Rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for truck cargo bodies

摘要

This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear cargo body, having doors that swing open, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The embodiments provide an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the structure reduces drag, yet enables access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position allows access to the rear for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors, allows the doors to be folded through a 270-degree arc, with a minimal sideways projection. The various embodiments also enable relatively rapid and easy transition between the folded position and the deployed position using actuators and/or linkages that tie the folding and deployment of panels of the structure together. This allows selective folding and deployment of the structure without undue effort or strength.

主权项

1. An aerodynamic structure for a cargo body comprising:
a side panel hingedly mounted to the cargo body; an upper panel hingedly mounted to the side panel, the upper panel including a hinge line that defines a first upper foldable section and a second upper foldable section; a lower panel hingedly mounted to the side panel, the lower panel including a hinge line that defines a first lower foldable section and a second lower foldable section; and an interconnection between the upper panel and the lower panel that folds the upper panel as the lower panel is moved into a folded position, wherein the interconnection comprises a flexible cable.