Stemco Products, Inc.

Stemco Inc

Austin A Duncanson

Jeffrey J Grossmann

Michael W Polidori

Court S Hinricher

Andrew F Smith

Jared A Niemiec

Robert R Cholnoky

James Matthew Barron

Kyle A Sager

This invention provides aerodynamic structures for the rear of a cargo body that move between a deployed position and a retracted position. The aerodynamic structures are typically three-sided, with a top panel and opposing side panels that form a partial cavity at the rear of the body. The panels employ tensioned flexible (e.g. fabric) panels or rigid/semi-rigid panels that are stowed, rolled, or folded in a retracted position against the rear of the door frame (for flexible panels) of the cargo body, or along the sides of the cargo body (for rigid/semi-rigid panels). The rigid/semi-rigid panels can be stored within nacelles that protect the panels and improve aerodynamic performance. Various linkages, including rotating rigid members attached to the rear of the body can coordinate movement between a top panel and side panels between deployed and retracted positions and a variety of powered and non-powered actuators can facilitate panel movement.

Deployable aerodynamic device for rear of a cargo body

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a deployable aerodynamic structure for a cargo body of a vehicle. The aerodynamic structure can include one or more panels that can be mounted to a cargo body of a vehicle and can move between a retracted position and a deployed position using various automated actuation systems.

Rear aerodynamic structure for cargo bodies and actuation mechanism for the same

A rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for securing to a cargo body includes a three- or four-sided structure having a deployed position for assisting in improving aerodynamic efficiency of the cargo body. The cargo body can be the body of a trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle or trailer towed behind a vehicle such as a truck. It can comprise a trailer body or other cargo body well-known in the art. A spoiler 'flow keeper' mounted to a top surface of the rear of the cargo body, as additional aerodynamic structures or as a standalone spoiler for cargo bodies. The three- or four-sided rear-mounted aerodynamic structure can comprise any of a variety of illustrative embodiments shown and described herein.

Rear-mounted aerodynamic structures for cargo bodies

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San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Austin A Duncanson