Patent ID: 8007030
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An aerodynamic frame extension device for reducing the aerodynamic drag when attached to a rear frame of a bluff base vehicle, the aft surface of the rear frame having a perimeter with a top, bottom and two sides, the frame extension device comprising: four panels, wherein a top panel extends aft from the top, a bottom panel extends aft from the bottom, and the remaining two panels of the four panels comprise side panels with one side panel extending aft from one of the two sides and the remaining side panel extending aft of the other of the two sides, the four panels of the frame extension device being integrally connected to each other and substantially permanently affixed to the perimeter of the aft surface of the rear frame, extending aft from the rear frame; wherein the frame extension device has a vertical height equal to at least the vertical height of the rear frame and a width equal to at least the width of the rear frame; and wherein the bottom panel has sufficient thickness to support a device for loading and unloading the vehicle and the remaining panels have a thickness of at least 1% of the width of the vehicle; and wherein the rear frame perimeter, with a top, bottom and two sides, defines a door opening, and further wherein the frame extension device extends aft from the rear frame perimeter without interfering with the door opening.