Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus

Abstract

An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

1 . A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on a vehicle, the drag reducing device adapted for mounting on a substantially vertical rear end of the vehicle, the drag reducing device comprising:
 an upper panel that is movable between a deployed position of the upper panel and a refracted position of the upper panel, the upper panel hingedly attached to the substantially vertical rear end of the vehicle at a first substantially horizontal hinge line;   a lower panel that is movable between a deployed position of the lower panel and a refracted position of the lower panel, the lower panel hingedly attached to the substantially vertical rear end of the vehicle at a second substantially horizontal hinge line;   a central member positioned between the upper and the lower panels, the central member hingedly attached to the substantially vertical rear end of the vehicle at a hinge line;   an upper member rotatably connected to the central member at a first connection and rotatably connected to the upper panel at a second connection;   a lower member rotatably connected to the central member at a third connection and rotatably connected to the lower panel at a fourth connection;   wherein the upper and the lower panels, the central member, the upper member, and the lower member cooperate with each other to move the upper and the lower panels together to the deployed positions of the upper and the lower panels respectively, and   wherein the upper and the lower panels, the central member, the upper member, and the lower member cooperate with each other to move the upper and the lower panels together to the retracted positions of the upper and the lower panels respectively.