Stemco Products, Inc.

Stemco Inc

Advanced Transit Dynamics, Inc.

Jared A Niemiec

Jeffrey J Grossmann

Michael W Polidori

Andrew F Smith

Court S Hinricher

Riccardo Marco Pagliarella

Robert R Cholnoky

Barrie J Dickinson

Austin A Duncanson

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.

Rear-mounted retractable aerodynamic structure for cargo bodies

A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Retractable aerodynamic structures for cargo bodies and methods of controlling positioning of the same

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

An aerodynamic underbody fairing or 'skirt' that is attached to the rear wheels or 'bogeys' of a truck cargo body which typically can be slidably adjusted forward and aft along the cargo body. The various embodiments allow for a skirt that attaches to the bogeys of a truck cargo body and extends rearward to the rear plane of the trailer, and is of a retractable nature to allow for slidable adjustment of bogeys forward and aft along the cargo body for the purpose of continuing streamlined flow along the side of a truck cargo body already equipped with a side skirt forward of the bogeys. In the various embodiments of the invention, the retractable nature of the invention allows for a continuous skirt surface in-plane with the side of the truck cargo body extending from the bogeys to the rear plane of the truck cargo body, regardless of bogey position.

Aerodynamic structures secured to the underbody of cargo bodies

Growing community of inventors

Belmont, CA, United States of America

Jared A Niemiec