Patent ID: 7374230

Claim:
A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on vehicles, 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 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, 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 first panel group that at least partially encloses at least a first portion of the extended volume when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, the first panel group defining at least a first side and a second side, the first panel group including a plurality of panels that are movable relative to one another about fold-lines that are relatively positioned to define a fold-line arrangement, the fold-line arrangement being configured to enable the panels of the first panel group to be folded and unfolded in a coordinated manner such that the first panel group can be extended and retracted as a unit; and the plurality of panels of the first panel group including at least three panels forming the first side and at least three panels forming the second side.