Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080203762 | Handguard apparatus and methods - This invention relates to handguards that may be used on motorcycles, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, and personal watercraft. The handguard according to the present invention includes a shield connected to a handlebar mount by an elongated support member. The elongated support member is of a unitary construction and is fabricated from an elastic material so that the shield may be movable within at least two planes by at least 90 degrees from a relaxed position to a deformed position upon the application of an external force. | 08-28-2008 |
20080211260 | Means and methods to reduce drags - A drag reduction mean which consists a duct and a support mean which duct can reflect passed through flows and which is mounted on one end of the support mean which another end can be mounted on an object which can move in a fluid; the length of the support mean being able to be altered by a mechanical mean; the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the entrance and the exit of the duct being able to be altered; the normal directions of the exit of the duct being able to be altered; the algorithms of using the drag reduction means being revealed. | 09-04-2008 |
20080246306 | Wind Deflector For a Motor Vehicle - The present invention relates to a wind deflector ( | 10-09-2008 |
20080265619 | Method and apparatus to improve stability of automobile - A system to improve the aerodynamic stability of automobiles, comprising mounting on the roof of an automobile a scaled down replica of an existing racing vehicle including downforce generating component and in which proprietary rights exist concerning the aerodynamic construction of the racing vehicle. | 10-30-2008 |
20080277966 | Air Guiding System for a Vehicle - A vehicle air guiding system in a rear area of the vehicle has a central air guiding element displaceable between a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Lateral air guiding elements, which are displaceable together with the central air guiding element, are telescopically displaceable relative to the central air guiding element while enlarging the transverse dimension of the air guiding system transversely to vehicle longitudinal direction from an also moved-in inoperative position into an also moved-out operative position. In the inoperative position, the lateral air guiding elements are pushed over the central air guiding element so that they rest against one another by way of the end sections and completely cover or envelop the central air guiding element. | 11-13-2008 |
20080284204 | Liftgate Exterior Module For An Automotive Vehicle - The technology described herein provides a molded trim assembly located externally at the top of a liftgate structure to provide an aerodynamic and stylish overhang above the liftgate glass. Furthermore, the technology also provides a liftgate exterior module including a plug-in module containing a motorized window wiper arm assembly, a central high mounted stop light, and a washer fluid spray nozzle. | 11-20-2008 |
20080290690 | EXTERIOR MIRROR SAIL AIR FLOW SPOILER - A side view mirror assembly for minimizing noise generated during movement of a vehicle having the assembly mounted thereto. The assembly includes a sail mountable to the vehicle, an arm mounted to or formed with the sail, and a mirror mountable to the arm. The sail may include a spoiler having a generally triangular cross-section for deflecting air flow away from the vehicle and thereby minimizing noise generated during movement of the vehicle. | 11-27-2008 |
20080303309 | Vehicle Air Dam System - An air dam is made of flexible cells installed adjacent to one another so that the air dam is capable of installation in many deflecting configurations on a vehicle and can also deflect under impact. The air dam system may be capable of being deployed at higher speeds while being stowed under the frame of the truck when the truck is operating on rough road surfaces to reduce the potential for air dam damage. The air dam system can be actuated pneumatically and when deployed tends to reduce aerodynamic drag by altering the path of airflow under and/or immediately around a vehicle. Other methods of actuation such as hydraulic or mechanical components may also be used with the air dam system. Alternatively, the air dam cells may be stationary and include an inflated bladder and/or flexible sleeve mounted adjacent to one another on an air dam frame. | 12-11-2008 |
20080309121 | System for the reduction of aerodynamic drag on vehicles - The system is designed to reduce the aerodynamic drag on the box type of trucks such as semi-trailer or full truck vans. The system consists of a series of ductwork that gathers airflow from the front of the van and conducts the flow to the rear end of the van where it is released in proportional amounts at the back end of the truck, so as to alleviate the drag. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309122 | REAR-MOUNTED AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE FOR TRUCK CARGO BODIES - This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear face of a truck cargo body, which rear typically contains a door assembly, with a plurality of doors that swing open on hinges, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The various embodiments of the invention allow an aerodynamic structure to be permanently attached to the rear of the trailer in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the aerodynamic structure generates reduced drag on the trailer body, yet enables ready access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position still allows the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors (among others), allows the doors to be folded through a full 270-degree arc from a closed position to a position flush along the sides of the vehicle, with a minimal sideways projection. The various embodiments also enable relatively rapid and easy transition between the folded position and the deployed position using a variety of actuators and linkages that tie the folding and deployment of various panels of the structure together. This allows an operator to selectively fold and deploy the structure without undue effort or strength. | 12-18-2008 |
20080315622 | Wheel Pant Device For a Vehicle and Control Method Thereof - In a wheel pant device ( | 12-25-2008 |
20090001757 | SPOILER DEVICE - According to an aspect of the present invention, a spoiler device for a vehicle for controlling air stream of the vehicle, the spoiler device covering a hinge member and pivoting in response to a pivotal movement of a back door supported by the hinge member in a pivotally movable manner in a vertical direction thereof, includes an upper wall portion adapted to be arranged adjacent to a roof of the vehicle and extending along the roof in a width direction of the vehicle, a lower wall portion formed integrally with the upper wall portion by blow forming and provided between the upper wall portion and a hinge shaft provided at the hinge member, the lower wall portion including an opening at a portion located above the hinge shaft, and a cover fixedly attached to the lower wall portion for covering the opening thereby to cover the hinge member. | 01-01-2009 |
20090008961 | Fastening Apparatus - A fastening apparatus makes it possible for an additional wing to be fixed to a spoiler basic body via screws which are disposed in a concealed manner, such as a threaded screw and a threaded nut, the threaded screw being held in a manner which is captive in a cage and positionally fixed on the spoiler basic body, and ensuring positioning with respect to the threaded nut. | 01-08-2009 |
20090026796 | Wind Protection System For Convertibles - A wind protection system for a convertible vehicle comprises a textured perforated plate which is embossed with a regular honeycomb structure and has a sufficient degree of inherent rigidity so as not to require a frame. In addition, the perforated plate preferably has the greatest possible number of holes of identical shape and size which afford good transparency is achieved. | 01-29-2009 |
20090026797 | Wake stabilization device and method for reducing the aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles - A wake stabilization device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles. An improved device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of bluff base vehicles by increasing the pressure on the bluff base of the vehicle by controlling the wake flow and the interaction of the wake flow with the vehicle bluff base region. The device generates a reduction in drag force on the bluff base of a body moving through a fluid. The apparatus consists of two opposing panels attached to the bluff base and aligned approximately parallel to the side edge of the bluff base and lying in a plane that is parallel to the vehicle centerline. The drag force reduction results from controlling the flow entering the bluff base trailing wake from the left side surface, right side surface, bottom surface, and top surfaces of the vehicle. The objects and advantages also extend to other applications in which an object, body, or vehicle is moving through either a gas or a fluid. | 01-29-2009 |
20090039674 | Front-end module for vehicles - This present invention relates to a front-end module for vehicles which comprises a mounting member with a plurality of sections extending in different directions to accommodate vehicle components wherein a component provided as a cooling module is by means of fixing elements secured to said mounting member in a central area thereof and wherein an air guide unit is disposed adjacent to said mounting member which unit comprises at least one air guide element made of a foamed material. | 02-12-2009 |
20090096248 | System for Reducing Fuel Consumption in Vehicles - The invention relates to a system for reducing fuel consumption in vehicles. According to the invention, fuel consumption is reduced by minimizing the aerodynamic resistances generated as the vehicle moves forward. The inventive system consists in conveying air to the rear or stern of the vehicle whereat a depression is known to form. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said air is conveyed using a tubular casing ( | 04-16-2009 |
20090096249 | ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY FOR AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT COVER - An attachment assembly for an aerodynamic cover includes a substantially flattened aerodynamic cover adapted to be located on a body panel with a predetermined height (H) form the body panel; a first clip; and a second clip. The first clip comprises a flange and a shank adapted to engage with a stud on the body panel. The second clip includes a flange and a tubular body adapted to receive the shank therein and connect the shank therewith. The first and second clips are connected to each other in a manner that the aerodynamic cover is sandwiched and held between the flange. Thus, the aerodynamic cover is located on the body panel with the predetermined height (H) form the body panel. | 04-16-2009 |
20090121517 | FALSE DIVISION BAR FOR MINIMIZING WIND THROB NOISE - A false division bar assembly for minimizing wind noise generated during movement of a vehicle including a retractable rear window. The assembly includes a division bar mountable in a vehicle rear door window opening to create at least two air passages on opposite sides of the division bar within the vehicle rear door window opening, to thereby minimize wind noise generated during movement of the vehicle when the vehicle front windows are closed with the vehicle rear windows being opened. | 05-14-2009 |
20090140542 | Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 06-04-2009 |
20090146452 | AERODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF GROUND VEHICLES - The present invention relates to the improvement of the aerodynamic properties of bluff-body shaped ground vehicles. A least one air modulator is assembled on the vehicle to modify an air flow around the vehicle, such that the drag on the vehicle is decreased. Each air modulator has an array of openings including a number of openings, which are arranged next to one another along an essentially straight line. A control unit controls the at least one air modulator output oscillating air from each opening such that air vortices are formed outside the opening. The at least one air modulator is arranged on the vehicle, such that these air vortices have axes that, in proximity to the opening, are essentially perpendicular to a forward driving direction of the vehicle. | 06-11-2009 |
20090160213 | Spoiler - A spoiler device, especially a rear spoiler, is adjustable between a non-usage setting and at least one usage setting. The rear spoiler is joined at its rear end area as viewed in the direction of travel via a covering device having a folded structure with a body, especially with a trunk lid of a motor vehicle. The covering device is embodied as a two-component part. | 06-25-2009 |
20090189413 | WINDSHIELD DEVICE FOR MOTORCYCLE - A windshield device for a motorcycle includes a front cowl located at a front side of the vehicle body to cover a vehicle body; a windscreen disposed at an upper part of the front cowl so as to be vertically movable; an air introducing port for introduction of air from the front side being formed between a lower end of the windscreen and a front surface of the front cowl; and an air guide for guiding the air introduced through the air introducing port to flow rearwards along a rear surface of the windscreen, wherein the air guide is firmly attached to the rear surface of the windscreen. | 07-30-2009 |
20090212594 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape. | 08-27-2009 |
20090236872 | Outboard wake stabilization device and method for reducing the aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles - An improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of vehicles by increasing the pressure on the base of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the boundary layer as it exists the vehicle trailing edge. The subject invention consists of a multiple panels located near the base area of a bluff base vehicle. The flow control objectives are accomplished by positioning minimally sized panels comprising the invention in close proximity to the side and top surfaces of the vehicle, where the leading edge of each panel is positioned in close proximity to the trailing edge of the vehicle. The side panels comprising the invention are laterally positioned outboard of the side surface of the vehicle. The top panels are vertically positioned above the top surface of the vehicle. | 09-24-2009 |
20090243334 | AIR DEFLECTOR - The present disclosure relates to an air deflector, adapted to be attached to the upper windshield crossbeam of a convertible vehicle. The air deflector includes a top surface, a front portion, an outer side portion, an inner side portion and a rear wing portion. The rear wing portion extends upwards from the top surface. The air deflector may further include a locking device adapted to lock the air deflector in the locking arrangement for the retractable top. | 10-01-2009 |
20090256385 | VEHICLE WITH DRAG-REDUCING OUTER SURFACE - A vehicle with a drag-reducing outer surface. A method of reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes the steps of: providing an outer surface on a body of the vehicle, with the outer surface including spaced apart turbulence-inducing structures thereon. The structures cause boundary layer separation to be delayed along a length of the body, thereby reducing a drag coefficient of the body. A vehicle wrapping product for reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes an outer surface for applying onto an opaque portion of a body of the vehicle. The outer surface includes a plurality of structures which induce turbulence and thereby delay separation of a boundary layer along a length of the body, to thereby reduce a drag coefficient of the body. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256386 | Frame extension device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles - A frame extension device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of bluff base ground vehicles by increasing the pressure on the base of the vehicle by stabilizing the wake flow. The device is particularly suited for tractor-trailers utilizing a roll-up type rear door in that it does not block any part of the door opening. The device may be of sufficient thickness to support the weight of an unloading device. | 10-15-2009 |
20090261619 | AIR-DIRECTING COMPONENT AND BODY FRONT END OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - An air-directing component ( | 10-22-2009 |
20090284042 | WING ELEMENT - A wing element (W) on the spoiler (S) of a motor vehicle is characterized in that the lower side (U′, U″) of the wing element is provided in a manner to substantially planar below a limit speed and therefore has a small end surface in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and an aerodynamic profiling of the lower side, and therefore an increased end surface, is provided above said limit speed. | 11-19-2009 |
20090295189 | Apparatus to improve the aerodynamics, fuel economy, docking and handling of heavy trucks - A device to alter and/or reduce the aerodynamic, base drag on and improve the stability of a bluff bodied vehicle, such as a heavy trailer with or without two aft vertically hinged doors, comprised of preformed, resilient, semi-circular airfoils permanently attached with hinges to the aft planar surface or the rear doors of the vehicle, at the vertical left and right corner edges, the horizontal top corner edge, the horizontal bottom corner edge of the vehicle, or at two or more of these positions. The airfoils self stow when the doors are opened and resume their initial shape when the doors are closed. If accidentally impacted, the airfoils deflect and then resume their initial shape. The airfoils can be fitted with compact air nozzles to blow air tangentially over their outer surfaces to enhance their effect. The device is inexpensive, lightweight and easily installed, replaced and retrofitted. | 12-03-2009 |
20090302639 | VEHICLE HAVING AERODYNAMIC FAN ELEMENTS - A vehicle is provided with fan housings having inlets and an outlets. Fan are rotatably supported in the housings. The inlets intersect an airflow path along outer surfaces of the vehicle body such that a portion of the airflow is directed through each housing, causing the fans to rotate. A flow of spinning air exits each outlet and is directed toward a central plane of the vehicle. | 12-10-2009 |
20090322121 | Wind Deflector Mesh Device - The invention relates to a wind deflector mesh device ( | 12-31-2009 |
20100026044 | Vehicle Body for a Motor Vehicle - In a rear end of the vehicle body, an assembly carrier which is arranged in the vehicle transverse direction is inserted between inner body-side side parts of the vehicle rear end. The assembly carrier holds pre-assemblable components and to which assembly carrier is fastened a rear-end trim panel and which assembly carrier is fixedly connected to the two inner side parts by screw devices and forms a stiffening body cross member. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026045 | REAR AIR GUIDING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A rear air guiding device is disposed in a region of a roof rear edge on a tailgate provided with a rear window. An upper approach flow surface of the air guiding device forms an extension of the roof upper side mounted in front thereof, and the air guiding device protrudes over an upper border region of the rear window. In order to reduce the outlay on components and installation and also the weight of the air guiding device, it is provided that the latter is composed of a front part which is integrated in the tailgate and of a rear part which adjoins the front part such that their outer skins are flush and is connected to the front part. | 02-04-2010 |
20100045069 | REMOVABLE AERODYNAMIC COVER FOR PICKUP TRUCK - A removable aerodynamic cover for pickup truck bed is disclosed. The aerodynamic cover reduces air drag and reduces fuel consumption of a pickup truck vehicle, and increases volume of covered storage area, comparatively with commonly used flat truck bed covers. The aerodynamic cover preferably has a convex parabolic or elliptical shape and fits to the contour of the truck cabin back panel on the forward side and edge of tail gate panel on the back side. The preferred embodiment has locks or hinges for easy attaching to the side frame edges of a truck box, and optionally consists of segments for easy removing and storage. | 02-25-2010 |
20100052361 | RETRACTABLE CURVED AIR DAM - A retractable curved air dam assembly is provided for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a motor vehicle. The air dam assembly is segmented to include a plurality of panel members each adapted to pivotably attach to the underside of the front-end vehicle structure. The panel members are configured to selectively transition between a deployed position, in which the panel members are preferably in a generally vertical orientation, and a stowed position, in which the panel members are in a generally horizontal orientation. The panel members are shingled (i.e., partially overlapped) such that pivoting a center panel from the deployed position to the stowed position thereby pivots the side panels to the stowed position, and such that pivoting a side panel from the stowed position to the deployed position thereby pivots the center panels to the deployed position. | 03-04-2010 |
20100052362 | METHOD FOR MUTUALLY ADHERING MOULDED ARTICLES OF VULCANIZED RUBBER - The invention relates to a method for mutually adhering moulded articles of at least partially vulcanized rubber polymers. The method comprises at least the steps of providing a rubber composition which comprises a peroxide with an initiating temperature lower than the vulcanization temperature of at least one of the rubber polymers; arranging an adhesive layer of the rubber composition on the surface of the moulded articles which is to be adhered; bringing the surfaces for adhering together under pressure; and vulcanizing at least the adhesive layer at an increased temperature. | 03-04-2010 |
20100072777 | FRONT FASCIA PLASMA-INDUCED DRAG REDUCTION DEVICE - A plasma-induced drag reduction device is mounted on an underside of a vehicle front fascia. The drag reduction device has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second electrode mounted a top surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The second electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the first electrode. When activated, the device generates a plasma region that attracts an air flow passing underneath the vehicle, reducing the separation of the flow field and thereby reducing the impingement of the air flow on the ground and reducing the drag on the vehicle. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072778 | PLASMA SPOILER - A plasma spoiler is mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle for exerting a force on a passing air flow. The plasma spoiler has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, a second electrode mounted on an upper, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the second electrode. A switch is disposed between the power source and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The switch is controlled by a controller that is in communication with a speed sensor, so as to activate the plasma spoiler only when the vehicle exceeds a trigger speed. | 03-25-2010 |
20100090496 | VEHICLE DRAG REDUCTION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A drag reduction method and apparatus for reducing aerodynamic pressure drag associated with a vehicle in motion by use of grit, grit tape, or other turbulator to increase the momentum of boundary layer flow over a vehicle. A turbulator, such as grit tape, can be attached to the smooth external body surface of the vehicle to improve upon a vehicles fuel economy. The turbulator associated with the grit material reduce the effects of the pressure drag by creating a turbulent boundary layer over the surface of the vehicle that moves a separation point from a laminar flow to a turbulent flow backwards along the vehicle. The reduction in pressure drag reduces the overall energy needed to move the vehicle through the air, which improves upon the fuel economy of the vehicle. | 04-15-2010 |
20100117396 | SYSTEM FOR REDUCING AERODYNAMIC DRAG ON VEHICLES - An apparatus is provided for reducing aerodynamic drag experienced by an over-the-road vehicle while underway. A frame assembly including a fastening fixture couples the apparatus to the vehicle, and a first airfoil including a first outward air deflecting surface deflects a portion of the airflow directed toward a first tire laterally outward toward an externally exposed side of the first tire. A second airfoil including a second outward air deflecting surface deflects a portion of the airflow directed toward a second tire laterally outward toward an externally exposed side of the second tire. The first and second airfoils are spaced laterally apart from each other when coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly to define an aperture between the first and second airfoils through which at least a portion of the airflow directed toward the axle assembly is to pass while the vehicle is underway. | 05-13-2010 |
20100123333 | Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 05-20-2010 |
20100140976 | PIVOTALLY DEPLOYABLE AIR DAM UTILIZING ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATION - An active air dam adapted for use with a vehicle, includes a deflector pivotally translatable relative to the vehicle, so as to be caused to achieve stowed and deployed conditions, wherein the deflector, when in the deployed condition, is configured to occlude air flow beneath the vehicle, and further includes an active material actuator comprising an active material drivenly coupled to the deflector, and configured to cause the deflector to pivot to one of the stowed and deployed conditions as a result of activating the material, and the vehicle is preferably configured to cause the actuator to pivot the deflector when a pre-determined vehicle or external condition is detected. | 06-10-2010 |
20100156142 | AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE - An aerodynamic device for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is obtained. A fixed aerodynamic stabilizer device | 06-24-2010 |
20100194142 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCTION OF AERODYNAMIC DRAG - A method of reducing aerodynamic drag on a moving blunt-edged body, the method comprising actively generating a flow of air at a blunt edge of a body and using the generated flow of air to control an external flow of air moving relative to an edge of a moving blunt-body. | 08-05-2010 |
20100219661 | Extendable Air Control Dam for Vehicle - An air dam is attached to the underside of a vehicle and extends downwardly into proximity with the road surface and potential interference with curbs or like obstructions extending above the road surface. A panel assembly includes a top wall attached to the underside of the motor vehicle, forward and rearward walls depending from the top wall, and a bottom wall. These walls cooperate to define an interior space, and the forward and rearward walls have serially arranged pleats connected by living hinges by which the panel assembly can adjusted in height by flexing the living hinges to provide an extended position of the panel assembly in which the bottom wall is positioned further below the underside of the motor vehicle and a withdrawn position in which the bottom wall is withdrawn upwardly closer to the underside of the motor vehicle to avoid potential interference with curb or like obstructions. | 09-02-2010 |
20100276967 | Apparatus for a Pickup Truck Box Cover - An apparatus for a pickup truck box cover includes a frame having a generally flat rectangular shape and configured to reside in a plane generally perpendicular to a bed of the pickup truck and proximate a back of a cab of the pickup truck. A means joins the frame to a frame of the pickup truck. A means joins the frame to the pickup truck box. A top surface is removably joined to the frame and configured to extend back from a top portion of the cab of the pickup truck along a sloping plane intersecting a plane containing the bed of the pickup truck. Side panels are removably joined to the frame and configured to extend from the top surface to the bed of the pickup truck where, in conjunction with the pickup truck, a shape resembling generally flat bottom airfoil is formed. | 11-04-2010 |
20100276968 | WIND-STOP DEVICE FOR A TWO-SEATER CONVERTIBLE - A wind-stop device for a two-seater convertible comprises a panel provided with means for its removable anchorage behind the backrests of the seats of the automobile, between two roll-hoops anchored to the structure of the automobile, behind the seats. The anchorage means comprise at least one pair of lateral tabs projecting from the panel and designed to be received within guide slits made in the inner sides of the two roll-hoops and at least one blocking tongue projecting at the bottom from the panel and designed to co-operate with a receiving and blocking device in the form of a buckle for safety belts, rigidly connected to the structure of the motor vehicle and having a receiving seat open upwards, set at the top of a wall at the back of the two seats with a release button adjacent to said seat. | 11-04-2010 |
20100289294 | Wind Blocker Arrangement - The present invention relates to a wind blocker arrangement ( | 11-18-2010 |
20100301632 | AERODYNAMIC BICYCLE SHOE COVER AND PEDAL COVER - The present invention is embodied in a new aerodynamic cover for a bicycle shoe and clipless bicycle pedal for improving speed when cycling. The aerodynamic cover comprises a main body including an ankle portion having a rear side, a heel portion connected to the ankle portion, and a sole portion connected to the heel portion and having an underside. An opening is formed in the sole portion for allowing a bicycle pedal to be engaged to the bicycle cleat. An outwardly extending fin stretches from the rear side of the ankle portion, around the heel portion, to the underside of the sole portion. In one embodiment, the aerodynamic cover further comprises a pedal layer, a cleat layer, and a base plate layer. A gap is delined between the pedal layer and the cleat layer. The gap inhibits excessive friction between the pedal layer and the cleat layer as the cleat is pivoted with respect to the pedal. | 12-02-2010 |
20100301633 | Vehicular Rear Spoiler - A vehicular rear spoiler, which is integrated with the trunk lid of a vehicle, comprises an electronic display arranged on the rear side of the spoiler body and a reelable heat-insulation sun shade collected inside the spoiler body, whereby not only advertisement or messages can be presented on the electronic display, but also the heat-insulation sun shade can be extended to the front of the vehicle to protect the vehicle from sunshine, rain and snow. | 12-02-2010 |
20100327624 | REINFORCING PART FOR AN AIR-GUIDING DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A structural reinforcing member for motor vehicle wind deflectors has a shaped configuration with at least one curved portion, and a plurality of mutually spaced apart, plastically formed deformation sections which provide structural rigidity to maintain the shaped configuration and geometry of the reinforcing member. | 12-30-2010 |
20110001334 | AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE - An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided. An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall provided at a rear in a vehicle body longitudinal direction with respect to a front wheel in a wheel house, and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, an airflow guiding wall extending downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from an end portion of the airflow collision wall which end portion is at a side that is far from the front wheel, and a step portion formed at a portion in the vehicle width direction of at least one of the airflow guiding wall and the airflow collision wall, and including inward-facing walls that extend along a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction. | 01-06-2011 |
20110068602 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR USE WITH COUPLED VEHICLES - An automatic gap closing system automatically moves a gap closing cover between an un-deployed and a deployed configuration to selectively cover a gap between two coupled vehicles (e.g., tractor-trailer combination) in response to an actual or expected speed of at least one of the vehicles, thereby increasing fuel efficiency at relatively high or fast speeds without hindering maneuverability of the coupled vehicles at relatively low or slow speeds. Indications of speed and/or location may come from speed sensors, on-board computers (i.e., black box), GPS receivers, or wireless receivers. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068603 | DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - The present disclosure provides for drag reduction on a moving object through the atmosphere, thus increasing fuel efficiency. This is accomplished by attaching an inflatable boattail (i.e. drag reducer) to the aft face or rear end of a vehicle or trailer, thus delaying the flow separation to a point further downstream and mitigating the intensity of the negative pressure on the aft face. | 03-24-2011 |
20110080019 | AERODYNAMIC VEHICLES AND FAIRING ASSEMBLIES THEREOF - A vehicle having reduced aerodynamic drag includes a wheel assembly configured for moving the vehicle across a surface. The wheel assembly has an inboard surface and an outboard surface and includes a wheel configured for rotation with respect to the vehicle and a tire disposed on the wheel. The vehicle also includes a fairing assembly configured for reducing aerodynamic drag across the wheel assembly. The fairing assembly includes a first portion configured for partially enclosing an inboard surface of the wheel assembly and a second portion configured for partially enclosing an outboard surface of the wheel assembly and removably coupled to the first portion. The fairing assembly is moveable in unison with the wheel assembly during vehicle steering and suspension maneuvers. | 04-07-2011 |
20110095562 | VEHICLE AND VEHICLE SUBSTRUCTURE - A vehicle substructure ( | 04-28-2011 |
20110095563 | VEHICLE UNDERBODY AIRFLOW MODULATOR - Methods and apparatuses for decreasing automotive drag in vehicles are provided herein. In embodiments, a vehicle underbody airflow modulator may comprise one or more flexible panels and fasteners. A flexible panel may be retained below the underbody of a vehicle, covering one or more features of the underbody and preventing disruption of airflow by the features. In some embodiments, a tensioning device may be provided to tension the panel. Various embodiments may permit access to the vehicle underbody, dampen road noise, and/or decrease high speed vehicle lift, and may be made available at a lower initial cost than current alternatives. | 04-28-2011 |
20110148140 | APPARATUS FOR REDUCING DRAG ON A VEHICLE - An apparatus for reducing drag on a moving vehicle includes various combinations of a movable segments and a swing arm. Each combination is adapted to be mounted to the rear of the vehicle with a fixed portion being positioned forward of the movable segment upon extraction. The movable segments have a retracted position and an extended position and may be biased to the retracted position. The movable segments deploy to the extended position when moving above a predetermined velocity and returns to a retracted position when moving below the predetermined velocity. | 06-23-2011 |
20110169298 | PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE WITH REAR-SIDE AIR GUIDING DEVICE - An air guiding device ( | 07-14-2011 |
20110175393 | Aerodynamic boat tail attachment - An aerodynamic boat tailed attachment is disclosed. The attachment is a flexible membrane | 07-21-2011 |
20110175394 | Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 07-21-2011 |
20110204677 | DAM SKIRT AERODYNAMIC FAIRING DEVICE - A method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance and stability of ground vehicles by reducing the mass and velocity of the flow passing under a vehicle is described. The device is particularly suited for a single unit truck system but may also be applied to a tractor-trailer truck system or any combination vehicle that includes a motorized lead vehicle pulling one or more non-motorized vehicles. The device is designed to control the flow from entering the undercarriage region from the front and side of the subject ground vehicle system. | 08-25-2011 |
20110210578 | Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 09-01-2011 |
20110260499 | INFLATABLE VEHICLE AIR DAM WITH BIDIRECTIONAL DEPLOY/STOW SYSTEM - A vehicle has an inflatable air dam assembly that is deployed and stowed by a bidirectional deploy/stow system. The deployment and stowing may be based on vehicle speed. The deploy/stow system includes an air compressor and first and second valves for directing air into and out of the air dam assembly. The compressor operates on both deploy and stow operations to fill and evacuate, respectively, the air dam assembly. | 10-27-2011 |
20110285167 | AERODYNAMIC AND PROTECTIVE VEHICLE PANEL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING SAME - An aerodynamic panel assembly with surface macrostructure is provided for a land vehicle. The panel assembly includes a first plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width, and a second plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width. The first and second plurality of slats are interwoven, thereby providing significant structural strength while increasing the versatility of the panel assembly to be used on various types of vehicles. Various types of attachment mechanisms are provided for attaching a panel assembly to the vehicle. | 11-24-2011 |
20110304173 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 12-15-2011 |
20110309652 | Air Guiding Device - An air guiding device on a wheel suspension element of a rear axle of a motor vehicle extends approximately transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The air guiding device includes an element that extends substantially in a horizontal plane and is divided into a front section and a rear section. The two sections extend upwardly at different angles from a horizontal plane. | 12-22-2011 |
20120001450 | AIR DAM DEPLOYMENT AND RETRACTION SYSTEM - An air dam deployment and retraction system includes an air dam, a compressor, an air reservoir, a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch. The air dam is configured for moving between a deployed position and a retracted position. The compressor is configured to compress fluid. The air reservoir defines a chamber that is configured to receive a volume of the compressed fluid. The first switch is configured to selectively move between a first inactive position and a first active position. The first inactive position is configured to provide the compressed fluid to the atmosphere. The first active position is configured to provide the compressed fluid from the compressor to one of the chamber of the air reservoir and the air dam. The air dam is configured to move from the retracted position to the deployed position upon receiving the compressed fluid. | 01-05-2012 |
20120001451 | Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus - A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape. | 01-05-2012 |
20120007387 | VEHICLE-BODY STIFFENING DEVICE - In a vehicle-body stiffening device, a wind-receiving plate that receives traveling wind is fixed to a main bar portion of a lower bar that connects brackets formed at left and right lower sections of a suspension cross member to each other and supporting suspension lower arms. The wind-receiving plate receiving a traveling-wind pressure biases the main bar portion so as to generate bending stress. Due to this bending stress, a preload is generated between the left and right brackets. Since the preload is generated by the traveling-wind pressure, the preload is | 01-12-2012 |
20120007388 | GROUND VEHICLE WING - A method and apparatus for improving a ground vehicle's fuel economy. | 01-12-2012 |
20120013145 | MOTOR VEHICLE FRONT SPOILER - A motor vehicle front spoiler has a spoiler lip ( | 01-19-2012 |
20120032474 | SPOILER FOR REAR HATCH CLOSURE ASSEMBLY - A spoiler assembly for a rear hatch closure assembly on a vehicle includes a base member extending laterally across the hatch closure assembly, a latch mounted to the base member, and a shell member secured to the base member to cover and conceal the latch. | 02-09-2012 |
20120038183 | AIR FLOW GUIDE FOR A TRACTOR TRAILER GAP - An apparatus for affecting airflow in a gap between a lead vehicle and a connected trailing vehicle, includes a guide vane having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a gap side surface, and an outward facing surface, and a support apparatus mountable on a vehicle for supporting the guide vane in a vertical orientation relative to the vehicle with a space between the vehicle and the guide vane gap side surface and with at least a portion of the vane extending beyond an end of the vehicle. The flow guide divides an air flow at the trailing edge of a vehicle to avoid the creation of turbulence in the air flow as it encounters the gap between the vehicle and the trailing vehicle, | 02-16-2012 |
20120061992 | SPOILER - A spoiler includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member includes a base plate portion, a cover plate portion facing the base plate portion, and a bent portion connecting the base plate portion and the cover plate portion. The inner member is arranged between the base plate portion and the cover plate portion. The inner member includes a back plate portion facing the base plate portion, and a wall portion extending from the back plate portion toward the cover plate portion. The base plate portion and the back plate portion are vibration-welded, and the cover plate portion and the wall portion are vibration-welded. The wall portion includes a plurality of grooves forming a corrugated structure in a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the wall portion extends from the back plate portion toward the cover plate portion. | 03-15-2012 |
20120091752 | Wind Deflector Comprising a Linearly Oscillating Deflector Element - A wind deflector for a vehicle is provided. The wind deflector includes a movably mounted deflector element and an actuator for moving the deflector element. The actuator can move the deflector element in a linearly oscillating manner in one direction in space, especially vertically. The linear movement can be performed regardless of a curvature of a class A surface of a vehicle. | 04-19-2012 |
20120091753 | AUTOMOBILE PROVIDED WITH WHEEL WELL DEFLECTORS - A motor vehicle includes at least one wheel designed to turn in a well defined by a wheelhouse. The vehicle also includes a wheel deflector of an elongate overall shape extending from the wheelhouse towards the wheel with one end provided with a radius R corresponding substantially to an exterior radius of the wheel. The deflector is arranged in an upper portion of the wheelhouse and extends longitudinally on each side of a median plane of the wheel passing through an axis of rotation of the wheel, with an overall angular length L between 1/20 and ¼ of an external circumference of the wheel. | 04-19-2012 |
20120119540 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 05-17-2012 |
20120126572 | AERODYNAMIC DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - An aerodynamic device for reducing the wind resistance of a vehicle or a trailer is provided. The aerodynamic device is intended to be mounted to a vehicle structure at or close to the rear end of a vehicle. The device includes a flexible sheet material arranged to the vehicle or trailer such that it is hanging along the vehicle structure when it is in a resting position and arranged to extend beyond the rear end of the vehicle or trailer when deployed. The flexible sheet material includes an inner side and an outer side. The flexible sheet material is attached to the vehicle structure such that it deploys as a result of the coanda effect inducing a lower pressure on the outer side than on the inner side of the flexible sheet material when the vehicle or trailer is moving. The flexible sheet material is further attached to the vehicle structure by at least one restrictor such that the restrictor by the restriction shapes the flexible sheet material in its deployed state to a desired shape. A vehicle or trailer including such an aerodynamic device are also provided. | 05-24-2012 |
20120169084 | VEHICLE MIST SUPPRESSION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The invention is essentially an apparatus and method for reducing the wheel-spray and the aerodynamic drag of a wheel-set of a vehicle having a framework with preexisting holes, the apparatus comprising a three-dimensionally adjustable support infrastructure anchored to the framework without the need for drilling or welding the support infrastructure to the framework; a three-dimensionally adjustable housing superstructure having a housing having an obtuse-angled forward side and an obtuse-angled rearward side for screening the wheel-set, with the housing affixed between a box-sleeve and a stand-on plate with a plurality of U-bolt fasteners, wherein the box-sleeve defines an interior chamber for receiving a girder; and two attenuation rings inserted along both external ends of the girder to dilute vibration from the vehicle to the housing; and a fastening means comprising a locking cap having domed arches and a transplanar bore, a counter-threaded locking bolt, and a locking pin. A tightening wrench may be used for tightening, and/or loosening the locking cap over a girder lateral terminus. A protective replaceable shield and connectors are also provided to protect and renew the housing side wall exterior surface. | 07-05-2012 |
20120169085 | AERODYNAMIC PACKAGE FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - A vehicle having an aerodynamic splitter for the front of a vehicle is provided. The splitter includes a splitter panel which has a top surface adapted to be mounted to a front fascia of a vehicle. The top surface is contoured and offset from the front fascia in order to define an airflow opening between the front fascia and the splitter panel. The airflow opening directs air under the vehicle therethrough in order to create a down force on the vehicle | 07-05-2012 |
20120217767 | CONVERTIBLE CORVETTE WIND BLOCKER - 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. | 08-30-2012 |
20120223544 | APPARATUS FOR REDUCING DRAG ON A VEHICLE - An apparatus for reducing atmospheric drag on a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airfoil having a receiving feature, wherein the airfoil is attachable with a back portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one extender attachable with the back portion of the vehicle, and a slide arm attached to the at least one extender and mateable with the recess portion of the airfoil. The apparatus is configured such that when the slide arm is disposed in the receiving portion of the airfoil, the airfoil is in an extended position relative to the back of the vehicle. The apparatus is further configured such that applying a force on the airfoil in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back portion of the vehicle buckles the airfoil, thereby lifting the slide arm from the recess and moving the airfoil to a retracted position. | 09-06-2012 |
20120274096 | SPOILER - A spoiler includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are joined together by vibration welding. One of the upper and lower members includes a main welding rib and an auxiliary welding rib. Each of the main welding rib and the auxiliary welding rib is protruded toward the other of the upper and members so as to be vibration welded to the other of the upper and lower members. The main welding rib is arranged to extend along a vibration direction of the vibration welding, and the auxiliary welding rib is arranged to extend along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. A height of the auxiliary welding rib is less than a height of the main welding rib before the vibration welding. The auxiliary welding rib is spaced apart from the main welding rib. | 11-01-2012 |
20120292943 | FRONT SPOILER FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A front spoiler of a motor vehicle is held on the front end part of the vehicle by fastening elements. To reinforce the front spoiler in the central region, reinforcing ribs are provided, which extend into inward and outward formations on the front end part. The reinforcing ribs are preferably vertically aligned plate-shaped structures that extend in the longitudinal direction. To ensure a necessary dimensional stability of the front spoiler during driving, the reinforcing ribs can be supported on the front end part, and the front spoiler itself can be supported on the reinforcing ribs. | 11-22-2012 |
20120292944 | FASTENING DEVICE FOR A PANEL ELEMENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE BODY - A fastening device is provided for the releasable fastening of a panel element to the front wall structure of a motor vehicle body, with a brace, which on one end can be fastened with a fastening structure of the panel element and on the other end can be fastened with a fastening structure of the front wall structure. The brace is releasable and positively fastened to at least one of the fastening structures with at least one end section. | 11-22-2012 |
20120299330 | Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 11-29-2012 |
20130026782 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 01-31-2013 |
20130026783 | FRONT UNDERFLOOR STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE - A front underfloor structure of a vehicle includes front deflectors disposed forward of front tires, respectively. The front deflectors each include a front apex portion disposed at a position closer to the vehicle front than a leading edge surface of each of the front tires when straight, and disposed at a position closer to a vehicle center line than an inner surface of each of the front tires when straight; an outer end portion disposed at a position closer to the vehicle rear than the front apex portion, and disposed at a position outward in the vehicle width direction of the front apex portion; and a second flow redirection surface connecting the front apex portion and the outer end portion, and being configured such that, when struck by air traveling from the vehicle front, the second flow redirection surface redirects a flow of the traveling air outward in the vehicle. | 01-31-2013 |
20130038086 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 02-14-2013 |
20130057019 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape. | 03-07-2013 |
20130062907 | VEHICLE REAR OUTLET STRUCTURE - A vehicle rear outlet structure includes: an outer member constituting an outer surface of a rear vehicle body and defining a flow path space inside of the vehicle body; and a protrusion portion provided on an outer surface of the outer member to protrude in an outboard direction. The outer member is provided with an air outlet opening through which the flow path space and a space outside of the vehicle body communicate with each other. The protrusion portion is arranged forward of the air outlet opening in the vehicle longitudinal direction and continuously in a vertical direction of the vehicle, such that the flow of air flowing along the outer surface of the outer member sucks out air in the flow path space through the air outlet opening to an outboard side thereof. | 03-14-2013 |
20130069389 | ROUNDED AIR DAM FOR MAXIMUM AERODYNAMICS AND COOLING PERFORMANCE - A modified air dam includes an integral spring-like, corrugate-shaped portion for absorbing impact forces imposed on the air dam. A lower portion of the air dam is generally planar and angled slightly from a vertical plane toward the front of the vehicle. The air dam also includes a rounded portion to provide a horizontal offset between upper and lower portions of the air dam and to direct airflow toward a bottom portion of the radiator. The air dam may also be curved side-to-side or employ an inverted, generally U-shaped portion as a first force absorbing region and a spaced rib that serves as a second force absorbing region. The generally U-shaped portion also advantageously extends over a fastener and mounting region of the air dam. | 03-21-2013 |
20130076063 | Drag Reducing Device - A drag reducing device includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, so the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is sized for a minimal prominence when stowed. | 03-28-2013 |
20130076064 | REAR-MOUNTED RETRACTABLE AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE FOR CARGO BODIES - 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. | 03-28-2013 |
20130076065 | ROOF APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes first and second projecting members each mounted on a roof of the vehicle and each including an elongated shape. The first and second projecting members are arranged at first and second end portions of the vehicle in a width direction of the vehicle. A height of each of the first and second projecting members is equal to or greater than a height of an upper end of a boundary layer of an airflow flowing on the roof. | 03-28-2013 |
20130093209 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES WITH FRONT TIRE PROTECTORS - An automotive vehicle includes a body, a drive system, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of tires, and a plurality of protrusions. The body has a centerline and a front portion. The front portion comprises a front surface comprising a driver's side front surface and a passenger's side front surface. The drive system is disposed within the body. The wheels are coupled to the drive system, and include front wheels. Each of the tires is mounted on a respective wheel. The tires include front tires mounted on the front wheels. The protrusions extend outward from the front surface for protection of the front tires. The protrusions include a first pair of protrusions and a second pair of protrusions. The first pair of protrusions extend outward from the driver's side front surface. The second pair of protrusions extend outward from the passenger's side front surface. | 04-18-2013 |
20130106135 | DEVICE, ASSEMBLY, AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING AERODYNAMIC DRAG | 05-02-2013 |
20130140849 | DIRECTED GAS SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING AERODYNAMICS OF A VEHICLE IN CROSS WIND CONDITIONS - Systems and methods are disclosed that utilize exhausted gases from an internal combustion engine (e.g., piston engine, rotary engine, turbine engine, etc.) of a vehicle for reducing the aerodynamic drag thereon. In some disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize a generated gas flow from, for example, electric fans, engine driven or pneumatically/hydraulically driven pumps, etc., for reducing aerodynamic drag. The generated gas flows in several disclosed examples are directed in a generally opposing direction of (i.e., against) prevailing cross winds. | 06-06-2013 |
20130168998 | ATTACHMENT FOR AIR SPLITTER PANEL - An air splitter panel is attached to a vehicle fascia panel. One of the panels has a plurality of longitudinal extending slots and the other of the panels has a plurality of fastener holes that register with the slots. Fasteners are mounted in each of the holes and extend through the slot registered therewith to attach the panels together while permitting sliding movement of the splitter panel relative to the fascia panel. A yieldable detent acts between the fastener and the one of the panels with the slot to block the sliding movement of the splitter panel until a force applied upon the splitter panel overcomes the yieldable detent to permit the sliding movement of the splitter panel. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168999 | VEHICLE AIRSTREAM DEFLECTOR AND RELATED METHOD - A vehicle airstream deflector is provided. The deflector provides an air curtain to divert oncoming air flow past the passenger cabin of a vehicle, thereby reducing drag. Furthermore, air flow from the rear of the vehicle is induced to move forward, providing additional vehicle momentum in the direction of travel. | 07-04-2013 |
20130181476 | CAR BODY FOREPART STRUCTURE - A maintenance cover includes a pair of lateral turning support parts provided at right and left sides of a front edge part, and a central turning support part. The lateral turning support parts have opening parts that can be caught by hook parts with an L-shaped cross-section that are provided at a cover main body part. The central turning support part has a stopper that is engageable with an inner wall surface of a side wall part provided at the cover main body part. When the maintenance cover is slid backwardly, a sliding operation of the maintenance cover is stopped by the lateral turning support parts and the central turning support part, and the maintenance cover is rotated with the lateral turning support parts being as supporting points. | 07-18-2013 |
20130221700 | Sail System For Land Vehicles - A sail system and method for controlling the same is provided for use with large land vehicles. When deployed, at a vehicles normal cruising speed it will produce lift which reduces the ground weight of the vehicle, thus reducing friction and increasing fuel economy. | 08-29-2013 |
20130249238 | WINDBREAK STRUCTURE FOR SADDLE TYPE VEHICLE - A windbreak structure for a saddle type vehicle to provide an increase in the windshield effect behind a leg shield. Exhaust ports for letting a flow of air from the front of a vehicle body rearwardly are provided at a side end portion of a leg shield. Further, sideward covering portions are provided that serve as exhaust air guide portions that extend rearwardly on the inner side in a vehicle widthwise direction of the exhaust port. | 09-26-2013 |
20130249239 | AIR GUIDE STRUCTURE FOR SADDLE TYPE VEHICLE - An air guide structure for a saddle type vehicle for reducing the influence of a negative pressure on a rider. In an air guide structure for a motorcycle wherein a windscreen for the protection against air is provided on a front cover provided at a front portion of a vehicle body such that air is guided to the rear of the windscreen on the vehicle body to reduce a negative pressure to be generated behind the windscreen, an inlet port is provided between a central portion of a front end of the windscreen and the front cover. Further, a stepped portion that is formed stepwise in the forward and backward direction on an upper face of the front cover in the inside of the inlet port is provided, and a sectoral recessed portion is provided at a central portion of the stepped portion in the vehicle widthwise direction. | 09-26-2013 |
20130249240 | WIND DEFLECTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND MOTOR VEHICLE WITH SUCH A DEFLECTOR - A wind deflector system for a motor vehicle having an end segment for limiting extension of the wind deflector system at the top in the vertical direction, a flexible planar structure fastened to ends of the end segment, and a winding shaft for holding the wound-on planar structure. At least one swivel arm is provided, by means of which the wind deflector system can be transferred from a stowed position to a functioning position with a raised end segment, and a retainer is provided on the planar structure which is arranged, at least when in the functioning position, such that, together with the swivel arm, it restricts mobility of the planar structure relative to the swivel arm in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The system is effective for avoiding the formation of creases in the wound-up planar structure of the wind deflector system. | 09-26-2013 |
20130292967 | DRAG REDUCING DECORATIVE TAILGATE - A drag reducing tailgate with decorative attachments. The tailgate may include a frame with an upper board, a lower board, a first side board, and a second side board. An opening may be formed in between the boards. A decorative attachment, such as an antler, may be attached to the lower board and extend passed the opening and up to the upper board. | 11-07-2013 |
20130300151 | Air Foil for Vehicles - The invention provides an Air Foil for Vehicles, is a specially designed cover for the backs of pickup trucks and trailers that provides them an aerodynamic quality and provides lift reducing their effective weight as they travel in a forward direction. The invention is a self contained system that reduces energy needed to power a motor vehicle without requiring an excess use of fossil fuels. The Air Foil for Vehicles applies an auto wing mobile airfoil configuration to the bed of a pickup truck and the open area of a trailer to lift the back ends off the road and facilitate a smoother ride and better miles per gallon. | 11-14-2013 |
20130334838 | SPRINT CAR WING - A sprint car wing or wing assembly is provided. The wing, which is known as a top wing, includes a wing belly and left and right side boards attached generally perpendicular to the wing belly. The wing belly includes a non-uniform thickness along its width to create downforce for the car. The right and left side boards are positioned mostly below and above the wing belly to aid in the creation of downforce, and also to provide the car with a sideforce during cornering. The side boards include a flexible surface, which will curve or bow to create greater sideforce. The side boards also house mounting frames of the wing assembly to mount the side boards to the wing belly. | 12-19-2013 |
20130341962 | AIR DAM - An air dam is provided which includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a flexible lower portion. The upper portion is affixed to the underside of a vehicle. The intermediate portion is integral to the upper portion. The flexible lower portion is affixed to the upper portion. The intermediate portion of the air dam is operatively configured to structurally support the flexible intermediate portion. | 12-26-2013 |
20140001789 | CAR WITH AN UNDERBODY PROVIDED WITH AN AERODYNAMIC DIFFUSER | 01-02-2014 |
20140021741 | RETRACTABLE AIR DEFLECTION APPARATUS FOR REDUCTION OF VEHICULAR AIR DRAG - 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 but not to the rear-facing surface of the vehicle or, in other embodiments, at least two air deflection elements coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to any rear door which 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 surface of the vehicle, with at least the latter two air deflection elements having matching configurations, and in some embodiments, with one or more of the air deflection elements being associated with a frame within which it is substantially disposed when in the retracted position. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed. | 01-23-2014 |
20140062125 | VEHICLE DEVICE - An aerodynamic device | 03-06-2014 |
20140070562 | AUTOMOBILE BODY UNDERCOVER - Disclosed is an automobile body undercover having durability against damage from foreign objects such as flying stones even in a case where a nonwoven fabric is used on an outer surface on a road surface side in order to achieve sound absorbing characteristics with respect to engine noise leaked outside a car, road noise originating from the road surface side, or the like. The automobile body undercover includes at least: a base material layer ( | 03-13-2014 |
20140070563 | RESIN PRODUCT FOR VEHICLE - The present invention provides a resin product for a vehicle, which can be welded, even in a shape having a part curved in a vibration direction, with a sufficient strength by means of vibration welding. A resin product | 03-13-2014 |
20140077525 | REAR STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE - A rear structure | 03-20-2014 |
20140084623 | SIDE COVER STRUCTURE FOR STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE - A side cover structure for straddle type vehicle for preventing heat at a part of the vehicle such as a knee grip portion, where the passenger's legs touch. An engine is supported on the vehicle body frame with a passenger seat disposed above the engine. A side cover covers the side direction of the vehicle body. The side cover has a knee grip portion at the position where the passenger's legs touch in the front direction of a passenger seat. In addition, the knee grip portion is doubly configured inside and outside. | 03-27-2014 |
20140084624 | ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE FOR ADJUSTABLE AIR DIFFUSER - 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. | 03-27-2014 |
20140097638 | ACTIVE AERO DIFFUSER - A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface, and also having a second body end opposite of the first body end. The vehicle also includes an underbody portion configured to span a distance between the first and second body ends and define a space between the vehicle body and the road surface. The vehicle additionally includes an active diffuser assembly disposed at the second end and configured to control the airflow past the underbody portion through the space between the vehicle body and the road surface and out to the ambient. The active diffuser assembly includes a panel configured to selectively extend into and retract from the ambient airflow aft of the second end. The active diffuser assembly also includes a first device configured to extend the panel. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097639 | Free Breeze Accelerator - One embodiment comprised of two long triangular shaped bodies, one larger in width than the other to facilitate an insertion that is telescopic and covered at opposing ends by end caps, one smaller than the other to communicate with each of the said bodies width. The center of each end cap comprising of a triangular shaped sleeve and a retaining hole to secure the end of each triangular body; both said end caps positioned with the back mounting side in the same direction, thus perpendicular to each other so that the mounting holes can face an exterior surface. In addition, the said embodiment is made with resilient material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to support UV protection and weather resistance. | 04-10-2014 |
20140110967 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCTION OF AERODYNAMIC DRAG - A method of reducing aerodynamic drag on a moving blunt-edged body, the method comprising actively generating a flow of air at a blunt edge of a body and using the generated flow of air to control an external flow of air moving relative to an edge of a moving blunt-body. | 04-24-2014 |
20140117709 | ACTIVE AIR FLAP APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - An active air flap for a vehicle can absorb shock energy by means of a wing of a housing which pivots in a collision with a pedestrian and can minimize the pedestrian injury as possible. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117710 | SPOILER STRUCTURE - A spoiler where when a weld face is inclined with respect to a pressurization direction, a weld rib is uniformly welded, and an outer member and an inner member are welded and fixed to each other at a stable strength. An inner member is welded and fixed to on an interior face side of an outer member by a vibration welding method. The outer member and/or the inner member before being welded has a weld rib formed on a face inclined with respect to a pressurization direction at the time of welding; a cross section of the rib is formed in a triangular or quadrangular shape; and in the cross section, two corners at both ends of a bottom edge each form an angle of 90 degrees or less. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117711 | AERODYNAMIC NOISE REDUCTION DEVICE - An aerodynamic noise reduction device reduces aerodynamic noise originating from a separation region located downstream of a step portion protruding from a surface of an object placed in an airflow. Since the step portion protrudes from the surface of the object placed in the airflow, aerodynamic noise is generated from the airflow separation region located downstream of the step portion. However, by forming an air discharge vent at the step portion at a position near a point, in the separation region, where a Reynolds stress is at its maximum and by discharging air from the air discharge vent toward the point where the Reynolds stress is at its maximum, the velocity gradient in the separated shear layer in the separation region is mitigated to decrease the maximum value of the Reynolds stress. The aerodynamic noise is thus effectively reduced. | 05-01-2014 |
20140152050 | VEHICLE - A vehicle including a housing. The housing includes an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, a plurality of air inlets, an air outlet, and a spoiler surface or a spoiler. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The air inlets are disposed on the outer portion of the housing, and the air outlet is disposed at a rear of the outer portion of the housing. The air-flow channel communicates with the air inlets and the air outlet. The spoiler surface or the spoiler is disposed on a bottom of the outer portion of the housing, a top of the inner portion of the housing, or both the bottom of the outer portion and the top of the inner portion of the housing, for extending path of the air. | 06-05-2014 |
20140175830 | RECTIFIER OF VEHICLE WHEEL HOUSE - A rectifier of a vehicle wheel house to rectify an air flow in the wheel house housing a wheel includes an air passage configured to introduce running wind from a forward position of a vehicle; and an air blowing port which is formed at a partition wall member included in a partition wall of the wheel house on the vehicle body side, and configured to allow the running wind through the air passage to strike an outer circumferential surface of the wheel. | 06-26-2014 |
20140217775 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 08-07-2014 |
20140252797 | LOWER PART STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE - A lower part structure of a motorcycle is provided which enables air having flowed past a radiator to be guided to transversely outer sides more efficiently. In a motorcycle, a radiator is disposed forwardly of an engine and rearwardly of a front wheel, and an air guide port opening forward is provided forwardly of the radiator. A body frame and the radiator are covered with a cowling. The cowling includes side cowls covering lateral sides of the radiator, and an undercover covering a lower portion of the body frame rearwardly of the radiator. The undercover includes a V-shaped part, and air guide surfaces extending obliquely from the V-shaped part toward transversely outer rear sides. | 09-11-2014 |
20140265431 | METHOD and APPARATUS for MINIMIZING DRAG-INDUCED FORCES on a WHEELED VEHICLE - An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction means includes: a streamlined wheel cover positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; a streamlined wind-deflecting fairing positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe diposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes arranged in one or more rows for greater axial strength; a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke, which thereby may pivot about the spoke in response to varying crosswinds; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265432 | BOUNDARY LAYER CONTROL SYSTEM - A boundary layer control system includes a boundary layer separating portion that separates a boundary layer of an airflow at an underside of a body of a moving object from a main flow of the airflow, and an ejecting portion that ejects fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, between the boundary layer and the main flow that have been separated by the boundary layer separating portion. This boundary layer control system is characterized in that boundary layer and the main flow are reliably separated by the fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, so the percentage of the main flow that is slowed down (i.e., reduced in velocity) by the boundary layer is reduced. | 09-18-2014 |
20140306482 | BUMPER SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY LOWER APRON - An apron for a vehicle front end comprises a unitary plastic component having a front structure and a rear structure joined by an offset portion. The front and rear structures extend at rearward downward angles and in generally parallel directions, and the offset portion extends at a rearward upward angle. The apron has a relatively constant vertical dimension, such that the angled structures define a wave-shaped envelope. Preferably, a horizontal plane extending from the tip of the front structure stays within the wave-shaped envelope, so that impact forces stay within the boundary in a manner providing improved impact strength and greater energy absorption during an impact. At the same time, the front structure provides a homogeneous structure that distributes local impact stresses uniformly and more widely into the rear structure, thus providing a more uniform impact resistance less sensitive to impact location. | 10-16-2014 |
20140306483 | DEFLECTOR FOR INCREASING FUEL EFFICIENCY OF A VEHICLE - An apparatus for increasing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a deflector configured to attach to a front bumper of the vehicle, the deflector comprising a first surface area facing towards the vehicle when the deflector is attached to the vehicle, the first surface area being a substantially rectangle shape, the first surface area having a width, a height and a vertical axis, the vertical axis substantially bisecting the width of the first surface area, a second surface area facing away from the vehicle when the deflector is attached to the vehicle, the second surface area being a substantially concave shape with respect to the vertical axis, and a recessed well configured to align with a hole on the front bumper of the vehicle. | 10-16-2014 |
20140319870 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 10-30-2014 |
20140346807 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. The scissors linkage can be motorized, and the motor can extend the scissors linkage by turning in a first direction and can retract the apparatus by turning in a second direction. The scissors linkage can hold the exterior cover taut when the apparatus is fully extended. The scissors linkage can support the exterior cover at intermediate locations when the apparatus is not fully extended. The apparatus can include support linkages and intermediate moveable members that support the exterior cover and define the drag reducing shape. | 11-27-2014 |
20140361578 | FLUID CONTROL APPARATUS - A fluid control apparatus includes a plate member that separates an air stream on a surface of a body of a moving body into a boundary layer and a main flow and a blow-out portion that blows out the boundary layer separated by the plate member into the main flow separated by the plate member in a downstream of the plate member in a flow direction of an air stream. | 12-11-2014 |
20140367992 | SIDE SPOILER ARRANGEMENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A side spoiler arrangement for a motor-driven tailgate of a motor vehicle is provided. The side spoiler arrangement case includes at least one spoiler element arranged along a lateral edge of a rear window. The spoiler element provides a function for improving the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle. An obstruction sensor device is fastened to the spoiler element and coupled to a drive of the tailgate. | 12-18-2014 |
20140375079 | SURFACE FLOW ENHANCEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME ON A VEHICLE - A detachable surface flow enhancement device is provided, comprising: an aerodynamic structure configured to deflect moving air incident upon the aerodynamic structure; and an attaching element configured to attach the aerodynamic structure to a surface of a vehicle and to detach the aerodynamic structure from the surface of the vehicle without altering the surface of the vehicle. | 12-25-2014 |
20150008698 | UNDERBODY PANELLING - A motor vehicle component having at least one surface which, in the installed position, forms an outer side of the motor vehicle, in which the surface has substantially V-shaped and/or substantially U-shaped projections, with the closed sides thereof facing a direction of air flow during normal operation of the motor vehicle. | 01-08-2015 |
20150008699 | VEHICLE REAR SPOILER DEVICE - Provided is a vehicle rear spoiler device to be mounted on a rear side of a roof of a vehicle. The vehicle rear spoiler device includes a wall surface for forming an air flow path between the wall surface and a rear window glass of the vehicle. A part of an air current moving rearward along a roof surface of the roof during traveling is caused to pass through the air flow path as a downward current toward the rear window glass. The wall surface is formed to gradually widen the air flow path in a manner that an outflow width of an outlet on the rear window glass side in the air flow path is larger than an inflow width of an inlet on the roof side in the air flow path. | 01-08-2015 |
20150008700 | Drag Reducing Device - A drag reducing device for a vehicle includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, in which position the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is an extrusion sized for a minimal prominence in the stowed position. | 01-08-2015 |
20150008701 | Drag Reducing Device - A drag reducing device for a vehicle includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. The mounting components are configured so that the air flow component is automatically in a deployed position when the rear door is closed, in which position the air flow turning component turns air flow passing along the side the vehicle inward to thereby reduce drag. The mounting components are further configured so that the air flow component is automatically stowed between the rear door and the vehicle side wall when the door is fully opened. The air turning component is an extrusion sized for a minimal prominence in the stowed position. | 01-08-2015 |
20150015026 | VEHICLE BODY SUBSTRUCTURE OF VEHICLE - Outer side end sections | 01-15-2015 |
20150021951 | COOLING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR COOLING AN UNDERSIDE VEHICLE COMPONENT - An underside cooling arrangement and method for a vehicle includes an underside component mounted to the underside of the vehicle, and an airflow directing member that directs airflow generated when the vehicle is moving in a forward direction to a location rearward of the underside component. The airflow that is directed to the location rearward of the underside component creates a vacuum that draws an auxiliary airflow near the underside component for cooling thereof. | 01-22-2015 |
20150028623 | WIND DEFLECTOR FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE WITH A WIND DEFLECTOR - A wind deflector ( | 01-29-2015 |
20150054302 | APPARATUS FOR REDUCING VEHICLE AERODYNAMIC DRAG - In an apparatus for reducing vehicle aerodynamic drag equipped with an air jet device installed at upper and lower positions of a rear of a vehicle and each having a vibrator connected to a diaphragm disposed in an enclosed region and adapted to be driven based on a drive signal to vibrate the diaphragm to jet/suck air through an orifice formed in the region, a vehicle traveling condition is detected, the drive signals for the respective air jet devices are determined independently of each other based on the detected traveling condition, and the vibrators of the respective air jet devices are driven based on the determined drive signals to reduce aerodynamic drag acting on the vehicle. | 02-26-2015 |
20150069783 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG AND NOISE REDUCTION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE ROOF RACK ARTICLE CARRIER - Proposed is an aerodynamic drag and noise reduction device for a vehicle roof rack, particularly ski rack. The device comprises an add-on aerodynamic drag and noise reduction device in the form of a hollow parabolic-shaped container having a smoothly rounded dosed front or leading side, an interior portion accessed from the rear side of the device for accommodating an object such as a ski rack in order to reduce aerodynamic drag and noise generated while the vehicle to which it is attached is in motion, and to protect the object, e.g. ski rack, from the elements whether the vehicle to which it is attached is in motion or not, and a mechanism for mounting and securing the disclosed device to the article carrier, e.g. ski rack. The front closed side of the device can be used for carrying graphic information such as advertisement, logo, or the like. | 03-12-2015 |
20150076857 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE (OPTIONS) - A protective device for a vehicle includes a flexible cover duplicating the contours of the car, and a container, in which the flexible cover is arranged. The container can be fastened in the rear part of the vehicle with the aid of at least one fastening element. The flexible cover is polymeric, with a light-reflecting material or coating applied to one side and a light-absorbing material or coating applied to the other side. The container can be fastened on the vehicle boot or on the rear part of the vehicle roof or on the vehicle bumper. In another alternative, the container of the protective device can be fastened on the internal side of the vehicle boot lid with the aid of at least one fastening element. The protective device provides reliable and durable protection for the car from overheating in summer and from super cooling in winter. | 03-19-2015 |
20150076858 | Utility Spoiler - A spoiler for a vehicle, the vehicle having a cabin defining a cabin outer surface and a bed located behind the cabin, the spoiler being usable with an object, the spoiler comprising: a main portion and a utility portion extending from the main portion; the main portion being mountable to the cabin and defining substantially opposed main portion top and bottom surfaces; the utility portion being configured and sized for supporting at least part of the object; the main and utility portions being together configured and sized for deflecting air to reduce turbulence when the spoiler is operatively mounted to the cabin and the vehicle moves forward. | 03-19-2015 |
20150084369 | DEPLOYABLE AIR DAM - A deployable air dam for an automotive vehicle has panel, a plurality of four-bar linkages coupling the panel to a front of the vehicle, and an electric clutched actuator coupled to the four-bar linkages for moving the panel of the air-dam between a deployed and an undeployed position wherein the panel extends vertically down from a bottom of a bumper of the vehicle when in the deployed position. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084370 | Roof Spoiler Mounting System - A roof spoiler mounting bracket assembly is disclosed for mounting a roof spoiler to a roof panel of an automotive vehicle. The mounting bracket assembly comprises a vehicle-side bracket having upper and lower sides extending longitudinally between first and second ends and laterally between first and second edges. A spoiler-side bracket having upper and lower sides extends longitudinally between first and second ends and laterally between first and second edges. The spoiler-side bracket has a unitary recessed section for receiving the vehicle-side bracket at least partially therein and the spoiler-side bracket is fixedly secured to the roof spoiler. A first mounting bolt extends from the lower side of the vehicle-side bracket for fixedly securing the vehicle-side bracket to the roof panel. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084371 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE AERODYNAMIC DRAG OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, DESIGNED TO CAUSE DETACHMENT OF THE BOUNDARY LAYER IN A PREDETERMINED AREA OF THE MOTOR-VEHICLE BODY, USING PASSIVE JETS, AND MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THIS SYSTEM - A motor vehicle comprises a system for controlling the aerodynamic drag thereof by causing detachment of the boundary layer at a predetermined area of a part of the body thereof The system comprises at least one component of the structure of the motor vehicle constituting a separate element rigidly connected to the structure, wherein the component defines an outer wall of the motor vehicle, wherein the outer wall is made porous, with an orderly distribution of pores or holes. | 03-26-2015 |
20150091325 | SPOILER DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - 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. | 04-02-2015 |
20150102633 | Rear Spoiler System for a Vehicle - A rear spoiler system for a vehicle has at least one roof spoiler comprising a roof air-deflector element. The roof spoiler is configured to be secured only on a rear door of the vehicle without being secured on the vehicle structure. The roof air-deflector element can be raised into a driving position automatically when the rear doors are closed, and can be moved automatically into an idle position when the rear doors are open. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102634 | FRAME ARRANGEMENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE BODY - A frame arrangement of a motor vehicle body accommodates at least a windshield and has a cowl frame part that runs in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle on an upper side of the windshield. At least one pivotably mounted wind deflector is mounted at the cowl frame part and is movable by a drive device. The wind deflector has at least first and second flow surfaces. The flow surfaces are arranged so that, via a pivoting movement of the wind deflector, only one flow surface can be set into an active position. The first flow surface is designed to match the cowl frame part and the second flow surface has at least one interfering contour. | 04-16-2015 |
20150145280 | AIR GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE - An air guide assembly for a vehicle includes an air guide depending from an underside of the vehicle and an air guide extension contiguously disposed at one lateral end of the air guide. The air guide extension includes a tab received through a tab aperture defined in the air guide. The tab includes a tab feature facilitating sliding movement of the tab relative to the tab aperture due to an external force being applied to one of the air guide and the air guide extension. | 05-28-2015 |
20150291232 | LIGHT WEIGHT INTEGRATED TAILGATE SPOILER - A lightweight metal spoiler is integrated with a tailgate of an automotive vehicle. The integrated tailgate spoiler is formed from the same material as the frame or rear portion of the tailgate body, preferably aluminum, in one arrangement and from different materials in another arrangement. First and second spoiler portions are joined together along overlapping, mating, abutting edges. The first and second portions of the tailgate are brazed together at an acute angle and the unitary spoiler is fused to the rear portion of the tailgate body. | 10-15-2015 |
20150298530 | DEVICE FOR RESTRICTING WIND TURBULENCE - Disclosed is a device for restricting wind turbulence in a moving open top automobile. The device comprises an elongate wind panel adapted to be secured to the double seat or the pair of non-contiguous juxtaposed seats thereof such that, the wind panel vertically, upwardly and contiguously extends from the seat. | 10-22-2015 |
20150307065 | APPARATUS CLEANING TAIL GATE GLASS FOR VEHICLE - An apparatus for cleaning a tail gate glass for a vehicle may include a spoiler door rotatably installed on a rear spoiler; an outlet formed at a position of the rear spoiler facing the spoiler door; an air duct installed in an internal space of the rear spoiler and guiding external air introduced through the spoiler door to the outlet; a nozzle fixed to the rear spoiler and spraying a cleaning liquid to the tail gate glass; and a door opening and closing device fixed to the rear spoiler, having a first end connected to the spoiler door and a second end fluid-connected to a cleaning liquid hose, and operated to open and close the spoiler door depending on a change in a pressure of the cleaning liquid hose. | 10-29-2015 |
20150321707 | ACTIVE MODULAR AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data. | 11-12-2015 |
20150329151 | VEHICLE-BODY REAR STRUCTURE - A first opening is formed in a vertical wall portion, and a second opening is formed in an underfloor. Airflow partially flows into the first opening and hits a rear face of an inclined wall portion, so as to be discharged from the second opening toward a vehicle rear side. The airflow that cannot enter the first opening flows toward the inclined wall portion along the vertical wall portion so that the airflow is drawn to the airflow flowing into the first opening. The airflow that cannot enter the first opening flows toward the vehicle rear side along the inclined wall portion. Detachment of the airflow from the inclined wall portion is restrained, and airflow flows toward the vehicle rear side along the underfloor of the vehicle. Air flowing from a side part of the vehicle into the rear wheel house restrains a decrease in steering stability. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329153 | VEHICULAR UNDERCOVER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A vehicular undercover constituting a lower surface of a vehicle and molded from a synthetic resin sheet includes a cover main body having a plate shape including one surface that is a flat surface and another surface that is opposite to the one surface, a reinforcing rib projecting from the other surface of the cover main body, and at least two auxiliary ribs projecting form the other surface of the cover main body and sandwiching the reinforcing rib therebetween. The cover main body includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is between the at least two auxiliary ribs and has a first thickness, and the second portion is on an opposite side to the first portion with respect to each of the at least two auxiliary ribs and has a second thickness. The first thickness is smaller than the second thickness. | 11-19-2015 |
20150343959 | Roof Box System for Motor Vehicles and Case for a Roof Box System - In order to provide a roof box system ( | 12-03-2015 |
20150360734 | Truck Body Assembly and Methods of Making and Using Same - An assembly for utility truck bodies having metal and/or composite reinforcement(s) and/or foam reinforcements and/or honeycomb reinforcement/ and/or wood reinforcements encapsulated within a thermoformed thermoplastic, or thermoset or fiber-reinforced thermoset walking surface floor structure of the truck bed assembly or other composite floor structure with attachable components and junctions, e.g., sidepack(s), and methods of making the same are provided. | 12-17-2015 |
20150375809 | SPOILER DEVICE - 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. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375811 | WHEEL FAIRING DEFLECTING WIND ONTO LOWER WHEEL - An upper wheel fairing for increasing the propulsive efficiency of a wheeled vehicle having wheels otherwise exposed to headwinds, comprising a deflector panel or skirt assembly mounted upstream in front of a rearward wheel set, extending downward not lower than the axle, and arranged to deflect headwinds from impinging upon the high drag-inducing upper wheel surfaces downward onto the low-drag lower wheel surfaces. | 12-31-2015 |
20160009323 | SPOILER DEVICE FOR VEHICLE | 01-14-2016 |
20160031496 | Low Drag Low Noise Devices Using Jet Flow Control - Low drag low noise devices are described herein that use passive jet flow control to reduce the drag and noise created by motor vehicles (e.g., motor vehicle side view mirrors and their main bodies) while the motor vehicles travel through a fluid. The low drag low noise devices described herein comprise a lengthwise axis, an outer body, and an inner body. The outer body and the inner body cooperatively define a channel through which fluid can pass during use. | 02-04-2016 |
20160039469 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE SILL - A motor vehicle ( | 02-11-2016 |
20160039478 | SPOILER UNIT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A spoiler unit includes a movable spoiler for a vehicle, a frame fixing the movable spoiler to the vehicle, and a cover being mounted on the frame. | 02-11-2016 |
20160052378 | Vehicular Deflector Device - A vehicular deflector device includes an upper frame and a lower frame, a mesh member, two holding projections, and a pivot stopper. The upper and lower frames extend in a vehicle widthwise direction. The mesh member includes two short-side direction terminal portions respectively held by the upper frame and the lower frame. The mesh member is protruded from a plane of the roof together with the upper frame when the upper frame is lifted relative to the lower frame, and the mesh member is stored below an upper surface of the roof together with the upper frame when the upper frame is lowered relative to the lower frame. The two holding projections arranged on two extending direction end portions of the lower frame are respectively inserted into two holding holes formed in a roof member. The pivot stopper restricts pivoting of the lower frame about the holding projections. | 02-25-2016 |
20160059909 | DRAG REDUCING MIRROR ASSEMBLIES FOR VEHICLES - A side-view mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The mirror assembly may generally include a mirror housing configured to support a mirror. The mirror housing may define an airfoil shape have a first side surface and a second side surface extending between a forward edge and an aft edge. In addition, the mirror housing may be movable between a first position, wherein the mirror housing is aerodynamically aligned with an airflow flowing past the vehicle, and a second position, wherein the mirror reflects a rearwardly extending side-view of the vehicle. | 03-03-2016 |
20160068015 | MINIMIZING DRAG-INDUCED FORCES on a WHEELED VEHICLE - An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction apparatus for optimally reducing the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction apparatus includes: a streamlined fairing positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe disposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes; a streamlined spoke tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke; a cycle wheel with a tapered spoke having a thin aerodynamic profile near the rim and tapering to a round profile towards the central hub; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068203 | VEHICULAR STRAIGHTENING DEVICE - A front straightening portion is formed at a front portion of a main body portion of a spat. In the front straightening portion, a front inclined surface is inclined backward with respect to a vehicle with decrease in distance to a lower side of the vehicle in a lateral view, and front lateral surfaces extend forward with respect to the vehicle from both end portions of the front inclined surface in a vehicle width direction, respectively. A traveling wind that hits the front lateral surfaces flows toward the front inclined surface side, and is caused to flow out downward with respect to the vehicle from the front straightening portion together with a traveling wind. The flow velocities of the traveling winds increase, the air resistance of the vehicle can be reduced, operation stability of the vehicle can be enhanced, and riding comfort performance of the vehicle can be enhanced. | 03-10-2016 |
20160075383 | Motor Vehicle Having an Air Duct that Extends Away from a Wheel Housing - A motor vehicle includes an air duct between a front wheel housing and a side wall of the motor vehicle, the air duct extends between an inwardly directed embossment of the side wall and a wheel housing cover which partially covers the embossment externally at a distance therefrom. | 03-17-2016 |
20160090144 | COWL OF SADDLE-RIDDEN TYPE VEHICLE - A cowl which covers a front component of a saddle-ridden type vehicle, includes: a cowl body; and passage forming portions each of which extends from a front, central, in a left-right direction, position of the cowl body or a vicinity of the front, central position to a side position of the cowl body; each of the passage forming portions forms an air passage that extends from the front, central position of the cowl body or a vicinity of the front, central position to the side position of the cowl body; the passage forming portions or each of the passage forming portions has an inlet as defined herein; each of the passage forming portions has an outlet as defined herein; and the air passages cause a riding wind occurring during running of the saddle-ridden type vehicle to flow through the air passages. | 03-31-2016 |
20160096560 | VEHICLE BODY SIDE STRUCTURE - A vehicle body side structure includes a flow redirecting member that introduces a traveling wind in a direction toward a wheel arch for a rear tire. The flow redirecting member has an inlet portion through which the traveling wind is introduced and an outlet portion through which air having been introduced through the inlet portion is ejected to the wheel arch side. The inlet portion is positioned in front of the wheel arch. The outlet portion has a slit shape extending along a surface of the rear tire on an outer side in a vehicle width direction. | 04-07-2016 |
20160137234 | OPTIMIZING JETS FOR WAKE CONTROL OF GROUND VEHICLES - A system of wake control for a ground vehicle to help promote increased fuel efficiencies of the ground vehicle by modifying an air flow wake generated during the movement of the vehicle in a forward direction. The system includes at least one slot jet configured to be located along a rear profile portion of the ground vehicle. The at least one slot jet is configured to provide a continuous flow of air at a non-zero velocity when the ground vehicle is moving in a forward direction, the non-zero velocity being at least partially directed in a rearward direction with an output velocity less than a velocity at which the ground vehicle is moving in the forward direction, but sufficient to modify the air flow wake generated by the movement of the ground vehicle in the forward direction. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137235 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS - A drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes an exterior cover that forms a drag reducing shape when the apparatus is fully extended. The apparatus can be retracted to a space saving configuration. A scissors linkage extends and retracts the apparatus. | 05-19-2016 |
20160144905 | DUCT STRUCTURE ON VEHICLE SIDE SURFACE - A duct structure provided on a side surface of a vehicle includes a first opening portion, a second opening portion, and a duct. The first opening portion is disposed forward of a vehicle rear tire in the vehicle front-rear direction, and open toward the front of the vehicle. The second opening portion is disposed rearward of the first opening portion and forward of the rear tire in the front-rear direction, and open toward the rear of the vehicle or open outward in the vehicle-width direction. The duct extends in the front-rear direction to connect the first opening portion and the second opening portion to each other. The duct includes a first slanted region. The first slanted region is an inner-side portion of the duct in the vehicle-width direction. The first slanted region extends inward in the vehicle-width direction from the second opening portion toward the front of the vehicle. | 05-26-2016 |
20160152287 | ATTACHMENT PART, SPOILER ARRANGEMENT AND MOTOR VEHICLE | 06-02-2016 |
20160167720 | AERODYNAMIC DRAG REDUCING APPARATUS | 06-16-2016 |
20160251041 | AIR GUIDING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME | 09-01-2016 |