Abstract: An airfoil, triangular in cross-section, is mounted at or near the rear of the truck, perpendicular to the ground with the hypotenuses of the triangle being the leading edge of the airfoil. The airfoil stabilizes the truck from air blasts caused by passing vehicles.

Abstract: An airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers and moveable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration. First and second side panels are provided adjacent a rear surface of a truck and are pivotally mounted adjacent the sides of the truck. Upper and lower first end panels are associated with the first side panel, and upper and lower second end panels are associated with the second side panel wherein the end panels are pivotally mounted adjacent upper and lower edges of the truck. In the storage configuration, the end panels are pivoted inwardly and the side panels are pivoted over the end panels. In movement toward the storage configuration, the end panels are actuated for movement outwardly whereby outer edges of the end panels engage and slide along the side panels to cause the side panels to pivot outwardly to the deployed configuration. The side panels are provided with a fold area intermediate proximal and distal lateral edges of the side panels.

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

Abstract: An adjustable trailer underbody fairing for a trailer having an adjustable rear wheel assembly and a corresponding tractor unit having rear wheels, the fairing including first and second fairing sections attached to the rear wheel assembly and trailer, respectively, and an adjustable fairing panel coupled to the first and second fairing sections that extends and collapses as the rear wheel assembly is moved to present a planar fairing surface at all times. The fairing can be selectively raised to provide access beneath the trailer.

Abstract: The Drag-Dropper is a collapsible structure made of rigid components that may be unfolded to form a modified pyramid to streamline the posterior aspect of trucks. The exact dimensions of the apparatus may be varied such that small to large trucks including semi-tractor-trailers may be fitted. As safety is always the foremost priority, the design has structural redundancy to reduce if not eliminate destruction during operation even if one of several essential component were to fatigue simultaneously from material failure. Likewise, the dimensions seek to maximize posterior drag reduction without additional functional length of the vehicle that would obstruct the driver's rear vision, and the apex is intentionally far above the height of most passenger vehicles in the event of a collision involving a trailing vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molded trailer shell that can be coupled to a frame, a trailer hitch, and one or more wheels to form a trailer. The trailer shell is advantageously formed by rotational molding. In at least one embodiment, the trailer shell includes a front, two sides, a top, and various external ribs molded with the shell. Further, the ribs can be shaped to aerodynamically channel the air to produce a stable towing trailer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guarding a cargo on a trailer without a peripheral sidewall against rock damage. The method involves tensioning a sheet of flexible non-supporting material to form a protective shield.

Abstract: A device for controlling drag on a ground vehicle. The device consists of a porous skin or skins mounted on the trailing surface and/or aft portions of the ground vehicle. The porous skin is separated from the vehicle surface by a distance of at least the thickness of the porous skin. Alternately, the trailing surface, sides, and/or top surfaces of the ground vehicle may be porous. The device minimizes the strength of the separation in the base and wake regions of the ground vehicle, thus reducing drag.

Abstract: To reduce the air drag on a moving truck-trailer a structure is mounted on the rear end of the trailer in a shape to encourage air penetration into the low pressure region behind the moving trailer by creating twin flows of air that fill the region directly behind the trailer. This inhibits the formation of vortices and reduces the severity of low pressure in the region. The basic form of the structure is a hollow pyramid with an open top and with its base against the rear trailer wall. There are two, open, side-by-side, deep, rectilinear cups with rounded bottoms facing rearward inside the hollow pyramid.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer system uses aerodynamic principles to use crosswind to its advantage. The system has a curvilinear duct by having a attaching a convex body on the trailer front and a concave body on the back of the cab. When a cross wind enters the gap, it creates a negative pressure (compare to ambient) on the convex surface (trailer front) and a positive pressure on concave surface (back of the cab). Both of these pressures will help reduce the drag. Further having the crosswind flow smoothly can lead to less turbulence intensity in the gap, which can help in improving handling qualities of the system. There is a similar situation both for drag as well as handling qualities can be given for the air traveling in vertical direction (even at zero cross wind).

Abstract: An adjustable trailer underbody fairing for a trailer having an adjustable rear wheel assembly and a corresponding tractor unit having rear wheels, the fairing including first and second fairing sections attached to the rear wheel assembly and trailer, respectively, and an adjustable fairing panel coupled to the first and second fairing sections that extends and collapses as the rear wheel assembly is moved to present a planar fairing surface at all times. The fairing can be selectively raised to provide access beneath the trailer.

Abstract: An air drag reducing apparatus for use with a vehicle having a rear end closed by a pair of doors consists of a rectangular shaped panel having a leading edge hingedly connected to the vehicle, the panel extending at about 16 degrees relative to the rearward projection of a side of the vehicle in a drag reducing position. As the door is opened, an element allows the panel to be moved between the door and the side of the vehicle to a position adjacent the side of the vehicle. As the door is moved back from the opened position to a closed position, the element causes the panel to return to its drag reducing position. The rear of a vehicle includes two side panels and two top panels.

Abstract: A drag reducer including a frame hinged to the rear of a vehicle and operable between a position adjacent the rear of the vehicle and a position swung away from the rear of the vehicle to allow access to the rear of the vehicle, and an inflatable bag attached to the frame, operable between a deployed inflated configuration and a stowed deflated configuration, the inflatable bag including at least two converging panels defining an aerodynamic drag reducing structure in the deployed inflated configuration.

Abstract: Two layers of a flexible and essentially impervious material are sealed to each other at their edges and are otherwise separate from each other so as to form an interior portion. Many lengths of thread connect the layers together at numerous points throughout the interior portion. The length of the thread that is between the layers is relatively short and the thread connects the layers at a sufficient number of points to restrain the layers and hold them in a spaced relationship when the interior portion is inflated with air. Applying modest air pressure to the interior portion produces a lightweight structure of sufficient stiffness that is attached to the rear ends of truck trailers to improve airflow and reduce drag at highway speeds.

Abstract: A fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system for improving the fuel mileage of a tractor-trailer combination by improving the air resistance that occurs in the area between the rear of the tractor and the front of the semi-trailer. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system provides an improved roof extension, which automatically raises when the tractor is put into reverse gear and an improved wheel mechanism for assisting the side extensions to slide around the semi-trailer ends when the tractor-trailer is turning. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system requires only modification to the tractor and not the trailer.

Abstract: A bulkhead adapter for a DOT rated bulkhead installed on a flatbed vehicle includes a pair of wings attached one to each side of the bulkhead. Each wing includes a vertical member attached to the side panel of the bulkhead and an upper member extending from the upper end of the vertical member. Each upper member is configured for attachment to the corner of the upper panel of the bulkhead, which may be curved or rounded. A compressible seal is disposed between each wing and the bulkhead. The wings are attached with suitable fasteners such as bolts or screws. The wings are preferably made of metal such as steel or aluminum. The adapter widens the bulkhead to allow for the installation of a flexible cover system such as the Conestoga® system to cover the bed of the vehicle to protect the cargo space from inclement weather and road debris.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable bag mounted on each of the rear trailer doors of a standard tractor-trailer unit. The optimum aerodynamic shape of the bags with stable flat external surfaces for air to pass over is created by a series of internal cords extending horizontally in a radial array from the medial edge of the base of each bag to its corresponding lateral surface, and vertically form the top to the bottom surfaces of each bag.

Abstract: A movable salt shield for a snowmobile trailer has a shield plate mounted on an extension arm, the extension being mounted on pivoting device, thereby allowing for the shield plate to be the moved from the front to the rear of a snowmobile trailer and back again.

Abstract: A boat protection system for protecting the body of a boat during transporting upon a conventional boat trailer. The boat protection system includes a front guard, a bottom guard attachable to the front guard, a first side guard attachable to the front guard, and a second side guard attachable to the front side guard. The front guard is comprised of a front portion, a front opening within the front portion for receiving a winch, and a pair of side portions. The front guard is attached to the front portion of the frame with conventional fasteners. The bottom guard is attached to a lower lip of the front guard. The front guard, bottom guard, and side guards protect the lower body of the boat carried upon the trailer from debris elevated by a motor vehicle pulling the trailer.

Abstract: A hybrid air boost vehicle makes use of the porous panels and suction devices of a vehicle aerodynamic drag reduction system, and makes use of the air consumed by such a system, to provide the energy and air to power a land or water based ground effects vehicle. Energy and air consumed by the suction system, and normally wasted, is recycled by providing an air cushion to partially support the vehicle. The entire hybrid air boost vehicle system is more efficient than either a drag reduction system or a ground effects vehicle alone, and the benefits of both are realized, as well as benefits unique to the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A deployable airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers including first and second frame structures supported for pivotal movement at the rear of the truck. Each of the first and second frame structures include a pair of frame members including upper and lower frame members. The upper and lower pairs of frame members are connected through an actuation mechanism whereby the upper and lower frame members will move simultaneously to deploy or fold the airfoil. Each pair of upper and lower frame members support a fabric member wherein, in a deployed configuration, the fabric member is drawn substantially taut between the upper and lower frame members.

Abstract: A device for controlling drag on a ground vehicle. The device consists of a porous skin mounted on the trailing surface of the ground vehicle. The porous skin may be separated from the vehicle surface by a distance of at least the thickness of the porous skin. Alternately, the trailing surface of the ground vehicle may be porous. The device minimizes the strength of the separation in the base and wake regions of the ground vehicle, thus reducing drag.

Abstract: A transportable hauling container, such as a trailer of a tractor-trailer combination, has a rear portion that is configured in or convertible to a wedge shape. Movable portions are located at the rear sides of the trailer that can pivot inward toward a longitudinal centerline. Movable flaps also are located at the rear top of the trailer, which can pivot downward in alignment with the movable portions. The movable portions and flaps can be secured relative to each other in various combinations, thereby providing a more aerodynamic configuration of the trailer rear end. The container or trailer can be configured in such an arrangement, or be convertible from a standard configuration which also includes doors at the rear of the trailer, to a more aerodynamic configuration. A method is also disclosed, which includes operations for converting such a convertible trailer between the standard and aerodynamic configurations.

Abstract: An air drag reducing apparatus for use with a vehicle having a rear end closed by a pair of doors consists of a rectangular shaped panel having a leading edge hingedly connected to the vehicle, the panel extending at about 15 degrees relative to the rearward projection of a side of the vehicle. An element positions the panel in a drag reducing position; this element is such that it allows the panel to be moved between the door and the side of the vehicle as the door is opened and moved to a position adjacent the side of the vehicle. As the door is moved back from the opened position to a closed position, the element causes the panel to return to its drag reducing position. The rear of a vehicle may include two side panels with or without two top panels.

Abstract: A trailer side wind deflecting system for preventing trailers from overturning from strong side wind gusts. The trailer side wind deflecting system includes top and bottom panels each having inner and outer faces, top and bottom edges. The bottom edge of the top panel is coupled to the top edge of the bottom panel. The top edge of the top panel is designed for mounting to an associated adjacent side wall of a trailer adjacent a top wall of the trailer such that the top and bottom panels depend therefrom. The top and bottom panels lie in planes extending at an obtuse angle to one another to define an outer vertex along the coupled edges of the panels so that the top and bottom panels form a wedge for outwardly extending from the associated adjacent side wall of the trailer to deflect gusts of wind blowing against the side wall in upwards and downwards directions.

Abstract: Auxiliary structural bumpers are adapted to be attached to a main protective bumper assembly for a refrigeration unit of the type adapted to be mounted on the front wall of a trailer. The main protective bumper protects the front of the unit while the auxiliary bumpers are adapted to protect the left and right-hand sides of the refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit includes an outer cover, and a structural framework, which includes a pair of vertically extending structural elements located at opposite rear corners of the refrigeration unit adjacent to the front wall of the trailer. The main bumper assembly includes two vertically extending structural members, each of which is adapted to be structurally coupled to one of the vertically extending structural elements of the refrigeration unit.