Patent ID: 8136868
Filing Date: 2012-03-20
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A drag reduction apparatus for the rear end of a cargo-carrying compartment of a cargo-hauling ground vehicle, said cargo-carrying compartment being characterized by a substantially planar rear wall formed substantially in its entirety by at least one rear door, the drag reduction apparatus comprising at least one non-planar air deflection element and a plurality of associated support members coupling said at least one air deflection element to an associated portion of the exterior surface of said cargo-carrying compartment that is adjacent and substantially orthogonal to said rear wall, said at least one air deflection element comprising a housing member and an elongating member, said housing member having a leading edge and a trailing edge and said elongating member being selectively displaceable between a retracted position and at least one deployed position wherein at least a portion of said elongating member extends from said housing member, said plurality of associated support members allowing selective movement of said at least one air deflection element between a proximal position and at least one distal position, wherein in said proximal position the leading edge of said housing member is substantially flush with said associated portion of said exterior surface and the trailing edge of said housing member substantially abuts said associated portion of said exterior surface.