Patent ID: 7618086
Filing Date: 2009-11-17
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on a vehicle with a substantially vertical rear end, the drag reducing device comprising: a drag reducing assembly that is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the drag reducing assembly including a first end adapted for connection to the substantially vertical rear end of the vehicle and a second end that is moved outwardly from the first end when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration; the drag reducing assembly at least partially defining an extended volume when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, at least a top, a bottom, and a side of the extended volume tapering inwardly as the drag reducing assembly extends in a direction from the first end to the second end of the drag reducing assembly; the drag reducing assembly including at least a top panel rotatably connected to the vehicle at a first connection including a first horizontal fold-line and a bottom panel rotatably connected to the vehicle at a second connection including a second horizontal fold-line, the top panel substantially defining the top and the bottom panel substantially defining the bottom of the extended volume of the drag reducing assembly; and the drag reducing assembly including a linkage assembly rotatably connected to the top panel at a third connection, rotatably connected to the bottom panel at a fourth connection, and hingedly connected to the vehicle at a fifth connection; wherein the linkage assembly is configured to enable the top and the bottom panels of the drag reducing assembly to be folded inwardly together and unfolded outwardly together in a coordinated manner such that the top and the bottom panels are both folded inwardly toward each other and toward the first end of the drag reducing assembly when the drag reducing assembly is moved toward the retracted configuration from the extended configuration and the top and the bottom panels are both folded outwardly away from each other when the drag reducing assembly is moved toward the extended configuration from the retracted configuration.