Abstract: A rear spoiler device for a vehicle that has a rear door includes an air guiding element configured to attach to a lateral rear zone of the vehicle. The air guiding element can be pivoted between a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guidance with the rear door of the vehicle closed, and a position in which it is hinged inwards with the rear door open. To this end, the air guiding element can be received in a hinge of the rear door, and the rear spoiler device has a spring device that presses the air guiding element in the travel position against a counter-stop formed on the hinge, preferably, on a hinge plate fastened to the rear door.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. Vortex generators are provided on one or more surfaces of the drag reducing device to improve the drag reduction characteristics of the device.

Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer.

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

Abstract: A rear fairing system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a plurality of fairings coupled to a rear, vertical door post of the trailer. Each fairing includes (i) a mounting member adjacent to and engaged with a rearward, outer surface of the vertical door post and (ii) an air deflection member coupled to the mounting member and including a vertical portion and a curved portion which curves inwardly toward a centerline of the trailer. Each fairing is mounted to the door post at a location between hinges of a rear swing door of the trailer.

Abstract: An active and passive boundary layer control system and method for reducing boundary layer separation and the resulting form drag from ground vehicles. Tubings with multiple venturis connected in series are attached to the side and/or roof of the ground vehicle. A flow of compressed air is created by an engine auxiliary, e.g., a turbocharger or a supercharger, or by a designated blower and injected into the tubings. Suction created by the venturis actively removes decelerated fluid from the boundary layer and keeps the boundary layer flow attached. Optionally, the system exhausts the air in concentrated free jets along the vehicle body to a series of passive boundary layer control devices, such as vortex generators.

Abstract: Aerodynamically configured trailers are provided with a downwardly slanted top surface section positioned at the rear of the trailer. In use, the rearward cant or slope reduces the low-pressure region that trails the end of the trailer, thereby reducing pressure drag. Aerodynamically configured trailers are also provided that maintain standard cargo capacity in a first configuration, and can convert to a reduced cargo capacity in a second configuration. In some examples, a rear roll-up door of one or more configurations is provided to facilitate loading/unloading, etc.

Abstract: A trailer or intermodal trailer chassis having a vehicle side fairing that accommodates, without being damaged, a container or other object lowered onto the trailer or intermodal chassis in a misaligned orientation.

Abstract: A side skirt assembly for a trailer of a tractor-trailer includes a skirt panel and a plurality of skirt mounts that couple the skirt panel to the frame of the trailer. The skirt panel can be formed by a layered composite formed of alternating layers of fiberglass and layers containing recycled fiberglass. The position of the skirt mount can be laterally adjusted along the trailer frame whereby the skirt panel can be mounted to the trailer in more than one lateral position. Additionally, the skirt panel can include a track extending along at least a portion of the skirt panel length, and the track can slide relative to the skirt mount to adjust the longitudinal position of the skirt panel on the trailer during assembly.

Abstract: A drag reduction assembly is mountable on a vehicle or other object experiencing relative motion in a fluid environment. The assembly comprises at least one shell of flexible web material movable between non-deployed and deployed positions. In addition, the shell is configured to provide at least an outer flow surface in the deployed position (e.g., a curved surface) to reduce the effects of aerodynamic drag. In many embodiments, intake apertures such as NACA ducts may be provided to allow a portion of the flowing fluid into the shell. The flowing fluid will cause the shell to assume automatically the deployed position. In cases where fluid enters the shell, an exit location is provided in the shell to permit such fluid to exit and rejoin fluid on the outside.

Abstract: This invention provides 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 is 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. The panels are relatively thin, but durable, and are joined to each other by resilient strip hinges. The top and bottom panels are also hinged to form two sections along diagonal lines to facilitate folding of all panels in a relatively low-profile stacked orientation.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reduction device for use on an over-the-road cargo vehicle. The vehicle has a prismatically shaped cargo area, which includes a rear face of the cargo area substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The device comprises a plurality of resilient prongs arranged along a rear edge of the vehicle body, extending from a respective fixed end secured to the vehicle body rearward in a flow-wise direction beyond the rear edge of the vehicle body to a respective free end. Each prong is separated from an adjacent prong in the plurality, and each is flexible to permit deflection, under the influence of airflow over the vehicle at a predetermined speed, above and below a first plane defined by the surface of the vehicle to which the plurality of prongs is secured. Each prong is further resistant to deflecting in a direction parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having an apparatus mounted thereon for reducing aerodynamic drag and, more particularly, to a guide vane apparatus with an airfoil cross-section mounted to the aft portion of a tractor trailer.

Abstract: A wind deflector assembly formed about or part of a hatch assembly surrounding an access port of a tank trailer to control wind flow about the hatch assembly to reduce wind drag on the tank trailer. The wind deflector assembly includes a first downwardly forwardly directed smooth surface extending from the hatch assembly toward the front end of the tank trailer and preferably includes a second smooth surface extending downwardly rearwardly from the hatch assembly toward the rear end of the tank trailer. An intervening opening is formed between the spaced wind deflecting surfaces for receiving the access port therein and maybe covered by a smooth closure member.

Abstract: A system and method aerodynamic fairings including a gap fairing. The gap fairing includes multiple panels. The multiple panels are interconnected utilizing connectors to form a half conical shape extending from a front portion of a trailer. The gap fairing also includes supports connected to the multiple panels through support structure of the trailer.

Abstract: A wind deflector assembly formed about or part of a hatch assembly surrounding an access port of a tank trailer to control wind flow about the hatch assembly to reduce wind drag on the tank trailer. The wind deflector assembly includes a first downwardly forwardly directed smooth surface extending from the hatch assembly toward the front end of the tank trailer and preferably includes a second smooth surface extending downwardly rearwardly from the hatch assembly toward the rear end of the tank trailer. An intervening opening is formed between the spaced wind deflecting surfaces for receiving the access port therein and maybe covered by a smooth closure member.

Abstract: A flexible skirt assembly for a trailer, such as a trailer, is provided. The flexible assembly includes a first bracket and a first arm attachable to an underside of a vehicle, and a second bracket and a second arm attachable to the underside of the vehicle. A skirt body may include a first side and a second side. The first side of the skirt body attaches to the first arm and the second side of the skirt body attaches to the second arm. The first arm, second arm, and skirt body may be made of a flexible material.

Abstract: A trailer skirt includes a plurality of panel modules attached under and along sides of a trailer. Each panel module comprises an outwardly angled flat panel with upper edge attached to a trailer undercarriage frame and a forward edge tabbed to slots in an inward-stepped rear edge of an adjacent identical panel module. The stair-stepped surface and leak-free connection provides excellent low air drag, and also provides good orientation of reflectors for lights when passing another vehicle. A modularity of the panel modules and their low weight allows them to be molded in an efficient and low cost manufacturing operation, shipped in a very compact and dense arrangement, quickly installed, and allows individual panel modules to be replaced without total disassembly of the skirt.

Abstract: Aerodynamically configured trailers are provided with a downwardly slanted top surface section positioned at the rear of the trailer. In use, the rearward cant or slope reduces the low-pressure region that trails the end of the trailer, thereby reducing pressure drag. Aerodynamically configured trailers are also provided that maintain standard cargo capacity in a first configuration, and can convert to a reduced cargo capacity in a second configuration. In some examples, a rear roll-up door of one or more configurations is provided to facilitate loading/unloading, etc.

Abstract: To improve the aerodynamic efficiency of a vehicle trailer, one or more aerodynamic components are positioned on the trailer. In some examples described herein, the one or more aerodynamic components are in the form of side skirt fairing segments, which are positioned underneath the trailer and forward of the wheel assembles. In use, the one or more side skirt fairing segments improve air flow underneath the trailer and in the vicinity of the wheel assemblies, thereby reducing drag.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer fairing for blocking cross-winds is inexpensive, attaches to a forward face of the trailer, is adjustable to the gap between the tractor and trailer, and is easily moved between trailers. The fairing comprises two pairs of identical upper and lower curved panels independently attached to opposing front corners of the trailer. The panels slide down over pins attached to brackets permanently mounted to the trailer. Pairs of adjustable diagonal struts reach from a forward face of the trailer to each of the curved panels to hold the panels in position. Flaps attach to the forward edges of the panels at about a 90 degree angle and restricts the cross-winds from passing between the panels and tractor cab.

Abstract: An air deflection device having first and second expandable modules that can also be folded up for storage that include first and second panels for each module and a flexible chamber cover connected to said first and second panels that expand into a 90° pie-shaped cylinder. Each of said modules can be attached to the rear of a truck trailer and expanded into the operating mode forming an air deflection device in the shape of a 180° half cylinder which reduces air drag and eddy currents behind a truck trailer traveling at highway speeds for improving gas mileage. The air deflecting modules may be expanded by inflation using air pumps or manually. Each module includes a series of pie-shaped spacers internally to add rigidity to the shape of each module. The device when deployed can also support an additional load on the top rear of the truck.

Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle trailer is described that includes a shelf component that extends from the rear wall of the trailer and that defines a sloped surface.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may be used to provide aerodynamic quarter fender assemblies. Panels may be rigidly or hingedly attached to existing quarter fenders or may be used in lieu of an existing quarter fender. Embodiments may provide improved fluid flow control across the transition zone between the tractor and the trailer, but may be easily moved into a stowed position to allow access to areas of the truck.

Abstract: An air deflector for use with a trailer having a forwardly facing front wall with a top edge and a refrigeration unit mounted on the front wall with the refrigeration unit having an upper end positioned below the top edge of the front wall of the trailer. The air deflector includes a body member having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side. The forward end of the body member is secured to the upper end of the refrigeration unit. The rearward end of the body member is secured to the front wall of the trailer at the top edge thereof. The air deflector may also be used with a straight truck having a refrigerated van.

Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer.

Abstract: A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the drag of a trailer is provided. The apparatus can further include a pair of fairings configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a trailer in front of wheels on the bottom of a trailer, a pair of fairings configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a trailer behind the wheels on the bottom of a trailer, with both pairs of fairings placed and shaped to direct the air smoothly around the wheels and tires and through the center of the trailer. The apparatus can also include a ramp in front of the suspension components, aerodynamically shaped wings on the axles, and a rear diffuser, such components configured to direct air smoothly between the trailer suspension and the ground. The directed high energy air from the apparatus results in a reduced trailer base drag.

Abstract: A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall 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 side skirt wall includes (i) a first wall panel having a first end configured to be pivotably coupled to a rear wheel assembly of the trailer and (ii) a second wall panel having a first end pivotably coupled to a second end of the first wall panel and a second end configured to be pivotably coupled to a rear portion of the trailer. The side skirt wall is movable between a fully-extended position wherein the first and second wall panels cooperate to define a generally planar side skirt wall and a fully-retracted position wherein the first and second wall panels are angled relative to each other.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reduction device for use on an over-the-road cargo vehicle. The vehicle has a prismatically shaped cargo area, which includes a rear face of the cargo area substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The device comprises a plurality of resilient prongs arranged along a rear edge of the vehicle body, extending from a respective fixed end secured to the vehicle body rearward in a flow-wise direction beyond the rear edge of the vehicle body to a respective free end. Each prong is separated from an adjacent prong in the plurality, and each is flexible to permit deflection, under the influence of airflow over the vehicle at a predetermined speed, above and below a first plane defined by the surface of the vehicle to which the plurality of prongs is secured. Each prong is further resistant to deflecting in a direction parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: A system and methods for reducing aerodynamic drag and mitigating detrimental side wind effects on vehicles moving through air or water with a plurality of new subsystems disposed in a plurality of locations on the vehicles. Each one of the subsystems includes a sub-set of small-scale vortex generators that have an intake for air from airflow around the vehicle and that produce intensive small-scale vortices with large lifespan, and/or a new fairing device that streamlines airflow and produces a sheet of small-scale-vortices. The subsystems direct the vortices with large lifespan and/or sheets of vortices into the vehicle's drag-producing volumes. The vortex generators have one or several air channels preventing airflow from bypassing vortex-producing elements and the elements inside the channels that produce small-scale vortices. The novel fairing devices are of bluff shape and/or with bluff obstructions and/or slots for generating sheets of intensive small-scale vortices in surrounding airflow.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reduction device for use on an over-the-road cargo vehicle. The vehicle has a prismatically shaped cargo area, which includes a rear face of the cargo area substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The device comprises a plurality of resilient prongs arranged along a rear edge of the vehicle body, extending from a respective fixed end secured to the vehicle body rearward in a flow-wise direction beyond the rear edge of the vehicle body to a respective free end. Each prong is separated from an adjacent prong in the plurality, and each is flexible to permit deflection, under the influence of airflow over the vehicle at a predetermined speed, above and below a first plane defined by the surface of the vehicle to which the plurality of prongs is secured. Each prong is further resistant to deflecting in a direction parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: A flexible panel member coupled to and along a bottom end of a side skirt panel of a trailer side skirt system includes (i) a first panel section defining a first side, a second side opposite the first side of the second panel section and an inner surface therebetween and (ii) a second panel section defining a first side, a second side opposite the first side of the second panel section and an inner surface therebetween. A connector of the flexible panel member is engaged with the first and second panel sections. The first and second panel sections are configured to move relative to each other and the connector is configured to slide relative to at least one of the first and second the second panel sections when the first and second panel sections move relative to each other.

Abstract: A tri-wing system for reduction of aerodynamic drag on a ground vehicle comprises one or more wings designed to redirect airflow toward low pressure areas behind the ground vehicle. The wings are mountable a bottom rear of the vehicle, a bottom rear of a trailer attached to the ground vehicle, and/or a top rear of the trailer attached to the ground vehicle. Airflow travels through a gap between an inner surface of the wing and the vehicle and is redirected toward an area behind the vehicle at an angle relative to the mounting surface of the vehicle. The increase in the pressure behind the vehicle can reduce the total drag force on the vehicle, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

Abstract: A mechanism comprising of a trailer skirt for attachment beneath a lower, outer longitudinally extending edge of a trailer, containing a plurality dimples disposed upon a planar surface of the skirt, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency. The plurality of dimples may have any number of shapes, including a variety of multi-sided polygonally shaped depressions. In one embodiment, the depressions have a plurality of frusto-spherical shaped depressions.

Abstract: A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.

Abstract: A fairing assembly for a trailer having a wheel set and a hitch, the fairing assembly comprising a fairing connected to an underside of the trailer intermediate the hitch and the wheel set, the fairing including (i) a pair of opposing lateral surfaces separated by a distance, (ii) a bottom surface spaced from the underside of the trailer, and (ii) a leading surface, the leading surface substantially spanning the distance, wherein the leading surface includes an intake opening, wherein at least one of the bottom surface or the lateral surfaces includes an exit opening, and a flow path fluidly connects the intake opening and the exit opening.

Abstract: A drag reduction system is configured to be coupled to a rear frame assembly of a trailer including a rear swing door and a rear frame. The drag reduction system includes a main wall panel configured to be coupled to a vertical member of the rear frame to extend generally rearwardly of the trailer at least partially along a height of the trailer. The main wall panel is pivotable relative to the rear frame between a deployed position wherein the inner surface of the wall panel is spaced-apart from the outer surface of the rear swing door, and a stowed position wherein the inner surface of the wall panel is adjacent to and engaged with the outer surface of the rear swing door.

Abstract: This invention provides a foldable/retractable and unfoldable/deployable, rearwardly tapered assembly for vehicle bodies that accommodate dual swing-out doors. The aerodynamic assembly includes a right half and a left half mounted on respective doors. Each half is constructed with a series of panels that form half of a tapered box when deployed on the rear of the vehicle, the bottom panels and top panels being sealed together at a pair of weather seals along the centerline. The panels are joined by hinges and the top and bottom panels form two sections along diagonal lines to facilitate folding of all panels in a low-profile stacked orientation. A swing arm assembly and gas spring biases the panels into a deployed position that can be refolded. The top and bottom panels are partly inwardly folded when deployed to define external valleys using a stop assembly that prevents the panels from “locking up”.

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

Abstract: An aerodynamic device is arranged for mounting to a vehicle or a trailer for reducing its wind resistance. The aerodynamic device includes at least one sheet material arranged to be mounted to the vehicle/trailer and associated with a corresponding wall portion of the vehicle/trailer. Each wall portion has an outer surface and an inner surface and extends towards the rear of the vehicle/trailer. In a deployed first state, each sheet material is arranged to at least partly extend beyond a rearmost position of the wall portion. In a stored second state, each sheet material is arranged to be inserted such that is faces towards the inner surface. A vehicle or a trailer including the aerodynamic device is also provided.

Abstract: An aerodynamic system that may have forward mounted airflow directional panels and an airfoil device mounted either in a firm or movable manner to the underneath side of a truck trailer just forward of the trailer tires and axles to better manage airflow around the trailer tire and axle assembly. In operation, the device collects and routs impinging air to exit between the trailer tires and well past the end of the trailer for controlled road spray and splash while keeping tires and brakes running cooler and decreasing parasitic drag of the trailer as it moves along the highway while reducing driver fatigue due to the improved handling characteristics.

Abstract: An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least two air deflection elements coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to the rear-facing surface of the vehicle or, in other embodiments, at least two air deflection elements coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to any rear door which the vehicle may have. The air deflection elements are displaceable, preferably in unison, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position, and may be deployed and retracted manually, or remotely with powered assistance, or under microprocessor control. The air deflection elements are preferably arranged above, below and on either side of the rear-facing surface of the vehicle, with at least the latter two air deflection elements having matching configurations, and in some embodiments, with one or more of the air deflection elements being associated with a frame within which it is substantially disposed when in the retracted position.

Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle trailer is described that further includes a shelf component. The shelf component is separate from the rain gutter component. The shelf component extends from the rear wall of the trailer and includes a sloped surface.

Abstract: A system and method aerodynamic fairings including a gap fairing. The gap fairing includes multiple panels. The multiple panels are interconnected utilizing connectors to form a half conical shape extending from a front portion of a trailer. The gap fairing also includes supports connected to the multiple panels through support structure of the trailer.

Abstract: A resilient strut adapted to secure an aerodynamic skirt to a trailer is provided, the aerodynamic skirt comprising a skirt panel including a front portion and a rear portion adapted to be substantially longitudinally mounted to the trailer, the skirt panel being adapted to move away from the aerodynamic configuration when contacting a foreign object and to recover its aerodynamic configuration thereafter, the resilient strut includes a shape variation adapted to change the mechanical strength thereof and also adapted to sustain an elastic deformation allowing the resilient strut to bend when a load is applied to the resilient strut when the skirt panel moves away from the aerodynamic configuration and to self-recover its original shape when the load is removed. A kit of resilient struts, a method thereof and a trailer equipped with same are also provided.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for coupling an air drag reduction system to a trailer to be transported by an over-the-road tractor. The mounting assembly includes a frame to be suspended adjacent to an underside of the trailer, and a receiver supported adjacent to a first end of the frame. The receiver is adapted to cooperate with a portion of a structural member of the trailer when installed. An adjustable fastening mechanism is separated a suitable distance from the receiver along the frame to be positioned adjacent to a second portion of the structural member opposite the portion that cooperates with the receiver. The adjustable fastening mechanism includes a cam that is adjustable to make contact with the second portion of the structural member of the trailer, thereby interfering with separation of the receiver from the portion of the structural member of the trailer with which the receiver cooperates.

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

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

Abstract: An aerodynamic reducer for a trailer comprising one or more sheet members which are secured to the lower ends of at least some of the cross-members positioned beneath the floor of the trailer. The sheet members enclose the space between at least some of the cross-members.