Abstract: An aerodynamic fairing assembly comprising a pair of contoured fairings hingely mounted to the sides of the aft end of a cargo trailer having hinged rear doors. Each fairing features a contoured forward extent which provides an aerodynamically smooth transition from the side of the trailer to the aft extent of the fairing with no appreciable step or gap between the trailer and the fairing. The fairings are slaved to the trailer doors by collapsible struts such that opening and closing the doors stows and deploys the fairings respectively without applying a resistive load to the doors or otherwise interfering with their operation. Other embodiments are described.

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 composite sheet material and method for forming the same is provided that includes a substrate, a matrix, and a cover sheet. The substrate has a first face surface, a second face surface, and a plurality of edges, and includes a thermoplastic material. The matrix is attached to the substrate. The matrix includes a support component having a first melting point, and a thermoplastic component having a second melting point. The second melting point is less than the first melting point. The cover sheet imparts one or more surface characteristics to the composite sheet material during thermo-pressure formation of the composite sheet material.

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.

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 apparatus for converting a substantially flat vehicular surface on the rear of a vehicle so as to create at least one surface which operates to reduce aerodynamic drag, comprising: at least one support adapted to be moveably attached to the rear surface of a vehicle; at least one surface supported by the at least one support; the at least one surface movably position so as to move from deployed position extending from the rear of a vehicle to a retracted position; whereby the apparatus operates to reduce aerodynamic drag in the deployed position and does not interfere with vehicle loading in the retracted position.

Abstract: A van trailer or intermodal chassis having a centerline fairing.

Abstract: A drag reducing device utilizing sealed aft cavities designed to limit interference with existing truck and trailer designs is described. The invention comprises one or more sealed aft cavities affixed to the rear of a traditional commercial straight truck or trailer, or any other blunt (or mostly blunt) aft faced vehicle. A capability is provided by which the device is stowed to allow normal operation of the straight truck, trailer or vehicle. Drag is reduced by the streamlining of the rear of the vehicle, postponing and narrowing the flow separation downstream of the trailing edge as well as increasing the pressure on the back of the vehicle with the open to the rear, sealed aft cavity. The concept described focuses on the utilization of sealed aft cavities) to limit the effects of blunt body drag and the means for attachment and stowage for loading and unloading cargo.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a trailer skirt panel comprising: (a) a sheet having a top section and a bottom section; (b) at least one L-bracket attached to the top section of the sheet; (c) at least one rib extending downwardly from the top section and the L-bracket to provide rigidity to the panel during use; and wherein the sheet, the L-bracket, and the rib comprise a polymer material and are integrally formed together in a unitary construction. The polymer material of the trailer skirt panel can comprise thermoplastic polyolefin. The bottom section of the sheet can include an angled edge to provide rigidity to the panel during use. Furthermore, two or more of the trailer skirt panels can be positioned next to each other to form a trailer skirt assembly for attachment to the bottom of a trailer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle including a tractor having a lower tractor duct that receives air from the front of the tractor and channels the air through a center area of the tractor and down between a set of rear wheels, a trailer having a lower trailer duct positioned below a cargo space that channels the air in the lower trailer duct between each set of trailer rear wheels and a lower articulation duct positioned near the set of tractor rear wheels that receives air from the lower tractor duct and communicates air to the lower trailer duct. An upper duct channels air through ductwork at the top of the trailer and tractor. A rear trailer louver system enables air in each duct to be channeled and pulled out of each respective duct, reducing drag and eddy currents using the vacuum at the rear of the trailer.

Abstract: The disclosure comprises a pair of inflatable substantially inelastic lobes. A single lobe can be mounted on each of the rear trailer doors of a standard tractor-trailer unit. Each lobe can be inflated or deployed to provide an aerodynamic substantially planar contour extending rearwardly of the rear end of the vehicle. The aerodynamic shape of the lobes with stable and substantially planar external surfaces for air to pass over can be created by a series of internal cords and flag sets extending substantially horizontally and vertically in an array from one side of the lobe to the other side of each lobe. When the lobes are deflated, the trailer doors can be opened and latched to the side of the trailer in a conventional manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for minimizing the aerodynamic drag that results when tractors, trailers, rigid trucks, lorries, and other vehicles are moving through air. In particular the invention relates to a plate-shaped flow conductor having a front edge, a lower edge, a rear edge and an upper edge. The flow conductor is mountable along the upper edge in a substantially vertical position to a body portion of a pulled vehicle of a vehicle combination of at least two pivotally connected vehicles. When mounted the flow conductor extends at least partially under the body portion in a longitudinal direction of the pulled vehicle. Characteristic for the flow conductor according to the invention is that the flow conductor comprises locally in conjunction with the front edge a thickened portion, which has a streamlined outer contour in a cross section transversally to the front edge.

Abstract: A method of reducing aerodynamic drag on a moving blunt-edged body, the method comprising actively generating a flow of air at a blunt edge of a body and using the generated flow of air to control an external flow of air moving relative to an edge of a moving blunt-body.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for securing a panel or fairing to an I-beam, and comprises a pair of side blocks and a clamping block, together with a single bolt to secure them in place. Each of the side blocks as an inclined wedge surface, and the T-shaped clamping block has similarly sloped wedge surfaces along the sides of the leg of the T. When a bolt this passed through side legs of the side blocks, and through or under the clamping block, a sliding and wedging action between the inclined and sloped wedge surfaces occurs. Moreover, a clamping action between the top surface of the clamping block and the lower surface of the lower flanges of the I-beam is also induced.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing drag on a transport vehicle, which comprises retractable aerodynamic panels for deployment at the rear of the vehicle, behind the cabin, or both. When these panels are deployed, they provide an aerodynamic design, thereby reducing drag and turbulence as the vehicle travels, for example, down a highway, which in turn, reduces energy costs associated with transportation. When not in use, the panels retract adjacent to the planar surfaces of the vehicle (for example, the sides, top and bottom surfaces). The retracted panels are housed either on the outside surface of the vehicle; the inside surface of the vehicle, or within the walls of the vehicle. The retracted position of the panels allows for easy unloading of cargo from the rear of the vehicle when it is docked.

Abstract: The invention is a drag reducer for use in commercial semitrailers, trucks, cargo containers, rail cars, and the like. The drag reducer takes the form of a hollow fluid conduit that collects fast moving air from under the trailer while the truck is moving at speed and forces it through vertical hollow fluid conduit up and around the sides of the trailer's rear door. Small holes facing outward from the vertical hollow fluid conduit eject the air in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion, thereby reducing overall drag on the trailer. At least two hollow fluid conduits are contemplated, with at least one hollow fluid conduit being vertically placed, and at least one hollow fluid conduit being placed horizontally in each system.

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 drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape.

Abstract: 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: The present invention is directed to a device for reducing drag on a vehicle. The device comprises a sheet of material and a plurality of depressions/elevations. The sheet of material having a base portion and an apex extending from the base portion.

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. 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. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drag reduction plate is provided for trailers that are towed by vehicles along a roadway or highway, where the trailer typically has a box-like construction having a bottom, top, front, back, and sides, and at least one wheel set near the back end and below the bottom thereof. The drag reduction plate is a rigid or semi-rigid plate secured to and depending vertically downwardly from the bottom of the trailer and being disposed along a portion of the length of the trailer forwardly of the at least one wheel set. A drag reduction structure comprises a drag reduction plate and a pair of deflector plates also depending vertically downwardly from the bottom of a trailer; and extending outwardly and rearwardly from the rear end of the rigid or semi-rigid plate in a region which is forward of the at least one wheel set. The outer edges of the deflector plates are located at positions which are wider than the outer width of the wheel set.

Abstract: Improved trailers (e.g., semi-trailers) are disclosed. The trailers may include a floor having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the top surface is adapted to transport a payload, and an elongated shell connected to the bottom surface of the floor, where the elongated shell defines a portion of a substantially closed torsion-resistant chamber of the trailer. The trailers may have a torsion resistance that is substantially higher than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may weigh substantially less than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may realize a bending resistance that is at least equivalent to the bending resistance of conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity.

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 apparatus for converting a substantially flat vehicular surface on the rear of a vehicle so as to create at least one surface which operates to reduce aerodynamic drag, comprising: at least one support adapted to be moveably attached to the rear surface of a vehicle; at least one surface supported by the at least one support; the at least one surface movably position so as to move from deployed position extending from the rear of a vehicle to a retracted position; whereby the apparatus operates to reduce aerodynamic drag in the deployed position and does not interfere with vehicle loading in the retracted position.

Abstract: A device for attaching to and covering an entire blunt nose of a blunt-nosed trailer that is attached to and spaced behind a towing vehicle without impinging upon the towing vehicle so as to reduce drag of the blunt-nosed trailer when being towed by the towing vehicle by changing the blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer to a lateral wedge. The device includes a frame and a skin. The frame is laterally wedge-shaped, is rigid, and is for attaching to the blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer without impinging upon the towing vehicle. The skin covets the frame, is rigid, is laterally wedge-shaped, encloses the frame, and is for covering the entire blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer so as to reduce drag of the blunt-nosed trailer when being towed by the towing vehicle by changing the blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer to a lateral wedge.

Abstract: The purpose of this device is to reduce the fuel consumption of heavy trucks by improving airflow along the underside of a trailer, using a series of rectangular panels to close the gaps between trailer crossmembers and create a continuous smooth surface. These panels are placed in between adjacent crossmembers and secured to their flanges using a plurality of clamping mechanisms. Each clamp is comprised of a U nut fitted to edge of the panel and a half clip that is bolted to the bottom. With the U nut clamping down on the topside of the flange and the half clip gripping the bottom surface of the crossmember, these clamps secure each panel in place. These fittings, requiring no modification to the crossmembers themselves, are easily installed and readily removable.

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: A rear aerodynamic device for a vehicle and vehicle equipped with such a device are provided. The aerodynamic device can be fastened under a rear end of a vehicle frame of a cargo body of an industrial vehicle, behind the wheels. It includes a nozzle having an inlet positioned on a lateral external face of the device and capable of canalising air flowing along the vehicle and an outlet positioned at the rear part of the device and capable of ejecting the air flow underneath a vehicle rear face.

Abstract: The disclosure comprises a pair of inflatable substantially inelastic lobes. A single lobe can be mounted on each of the rear trailer doors of a standard tractor-trailer unit. Each lobe can be inflated or deployed to provide an aerodynamic substantially planar contour extending rearwardly of the rear end of the vehicle. The aerodynamic shape of the lobes with stable and substantially planar external surfaces for air to pass over can be created by a series of internal cords and flag sets extending substantially horizontally and vertically in an array from one side of the lobe to the other side of each lobe. When the lobes are deflated, the trailer doors can be opened and latched to the side of the trailer in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An aerodynamic nose cone front trailer that uses a topographical view for reference extending the trailer front all the way to the hitch. The trailer design reduces wind resistance while improving the fuel economy and improving the handling.

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: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment. Also, a top portion and a support frame of the pseudocontainer include fittings with receiving openings configured to receive parts of a positioning device (e.g., a crane) to stack and align the body atop intermodal container. The fittings may be formed in accordance with ISO standards.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo body having a roof that is deformable. The deformable roof can be placed in a neutral position, where the deformable roof forms substantially a flat surface parallel to a floor of the cargo body, or in at least one aerodynamic position, where at least a rear portion of the deformable roof is lowered with respect to the neutral position.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducer in the form of an air deflector fairing is provided for a trailer which is secured to the lower ends of each of the lower side rails of the trailer. Each of the fairings have upper outer ends which are secured to the respective lower side rail and which extends downwardly and inwardly therefrom, then upwardly and inwardly therefrom and then inwardly therefrom. The inner ends of the fairings are secured to the cross-members of the trailer. The drag reducers of this invention reduce the turbulence experienced by cross-winds subjected to the trailer thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag of the cross-winds.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer is provided. The vehicle trailer includes one or more side wall fairings having a leading edge and trailing edge. Each side wall fairing has an upward incline and downward incline. The side wall fairings can be utilized with one or more other components that are described herein.

Abstract: A vehicle side fairing having a first fairing panel fixedly secured to the underside of a trailer box, and a second fairing panel coupled to the wheel set so that the second fairing panel moves with an adjustment in the position of the wheel set.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for reducing drag on a vehicle. The device comprises a sheet of material and a plurality of depressions/elevations. The sheet of material having a base portion and an apex extending from the base portion.

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 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 drag reduction device secured to each of the top rails of a wheeled cargo van body or container which covers the recess formed in the outer side of the top rail.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for the crash bar of a tractor trailer and support structures is easily installed on the front and optionally on the rear of the crash bar forming a rounded fairing surface or “bull nose.” A device may optionally be attached to the crash bar support structures. Using a flexible material, such as EPDM extrusion, or forming a molded part in polyurethane elastomer, ensures that the fairing surface recovers its shape after being crushed so that the device may be used repeatedly with a retaining device at a docking bay during loading and unloading, for example.

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 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 system and method for aerodynamic fairings including an undercarriage fairing. The undercarriage fairing includes multiple panels including at least two front panels and at least two rear panels. The at least two front panels are connected in a front portion under the trailer. The at least two rear panels are positioned in front of a wheel undercarriage at sides of the trailer. One of the at least two front panels and one of the at least two rear panels are interconnected on both sides of the trailer. The undercarriage fairing further includes supports connected to the frame of the trailer. The supports are connected to the at least two rear panels.

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

Abstract: Provided is an aerodynamic drag reduction apparatus for reducing aerodynamic drag on an over-the-road vehicle while underway. The aerodynamic drag reduction system includes a frame assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a cargo-carrying portion of the over-the-road vehicle to couple the drag reduction apparatus to the over-the-road vehicle. First and second skirts are adapted to be supported beneath opposite lateral sides of the cargo-carrying portion of the over-the-road vehicle by arcuate rails. The first and second skirts are coupled to the frame assembly in a manner that allows thermal expansion and contraction of the first and second skirts relative to the frame assembly without warping of material forming an air-deflecting surface of the first and second skirts to an extent that would otherwise occur if the first and second skirts were fixedly connected to the frame assembly.

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 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.