Abstract: A spoiler device includes a movable spoiler for a vehicle, the movable spoiler being movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, a link mechanism supporting the movable spoiler, a torsion bar connected to the link mechanism, and an actuation portion rotating the torsion bar.

Abstract: A spoiler device for a vehicle includes a spoiler, a support mechanism supporting the spoiler, the support mechanism adjusting the spoiler to be positioned at a deployed position where the spoiler protrudes from an outer surface of the vehicle, the support mechanism adjusting the spoiler to be positioned at a retracted position where the spoiler is retracted within a housing recessed portion, the housing recessed portion being formed at the outer surface of the vehicle, a fixing member fixing the spoiler to the support mechanism, and a first tubular member and a second tubular member into which the fixing member is inserted, the first tubular member being provided with a first threaded portion at a first circumferential surface, the second tubular member being provided with a second threaded portion at a second circumferential surface, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion being threadedly engaged with each other.

Abstract: A wake convergence device for a pick-up truck is provided. The wake convergence device is spaced from the top of a pick-up truck and from the sides of the pick-up truck. The wake convergence device is moveably coupled to an aft end of the cab of the pick-up truck. When the truck is not in motion, the wake convergence device is positioned around the aft end of the pick-up truck. When the truck is in motion, the wake convergence device is moved upward and raised from the cab of the pick-up truck.

Abstract: A vehicle front spoiler comprises a flexible airflow guiding element provided in a region of a front part of the vehicle and extending in a transverse direction Y of the vehicle, and an actuating member, configured to move the airflow guiding element relative to said part of the vehicle between an extended operative position and a retracted inoperative position in which the airflow guiding element is folded rearwards to behind said vehicle part. The airflow guiding element is made of a rubber composition comprising an anisotropic textile structure of reinforcement cord having an elongation at break in the Y-direction of from 5% to 50%, and an elongation at break in the Z-direction lower than the elongation at break in the Y-direction, and is readily moved between the operative and the inoperative position with relatively low hysteresis losses.

Abstract: Aerodynamic drag on a moving vehicle is reduced by a forward-mounted wing that is movably mounted for adapting the vehicle's aerodynamic profile according to the forward speed of the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the wing is self-adapting according to air flow over the vehicle. In other embodiments, the wing may be actuated to one of a range of preset positions, according to a measurement of vehicle speed.

Abstract: A multi-position endgate system includes a storage box wall and a storage box floor. A tailgate is mounted relative to the storage box floor and is pivotal about a tailgate axis. The tailgate is moveable between a fully-closed position proximal to the storage box wall and a fully-open position distal from the storage box wall. A cable mechanism has a first end pivotally attached to the tailgate and a second end pivotally attached to the storage box wall. A channel hook is attached to either the tailgate or the storage box wall at a connector. An arcuate ledge is spaced from the connector, by an arm, and defines a groove. The cable mechanism may be passed or routed through the groove of the arcuate ledge to selectively hold the tailgate in an intermediate position between the fully-closed and fully-open positions.

Abstract: An air guiding element for improved flow over a gap between a tractive vehicle and a trailer vehicle is described, wherein the air guiding element can be mounted on the tractive vehicle or the trailer vehicle and has a flexible and airtight air cushion which is connected to a filling channel. The problem of providing a largely low-maintenance and operationally safe air guiding element, which can be installed independently of the compressed air supply of the tractive vehicle, for improved flow over the gap between a tractive vehicle and a trailer vehicle is addressed. The problem is solved by an air guiding element in which the filling channel has an air entry opening oriented in the direction of travel (F) on the side of the filling channel facing away from the air cushion, the air entry opening being arranged in such a way that the air cushion is filled exclusively by a dynamic pressure of the relative wind.

Abstract: The wind blocker allows the simple and inexpensive manufacture of a wind blocker for the convertible C5 and C6 Corvette which utilizes illuminated text and/or artwork. The design of the wind blocker allows such text or artwork to be quickly and inexpensively applied based on customer requirements. The use of computer aided etching techniques allow the wind blocker to be cost effectively manufactured with custom artwork in quantities as low as one item. This allows the end customer to utilize any artistic design desired to create a completely custom, one-of-a-kind accessory for the customer's C5 or C6 Corvette.

Abstract: An endgate cable mechanism includes an outer housing defining a longitudinal tunnel and an inner fitting slidably disposed within the longitudinal tunnel. A first transverse hole is in the outer housing. A second transverse hole, which is spaced longitudinally from the first transverse hole, is also defined in the outer housing. A plunger is selectively extendable from the inner fitting to engage with one of the first transverse hole and the second transverse hole. The endgate cable mechanism has a first effective length when the plunger is engaged with the first transverse hole and has a second effective length when the plunger is engaged with the second transverse hole.

Abstract: A spoiler apparatus for a rear bumper of a vehicle may include a spoiler rod that is selectively movable forward/backward through a hole of a rear back beam, and a spoiler panel coupled to a rear end of the spoiler rod and selectively engaged with the rear bumper, wherein the spoiler panel separates and protrudes backward from the rear bumper, as the spoiler rod moves backward.

Abstract: A vehicle has rear lights (3) attached laterally to the rear of the vehicle (1). To improve the vehicle with regard to the aerodynamics, the two rear lights (3) can be moved in each case depending on requirements between a passive and an active position, in which at least one airflow breakaway edge is activated.

Abstract: A spoiler device for a vehicle includes plural link mechanisms configured to support a spoiler via plural rotatable link members in a deployed state where the spoiler protrudes from a surface of the vehicle, a driving shaft configured to connect each of the link members provided to be spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction, the driving shaft configured to change the deployed state and a retracted state of the spoiler by rotating each of the link members about an axis of the driving shaft, and a connection mechanism connecting an input shaft to which a driving torque of a power source is inputted and the driving shaft to transmit the torque therebetween.

Abstract: An air guiding device (10) for a motor vehicle, with a spoiler lip (12) extending in the transverse direction (FQ) of the vehicle, and with a pneumatic actuating device (28) for the spoiler lip (12), with the aid of which actuating device the spoiler lip (12) is shiftable between a retracted rest position and an extended position, wherein the pneumatic actuating device (28) has a pneumatic actuator (30) which is fillable with or is emptiable of air, wherein the pneumatic actuator (30) is divided in the transverse direction (FQ) of the vehicle into a plurality of zones (40, 42, 44), wherein the pneumatic actuator (30) has a plurality of air-fillable chambers (46, 48, 50) in each zone (40, 42, 44), and wherein the chambers (46, 48, 50) are fillable with or are emptiable of air in a manner individual to the zones.

Abstract: A front spoiler apparatus for a vehicle may include a spoiler panel, a rear end of which is rotatably connected to a bottom surface of a front bumper such that the spoiler panel is rotatable up/downward, a guide cylinder that is arranged to pass through the bottom surface of the front bumper to be fixed to the front bumper, a piston that is arranged within the guide cylinder and moves along the guide cylinder, a guide rod that is arranged to connect a front end of the spoiler panel and the piston, and an elastic member that is arranged within the guide cylinder and provides elastic force to rotate the spoiler panel toward the front bumper.

Abstract: A rear region of a vehicle has an air-guiding device (10) with a mounting element (11) for the air-guiding device on the vehicle, and with at least one air-guiding element (13) that is shiftable between a retracted inoperative position and an extended operating position. A gap (14) is formed between the air-guiding element (13) and the mounting element (11) when the air guiding device (10) is in the extended operating position. However, the gap (14) can be closed via a closure device (15). The closure device (15) has a multi-layered, flexible sheetlike structure (16) with at least one front outer, flexible layer (17) and a rear outer, flexible layer (18). In the extended operating position, the front outer layer (17) can be stretched with the aid of a stiff clamping element (19) and the rear outer layer (19) can be stretched with the aid of a flexible clamping element (20).

Abstract: An airflow control device is mounted to the front end of an automotive vehicle and includes an upper air scoop section having a scoop channel disposed rearward of a bumper assembly and oriented to direct airflow entering a bumper intake opening toward an air-receiving powertrain component. A lower air dam section extends downwardly from the upper section to be positioned below a lower extent of the bumper assembly to deflect airflow away from an underside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A deflector apparatus for regulating air flows at a rear of a vehicle includes a movable portion arranged at a rear of a roof panel and an upper of a rear window of a vehicle and extended in a vehicle width direction. The movable portion is movable to increase and decrease a protrusion amount of a front end portion of the movable portion in a vehicle front-rear direction from an upper surface of the roof panel to upward. The deflector apparatus further includes a driving system for driving the movable portion to decrease (increase) the protrusion amount as a vehicle speed increases (decreases) to decrease (increase) an amount of air introduced by the movable portion and flowing along the rear window.

Abstract: An air-guiding device (12) is arranged in a rear-end region of a vehicle and has a central main air-guiding element (13) that is displaceable from a retracted rest position into a deployed operating position. Lateral auxiliary air-guiding elements (14, 15) are adjustable substantially linearly relative to the main air-guiding element (13) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be transferred from a rest position, in which they are retracted into the main air-guiding element (13), into an operating position, in which they are deployed out of the main air-guiding element (13). Each auxiliary air-guiding element is movable along a guide unit (22) in the main air-guiding element (13) and is guided in the guide unit (22) in a first direction by at least one slide element (26) and in a second direction by at least one guide pin (27).

Abstract: A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; an openable door having an outer skin and an inner skin defining a cavity there between and a relay mechanism mounted in the cavity; a moveable aerodynamic device attached to the door for generating down force when in a deployed position relative to the vehicle; and an actuator mounted to the vehicle body; the vehicle being configured so that (i) the door can be opened, leaving the actuator mounted to the body, and (ii) when the door is closed, the actuator can engage the relay mechanism and drive the aerodynamic device via the relay mechanism to cause the aerodynamic device to extend to the deployed position.

Abstract: A method of reducing drag on the underside and rear wheels of a commercial vehicle which is a drag reduction system including an airfoil designed to mount on the underside or slider assembly of a commercial vehicle that would reduce the air drag forces and improve fuel economy for the vehicle, a hydraulic system that operates to adjust the angle of the airfoil, and at least two sets of controllers, one controller that operates automatically in conjunction with the speed of the vehicle and a second controller that allows the operator to manually adjust the angle of the airfoil from within the driver's compartment. The purpose of drag reduction system is to provide a more fuel efficient design for commercial vehicle application, resulting in fuel cost savings for the vehicle operation.

Abstract: A rear region of a vehicle has an air-guiding device (10) with a mounting element (11) for the air-guiding device on the vehicle, and with at least one air-guiding element (13) that is shiftable between a retracted inoperative position and an extended operating position. A gap (14) is formed between the air-guiding element (13) and the mounting element (11) when the air guiding device (10) is in the extended operating position. However, the gap (14) can be closed via a closure device (15). The closure device (15) has a multi-layered, flexible sheetlike structure (16) with at least one front outer, flexible layer (17) and a rear outer, flexible layer (18). In the extended operating position, the front outer layer (17) can be stretched with the aid of a stiff clamping element (19) and the rear outer layer (19) can be stretched with the aid of a flexible clamping element (20).

Abstract: An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least two air deflection elements each coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to any rear door that 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 door 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 rear spoiler with adjustable aerodynamic profiles for a high performance road vehicle, the rear spoiler including: at least one fin-shaped support, a first adjustable aerodynamic profile that is mounted onto the fin-shaped support and that rotates around a first rotational axis, and a second adjustable aerodynamic profile that is mounted onto the fin-shaped support at a different height than the first aerodynamic profile and that rotates around a second rotational axis, that is parallel to the first rotational axis, and in an opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the first aerodynamic profile, wherein the first rotational axis is located close to a trailing edge of the first aerodynamic profile and the second rotational axis is located close to a leading edge of the second aerodynamic profile.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) has a device (5) that projects into the wheel house (3) to reduce the flow of air into the wheel house (3) while the motor vehicle (1) is moving. The device (5) may extend from an underbody panel (4) of the motor vehicle (1) and may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis (6) of the motor vehicle (1) on a side of the underbody panel (4) that faces the wheel house (3). Alternatively, the device (5) is connected to a chassis component (7) of a wheel (2) arranged within the wheel house (3).

Abstract: In a wind deflector for installation in a vehicle roof in a front area, comprising a wind deflector body which extends in a direction of extension transversely to a direction of travel, a lifting device, with which the wind deflector body can be moved between a position retracted into the vehicle roof and a position extended out of the vehicle roof and projecting beyond a contour of the upper side of the vehicle roof and thus deflecting wind, wherein the lifting device has at least one lifting unit with a mounting base and a lifting arm which is mounted with a lifting arm bearing for pivoting about a first pivot axis relative to the mounting base and engages on the wind deflector body at an end located opposite the lifting arm bearing, in order to achieve a reliable movability of the wind deflector body with devices which are as mechanically simple as possible it is suggested that an actuating unit which is supported on the mounting base and engages on the lifting arm be provided for moving the lifting arm an

Abstract: Front diffusers are provided on a front underbody covering of a vehicle, in a manner lying laterally on the inside next to the two front wheel houses. Each front diffuser has a longitudinally directed air duct integrated into the front underbody covering and has a pivotable flap. The flap is connected to an actuating device that can be actuated by a switch in the passenger compartment for shifting the device between a first position flush with the outer skin and a second upwardly pivoted position. The second, upwardly pivoted position of the front diffuser or of the flap produces an increase in downforce at the front axle.

Abstract: An adjustable air diffuser is disposed in an airflow channel into which a travelling wind is directed through an opening provided in a bumper face. The diffuser opens and closes the channel by movable louver blades driven by an actuator. An upper part of the diffuser is disposed to face a rear wall of the bumper face and is attached to a bumper beam extending along a vehicle width direction. A lower part of the diffuser is attached to a vehicle body structural member. The attachment structure includes a column that is disposed behind the adjustable air diffuser. A lower end of the column is attached to a lower end of the adjustable air diffuser. Weak portions are provided on the column such that the column breaks when the column interferes with another member behind the column.

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. 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 door(s) 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 truck has a cabin, the cabin having a roof and an aerodynamic roof deflector panel mounted on the roof and covering at least partly the roof, thereby delimiting a space extending between the roof and the panel. The panel includes at least a member movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position of the movable member, an air passage is created in front of the space. In the first position, the air passage is closed or substantially closed.

Abstract: An air-guiding device (12) is arranged in a rear-end region of a vehicle and has a central main air-guiding element (13) that is displaceable from a retracted rest position into a deployed operating position. Lateral auxiliary air-guiding elements (14, 15) are adjustable substantially linearly relative to the main air-guiding element (13) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be transferred from a rest position, in which they are retracted into the main air-guiding element (13), into an operating position, in which they are deployed out of the main air-guiding element (13). Each auxiliary air-guiding element is movable along a guide unit (22) in the main air-guiding element (13) and is guided in the guide unit (22) in a first direction by at least one slide element (26) and in a second direction by at least one guide pin (27).

Abstract: An active air flap device for vehicles includes a first flap installed in the front end of a vehicle and is configured such that the first flap is rotated by power of an actuator so as to be opened or closed, a second flap installed at a location around the first flap and configured such that the second flap is rotated so as to be opened or closed, and a link module connected to the first flap at a first end thereof and connected to the second flap at a second end thereof, and configured such that the link module is moved upward and downward, with a regulation unit provided in a central portion of the link module so that the regulation unit can connect or disconnect a link of the first flap to or from a link of the second flap.

Abstract: A system for controlling airflow through an under-hood compartment of a vehicle body includes a stow-away air dam assembly disposed on the body and configured to control the airflow between the body and a road surface from outside the vehicle to the under-hood compartment. The air dam assembly includes a retractable portion and a drive shaft configured to shift the retractable portion between a stowed position and a deployed position. The retractable portion is set at a first height in the stowed position and at a second height in the deployed position, wherein the first height is greater than the second height relative to the road surface. The air dam assembly also includes an actuator configured to operate the driveshaft. The system additionally includes a controller configured to regulate the actuator. A vehicle employing the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air-guiding apparatus has a transversely oriented rear spoiler element that can be moved via hydraulic units into different setting positions with respect to the vehicle. An airflow breakaway edge is provided below the spoiler element and is configured to be set additionally to adjust effects of the spoiler element.

Abstract: An aerodynamically effective device for a motor vehicle has an air guiding element, which can be adjusted between an inoperative position and at least one operative position, a drive unit for adjusting the air guiding element and a control device for controlling the drive unit. The control device has an actuating device for actuating the drive unit. The actuating device can be operated from outside the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An air guiding device for a motor vehicle has a spoiler lip (12) extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle and an actuating device (28) for moving the spoiler lip (12) between a retracted rest position and an extended maximum position. The spoiler lip (12) is mounted on an adaptor (34) and the adaptor (34) is connected to a fastening device (38). The air guiding device is connectable via the adaptor (34) and the fastening device (38) to a front panel (40) of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An air-conducting system for a tractor and/or trailer is described, wherein at least one of the vehicles has a wind deflector. The problem addressed by the invention was to improve the aerodynamic drag of tractors and/or trailers. The problem is solved according to the invention by an air-conducting system in which the wind deflector is arranged at the rear of the trailer and/or at the rear and/or in the front region of the tractor and can be adjusted depending on the driving speed.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an adjustable shutter adapted for varying an amount of airflow to cool a powertrain in a vehicle includes monitoring the ambient temperature. The method also includes sensing an increase in the ambient temperature up to a threshold temperature value. The method additionally includes changing a position of the shutter after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed following the increase in the ambient temperature up to the threshold temperature value. A vehicle using a controller to perform such a method is also provided.

Abstract: Aerodynamic drag on a moving vehicle is reduced by a forward-mounted wing that is movably mounted for adapting the vehicle's aerodynamic profile according to the forward speed of the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the wing is self-adapting according to air flow over the vehicle. In other embodiments, the wing may be actuated to one of a range of preset positions, according to a measurement of vehicle speed.

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: The automobile described herein employs an aerodynamic chassis control system to limit and/or control the affect of yaw and roll created by environmental and operating conditions on an automobile with minimal penalty to improve ride comfort and performance of the automobile. The aerodynamic chassis control system employs various movable stabilization elements to control yaw and roll. Moreover, aerodynamic chassis control system constantly monitors environmental and operating conditions of the automobile and adjusts the stabilization elements to provide ride comfort and automobile performance.

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 variable geometry aerodynamic fairing is described for reduction of the base drag of a tractor trailer traveling at highway speed. The base drag reduction is provided by a set of two adjustable rectangular fairings which can be opened from a flat configuration when folded one against each side door, into a set of curved airfoil shaped fairings extending into the boundary layer adjacent to the trailer sides and cambered such as to turn a portion of the mainstream side air flow into the base wake region of the trailer. The cambered fairings thus reduce the strength of the standing base wake vortices and hence, the resultant negative base pressures (drag) formed in the trailer wake region. A direct application of this device would be to improve the fuel economy of a large portion of the U.S. trucking fleet during highway transit, while still providing rapid fairing retraction into a thin, flat stowed position against the trailer doors for unloading at destination.

Abstract: An air guiding device (10) for a motor vehicle, with a spoiler lip (12) extending in the transverse direction (FQ) of the vehicle, and with a pneumatic actuating device (28) for the spoiler lip (12), with the aid of which actuating device the spoiler lip (12) is shiftable between a retracted rest position and an extended position, wherein the pneumatic actuating device (28) has a pneumatic actuator (30) which is fillable with or is emptiable of air, wherein the pneumatic actuator (30) is divided in the transverse direction (FQ) of the vehicle into a plurality of zones (40, 42, 44), wherein the pneumatic actuator (30) has a plurality of air-fillable chambers (46, 48, 50) in each zone (40, 42, 44), and wherein the chambers (46, 48, 50) are fillable with or are emptiable of air in a manner individual to the zones.

Abstract: One or more airfoils, mounted above the upper surface of an automobile or other vehicle, optionally with variable angle of attack and/or camber, under the continuous automatic control of the vehicle's computer (electronic control module), for the purpose of providing well-distributed vertical thrust with minimum drag, or strong downward thrust with drag, depending on driving circumstances, thereby increasing the safety of the vehicle as well as improving its efficiency and performance.

Abstract: A self-drafting device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of sub-sonic vehicles includes an extension projecting forward from the vehicle in order to generate turbulence between a distal (forward) end of the extension and the vehicle itself, in order to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. The device may include a draft plate to increase the cross sectional area of the distal end and the draft plate may be tilted with respect to a vertical direction. The tilt, cross-sectional size and or extension of the device may be adjustable, and may be dynamically controlled by one or more motors during operation of the vehicle in conformity with a pressure profile across the vehicle that is measured using pressure sensors. The extension may be automatically retracted, e.g., a telescoping extension may be drawn under the hood of an automobile as the velocity of the vehicle decreases.

Abstract: A downforce-generating device for improving motor vehicle control is described. The device includes a movable underbody with a suspension-mounted support system such that the movable underbody transfers downforce load to, and moves with, the wheels of the vehicle. The suspension-mounted support system is adapted to functionally or physically disengage the movable underbody from the suspension of the vehicle upon lifting the movable underbody with a separate retraction system. A height-adjustment system may be provided to precisely control the ride height and orientation of the movable underbody relative to the roadway during vehicle travel.

Abstract: A rear spoiler device for a vehicle, as a utility vehicle or a trailer, includes at least one adjustable air guiding element for aerodynamically guiding air and extending the contour of the lateral region of the rear of the vehicle. The guide element is adjustable between a travel position, in which it extends rearwards in a lateral region of the rear for aerodynamically guiding air and extending the contour, and a stowed position. The air guiding element is spring pre-loaded into the extended travel position and is adjusted into the stowed position by pressing the guide element from the rear side counter against the spring pre-load.

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 air guiding device (10) for a motor vehicle has a spoiler lip (12) mountable on a front part (8) of the motor vehicle via an adapter (32) and extends in the transverse direction (FQ) of the vehicle. A pneumatic actuating device (28) shifts the spoiler lip (12) between a retracted rest position and an extended position. A flexurally elastic rod (24) is guided in a guide (26) near the free end of the spoiler lip (12). The spoiler lip (12) is mounted on the adapter (32) so that the spoiler lip (12), even in the retracted rest position, is under a prestress that opposes the shifting of the spoiler lip (12) out of the rest position into an extended position.