Mounted On Towed Vehicle Patents (Class 296/180.4)
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Patent number: 11760426Abstract: An aerodynamic skirt assembly is described therein, the aerodynamic skirt assembly comprising a ribbed skirt panel with at least one rib associated with the ribbed skirt panel to alter mechanical properties of the ribbed skirt panel, wherein the rib is providing a longitudinal stiffness of a thinner ribbed skirt panel that is comparable to a thicker non-ribbed skirt panel while allowing momentarily elastic deformation of the ribbed skirt panel when the ribbed skirt panel is contacting a foreign object while returning automatically to a non-deformed configuration when the ribbed skirt panel is not contacting the foreign object.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: TRANSTEX INC.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Jalal Mangalo, Alexandre Derny, Sylvain Daoust
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Patent number: 11738704Abstract: A semi-trailer is provided, including a wheeled chassis having at least one wheeled axle at a rearward end and a retractable support at a forward end, a body comprising a cargo deck and an underride guard assembly that is movable in response to an upward force applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Great Dane LLCInventors: Christian S. Lee, Younghag Choi, SoonDong Jung
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Patent number: 11731710Abstract: The purpose of this device is to reduce the fuel consumption of heavy trucks by improving airflow past trailer axles. Rather than restrict airflow to the side of the vehicle, diffusers streamline its aerodynamic profile and allow air to flow smoothly beneath. A series of panels mounted to each axle of a truck and trailer forms a substantially continuous surface from the front to the rear axle, promoting laminar flow to the aft of the vehicle, minimizing the effect of suction drag.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Inventor: Steven Todd Kron
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Patent number: 11691583Abstract: Vertical bars extend downwardly from the structural siderails of a trailer frame to a guard bar extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, thus forming a side underride guard. Two side underride guards are fixed to the structural siderails of the trailer. The guard bars are located vertically below the bed of the trailer to have an effective ground clearance of twenty-seven inches. Lateral bracing of each guard bar extends from the guard bar to the structural siderail across the trailer. Bracing at the trailing end of the side underride guards employs a K-brace to provide an air brake hose non-chafing zone. The K-brace is displaced from the trailer bed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Inventor: Jeffrey J. Bennett
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Patent number: 11623700Abstract: A preferred multi-panel skirt system for a cargo enclosure includes two pair of forward and aft skirt panels with each pair located on an opposite lateral sides of the enclosure. In each pair, the forward skirt panel extends along the bottom wall generally in the lengthwise direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge, which is located adjacent to and aligned with or positioned laterally inboard of a lateral side edge of the enclosure. An aft skirt panel extends along the bottom wall generally in the lengthwise direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge aft of the forward skirt panel, which trailing edge is located adjacent to and aligned with or positioned laterally inboard of the lateral side edge of the enclosure. The leading edge of the aft skirt panel is positioned laterally inboard of the trailing edge of the forward skirt panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2022Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Inventors: Semir Kapetanovic, Nathan David See, Michael Lorenzo Henderson
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Patent number: 11492053Abstract: One embodiment comprises a fairing assembly adapted to couple to a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a support arm mountable to a frame rail of a vehicle and a fairing adapter adapted to mount a fairing to the support arm. The fairing adapter is rotatably coupled to the support arm and is rotatable from a first orientation corresponding to an aerodynamic position to a second orientation corresponding to a first access position. The fairing adapter may also be rotatable to a third orientation corresponding to a second access position. The assembly further comprises a releasable lock to lock the fairing adapter in the first orientation and releasable to allow the fairing adapter to rotate to the second orientation or the third orientation.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: FLOWBELOW AERO, INC.Inventors: Joshua Butler, Kyle Walker, Joseph Peter Martin
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Patent number: 11427284Abstract: A personal watercraft hull has a bow, a keel, starboard and port upper edges, a starboard portion extending between the keel and the starboard upper edge, a port portion extending between the keel and the starboard upper edge, and a transom. The starboard portion has a starboard row of grooves. The port portion has a port row of grooves. The rows of grooves extend in a longitudinal direction and are laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline and from their corresponding upper edge. The grooves of the rows of grooves define recesses in an outer surface of the hull. A personal watercraft having the personal watercraft hull is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventor: Lonnie Lieb
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Patent number: 11420690Abstract: A skirt securing connector assembly for securing an aerodynamic skirt panel to a trailer is provided, the skirt securing connector assembly comprising an upper attachment portion adapted to secure the skirt securing connector assembly to the trailer, a lower attachment portion adapted to secure a lower portion of the aerodynamic skirt panel and a strut member connected, at a first end thereof, to the upper portion of the skirt securing connector assembly and connected, at a second end thereof, to the lower portion of the skirt securing connector assembly, the strut member including a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the strut member including a concave portion extending along the longitudinal axis, the concave portion increasing an inertia moment of the strut member to sustain a force applied by air routing on the aerodynamic skirt.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: TRANSTEX INC.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Walid Deir, Georges Bassily, Swaroop Mulenahalli Kantharaju, Elizabeth Tome, Sylvain Daoust, Ali Fellah Jahromi
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Patent number: 11345296Abstract: A side underride guard for attachment to the underside of a trailer comprising two guard rails longitudinally positioned below the outer sides of the trailer, with each guard rail attached to the trailer by a plurality of vertical support members and with the two guard rails attached to each other and the trailer by a plurality of diagonal support members. The side underride guard further supports and incorporates an aero skirt for reducing trailer drag.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Inventor: Perry Ponder
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Patent number: 11332203Abstract: An aerodynamic fairing assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-trailer. The aerodynamic fairing assembly may comprise a front skirt fairing and a movable skirt fairing that is configures to move forward and rearward along the length of the trailer. The front skirt faring and movable skirt fairing are coupled to the trailer by one or more mounting brackets.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Inventors: Richard P. Senatro, Christian Lee, Daniel J. McCormack, John Jones
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Patent number: 11325661Abstract: An apparatus for a trailer is provided that has a top fairing configured for being mounted to a top surface of the trailer at a location closer to the back of the trailer than the front of the trailer. The trailer has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a vertical direction. First and second side fairings are also included and are configured for being mounted to respective first and second side surfaces of the trailer. Additionally, first and second trailer skirts are configured for being carried by the trailer and are part of the apparatus. First and second trailer rear skirts are likewise included and are located rearward of the first and second trailer skirts. The combination of components provides aerodynamic benefit to the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventor: Calvin Rhett Bradley
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Patent number: 11325662Abstract: A system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a flexible membrane including a perimeter coupled to a rear end of the trailer. A variable-volume cavity is defined between the flexible membrane and the rear end. The system also includes a source of pressurized gas coupled to the trailer and in fluidic communication with the variable-volume cavity, and a controller operable to control a flow of the pressurized gas from the source to the variable-volume cavity such that the flexible membrane is moved from a stowed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is collapsed against the rear end of the trailer, to a first deployed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is maintained in a first pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape projecting rearward from the rear end.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Inventor: William Leo Gross
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Patent number: 11299216Abstract: A side skirt assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-trailer, particularly to a trailer frame comprising transverse structural support members extending between sides of the trailer. The side skirt assembly comprises an elongated skirt panel, an elongated support and one or more skirt support members. The side skirt assemble comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The elongated support is coupled to the elongated skirt panel on the inner surface thereof proximate an upper edge of the elongated skirt panel and extends at least a portion of the length of the elongated skirt panel. The more skirt support members couple the elongated skirt panel to a corresponding one or more or of the transverse structural support members.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Strehl, LLCInventor: Richard P. Senatro
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Patent number: 11292536Abstract: An apparatus for a trailer is provided that has a top fairing configured for being mounted to a top surface of the trailer at a location closer to the back of the trailer than the front of the trailer. The trailer has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a vertical direction. A side fairing is also present and is configured for being mounted to a side surface of the trailer. The top fairing engages the side fairing.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Calvin Rhett Bradley, Justin Kane Morgan
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Patent number: 11254373Abstract: A fairing assembly adapted to control flow proximate to a vehicle wheel, the fairing assembly having an aerodynamic outer surface to direct flow. The fairing assembly comprises a fairing having a fairing outboard surface. The assembly further comprises a fairing cap coupled to the fairing to cover at least a portion of the fairing outboard surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: FLOWBELOW AERO, INC.Inventors: Joshua Butler, Kyle Walker
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Patent number: 11247736Abstract: An apparatus for a trailer is provided that has a top fairing configured for being mounted to a top surface of the trailer. The trailer has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a vertical direction. A side fairing is present and is configured for being mounted to a side surface of the trailer. A corner at the side fairing and the top fairing has an outer surface with a first location and a second location. The first location is located forward of the second location in the longitudinal direction, and the first location has a radius of curvature that is smaller than a radius of curvature of the second location. The top and side fairings are configured for being mounted at locations closer to the back of the trailer than to the front of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Calvin Rhett Bradley, Justin Kane Morgan
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Patent number: 11173970Abstract: A tractor-trailer is disclosed, with associated apparatuses. A tractor may include a tractor air duct disposed underneath a cab. The tractor air duct may extend between a front opening at a front of the tractor and a rear opening at a rear of the tractor. A trailer may include a duct system that receives airflow from the rear opening of the tractor air duct and directs the airflow to a location behind a cargo compartment. An air distributor may be disposed behind the cargo compartment. An air distributor may include a fairing with openings, so that airflow from the duct system enters a space between the cargo compartment and the fairing, and exits the openings behind the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: PYRO DYNAMICS, LLCInventor: Gary G. Otterstrom
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Patent number: 11097791Abstract: Embodiments provide a gap reducer and a method of mounting the gap reducer to a vehicle. Such method includes attaching operably a bi-modulus bending member to a first vehicle in a cantilevered configuration along a vertical side of the first vehicle, where a cantilevered end of the bi-modulus bending member is arranged to extend within a gap arranged between the first vehicle and a second vehicle when the first and second vehicles are coupled. The bi-modulus bending member comprises an elongate bending element configured to elastically buckle and bend to a buckled configuration when a force component exceeds a threshold buckling force, and to elastically return to an unbuckled configuration when the force component is reduced below the threshold buckling force. A gap reducer panel is operably coupled to the bi-modulus bending member, the gap reducer panel having a length extending primarily in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MichelinInventors: Calvin Rhett Bradley, Parker Baxter
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Patent number: 11084542Abstract: The present invention is related to an aerodynamic side skirt assembly for attaching a panel to a trailer or semi-trailer. The present invention comprise a coupler configured to be attached to a frame rail of the trailer and to a panel, a compressible element preferably with a curved shape used as a damper and a bracket with a preferably flat surface connected to the panel and a rib through the length of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: JDB AERO COMPOSITES INC.Inventor: Philippe Desjardins
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Patent number: 11077890Abstract: A fairing for a back end of a trailer is provided that has a leading airflow surface oriented within an angular range from 5 degrees to 14 degrees to a surface of the trailer to which the fairing is attached. The angular range is oriented so that its arms extend rearward from a vertex of the angular range in a longitudinal direction of the trailer. A tailing airflow surface is present that engages the leading airflow surface at meeting location. The tailing airflow surface is curved, and a common tangent line of the tailing airflow surface and the leading airflow surface is at the meeting location. A frame engages the surface of the trailer to which the fairing is configured to be attached.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2017Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Chinglin Pan, Calvin Rhett Bradley
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Patent number: 11066112Abstract: A rear spoiler device for a utility vehicle has: a first roof air-guiding element for attaching to a first rear door and a second roof air-guiding element for attaching to a second rear doo. The two roof air-guiding elements are adjustable between a folded-in basic position and a driving position for the aerodynamic extension of the contour of a roof surface. A manual adjustment device for adjusting the first roof air-guiding element between the basic position and driving position. A coupling device is provided for coupling the pivoting movements of the roof air-guiding elements. The coupling device carries along the second roof air-guiding element during the adjustment of the first roof air-guiding element. The coupling device may be an overlapping element.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBAInventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Umut Gencaslan, Gerd Schünemann, Gandert Marcel Rita Van Raemdonck, Roy Veldhuizen
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Patent number: 11052953Abstract: An aerodynamic wrap for use with a tank trailer illustratively includes opposing first and second side assemblies. In an illustrative embodiment, each side assembly includes an upper panel pivotably supported by the tank trailer, and a lower panel pivotably supported by the upper panel. A lower connecting member illustratively couples the lower panels of the first and second side assemblies under the belly of the tank trailer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Tank Trailer Technologies LLCInventors: Mark R. Holden, Scot McQuilkin, Brian Farley
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Patent number: 11034394Abstract: The invention relates to a system for a land vehicle (100), in particular for a truck or a truck trailer. The system is attached to the lower surface of the vehicle so as to lie opposite the roadway surface at the rear portion of the truck and comprises at least one part which is inclined in the longitudinal direction and extends rearwards in a tapering manner towards the rear part of the vehicle (100). At least one element (2, 12, 22) is arranged between the roadway surface and the inclined wall (3) substantially at the end of the inclined wall (3) after the last axle of the vehicle, wherein the horizontal axis of the at least one element (2, 12, 22) has substantially the same inclination as the inclined wall (3).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: EGHI SRLInventor: Christoph Egarter
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Patent number: 11014618Abstract: A rear fairing assembly for a cargo enclosure includes a fairing bracket configured to be coupled to an enclosure wall of the cargo enclosure. In addition, the rear fairing assembly includes a separate fairing skin supported relative to the enclosure wall via the fairing bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: TRANSTEX LLCInventors: Andrew Alan Motter, Nathan David See
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Patent number: 11007096Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an external condenser and light assembly and, more particularly, to an improved external air conditioning condenser and housing that is designed to additionally serve as a light assembly for an emergency vehicle. The condenser housing is mounted to the exterior of the emergency vehicle, which improves the performance of the emergency vehicle's air-conditioning system. The design of the condenser housing also allows it to serve as a light assembly on which emergency vehicle lights are mounted. The condenser housing and light assembly structure thereby provides for proper air conditioning functionality without occupying space on the exterior of the vehicle that would more preferably be occupied by emergency lighting.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: REV Ambulance Group Orlando, Inc.Inventors: Scott L. Barnes, Herschel W. Davis, Jr., Matthew W. Grafton, Robert L. Collins
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Patent number: 10994791Abstract: An aerodynamic trailer system is provided that has a skirt support member with a trailer attachment that attaches the skirt support member to a trailer. The skirt support member has a skirt attachment that attaches the skirt support member to a skirt. The skirt has a height that extends in a vertical direction of the aerodynamic trailer system. The skirt has an upper side, a lower side, a front side, and a rear side. The skirt also has a lower section that extends in the vertical direction from the lower side to an attachment location with the skirt attachment. The skirt has an upper section that extends in the vertical direction from the attachment location to the upper side. The lower section has a higher bending stiffness than the upper section.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MichelinInventor: Calvin Rhett Bradley
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Patent number: 10946908Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reduction system includes a side panel configured to be coupled to a rear swing door to extend generally vertically at least partially along a height of a trailer and a top panel configured to be coupled to the rear swing door to extend generally horizontally at least partially along a width of the trailer. The drag system includes a cable system configured to connect the side and top panels to prevent upward movement of the top panel beyond its generally horizontal position. The cable system includes a first cable with a first end coupled to an inner surface of the side panel, and a second cable and a third cable each with a first end coupled to a bottom surface of the top panel. A second end of each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable is coupled together at a juncture.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Leonard W. Baker, Michael J. Courtney, James Andrew Sweet, Brian N. Haan
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Patent number: 10899396Abstract: A vehicle including a drag reduction system is described herein. The drag reduction system includes an eddy disrupter element mounted on a vehicle body and movable with respect to the vehicle body, a plurality of sensors mounted to the vehicle body, and a processor programmed to operate the eddy disrupter based on signals received from the sensors. The plurality of sensors include a first sensor mounted near the rear end of the vehicle body and a second sensor mounted near the front end of the vehicle body for measuring fluid pressure adjacent to the vehicle body. The processor is programmed to operate the eddy disrupter element to adjust a position of the eddy disrupter element relative to the surface of the vehicle body based on a comparative analysis of a measured fluid pressure received from the first sensor and a measure fluid pressure received from the second sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Inventor: Eric Sandgren
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Patent number: 10894567Abstract: An aerodynamic system for a truck (12) is provided that has a faring (14) carried by the truck with an outer surface (24) that is an air flow surface across which air flows when the truck is moving forward. The faring has a tailing end with a first kick out (22) that has a first kick out exit surface (24) oriented at a first angle with respect to the air flow surface. The tailing end has a second kick out (28) with a second kick out exit surface (30) oriented at a second angle with respect to the air flow surface. The first angle is different than the second angle. The truck has a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction. The air flow surface is located forward from the tailing end in the longitudinal direction, and the first kick out is located higher than the second kick out in the vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Inventor: Calvin Rhett Bradley
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Patent number: 10850780Abstract: A system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a flexible membrane including a perimeter coupled to a rear end of the trailer. A variable-volume cavity is defined between the flexible membrane and the rear end. The system also includes a source of pressurized gas coupled to the trailer and in fluidic communication with the variable-volume cavity, and a controller operable to control a flow of the pressurized gas from the source to the variable-volume cavity such that the flexible membrane is moved from a stowed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is collapsed against the rear end of the trailer, to a first deployed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is maintained in a first pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape projecting rearward from the rear end.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Inventor: William Leo Gross
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Patent number: 10807657Abstract: An active side panel assembly having at least one deployable panel (22) and at least one actuator (30). The deployable panel deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements and provides valueable reduction in vehicle drag, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Additionally, it allows for the system to retract so the vehicle can still meet ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The active side panel provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator to help prevent damage, and communication with the vehicle to determine proper deployment and function.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews
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Patent number: 10787207Abstract: A nose fairing for a cargo enclosure may generally include a nose body configured to extend outwardly from a front wall of the enclosure. The nose body may include an upper nose wall, a lower nose wall and a leading edge region extending between the upper and lower nose walls. The upper nose wall may include a concave region that terminates at the leading edge region such that the nose fairing transitions directly from the concave region of the upper nose wall to the leading edge region. The lower nose wall may include a convex region that terminates at the leading edge region such that the nose fairing transitions directly from the convex region of the lower nose wall to the leading edge region. The leading edge region may define a radius of curvature that differs from a radius of curvature of the convex region of the lower nose wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: TRANSTEX LLCInventors: Michael Lorenzo Henderson, Stephen Alfred Wulff
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Patent number: 10745066Abstract: An apparatus for reducing aerodynamic drag on a tractor-trailer includes a panel configured to extend along a length of the trailer, the panel having first and second ends and being contoured along a lengthwise direction of the panel from the first end to the second end. Another apparatus includes a panel including a base and an array of rib-like protrusions extending outwardly from the base. Another apparatus includes a panel including an inner portion and an outer portion coupled to each other along first and second seams to define a cavity and including an air inlet for allowing air influx into the cavity from free-stream air flow during transit of the tractor-trailer to transition the panel from a retracted state to a deployed state. When in the deployed state, the panel is configured to alter an external topography of the tractor-trailer.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Ohio State Innovation FoundationInventors: Shaurya Prakash, Kaushik Krishna Rangharajan, Zachary Zezinka, Joseph D. West, Albert Terrence Conlisk
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Patent number: 10717477Abstract: A rear spoiler device (8) for a vehicle comprises an air-guiding element (9, 19), which can be moved between a retracted base position and a driving position and has a guiding surface (9d) for aerodynamically extending the contour of an exterior surface (4, 3) of the vehicle in the driving position. The air-guiding element (9) has a contact edge (9c) extending in a lateral direction (y) for contacting the exterior surface (4) of the vehicle (1) in the driving position, wherein the rear spoiler device (8) can be mounted completely on a rear door of the vehicle, the air-guiding element (9, 19) being designed in a multi-layer manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBAInventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Dalibor Dohnal, Umut Gencaslan, Miroslav Kadlec, Zdenek Rajch, Luis Carlos Ramirez Alvarez, Tomàs Vaculik, Gandert Marcel Rita Van Raemdonck, Hjalmar Luc Maria Van Raemdonck
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Patent number: 10717478Abstract: A rear spoiler device for a vehicle having at least one rear door includes an air guide element and an adjustment device configured to adjust the air guide element between a retracted base position that allows the rear door to be opened and an extended travel position configured to extend contours and guide air aerodynamically. The adjustment device is mounted in an articulated fashion on both a door-side joint and on a spoiler-side joint. The adjustment device has an intermediate joint provided between the door-side joint and the spoiler-side joint. An adjustment of the adjustment device from the base position to the travel position changes an intermediate joint angle formed at the intermediate joint.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: WABCO EUROPE BVBAInventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Jakob Tobias Krost, Josef Oleksik, Timo Richter, Gandert Marcel Rita Van Raemdonck
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Patent number: 10717479Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle body having a top wall and a door pivotably mounted to the rear of the body to open toward a side wall of the body, includes a wing sized and configured to turn airflow across the top wall of the body, the wing having a trailing edge and a proximal edge; and an assembly mounted to the door and configured for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted upward to a position above the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is open and for pivoting the wing so that the trailing edge of the wing is pivoted downward to a position below the top wall of the vehicle body when the door is closed. A break-away feature is provided that allows the wing to pivot downward when the deployed wing is contacted.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hunter Miller, John Vogel, James R. Tuerk
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Patent number: 10696335Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for mounting a trailer skirt to a trailer. This includes attaching a trailer skirt to a trailer, the trailer skirt configured to pivot in a longitudinal direction of the trailer skirt. In certain embodiments, such methods are accomplished using a trailer-skirt coupling apparatus, the apparatus including a trailer mounting bracket configured for mechanically coupling the apparatus to a trailer and a skirt-supporting member operably attached to the trailer mounting bracket in a cantilevered configuration, where in the cantilevered configuration, the skirt-supporting member is configured to pivot in a longitudinal direction of the trailer skirt.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MichelinInventors: Philippe Macherel, Calvin Rhett Bradley, David C. Lung, Larry Satterfield
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Patent number: 10640156Abstract: A skirt securing connector assembly for securing an aerodynamic skirt panel to a trailer is provided, the skirt securing connector assembly comprising an upper attachment portion adapted to secure the skirt securing connector assembly to the trailer, a lower attachment portion adapted to secure a lower portion of the aerodynamic skirt panel and a strut member connected, at a first end thereof, to the upper portion of the skirt securing connector assembly and connected, at a second end thereof, to the lower portion of the skirt securing connector assembly, the strut member including a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the strut member including a concave portion extending along the longitudinal axis, the concave portion increasing an inertia moment of the strut member to sustain a force applied by air routing on the aerodynamic skirt.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Transtex Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Walid Deir, Georges Bassily, Swaroop Mulenahalli Kantharaju, Elizabeth Tome, Sylvain Daoust, Ali Fellah Jahromi
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Patent number: 10604195Abstract: A vehicle includes a trailer, a tandem configured for attachment to the trailer, the tandem including at least a first axle having opposed left and right ends and at least one tire mounted to each of the left end and the right end, and a second axle rearward of the first axle and having opposed left and right ends and at least one tire mounted to each of the left end and the right end, and at least one forward air deflector mounted to the tandem forward of the tires of the first axle and being shaped so as to deflect air flow beneath the trailer laterally around the tires of the vehicle to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: STREAMLINERS, INC.Inventors: Stephen Edward Tongue, Richard Andrew Himmelmann, Joseph R. Hamm
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Patent number: 10589798Abstract: An air conduction element for reducing the air resistance of a load-carrying vehicle having a load space structure. The air conduction element can be externally mounted in the rear region of the load space structure and includes an air conduction duct with a front air inlet opening and a rear air outlet opening, front and rear being in relation to the direction of travel (x). The air inlet opening overlaps the load space structure in the direction of travel (x) and the air outlet opening is arranged behind the load space structure within the cross-sectional contour thereof. The air conduction element has a cover which delimits the air conduction duct and which is arranged movably relative to the load space structure. The cap slowly drops in the direction of the load space structure when the air speed drops below a defined value and is raised by the air current in relation to the load space structure when the air speed exceeds a defined value.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: JOST-WERKE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Günter Seidel, José Manuel Algüera
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Patent number: 10549797Abstract: A side underride system configured to be coupled to a trailer may comprise a first skirt wall coupled to the trailer, positioned below a first side wall of the trailer, and extending along a first length of the trailer between a skirt wall front end and a skirt wall rear end and a cable system including a first cable coupled to the trailer, positioned below the first side wall, and extending along a second length of the trailer between a cable system front end and a cable system rear end, the skirt wall rear end being positioned forward of the cable system rear end.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Andrzej Wylezinski
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Patent number: 10472004Abstract: A spoiler for a bi-directional vehicle may decrease the drag coefficient for the vehicle regardless of a direction of travel of the vehicle. When the vehicle spoiler is located proximate a leading end of a vehicle, the spoiler may promote laminar attached airflow. In contrast, when the vehicle spoiler is located proximate a trailing end of the vehicle, the spoiler may promote detachment of airflow from the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventor: Christopher William Labadie
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Patent number: 10427727Abstract: This invention provides aerodynamic structures for the rear of a cargo body that move between a deployed position and a retracted position. The aerodynamic structures are typically three-sided, with a top panel and opposing side panels that form a partial cavity at the rear of the body. The panels employ tensioned flexible (e.g. fabric) panels or rigid/semi-rigid panels that are stowed, rolled, or folded in a retracted position against the rear of the door frame (for flexible panels) of the cargo body, or along the sides of the cargo body (for rigid/semi-rigid panels). The rigid/semi-rigid panels can be stored within nacelles that protect the panels and improve aerodynamic performance. Various linkages, including rotating rigid members attached to the rear of the body can coordinate movement between a top panel and side panels between deployed and retracted positions and a variety of powered and non-powered actuators can facilitate panel movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: STEMCO PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Court S. Hinricher, Austin A. Duncanson
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Patent number: 10427728Abstract: An air conduction element for reducing the air resistance of a load-carrying vehicle having a load space structure. The air conduction element can be externally mounted in the rear region of the load space structure and includes an air conduction duct with a front air inlet opening and a rear air outlet opening, front and rear being in relation to the direction of travel (x). The air inlet opening overlaps the load space structure in the direction of travel (x) and the air outlet opening is arranged behind the load space structure within the cross-sectional contour thereof. The air conduction element has a cover which delimits the air conduction duct. It was therefore the aim to devise an air conduction element which does not increase the dimensions of the load space structure when the vehicle is driving slowly or is at a standstill. For this purpose, the cover is produced from a flexible flat material.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: JOST-WERKE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Dirk Schmidt, Martin Richter, José Manuel Algüera
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Patent number: 10414449Abstract: One of the major causes of drag in vehicles is due to the low pressure and/or turbulent vortex region behind the vehicle. In some vehicles multiple smaller vortices may form around the vehicle, and elimination of these through shaping of bodywork of vehicles is common practice to increase efficiency of the vehicle. A vehicle is provided configured such that, when moving at a speed above a predetermined threshold speed, at least one turbulent and/or low pressure region (190) is formed adjacent to the vehicle, the vehicle comprising: at least one propelling nozzle (200) located adjacent to the at least one region; and a system for providing gas to the at least one nozzle (200) for expulsion into the at least one region (190).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: 06AB LIMITEDInventor: Osama Elogab
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Patent number: 10399612Abstract: An upper wheel skirt assembly for increasing the propulsive efficiency of a wheeled vehicle having rearward wheels otherwise exposed to headwinds comprising a wheel skirt panel assembly mounted laterally adjacent to a wheel assembly and disposed to shield upper sidewalls of the wheel assembly from headwinds otherwise impinging thereon.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Inventor: Garth L. Magee
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Patent number: 10384729Abstract: A drag reduction system for use with a vehicle movable between a first, operative position and a second, inoperative position. The system including at least one deflector or nozzle and an actuator attached to the deflector, said actuator acting on and moving the deflector between the first and second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: TrailerPro Technology, Inc.Inventor: John Kendall Grosse
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Patent number: 10328980Abstract: The disclosure provides a passive pressure drag reduction apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing (106) comprising a base face (114), an open top face (110) opposite the base face and at least one side face (108) extending between the base face and the top face, wherein the base face, the top face and the at least one side face define a cavity (102). A panel (112) is aligned with the top face of the housing, and there is provided an aperture (104) extending around the panel, wherein the cavity is in fluid communication with an environment surrounding the apparatus via the aperture. Further, attachment means are provided arranged to secure the panel to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Imperial Innovations LimitedInventors: Jonathan Morrison, Anthony Oxlade, Juan Marcos Garcia De La Cruz Lopez
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Patent number: 10309711Abstract: A refrigerated truck transportation system includes a transportation cargo container and a refrigeration unit secured to a front wall of the transportation cargo container to provide a flow of supply air for the transportation cargo container. The refrigeration unit includes a compressor and a refrigeration engine operably connected to the compressor to drive the compressor. The compressor and the engine are located in a refrigeration unit housing. A housing cover is located at an upper portion of the refrigeration unit housing. The housing cover has a lower extent located at the refrigeration unit housing and an upper extent located at a top wall of the transportation cargo container and configured to direct an airflow over the top wall thereby reducing turbulence in the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventor: James Casasanta
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Patent number: 10220889Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a foldable/retractable and unfoldable/deployable, rearwardly tapered aerodynamic assembly for use on the rear trailer bodies and other vehicles that accommodate dual swing-out doors. The aerodynamic assembly includes a right half mounted on the right hand door and a left half mounted on a left hand door. Each half can be constructed with a side panel, top panel and bottom panel, which each form half of an overall tapered box when deployed on the rear of the vehicle, the bottom panels and top panels being sealed together at a pair of overlapping weather seals along the centerline.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Stemco Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Charles M. Horrell, Jeffrey J. Grossmann