Patent ID: 7845708
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on a vehicle, 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 section adapted for connection to the vehicle and a second end section that is moved in an outward direction from the first end section when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration, the second end section being spaced in the outward direction from the first end section when the drag reducing assembly is at the extended configuration; the drag reducing assembly including a flexible covering extending from a first end to a second end when the drag reducing assembly is at the extended configuration, the first end of the flexible covering attached to the first end section and the second end of the flexible covering attached to the second end section; a first linkage including a first link and a second link, the first link connected to the first end section of the drag reducing assembly at a first rotatable connection, the first and the second links connected together at a second rotatable connection, and the second link connected to the second end section of the drag reducing assembly at a third rotatable connection; and a second linkage including a third link and a fourth link, the third link connected to the first end section of the drag reducing assembly at a fourth rotatable connection, the third and the fourth links connected together at a fifth rotatable connection, and the fourth link connected to the second end section of the drag reducing assembly at a sixth rotatable connection; wherein one or more of the rotatable connections of the first linkage are non-parallel with one or more of the rotatable connections of the second linkage and wherein the first and the second linkages together provide support for the second end section of the drag reducing assembly when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.