively manipulating an aerodynamic drag of a vehicle (100) is provided. The cab extender assembly includes a dynamic cab extender (206a) and a control system (208) coupled to the dynamic cab extender. The control system is adapted to selectively position the dynamic cab extender between a stowed position, a deployed position in which the dynamic cab extender is substantially aligned with a side of the vehicle, and a braking position in which the dynamic cab extender is at least partially disposed into an airstream passing along the side of the vehicle to increase a drag coefficient of the vehicle. The cab extender assembly may also include a fixed cab extender (204a) substantially aligned with the dynamic cab extender when the dynamic cab extender is in the deployed position. A method of operating a cab extender assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed frame is described that includes a frame member, a left support structure, and a right support structure. The frame member includes a frame member left end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck bed left sidewall, a frame member right end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck bed right sidewall, and a central member constructed to extend across a pickup truck cab from the frame member left end to the frame member right end. The left support structure includes a left support arm having a left support arm first end constructed for attachment to the frame member, and a left support arm second end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck left sidewall. The right support structure includes a right support arm having a right support arm first end constructed for attachment to the frame member, and a right support arm second end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck bed right sidewall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the drag of a motor vehicle includes a mechanism for diverting air attached to a front portion of the vehicle and a vacuum plate having openings therein for attachment to a back of the vehicle. Mechanisms for diverting air include a cover piece encasing a front portion of the vehicle, one or more separation panels attached to the front of the vehicle, and one or more tubular members attached to the front of the vehicle. Both the cover piece and vacuum plate are attached to the vehicle so that a space is maintained between the vehicle and the cover piece and vacuum plate, respectively.

Abstract: An air deflector for attachment to a lower surface of a vehicle includes a first portion and a second portion attached to and extending downwardly from the first portion. The first portion is adapted to be attached to a lower surface of the vehicle and is formed of a first material having a first durometer value. The second portion is formed of a second material different from the first material. The second portion has a second durometer value less than the first durometer value.