Patent ID: 8727423

Claim:
A device for reducing aerodynamic drag forces on a vehicle moving forward at a sub-sonic velocity, the device comprising: an extension projecting forward from the vehicle in a direction substantially parallel to a horizontal direction; a draft plate, having a substantially planar and contiguous front surface, the draft plate disposed at a distal end of the extension for generating turbulence in front of the vehicle, the draft plate having a cross-sectional area perpendicular to an ordinary direction of motion of the vehicle that is substantially less than a total cross-sectional area of the vehicle perpendicular to the ordinary direction of motion, wherein edges of the draft plate do not extend substantially backward to substantially close a volume between the draft plate and the front of the vehicle so that air within the volume between the draft plate and the front of the vehicle is substantially open to a circulation of air currents behind the draft plate and in front of the vehicle, wherein the extension projects forward from the vehicle to a length such that a distal end of the extension is sufficiently far forward to generate turbulence between the distal end of the extension and the front of the vehicle, wherein the turbulence reduces the aerodynamic drag forces on the vehicle; and a mount for mounting the extension to the vehicle.