Rear-mounted retractable aerodynamic structure for cargo bodies

Abstract

An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 537,047, filed Sep. 20, 2011, entitled REAR-MOUNTED RETRACTABLE AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE FOR CARGO BODIES, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 577,923, filed Dec. 20, 2011, entitled REAR-MOUNTED RETRACTABLE AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE FOR CARGO BODIES, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 600,579, filed Feb. 17, 2012, entitled REAR-MOUNTED RETRACTABLE AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE FOR CARGO BODIES, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to rear-mounted aerodynamic structures for cargo bodies having rolling rear access doors.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Trucking is the primary mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]This invention overcomes the disadvantages with respect to aerodynamic structures for the rear and cargo bodies with rolling cargo doors. A rear fairing device (illustratively) for a rolling door trailer is retractable to allow for contact with loading bays. The various embodiments of the invention allow for full access to the loading door of a rolling door trailer. The aerodynamic structure includes a nacelle and corresponding winglet constructed and arranged such that the winglet provides aerodynamic drag reduction and is retractable when an amount of force i...

Problems solved by technology

The flat, projecting front face of a cargo body is a substantial source of drag, above the cab roof.

Nevertheless, most attempts to provide aerodynamic structures that integrate with the structure and function of the rear cargo doors of a truck have been unsuccessful and/or impractical to use and operate.

Such rear aerodynamic structures are typically large and difficult to remove from the rear so as to access the cargo doors when needed.

However, aerodynamic structures that swing upwardly require substantial strength or force to be moved away from the doors, and also require substantial height clearance above an already tall cargo body.

While this requires less force to move, it also requires substantial side clearance—w...

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