With Distinct Wind Deflector Patents (Class 296/180.1)
  • Patent number: 9796430
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust pipe disposed for gases ejected therefrom to divert headwinds from otherwise impinging directly upon critical faster-moving upper wheel surfaces reduces vehicle propulsive counterforces needed to countervail mechanically magnified upper wheel drag forces upon the primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Garth L. Magee
  • Patent number: 9789915
    Abstract: An aerodynamic resistance reduction system for a vehicle is provided and includes a pair of vertical panels pivotally attached to a rear end adjacent to rear vertical edges of a vehicle, a first horizontal panel assembly pivotally attached to a top end to each of the pair of vertical panels and pivotally attached to the rear end adjacent to a top horizontal edge of the vehicle, and a second horizontal panel assembly pivotally attached adjacent to an inside surface of each of the pair of side panels, the second horizontal panel assembly being disposed between the first horizontal panel assembly and a lower edge of the rear end of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ridge Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Grandominico, Dominic Grandominico, Raymond McDonald, Sean Graham, Bret Moss, Stuart Dailey, Christopher J. Gelin
  • Patent number: 9764782
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adapted for mounting behind a vehicle. The aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus includes a side panel, an actuator arrangement, a top panel, and an interconnecting member. The side panel is adapted to move between a deployed position and a stowed position. The actuator is mounted between the side panel and the vehicle. The top panel is adapted to move between a deployed position and a stowed position. The interconnecting member is connected between the side panel and the top panel. The interconnecting member coordinates movement between the side and top panels such that they each move together between the deployed positions and the stowed positions, respectively. One or more of the panels may be mounted to a door of the vehicle via deformable hinges and/or deformably mounted hinges and thereby allow the door to open compactly against a side of the vehicle by deforming the panels, the hinges, and/or the mounts of the hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 9758201
    Abstract: An active aero flap apparatus for a muffler of a may include an aero flap including a flap wing disposed at a side of the muffler, into which vehicle-induced wind is introduced, to block introduction of the vehicle-induced wind, and flap supporters formed to expand from both ends of the flap wing, drivelines rotatably coupling ends of the flap supporters to the muffler, and actuator modules rotating the aero flap about the drivelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dae-Gil Hwang
  • Patent number: 9758107
    Abstract: A vehicle cover, such as a tailgate adapted for being raised and lowered relative to the vehicle or a vehicle bumper, includes an adjustable support for supporting an object, such as a gun or fishing pole. In one embodiment, the tailgate includes a recess adapted for receiving the support in an inactive condition. The support has an active condition projecting from the recess for engaging and supporting the object. The support is actuated in various manners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Vincent Anthony Chimento, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Kevin Michael O'Callaghan
  • Patent number: 9751573
    Abstract: A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings configured to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Strehl, LLC
    Inventor: Richard P. Senatro
  • Patent number: 9751481
    Abstract: A crossmember (20) for a front bumper of a motor vehicle (10) has at least one throughflow opening for air. At least one exit-air opening (51, 52) is provided on a rear side (44) of the crossmember (20) to accommodate a discharge of exit air from a cooler of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Schneider
  • Patent number: 9731777
    Abstract: An active air skirt device for a vehicle includes a first skirt and a second skirt, which are operated in multiple steps corresponding to a speed of the vehicle, so as to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle corresponding to the speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Young Yoon, Hyun Gyung Kim, Dong Eun Cha, Hak Lim Kim, Keon Soo Jin, Ki Hong Lee, Seong June Na, Jang Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9731778
    Abstract: A front straightening portion is formed at a front portion of a main body portion of a spat. In the front straightening portion, a front inclined surface is inclined backward with respect to a vehicle with decrease in distance to a lower side of the vehicle in a lateral view, and front lateral surfaces extend forward with respect to the vehicle from both end portions of the front inclined surface in a vehicle width direction, respectively. A traveling wind that hits the front lateral surfaces flows toward the front inclined surface side, and is caused to flow out downward with respect to the vehicle from the front straightening portion together with a traveling wind. The flow velocities of the traveling winds increase, the air resistance of the vehicle can be reduced, operation stability of the vehicle can be enhanced, and riding comfort performance of the vehicle can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiichi Uchiyama, Kunihiro Kobayashi, Kazuhide Asano, Katsumi Miyashita, Hiroto Furuya
  • Patent number: 9714063
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl capable of improving appearance quality while suppressing enlargement of the front cowl. Recessed parts recessed rearwardly of a vehicle are formed in front cowls in positions outwardly of front members in a vehicle width direction. The introduction port is formed in the recessed part. The recessed parts are recessed rearwardly of the vehicle beyond tangents brought into contact with the front members and the front cowls. Since guide walls are arranged within a range viewed from introduction ports in a front view, such a possibility that wiring or the like in a front cowl is viewed through the introduction ports in the front view is precluded Immediately behind the introduction ports, air is guided in a desired direction by the guide walls. For this reason, a limited amount of air can be effectively utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Seo, Gen Tanabe, Akihiro Komatsu, Takefumi Okubo, Masao Akieda
  • Patent number: 9702801
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a particulate monitoring system. The system includes a vehicle. A wake conditioner is mounted in the vehicle. A sample inlet is placed in communication with an engineered vehicle wake that will be produced by the wake conditioner when the vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on Behalf of the Desert Research Institute
    Inventors: Vicken Etyemezian, George Nikolich
  • Patent number: 9694810
    Abstract: A side wind assistant for a vehicle and a method for the operation of the side wind assistant involve detecting a side wind disturbance acting on the vehicle and reacting to the side wind disturbance by carrying out a side wind compensation intervention to at least partially compensate for the influence of the side wind disturbance, at least when an intervention threshold has been exceeded. The side wind assistant thus reacts to the side wind disturbance in a frequency selective manner in which the frequency selectivity is controlled depending on the side wind compensation or a state of the side wind assistant correlating with the side wind compensation intervention. In particular, the frequency selectivity is controlled depending on whether the side wind compensation intervention is carried out or not carried out, and depending on the duration of the side wind compensation intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Daniel Keppler, Jens Kalkkuhl, Magnus Rau, Van Tuan Tran
  • Patent number: 9670824
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a dual grille shutter system based on engine operating conditions. A position of a first group of grille shutters may be adjusted by a motor in response to engine temperature, CAC temperature, and driving conditions. A position of a second group of grille shutters may be adjusted based on the position of the first group of grille shutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Sowards, Jim Raymond Palm, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9669883
    Abstract: This invention relates to aerodynamic trailer skirts adapted to be mounted on trailers to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the trailer. The present invention more precisely relates to a modular self-repositioning aerodynamic skirt assembly with reduced size skirt panel portions and improved shock transmission properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: TRANSTEX COMPOSITE INC.
    Inventors: Georges Bassily, Swaroop Kantharaju, Mathieu Boivin
  • Patent number: 9663156
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing device reduces drag on a vehicle when in an extended configuration. The aerodynamic drag reducing device includes a moveable frame, a set of linkages, and a linkage coordinator. The set of linkages supports the moveable frame in an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. A first linkage of the set of linkages defines a first axis, and a second linkage of the set of linkages defines a second axis. The linkage coordinator coordinates movement between the first linkage about the first axis and the second linkage about the second axis. The first and second axes may be non-parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 9643665
    Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter-body side and a second splitter-body side. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow. The splitter body is mounted at the first vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce thereon when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system has a first winglet operatively connected to a first splitter-body side and a second winglet operatively connected to a second splitter-body side, wherein the first and second winglets are configured to control movement of the ambient airflow relative to the splitter body. A mechanism is configured to selectively shift each of the winglets in a direction transverse to the longitudinal body axis, to thereby adjust the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body on the first vehicle body end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hommes
  • Patent number: 9643664
    Abstract: An underbody panelling part of a wheel axle near the wheelhouse of a motor vehicle includes a substantially flat main part, a first mounting point provided on the main part, which first mounting point can be rotatably connected to a transverse link of the motor vehicle, and a second mounting point provided on the main part, which second mounting point can be coupled to a wheel carrier or a steering rod. The underbody panelling part can be pivoted about the first mounting point when the wheel carrier is pivoted. A subassembly having the underbody panelling part is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gregor Tesch, Markus Kohlhuber, Rasmus Leicht, Roland Schmidt, Hubert Scholz, Matthias Hennig, Ludwig Seethaler, Roland Koenig, Markus Fauser
  • Patent number: 9637185
    Abstract: In a vehicle to which a wheel well rear portion structure has been applied, a curved portion of an upper wall of a guide portion bulges obliquely toward the vehicle lower side as seen in a side view and is connected to a discharge portion. An air flow flowing in a flow channel flows along the upper wall due to the Coanda effect, so in the air flow along the curved portion the flow component heading toward the vehicle rear side becomes larger. The flow direction of the air flow discharged from the discharge portion substantially coincides with the flow direction of an air flow flowing in the space under the body of the vehicle. In a state in which a drop in the flow speed of the air flow discharged from the discharge portion is controlled, the air flow can be caused to smoothly merge with the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumihiko Kishima, Kazuya Koizumi
  • Patent number: 9630480
    Abstract: A wind deflector for a vehicle is disclosed. The wind deflector includes at least one housing element, at least one deflector element which is at least partially received in the housing element, at least one actuator via which the deflector element is able to move in a linearly oscillating manner relative to the housing element in at least one spatial direction, and at least one sealing element via which the deflector element is sealed at least in one partial region against the housing element. The sealing element is formed as a flexible membrane which is arranged on the one hand on the housing element and on the other hand on the deflector element to be able to move with this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Uwe Escher, Juergen Luka, Martin Maihoefer, Volker Schwarz
  • Patent number: 9630662
    Abstract: A vehicle includes front wheels, rear wheels, a vehicle body, and closure mechanisms. The vehicle body has vehicle-body side surfaces each provided with an airflow passage. The airflow passage is located in a lower portion of the vehicle-body side surface. The lower portion is located between a corresponding one of the front wheels and a corresponding one of the rear wheels. The airflow passage extends from an underfloor space located below the vehicle body, to the vehicle-body side surface. The closure mechanisms are each configured to close the airflow passage of a corresponding one of the vehicle-body side surfaces that receives a crosswind while the vehicle is in motion. An extending direction of the airflow passage extending from the underfloor space toward the vehicle-body side surface is inclined toward a rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryohei Tsuruta, Shinnosuke Shimokawa, Taro Tsukada, Tateru Fukagawa
  • Patent number: 9623848
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a duct assembly for cooling a brake assembly of a vehicle. The duct assembly can include a hollow inlet section that is disposed at the vehicle sub-frame and configured to capture air from beneath the vehicle sub-frame; and a hollow intermediate section that communicates with the inlet section so as to form a contiguous channel therewith. The intermediate section can be disposed entirely within the vehicle sub-frame. A hollow outlet section can communicate with the intermediate section so as to form a contiguous channel between the inlet, intermediate and outlet sections. The outlet section can be disposed and configured to direct the air captured by the inlet section to the front end of the brake assembly to thereby cool at least a portion of the brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Paul, Stephen G. Rosepiler, Lorne R. Dyar, Yoshio Ishikawa, Matthew Vernon Roehl, Yuichiro Akita, Akihiko Koike, Edward C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9616944
    Abstract: A rear aerodynamic drag reduction system is configured to be coupled to a rear frame assembly of a trailer including a rear frame and a rear swing door. The rear drag reduction system includes a main wall panel configured to be coupled to the rear frame assembly to extend generally rearwardly of the trailer at least partially along a height of the trailer, and a secondary wall panel configured to be movably coupled to the rear swing door of the trailer to extend along a width of the trailer. The main wall panel and the secondary wall panel are each movable relative to the rear frame assembly between a deployed position and a stowed position. A locking mechanism of the drag reduction system is configured to releasably couple the main wall panel and the secondary wall panel to each other to prevent relative movement between the main wall panel and the secondary wall panel when the main and secondary wall panels are in their deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Leonard W. Baker, Melvin R. Norris
  • Patent number: 9580118
    Abstract: A car comprising a car body and a rear spoiler that projects from the outline of the car body to deflect the air flow upwards so that the air flow skims over an upper surface of said rear spoiler. The rear spoiler comprises a through aerodynamic duct, which starts in an inlet opening arranged in correspondence with an initial end of the rear spoiler and ends in an outlet opening arranged in correspondence with a final end of the rear spoiler, so that a part of the air flow hitting the rear spoiler flows above the rear spoiler, skimming over the upper surface of the rear spoiler, and the remaining part of the air flow hitting the rear spoiler flows through the rear spoiler crossing the aerodynamic duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Cardile
  • Patent number: 9573637
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle includes a first vane configured to be rotatable on a wheel guard. An actuator is configured to provide the first vane with rotational force so as to rotate the first vane. A controller is configured to receive vehicle speed information and steering angle information of a steering wheel, and to control the operation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jin Young Yoon, Hyun Gyung Kim, Tae Hyung Kim, Joung Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9566847
    Abstract: A rear opening is provided in the rear part of a vehicle, and a tailgate opens and closes the rear opening. A spoiler is provided at the upper end of the tailgate. Deflectors are provided below the spoiler. The deflectors extend downward along the outer surface of the tail gate from the lower surface of the spoiler and are disposed at positions offset by a predetermined distance from the opposite ends in the vehicle width direction of the spoiler toward a central portion in the vehicle width direction of the spoiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Fujiwara, Kenichi Hori, Eiji Kimura, Kousuke Katsumata, Yuta Endo
  • Patent number: 9567017
    Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: David Menicovich, Michael Amitay, Daniele Gallardo
  • Patent number: 9545960
    Abstract: This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear cargo body, having doors that swing open, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The embodiments provide an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the structure reduces drag, yet enables access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position allows access to the rear for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors, allows the doors to be folded through a 270-degree arc, with a minimal sideways projection. The various embodiments also enable relatively rapid and easy transition between the folded position and the deployed position using actuators and/or linkages that tie the folding and deployment of panels of the structure together. This allows selective folding and deployment of the structure without undue effort or strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: STEMCO LP
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Charles M. Horrell, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jonathan R. Feldman, Alexander R. Bruccoleri
  • Patent number: 9533720
    Abstract: A sports hoop is provided for a motor vehicle. The sports hoop includes a one-piece internal frame, an outer cover received over an outer surface of the internal frame and an inner cover received over an inner surface of the internal frame. Slip joints and expansion joints are provided to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction to maintain a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Luciew, David Job, Ryan Rawnsley, Keong Fook Yip, Shashi Bhushan
  • Patent number: 9493197
    Abstract: A tractor-trailer wind fairing panel assembly includes two side and one top fairing panels that mount to a truck tractor and aerodynamically bridge the air gap to any fifth-wheel utility trailer being pulled by the tractor. Such fairing panels are hinged on their leading edges so their distal trailing edges can swing a bit to accommodate twisting and turning of the utility trailer during use. The hinges all mount to a cab adapter collar that helps fit the whole to the contoured surfaces of the rear of a typical truck tractor cab. The distal ends of the trailing edges are fitted with inward directed wind seals. Rows of ball bearing pucks are arranged in the crowns of the inward directed wind seals to reduce friction and wear as the fairing panels swing to accommodate the twisting and turning of the utility trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Nikolai Logounov
  • Patent number: 9481406
    Abstract: A drag reduction device for a truck, comprising a vortex generator. The drag reduction device is arranged to cooperate with a front portion of the truck such that, in use, the vortex generator generates a vortex which is capable of suppressing a wake formed along a side of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: WR Industria Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas J P Wirth
  • Patent number: 9457847
    Abstract: A rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for securing to a cargo body includes a three- or four-sided structure having a deployed position for assisting in improving aerodynamic efficiency of the cargo body. The cargo body can be the body of a trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle or trailer towed behind a vehicle such as a truck. It can comprise a trailer body or other cargo body well-known in the art. A spoiler “flow keeper” mounted to a top surface of the rear of the cargo body, as additional aerodynamic structures or as a standalone spoiler for cargo bodies. The three- or four-sided rear-mounted aerodynamic structure can comprise any of a variety of illustrative embodiments shown and described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: STEMCO LP
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Court S. Hinricher, Robert R. Cholnoky, Austin A. Duncanson
  • Patent number: 9452795
    Abstract: Outer side end sections 16a of a floor undercover 16 in a width direction of a vehicle are provided so as to overlap, in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, with rear wheels 19 forwardly of the rear wheels 19b in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Front parts of the side end sections 16a in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are composed of concavities 20 concave upward in a vertical direction of the vehicle relative to other parts of the floor undercover 16. Fronts of the concavities 20 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are open, while rear end surfaces 22 of the concavities 20 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are inclined obliquely downwardly toward the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaya Nojima, Toshitsugu Misaki, Kosuke Yoshimura, Takuya Noborizato
  • Patent number: 9440702
    Abstract: A vehicle body front structure of a saddle-type vehicle includes a headlight and a front cowl with rearview mirrors being attached on the left and right sides of the upper part thereof. A lens surface of the headlight and the upper part of the front cowl each have a surface that is inclined so as to extend upwardly and rearwardly to form a front cowl surface continuously covering the vehicle body front surface. A step part protruding more in a forward direction than the lens surface is made at the connection part between the front cowl and an upper edge of the lens surface of the headlight. This step part extends outwardly in the vehicle width direction to the base parts of the rearview mirrors along the upper edge of the lens surface with mirror-side overhang surfaces continuously leading to the step part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Tako, Hirotsugu Ueno
  • Patent number: 9409610
    Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer or other ground vehicle includes plurality of wall panels each configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend generally below a storage container of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. The wall panels are horizontally spaced-apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Leonard W. Baker, Michael J. Courtney, Gustavo Lazatin Sumcad, James Andrew Sweet
  • Patent number: 9403563
    Abstract: Drag reduction apparatus (18) attachable to a vehicle (10) wherein the drag reduction apparatus has a hollow duct section (21) having an open bottom end (43, 44) and a front wall (35) and a pair of opposed side walls (30, 31) wherein the front wall (35) and each side wall (30, 31) have a plurality of air outlets (42, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 32, 33, 34) and a hollow air intake section (19) in fluid communication with the hollow section (21) having at least part thereof (87) in use spaced from a vehicle roof (13) and unsupported by the vehicle roof (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Rodney Habershon
  • Patent number: 9394011
    Abstract: By strategically placing a series of turbulators on a surface of a vehicle the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle is less than the vehicle without such turbulators. The turbulators change a laminar flow to a turbulent flow at a point before laminar flow separation from the vehicle without such turbulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Michael W. Hanagan
  • Patent number: 9376003
    Abstract: A wind stop device for motor vehicles having improved stability. The wind stop device comprising a wind blocker having a wind blocker frame extending transversely to a vehicles longitudinal axis. The device further comprising a flow-hindering element closing a frame opening of the wind blocker frame, wherein the wind blocker is foldable about a wind blocker-folding axis by way of at least one hinge. The device further comprising a cover pivotally connected to the wind blocker about a pivot axis and having a cover frame extending transversely to a vehicles longitudinal axis and extending away from the pivot axis. The flow-hindering element closing a frame opening of the cover frame, wherein the cover frame is foldable about a cover folding axis by way of at least one hinge, where the hinges can have a blocking device to prevent the cover frame from folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Scambia Holdings Cyprus Limited
    Inventor: Peter Neumann
  • Patent number: 9365249
    Abstract: A vehicle front part structure includes: a spats having a mounting portion attached to an under wall that constitutes an under floor in front of a front wheel, and a main body portion extending from the mounting portion toward an underside of a vehicle to restrain a traveling wind under the under wall from hitting the front wheel; and a recess portion formed at the vehicular rearward portion on, the under wall and opening to a downward direction of the vehicle and to a rearward direction of the vehicle. A mounting wall is disposed above a front end portion of the under wall to attach the mounting portion to it. An inclined wall is disposed to ascend linearly toward an upper part of the vehicle and connects the mounting wall and the front end portion of the under wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akihiko Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9352792
    Abstract: A vehicle lower structure includes a plurality of spat body portions and a guide portion. The spat body portions are provided side by side in a vehicle longitudinal direction on a vehicle front side of a wheel, are protruded from an underfloor of the vehicle toward a vehicle lower side, and extend in a vehicle width direction. The guide portion constitutes vehicle-width-direction outer regions of the spat body portions in at least one of second and subsequent rows from a vehicle rear side, is inclined toward the vehicle rear side and outward in the vehicle width direction to guide a traveling wind, and has a vehicle-width-direction outer end that is arranged more outward in the vehicle width direction than a vehicle-width-direction outer end of the spat body portion that is adjacent to the vehicle rear side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Ito, Shinya Watanabe, Hirokatsu Fukunaga, Akihiko Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9346410
    Abstract: A spoiler for a vehicle, the vehicle having a cabin defining a cabin outer surface and a bed located behind the cabin, the spoiler being usable with an object, the spoiler comprising: a main portion and a utility portion extending from the main portion; the main portion being mountable to the cabin and defining substantially opposed main portion top and bottom surfaces; the utility portion being configured and sized for supporting at least part of the object; the main and utility portions being together configured and sized for deflecting air to reduce turbulence when the spoiler is operatively mounted to the cabin and the vehicle moves forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Bertrand Godin
  • Patent number: 9340178
    Abstract: A system for protecting a colliding object from a secondary impact, after an initial impact with a vehicle, including a vehicle having a front end, an adhesive layer positioned on the front end of the vehicle, a coating positioned over the adhesive layer, wherein, upon the initial impact between the colliding object and the vehicle, the coating is broken exposing the adhesive layer to adhere the colliding object to the adhesive layer during the initial impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Khaykin, Daniel Lynn Larner
  • Patent number: 9341268
    Abstract: A watertight apparatus of exterior component for a vehicle may include a coupling member coupling an exterior component and a vehicle body panel, and having a coupling groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of a part of the coupling member which passes through a vehicle body panel, and a watertight pad which is arranged to be in close contact with a bottom of the exterior component, a first side of which is coupled to a part of the vehicle body panel through which the coupling member passes and a second side of which is inserted into the coupling groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Nam Cheol Kim, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9333995
    Abstract: A transport vehicle includes first and second sides, an exterior top surface, an exterior side surface depending downwardly from the exterior top surface at the first side, an inlet juxtaposed to the exterior side surface, an outlet juxtaposed to the exterior top surface, and a nozzle assembly coupled between the inlet and the outlet, the inlet for receiving a portion of a crosswind airflow against the exterior side surface of the transport vehicle and deflecting the portion of the crosswind airflow upwardly into the nozzle assembly as a diverted airflow, the nozzle assembly for routing the diverted airflow upwardly from the inlet toward the outlet and deflecting the diverted airflow outwardly through the outlet as a countering thrust airflow over the exterior top surface toward the second side of the transport vehicle for producing a reaction force for at least partially countering the crosswind airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew S. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 9333994
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged in a body plane and having a longitudinal body axis. The vehicle also has a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface. The vehicle additionally includes a spoiler assembly. The spoiler assembly includes a wing-shaped body arranged along a spoiler axis that is parallel to the body plane and configured to control a movement of the ambient airflow along the longitudinal body axis. The spoiler assembly also includes a stanchion connecting the wing-shaped body to the vehicle body. The spoiler assembly additionally includes a mechanism configured to rotate the wing-shaped body to thereby vary an angle of the spoiler axis relative to the longitudinal body axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jason D. Fahland
  • Patent number: 9333993
    Abstract: Examples of drag reduction apparatuses and assemblies for land vehicles, and particularly for attachment to a door of a land vehicle operated by a cam lock bar, are described. A drag reduction apparatus may include a plurality of panels foldedly coupled together and automatically deployable into an unfolded configuration. The panels may be coupled to a base panel that is coupled to the door of the land vehicle by a double-hinge mechanism operated by the cam lock bar. The double-hinge mechanism may draw the base panel toward the centerline of the rear of the land vehicle to allow the door to fully open with the drag reduction apparatus attached. The apparatus may be attached to two adjacent doors of a land vehicle and a plurality of panels on one door configured to overlap with a plurality of panels on the adjacent door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Aerovolution Corporation
    Inventor: Lee Joseph Telnack
  • Patent number: 9334005
    Abstract: In a motorcycle including a screen, a meter panel is arranged at the vehicle front of a rider, and a visor is arranged at the vehicle front of the meter panel. The visor is higher than the meter panel to form an air intake for taking in traveling wind between the visor and the meter panel. A duct extends to a rear side of the screen from the air intake at the vehicle rear of the visor, so that the duct can introduce traveling wind to the rear side of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsu Horiuchi, Kanta Yamamoto, Tomokatsu Suda, Kazuo Sato, Tomofumi Kuramitsu, Toshio Miura
  • Patent number: 9327775
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface, and also having a second body end opposite of the first body end. The vehicle also includes first and second lateral body sides disposed generally parallel to one another. The vehicle additionally includes first and second side panels mounted to the vehicle body and configured to selectively deploy into ambient airflow aft of the second body end to become positioned along the respective first and second lateral body sides and retract from the ambient airflow. The first and second side panels provide an active lengthening of the vehicle body aft of the second body end to thereby reduce aerodynamic drag when both side panels are deployed and positioned along the respective first and second lateral body sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jason W. Guenzel
  • Patent number: 9327777
    Abstract: A boundary layer control system includes a boundary layer separating portion that separates a boundary layer of an airflow at an underside of a body of a moving object from a main flow of the airflow, and an ejecting portion that ejects fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, between the boundary layer and the main flow that have been separated by the boundary layer separating portion. This boundary layer control system is characterized in that boundary layer and the main flow are reliably separated by the fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, so the percentage of the main flow that is slowed down (i.e., reduced in velocity) by the boundary layer is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukihide Kimura
  • Patent number: 9327779
    Abstract: A removable front spoiler for a vehicle includes a body member, a fastener and a clip. The body member has a shape configured to disrupt airflow, the body member including a horizontal mounting member extending in a car forward direction and being configured to mount directly to an underside of a vehicle body part, and a vertical wind deflection member adjacent the horizontal mounting member and being configured to face in a direction away from the vehicle body part. The horizontal mounting member includes an opening extending through the horizontal mounting member. The fastener is configured to extend in a vertical direction through the opening and into the vehicle body part. The clip is configured to couple to the fastener so as to couple the body member to the vehicle body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Chiray Wey, Alfredo Dimichele, Christopher Prisby
  • Patent number: 9315221
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body and a storage compartment defined by the vehicle body and having a storage compartment length. The vehicle also includes a tailgate operatively connected to the vehicle body and configured to selectively expand and restrict access to the storage compartment. The vehicle additionally includes a pivotable section configured to selectively retract into and deploy out of the tailgate. In the state when the pivotable section is deployed out of the tailgate and when the tailgate restricts access to the storage compartment, the pivotable section operates to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle body. Also, when the pivotable section is deployed out of the tailgate and when the tailgate expands access to the storage compartment, the pivotable section operates as a stop for cargo having a cargo length greater than the storage compartment length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global TEchnology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scott C. Anderson