Side skirt

Abstract

There is described a modular, aerodynamic side skirt 100 for a vehicle. The side skirt comprising: a frame (202) configured to provide under-run protection to a vehicle; and a plurality of co-operating panels 102a-c configured to be connected to the frame. Each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a stepped profile (312). Wherein, during assembly, a length of a panel is adjusted by removing a predetermined portion of the panel disposed at a second end of the panel to adjust a length of the side skirt; and wherein the second end of each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels is configured to engage with the stepped profile of the first end of any adjacent panel such that outer surfaces of the panels are arranged substantially flush with one another to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. The skirt may have a hinge and a catch.

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to aerodynamic components for vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to aerodynamic side skirts for vehicles. Background of the Invention There is a need for improved efficiency in the transport industry to reduce operating costs and the environmental impact of transport. Vehicles with improved aerodynamic efficiency require less energy to undertake a given journey. Accordingly, such vehicles may require less fuel, or less electric charge for electric vehicles, reducing cost and emissions associated with burning fossil fuels. However, manufacturing new, aerodynamic vehicles and scrapping existing vehicles is wasteful and cost prohibitive. To improve the aerodynamic characteristics of existing vehicles, existing solutions include adding aerodynamic devices to vehicles. These devices are often heavy, negating any energy saving they may provide, and / or expensive, negating any cost saving made on fuel. Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art. Summary of the Invention At its most general, the present invention provides a modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle. The side skirt of the present invention is assembled from a plurality of parts, providing modularity. During assembly, the parts may be modified to adapt the side skirt for use with any suitable vehicle. In particular, a length of the side skirt may be adjusted during assembly so that the side skirt may fit a particular vehicle. Accordingly, the same side skirt kit may be produced for a wide range of vehicles and therefore, through economies of scale and mass production efficiencies, the cost of each side skirt is reduced. Further, each side skirt is tailored to fit the individual vehicle by removing excess material. In this way, the side skirt mass is kept to a minimum and the aerodynamic benefits of the side skirt are greater than the small detriment to efficiency due to the added mass to the vehicle of the side skirt. Furthermore, by assembling a side skirt from a plurality of components, each component may be small and simple. As such, specialist manufacturing methods required to form large and complex components are not required and the manufacturing cost of the side skirt of the present invention is reduced. Further, ahead of assembly to a vehicle, the modularity of the side skirt of the present invention allows it to be preassembled to greatly reduce a time, e.g., a takt time, for fitting the side skirt to a vehicle on a production line. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle, the side skirt comprising: a frame configured to provide under-run protection to a vehicle; and a plurality of co-operating panels configured to be connected to the frame, each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a stepped profile; wherein, during assembly of the side skirt, a length of at least one panel of the plurality of co-operating panels is adjusted by removing a predetermined portion of the panel disposed at a second end of the panel to adjust a length of the side skirt; and wherein the second end of each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels is configured to engage with the stepped profile of the first end of any adjacent panel such that outer surfaces of the panels are arranged substantially flush with one another to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. The side skirt provides under-run protection to the vehicle and aerodynamic benefit. Under-run protection promotes safety of the vehicle by inhibiting pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles from falling, sliding or driving underneath the vehicle, i.e., between axles of the vehicle. The side skirt is adjusted to fit a specific vehicle through the removal of the predetermined portion. For large vehicles requiring long side skirts, no adjustment may be required. For small vehicle requiring short side skirts, the predetermined portion removed may be large. By providing each panel with a first end comprising a stepped profile and a second end, engagement of the panels is independent of the length adjustment through removal of the predetermined portion and true modularity is achieved. That is to say, when a predetermined portion is removed, a new second end of that panel is provided and such a second end is configured to engage with the stepped profile of the first end without further modification to allow the plurality of panels to co-operate to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. The side skirt may comprise a hinge configured to couple the frame to the vehicle and operable to rotate the frame and plurality of co-operating panels between a first position and a second position. The side skirt provides alternate access and security to an underside of a vehicle. In a first position, for example, a closed position, the side skirt inhibits access to items stored under the vehicle and provides under-run and aerodynamic benefits. In a second position, for example, an open position, the side skirt provides access to items stored under the vehicle, enabling effective use of space. The hinge may be a continuous hinge comprising a flexible membrane. The hinge may be a ‘tila’ hinge. The flexible membrane may provide sealing benefits to the hinge to prevent water ingress into the hinge or between the side skirt and the vehicle. The frame may comprise a longitudinal member configured to be arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hinge; and a plurality of struts arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal member; wherein the plurality of struts is configured to connect the hinge and the longitudinal member together. The side skirt may comprise a biasing mechanism configured to bias the frame towards the second position. Where the second position is an open, or raised position, the biasing mechanism may counteract gravity to provide assistance to an operator seeking to open the side skirt for access to the vehicle underbody. The gas strut may support the weight of the panels and frame or may provide sufficient lifting force to operate the hinge to move the panels and frame into the open, or raised, position. The biasing mechanism may comprise a gas strut. Additionally or alternatively, the biasing mechanism may comprise a spring, a spring-damper, or any other suitable mechanism. The side skirt may comprise a catch configured to inhibit movement of the frame relative to the vehicle. In this way, the frame and panels may be retained in the closed position. A further catch may be provided to retain the frame and panels in the open position. The catch may resist the force provided by the biasing mechanism to retain the side skirt in an aerodynamic position. The catch may comprise a static catch element configured to be coupled to the vehicle, and a dynamic catch element configured to be coupled to the frame. The catch may be a grabber type catch. A grabber type catch may provide improved security as a closure mechanism to resist vibration, torsion, impact and force. A grabber type catch may be biased into a closed position such that a default configuration of the catch is secure. The side skirt may comprise a release mechanism operable to release the catch to allow movement of the frame relative to the vehicle. The release mechanism may comprise a lock configured to inhibit operation of the catch to further increase a security of the side skirt. The release mechanism may comprise a button, slider, handle, or keyhole. The side skirt may comprise a front corner panel configured to engage with a front panel of the plurality of co-operating panels to extend the aerodynamic surface formed by the plurality of cooperating panels in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The side skirt may comprise a rear corner panel configured to engage with a rear panel of the plurality of co-operating panels to extend the aerodynamic surface formed by the plurality of cooperating panels in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the frame. In this way, further aerodynamic benefit may be realised. In addition, further security may be provided as a rear of the side skirt may not be accessible via ends of the side skirt. The front corner panel and / or the rear corner panel may extend towards a centreline of the vehicle by a distance of at least a width of a tyre of the vehicle. In this way, an air flow around a tyre may be harnessed for aerodynamic benefit. The front corner panel and / or the rear corner panel may be removably retained on the vehicle separately from the frame and plurality of co-operating panels. The front and / or rear corner panels may move with the frame and plurality of co-operating panels between the first and second positions or may remain fixed with respect to the vehicle. By remaining fixed, a depth of a moving part of the side skirt may be reduced such that, in the open position, the frame and panels protrude minimally away from the vehicle. A panel of the plurality of co-operating panels may comprise a flexible portion configured to be disposed near an access point of the vehicle for protection of the side skirt. The flexible portion may provide protection to the panel of the plurality of co-operating panels. When a vehicle is manipulated, e.g., by a gantry crane, an end effector of the crane poses a risk of damage to any side skirt of the vehicle. By providing a flexible portion disposed in an appropriate location, e.g., near an access point for the end effector, the side skirt of the present invention may be protected from damage by equipment accessing the access point. Further, by providing a flexible side skirt portion, an aerodynamic benefit of the side skirt is retained in this area. Providing merely a cut out in the side skirt near the access point may introduce a source of aerodynamic drag. A flexible portion maintains an aerodynamic benefit of the side skirt while providing protection to the panel. The flexible portion may be configured to deform to protect the panel when the access point of the vehicle is approached by an end effector of a gantry crane. By deforming under load, the flexible portion avoids transferring load to the panel of the plurality of co-operating panels, thereby protecting the panel from damage such as cracking. In this way, the side skirt is adapted for use with Huckepack cranes and other Huckepack systems, such as rail cars. Each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer. In particular, each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In this way, the panels may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. Further, the panels may be formed from recycled materials and / or may themselves be recyclable. Panels may be formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene via vacuum-forming which is a highly scalable manufacturing method. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a frame configured to provide under-run protection to a vehicle and suitable for use in the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to the first aspect of the invention. The frame may be formed from steel. Alternatively, the frame may be formed from aluminium or from a composite material. The frame may be formed from any material that is suitably lightweight and strong. The frame may be length adjustable to adapt to a particular vehicle. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a panel configured to co-operate with a further panel to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface and suitable for use in the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to the first aspect of the invention. A plurality of such panels may form the plurality of co-operating panels of the first aspect of the invention. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for assembling the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to the first aspect of the invention. Such an apparatus may include a jig for measuring the predetermined portion to be removed from a panel of the plurality of co-operating panels. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising parts operable to be assembled into the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to the first aspect of the invention. The kit of parts may comprise a frame and a plurality of co-operating panels. Further, the kit of parts may comprise a hinge, a catch, a lock, a biasing mechanism and any other suitable components. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a frame and a plurality of co-operating panels, each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a stepped profile; adjusting a length of at least one panel of the plurality of co-operating panels by removing a portion of the panel disposed at a second end of the panel; and connecting each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels to the frame so that the second end of each panel engages with the stepped profile of the first end of any adjacent panel such that outer surfaces of the panels are arranged substantially flush with one another to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a schematic isometricfrontviewof a modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 depicts a schematic isometric rear view of the modular, aerodynamic side skirt of Figure 1; Figure 3 depicts a schematic isometric view of a plurality of co-operating panels of the modular, aerodynamic side skirt of Figure 1; Figure 4 depicts a schematic isometric detail view of a hinge of the modular, aerodynamic side skirt of Figure 1; Figure 5 depicts a schematic isometric detail view of a panel of a modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 depicts a schematic isometric view of the modular, aerodynamic side skirt of Figure 1 on a vehicle and in an open position. Detailed Description With reference to Figure 1, there is provided a schematic view of a modular, aerodynamic side skirt 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The side skirt 100 comprises a plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c arranged so that outer surfaces of the panels 102a, 102b, 102c are substantially flush to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. Each panel of the plurality of panels 102a, 102b, 102c comprises a similar height and profile so that the outer surfaces may be arranged flush. Lengths of panels 102a and 102b are substantially identical, whereas a length of panel 102c is significantly less than the lengths of panels 102a and 102b. During assembly of the side skirt 100, a length of panel 102c was adjusted by removing a predetermined portion of the panel to adjust a length of the whole side skirt 100. Therefore, before assembly, panels 102a, 102b and 102c were identical. Each panel 102a, 102b, 102c comprises a plurality of grooves 103 each configured to receive a protective strip, e.g., a sacrificial plastic or rubber strip, configured to protect the panels 102a, 102b, 102c from damage. Each panel 102a, 102b, 102c may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Each panel 102a, 102b, 102c comprises an upper section 105 and a lower section 107, labelled on panel 102c only for clarity. For each panel, the lower section 107 is inclined relative to the upper section 105. When arranged on a vehicle, the upper section 105 is arranged substantially parallel to a side a vehicle, such that the lower section 107 is inclined from the upper section 105 towards a centreline of the vehicle. By having a lower section 107 inclined towards a centreline of the vehicle, an area enclosed by the lower section 107 of the side skirt 100 is smaller than an area enclosed by the upper section 105 of the side skirt 100. Further, an area enclosed by the lowest extent of the side skirt 100 is the smallest area enclosed by the side skirt 100. In other words, in use, the lower section 107 of the side skirt 100 is inside a footprint of the vehicle. Inthis way, the side skirt 100 is at a reduced risk of damage. For example, when a vehicle comprising the side skirt 100 is loaded onto a rail car, the side skirt 100 is less likely to be damaged during loading or unloading due to the inclined lower section 107. In a similar way, the side skirt 100 is less likely to be damaged during forklift loading of the vehicle. Further, the side skirt 100 may avoid damage due to contact with kerbs, bollards and other features of roads, for example when the vehicle is turning, by having an inclined lower section 107. The side skirt 100 comprises a hinge 104 configured to couple the side skirt 100 to the vehicle. The hinge 104 is disposed at an upper edge of each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c. The hinge 104 is operable to rotate the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c between a first position and a second position. The hinge 104 is a continuous hinge comprising a flexible membrane, also known as a tila hinge. The hinge 104 is further discussed with reference to Figure 4. The side skirt 100 comprises a catch configured to inhibit movement of the side skirt 100 relative to the vehicle. The catch inhibits rotation of the panels 102a, 102b, 102c through operation of the hinge 104. The catch comprises a release mechanism 106 operable to release the catch to allow movement of the panels 102a, 102b, 102c relative to the vehicle. The release mechanism 106 may comprise a lock such that, when locked, the release mechanism 106 is not operable to release the catch and, when unlocked, the release mechanism 106 is operable to release the catch, thereby allowing movement of the panels 102a, 102b, 102c relative to the vehicle. The release mechanism 106 and any lock are disposed on an outer surface of the plurality of cooperating panels 102a, 102b, 102c of the side skirt 100 for ease of access. Two release mechanisms 106 are shown in Figure 1 and each releases an independent catch. One release mechanism may be used to release multiple catches simultaneously via a linkage mechanism. In this way, one lock, and therefore only one key, may be required to lock and unlock the panels 102a, 102b, 102c in place. The side skirt 100 comprises a front corner panel 108 and a rear corner panel 112. The front corner panel 108 engages with a front panel 102a of the side skirt to extend the aerodynamic surface formed by the panels 102a, 102b, 102c in a direction substantially orthogonal to the outer surface of the panels 102a, 102b, 102c. The rear corner panel 112 engages with a rear panel 102c of the side skirt to extend the aerodynamic surface formed by the panels 102a, 102b, 102c in a direction substantially orthogonal to the outer surface of the panels 102a, 102b, 102c. The front corner panel 108 and the rear corner panel 112 extend the aerodynamic surface towards a centreline of the vehicle. An outer surface of the front corner panel 108 comprises a first flat portion 110a, a second flat portion 110b, and a curved portion 110c disposed between the first and second flat portions 110a, 110b. The curved portion 110c may have a curvature defined by a small, e.g., 50 mm, radius for practicality of fitting, see rear corner panel 112. Such a small radius may be used in conjunction with a 400 mm inbound front flat face. Alternatively, the curved portion 110c may have a curvature defined by a large, e.g., 400 mm, radius for improved fuel efficiency. Such a large radius may be used in conjunction with a smaller, e.g., 50 mm, flat face. Other radii between 50 mm and 400 mm are envisaged. Any suitable radius for providing aerodynamic efficiency and compact practical fitting may be used. The first flat portion 110a extends the aerodynamic surface in a direction substantially parallel to the substantially continuous aerodynamic surface formed by the panels 102a, 102b, 102c. The second flat portion 110b extends the aerodynamic surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the substantially continuous aerodynamic surface formed by the panels 102a, 102b, 102c. The second flat portion 110b may have a greater extent than the first flat portion 110a. With reference to Figure 2, there is provided a schematic rear view of the modular, aerodynamic side skirt 100 of Figure 1. Certain components of the vehicle visible in Figure 1 are not shown in Figure 2 for clarity. Figure 2 shows a frame 202 of the side skirt 100 configured to provide under-run protection to the vehicle. Each panel of the plurality of panels 102a, 102b, 102c is connected to the frame 202 by a bracket 204. The brackets 204 may co-operate with the frame 202 and fixings situated within a rubber protection strip disposed on an outer surface of the side skirt 100 so that the brackets 204 allow the frame 202 to be compactly and robustly fastened to the panels 102a, 102b, 102c while the outer surface of the side skirt 100 remains uninterrupted by fixings so as to provide aerodynamic benefit. Catches 206 are shown in Figure 2. Each catch comprises a static catch element and a dynamic catch element. In other words, each catch comprises an element that remains stationary and an element that moves when the catch is operated. One element of each catch 206, preferably the static element, is connected to a lateral strut 208 of the vehicle. The other element of each catch, preferably the dynamic element, is connected to the bracket 204. In this way, when the catch is engaged, the bracket 204, and thereby the frame 202 and panels 102a, 102b, 102c of the side skirt 100 are coupled to the lateral struts 208 of the vehicle. When the catch 206 is released by operating the release mechanism 106, the side skirt 100 is disconnected from the lateral struts 208 of the vehicle and may be rotated by operating the hinge 104 from a closed position to an open position. The open and closed positions are discussed further with reference to Figure 6. The plurality of panels 102a, 102b, 102c are connected together at the ends of each panel. One end of each panel comprises a stepped profile configured to co-operate with another end of an adjacent panel to form a joggle joint 212. The joggle joints 212 are further discussed with reference to Figure 3. Turning now to Figure 3, a plurality of co-operating panels 302a, 302b, 302c for a side skirt according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown in a pre-assembly state. Also shown are front corner panel 304 and rear corner panel 306. Before assembly, each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels 302a, 302b, 302c is identical. Each panel comprises a first end 308a, 308b, 308c and a second end 310a, 310b, 310c, the first end 308a, 308b, 308c comprising a stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c. The stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c comprises a portion of the panel 302a, 302b, 302c which is recessed from the remainder of the panel 302a, 302b, 302c. The stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c does not form part of the substantially continuous aerodynamic surface formed by outer surfaces of the plurality of panels 302a, 302b, 302c when assembled. The stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c may be formed by material removal, i.e., the stepped profile may comprise a section of panel 302a, 302b, 302c which has a reduced thickness compared to the remainder of the panel 302a, 302b, 302c. Additionally or alternatively, the stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c may be formed by moulding the panel 302a, 302b, 302c using a mould with a step feature. Further, the stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c may be formed in the panel 302a, 302b, 302c as a secondary manufacturing step, for example, by bending or stamping the panel 302a, 302b, 302c. Still further, the stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c may be formed separately from the remainder of the panel 302a, 302b, 302c and connected to the remainder of the panel 302a, 302b, 302c, e.g., by welding, adhesion, fastening or any other suitable method, prior to assembly of the side skirt. The stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c may have a corresponding shape to a profile of the remainder of the panel 302a, 302b, 302c, for example, the stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c may comprise grooves corresponding to the grooves on the outer surface of the panel 302a, 302b, 302c configured to receive a protective strip. Considering now panel 302b, the stepped profile 312b of the first end 308b of the panel 302b is configured to engage with the second end 310a of adjacent panel 302a, providing a joggle joint 318. The second end 310b of the panel 302b is configured to engage with the stepped profile 312c of the first end 308c of another adjacent panel 302c, providing a further joggle joint 320. When assembled, the adjacent panel 302a may overlap the panel 302b and the panel 302b may overlap the other adjacent panel 302c to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic outer surface. Once so arranged, the panels 302a, 302b, 302c may be connected in any suitable manner, e.g., bonded together. For example, the panels may be bonded together using a doublesided, high bond strength tape. Alternatively, the panels 302a, 302b, 302c may be held in engagement by virtue of being connected to a frame of the side skirt. The front corner panel 304 is configured to be connected to only one other panel, panel 302a. Accordingly, the front corner panel 304 comprises a second end 31 Od configured to engage with the stepped profile 312a of the first end 308a of panel 302a. The other end of front corner panel 304 does not comprise a stepped profile. Similarly, the rear corner panel 306 is configured to be connected to panel 302c only. Accordingly, the rear corner panel 306 comprises a first end 308e comprising a stepped profile 312e configured to engage with the second end 310c of panel 302c. The front and rear corner panels 304, 306 have different shapes and are configured for different purposes. A corner of the front corner panel 304 comprises a larger radius of curvature than a corner of the rear corner panel 306. Accordingly, the rear corner panel 306 may be space-efficient and practical whereas the front corner panel 304 may be aerodynamically efficient for fuel economy. During assembly of the side skirt, a length of panel 302c is adjusted by removing a predetermined portion 316 of the panel 302c disposed at a second end 310c of the panel 302c to adjust a length of the whole side skirt. The predetermined portion 316 may be removed by cutting the panel, e.g., using a CNC milling machine. A length of the predetermined portion 316 may be determined by calculating the difference between the desired length of side skirt, and the sum of the lengths of the panels 302a, 302b, 302c. When the predetermined portion 316 is removed, the second end 310c of the panel 302c is removed. Accordingly, the cut end of the remainder of the panel 302c becomes a new second end 322 comprising an identical profile to the previous second end 310c. The new second end 322 then engages with the stepped profile 312e of the first end 308e of the rear corner panel 306, providing a joggle joint. By providing a first end 308a, 308b, 308c of each panel 302a, 302b, 302c with a stepped profile 312a, 312b, 312c and a second end 310a, 310b, 310c with no stepped profile, the joggle joints 318, 320 are independent of the length of the panels 302a, 302b, 302c. After a length of any panel 302a, 302b, 302c is adjusted by removing a portion from the second end 310a, 310b, 310c, the panels may be connected together at the joggle joints 318, 320 in the same way as if no length adjustment had been made. That is to say, the length adjustment has no effect on the engagement of the panels 302a, 302b, 302c to form the substantially continuous aerodynamic surface. As such, the second end 310a, 310b, 310c of any panel 302a, 302b, 302c may be trimmed to provide a plurality of panels 302a, 302b, 302c of any suitable length connectable together at joggle joints 318, 320. Figure 3 shows three co-operating panels, a front corner panel and a rear corner panel. Any suitable number of co-operating panels may be used. For example, two, three, four, five or more co-operating panels may be used. By increasing a number of co-operating panels, a length of each co-operating panel may be reduced, thereby reducing a cost of each panel and increasing a range of manufacturing methods that may be suitable to produce the panels. However, by increasing a number of co-operating panels, a complexity, and thereby a cost, of assembly of the plurality of panels is increased. The inventors have found that three panels provides a suitable balance between manufacturing and assembly costs. With reference to Figure 4, there is provided a detail view of the hinge 104 of the modular, aerodynamic side skirt 100 for a vehicle of Figure 1. The hinge 104 is a continuous hinge comprising a flexible membrane, or ‘tila’ hinge. The hinge 104 connects the side skirt 100 to the vehicle by coupling the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c to the vehicle. The hinge 104 comprises a first hinge part 402 and a second hinge part 404 connected by a flexible membrane 406. The first hinge part 402 is connected to the upper edge of the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c. The second hinge part 404 is connected to the vehicle, e.g., to a lower edge of a trailer chassis. A bracket 408 is provided in the embodiment of Figure 4 to connect the second hinge part 404 to the vehicle. Each of the first and second hinge parts 402, 404 comprise a cavity configured to receive an arm of the flexible membrane 406 and a tab configured to retain the flexible membrane 406 so that the arms of the flexible membrane 406 are secured within the respective cavities. The flexible membrane 406 deforms to allow the first hinge part 402 to move with respect to the second hinge part 404. In a closed position, as shown in Figure 4, the first and second hinge parts 402, 404 are arranged so that the cavities containing the flexible membrane are parallel and adjacent, i.e., not colinear. In an open position, the flexible membrane 406 is deformed to allow the first hinge part 402, the frame 202 and panels 102a, 102b, 102c side skirt 100 to be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the hinge 104. The opening and closing of the side skirt is discussed further with reference to Figure 6. The first and second hinge parts 402, 404 may be formed of metal, e.g., aluminium, a composite material or plastic, and both need not be formed of the same material. The flexible membrane 406 may be formed of a polymer such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the flexible membrane may be formed of rubber, other plastics or any other suitably flexible and durable material. With reference to Figure 5, a schematic detail view of a panel 602a of a modular, aerodynamic side skirt 600 for a vehicle is provided. The panel 602a is connected to a front corner panel 604. Both the panel 602a and the front corner panel 604 comprise cutaway portions which co-operate to form a hole 606 in the substantially continuous aerodynamic surface of the panels 602a, 604 disposed at an upper edge of the panels 602a, 604. No hinge is provided in the hole 606. Instead hinge 605a, 605b is split into two parts so that both the panel 602a and the front corner panel 604 are rotatable when the hinge 605a, 605b is operated. The hole 606 is partially filled by a protective insert 608. The protective insert 608 is connected to the panel 602a and the front corner panel 604 at edges of the cutaway portions so that the protective insert 608 partially surrounds the hole 606 and provides a buffer zone between the panel 602a and the hole 606, and the front corner panel 604 and the hole 606. The hole 606 and protective insert 608 are arranged on the side skirt 600 so that, in use on a vehicle, the hole 606 and protective insert 608 are aligned with an access point of the vehicle, e.g., a lifting point of the vehicle. The hole 606 provides additional clearance to the access point of the vehicle. The protective insert 608 provides protection to the panel 602a and the front corner panel 604. The protective insert 608 may be a flexible portion of the panels 602a, 604 configured to deform when loaded without transferring stress to the panel 602a and the front corner panel 604. The flexible portion 608 of the panels 602a, 604 may be formed of a polymer material, e.g., rubber or polyurethane, any other plastic material, or any further suitably flexible material. In use, e.g., when a vehicle is being prepared to be lifted by a gantry crane, the access point may be approached by accessing equipment e.g., an end effector of the crane, without damaging the panels 602a, 604 as protective insert 608 is disposed between the panels 602a, 604 and the hole 606 configured to receive the accessing equipment. If the accessing equipment is misaligned when it approaches the side skirt 600, it may impact the protective insert 608 which may deform to absorb the impact without transferring any force to the panels 602a, 604. In this way, the side skirt 600 is configured to accommodate handling by a Huckepack crane. To further protect the side skirt 600 from damage, particularly during handling by heavy machinery such as a Huckepack crane, a rub rail may be provided along a length of the substantially continuous aerodynamic surface of the side skirt 600. The rub rail may be a durable, and / or sacrificial protrusion configured to stand proud of the substantially continuous aerodynamic surface of the side skirt 600 to protect the side skirt from being damaged e.g., by bollards, forklift trucks, and gantry crane systems, such as the Huckepack system. The rub rail may be disposed in groove 610. The side skirt 600 may comprise a plurality of rub rails. The rub rail may be formed of a polymer material, e.g., rubber. Additionally or alternatively, the groove 610 may comprise a side marker lamp. A side marker lamp may be fitted at any position along the groove 610 of the side skirt 600. In this way, the groove 610, and more generally, the shape of the outer surface of the plurality of co-operating panels, provides flexibility in the positioning of the side marker lamp. Further, by positioning the side marker lamp in the groove 610, the side marker lamp is inset, or recessed, from an outermost surface of the side skirt and is thereby protected from damage. For example, if the side skirt 600 or vehicle suffers a side impact, the side marker lamp may be protected by the groove 610 from direct impact. With reference to Figure 6, a schematic view of the modular, aerodynamic side skirt 100 is shown in an open position. The side skirt 100 further comprises front corner panel 108 and rear corner panel 112. Figure 6 shows the side skirt 100 in the open position such that items, e.g., spare wheel, stored behind the side skirt 100, i.e., under the vehicle, are accessible. The side skirt 100 is moved into the open position through operation of hinge 104. In order to operate the hinge 104, the catches, comprising static catch element 704 mounted on lateral strut 208 of the vehicle and dynamic catch element 706 mounted on the side skirt 100 must be released. The hinge 104 is operable to rotate the frame 202, plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c, front corner panel 108 and rear corner panel 112 between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a closed position, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. The second position may be an open position, as shown in Figure 6. The frame 202 of side skirt 100 comprises a longitudinal member 710 arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hinge 104; and a plurality of perpendicular struts 712; wherein the plurality of perpendicular struts connect the hinge 104 and the longitudinal member 710 together. In this way, the hinge 104 couples the frame 202 to the vehicle. Further frame parts 714 extend the under-run protection provided by the frame towards a distal end of the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c. The further frame parts 714 include a handle 718 which may be used to close the side skirt 100. The side skirt 100 comprises gas struts 716 which are biasing mechanisms that bias the frame 202, and thereby the panels 102a, 102b, 102c, 108, 112 towards the second, or open, position. When the side skirt 100 is in the closed position, the gas struts 716 are compressed and the engagement of the catch elements 704, 706 inhibits the action of the gas struts urging the frame 202 and panels 102a, 102b, 102c, 108, 112 towards the open position. When the catch is released, the gas struts extend to operate the hinge 104 and move the frame 202 and panels 102a, 102b, 102c, 108, 112 towards the open position, as shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6, the front and rear corner panels 108, 112 move between the open and closed positions with the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c. In other embodiments, the front and rear corner panels 108, 112 may be fixed in the first, closed position so that they do not move to the open position with the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c. In this embodiment, the front and rear corner panels 108, 112 may disconnect from the plurality of cooperating panels 102a, 102b, 102c when the plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c moves, e.g., when the catch is released, so that the frame 202 and plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c are moved when the hinge is operated, but the front and rear corner panels 108, 112 are not. Accordingly, the front corner panel 108 and / or the rear corner panel 112 may be removably retained on the vehicle separately from the frame 202 and plurality of co-operating panels 102a, 102b, 102c. Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, the modular, aerodynamic side skirt may be used on any suitable or for any suitable purpose, e.g., as an air dam. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt may comprise any number of panels, frame parts, hinges or other components. For example, the plurality of co-operating panels may comprise one front corner panel, one rear corner panel and one intermediate panel connected by joggle joints or otherwise, wherein a length of the intermediate panel is adjusted to adjust the overall length of the side skirt. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt may be formed from any suitable materials. To provide a modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle, an innovative design is required. The 5 present invention utilises a plurality of panels co-operating in an efficient and effective arrangement to provide a side skirt with reduced mass, easy assembly and improved manufacturability. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components than are illustrated in the figures could be used, for example.

Claims

1. A modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle, the side skirt comprising:a frame configured to provide under-run protection to a vehicle; anda plurality of co-operating panels configured to be connected to the frame, each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a stepped profile;wherein, during assembly of the side skirt, a length of at least one panel of the plurality of co-operating panels is adjusted by removing a predetermined portion of the panel disposed at a second end of the panel to adjust a length of the side skirt; andwherein the second end of each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels is configured to engage with the stepped profile of the first end of any adjacent panel such that outer surfaces of the panels are arranged substantially flush with one another to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface.

2. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 1, the side skirt comprising a hinge configured to couple the frame to the vehicle and operable to rotate the frame and plurality of co-operating panels between a first position and a second position.

3. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the hinge is a continuous hinge comprising a flexible membrane.

4. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the frame comprises a longitudinal member configured to be arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hinge; and a plurality of struts arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal member; wherein the plurality of struts is configured to connect the hinge and the longitudinal member together.

5. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the side skirt comprises a biasing mechanism configured to bias the frame towards the second position.

6. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a gas strut.

7. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any preceding claim, the side skirt comprising a catch configured to inhibit movement of the frame relative to the vehicle.

8. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the catch comprises a static catch element configured to be coupled to the vehicle, and a dynamic catch element configured to be coupled to the frame.

9. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the catch is a grabber type catch.

10. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the side skirt comprises a release mechanism operable to release the catch to allow movement of the frame relative to the vehicle.

11. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any preceding claim, the side skirt comprising a front corner panel configured to engage with a front panel of the plurality of co-operating panels to extend the aerodynamic surface formed by the plurality of co-operating panels in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the frame.

12. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any preceding claim, the side skirt comprising a rear corner panel configured to engage with a rear panel of the plurality of co-operating panels to extend the aerodynamic surface formed by the plurality of co-operating panels in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the frame.

13. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the front corner panel and / or the rear corner panel extend towards a centreline of the vehicle by a distance of at least a width of a tyre of the vehicle.

14. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein, the front corner panel and / or the rear corner panel are removably retained on the vehicle separately from the frame and plurality of co-operating panels.

15. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein a panel of the plurality of co-operating panels comprises a flexible portion configured to be disposed near an access point of the vehicle for protection of the side skirt.

16. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the flexible portion is configured to deform to protect the panel when the access point of the vehicle is approached by an end effector of a gantry crane.

17. The modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels is formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

18. A frame configured to provide under-run protection to a vehicle and suitable for use in the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to any preceding claim.

19. A panel configured to co-operate with a further panel to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface and suitable for use in the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. An apparatus for assembling the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

21. A kit of parts comprising parts operable to be assembled into the modular, aerodynamic side skirt according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

22. A method of assembling a modular, aerodynamic side skirt for a vehicle, the method comprising:providing a frame and a plurality of co-operating panels, each panel of the plurality of cooperating panels comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a stepped profile;adjusting a length of at least one panel of the plurality of co-operating panels by removing a portion of the panel disposed at a second end of the panel; andconnecting each panel of the plurality of co-operating panels to the frame so that the second end of each panel engages with the stepped profile of the first end of any adjacent panel such that outer surfaces of the panels are arranged substantially flush with one another to provide a substantially continuous aerodynamic surface.

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