Patent ID: 8506004

Claim:
A gap fairing for reducing aerodynamic drag of a tractor-trailer having a tractor and a trailer pivotably connected to the tractor, said gap fairing comprising: a fairing body attached to a chassis of said tractor, independently of a cab of the tractor, within a gap between a cab of said tractor and said trailer and such that a spacing exists between the fairing body and the trailer to enable the trailer to pivot during maneuvering of the tractor-trailer, a front portion of the fairing body is situated directly behind the cab and a separation space exists between a front portion of the fairing body and the cab; the fairing body having side portion, extending rearwardly from the front portion toward the trailer thereby inhibiting cross-winds from entering the gap and assisting in streamlining air flow from the sides of the cab to the trailer and an upwardly sloping top portion connected to at least the front portion, extending to the side portions and terminating in a trailing end, thereby assisting in streamlining air flow from the top of the cab to the trailer; and a seal element sealing the separation space between said cab and the fairing body at outer peripheral portions thereof and at least in part having at least one of a resiliency and a flexibility so as to allow relative motion between said fairing body and said cab.