CA1079772A - Air flow deflector for use at the rear of heavy vehicles - Google Patents
Air flow deflector for use at the rear of heavy vehiclesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1079772A CA1079772A CA320,928A CA320928A CA1079772A CA 1079772 A CA1079772 A CA 1079772A CA 320928 A CA320928 A CA 320928A CA 1079772 A CA1079772 A CA 1079772A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- plate
- rear surface
- air flow
- longitudinal edge
- flow deflector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D35/00—Vehicle bodies characterised by streamlining
- B62D35/001—For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An air flow deflector for use at the rear of heavy vehicles is disclosed. The deflector comprises a profiled plate generally in the shape of a "S" in transverse cross-section adapted to be mounted vertically, one on each side, at the rear of the vehicle body for deflecting the air flow directly outward to prevent air turbulence.
An air flow deflector for use at the rear of heavy vehicles is disclosed. The deflector comprises a profiled plate generally in the shape of a "S" in transverse cross-section adapted to be mounted vertically, one on each side, at the rear of the vehicle body for deflecting the air flow directly outward to prevent air turbulence.
Description
~7977Z
Tbis invention relates tu an air flow d~Fl~ctDr For u~s at the raar of heavy vehicles.
It is well known that high turbelence occurs at the back of a vshicla in movem~nt due to the vacuum created by th~ moving vehicle.
It is also wsll known thst this turbulencs ha~ a suction a~Foct which increases fusl consumption.
~ t i5 therefors the objact of the pres~nt inuention to provide an air flow daflector for usa at the r~ar of a u~hicle body which substantially dacraas~s turbulencs whan the vehicle is in mouament.
Tha air flow deflsctor, in accurdanc~ with the invention~
cornprises a profil~d plat~ in tha ganeral shape of an "5" in transvers~
cros~ eection adaptetJ to bu mount~d vertically, one on a~ch side at ; tha roar of the uehlcle body ~or directing tha air ~Low directly out-w~r~ to substantially raduca turbulance, The plate preferably extends the full haight of ths vehicle body and has a width approximatsly equal to one third of ths width of the body~
Each pro~iled plate is preferably mountad on a structura permitting pivotal movsment of the plate to a position along tha aide of the vehicle body. Such structure may include two transverse bars located one adjac~nt the top and the oth~r adjacent the bottom of the plate, two hingaa located at tha corner uf the vahicle body ~nd upon which ths bars ars pivotally mountsd at one end and means for removably securing tha other snd o~ the bars to the back of tha vehicls body~
ThH invention will now be disclosed, by way of sxample~ with referenca to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the back of a heauy vshicla providad with two dafl0ctors in accordancs with the invantion;
Figure 2 illustrat0s the air flow at tha rear o~ a vehicle equipped with the air flow deflectora in accDrdance with the inuention;
Figure 3 show6 how the air flow deflactors can ba mo~ed to
Tbis invention relates tu an air flow d~Fl~ctDr For u~s at the raar of heavy vehicles.
It is well known that high turbelence occurs at the back of a vshicla in movem~nt due to the vacuum created by th~ moving vehicle.
It is also wsll known thst this turbulencs ha~ a suction a~Foct which increases fusl consumption.
~ t i5 therefors the objact of the pres~nt inuention to provide an air flow daflector for usa at the r~ar of a u~hicle body which substantially dacraas~s turbulencs whan the vehicle is in mouament.
Tha air flow deflsctor, in accurdanc~ with the invention~
cornprises a profil~d plat~ in tha ganeral shape of an "5" in transvers~
cros~ eection adaptetJ to bu mount~d vertically, one on a~ch side at ; tha roar of the uehlcle body ~or directing tha air ~Low directly out-w~r~ to substantially raduca turbulance, The plate preferably extends the full haight of ths vehicle body and has a width approximatsly equal to one third of ths width of the body~
Each pro~iled plate is preferably mountad on a structura permitting pivotal movsment of the plate to a position along tha aide of the vehicle body. Such structure may include two transverse bars located one adjac~nt the top and the oth~r adjacent the bottom of the plate, two hingaa located at tha corner uf the vahicle body ~nd upon which ths bars ars pivotally mountsd at one end and means for removably securing tha other snd o~ the bars to the back of tha vehicls body~
ThH invention will now be disclosed, by way of sxample~ with referenca to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the back of a heauy vshicla providad with two dafl0ctors in accordancs with the invantion;
Figure 2 illustrat0s the air flow at tha rear o~ a vehicle equipped with the air flow deflectora in accDrdance with the inuention;
Figure 3 show6 how the air flow deflactors can ba mo~ed to
-2~ $ ~ ~
~CI 7977z a pusiti.0n alorlg the side of thr~ vcehiclQ bo(Jy;
Figure 4 illustrates an ~mbod rnnnt for p:ivotally mounting tile ~flector in accordance with the invention;
Fi.~Jurc 5 illustrates a Vi~!W takerl along line 5-5 of Fi~u~e 3;
and Figure 6 is a brokHn section taken alung line 6-6 of Figure 1.
~eferring to ths drawings~ th~re i.s shown an cmbodl!nent w~
the invention including a profilr.~ plat~ 10 gPnr~rally in the ~ape of an "5~ in transver~e cross-section moLmtsd ono on each side at the rear oF a vehicle body 12~ Each plate 10 cxtends the full height of the vehicls body and has a width approxirnat01y equal to ons~third o~ the width of the vehicle body. The plate 10 las inwardly curved top and bottom edg~ portions 13 and 13~ OirectslJ towartls the back of th~ vehicle borly 12 as hown in figuro 6. Plate 10 is preFora~Jly m~de of ~heet metal reinforcr3d with transvers~ msrnbers 14 but could alsa be mad~ of moulded plastic material.
Referring to Figures 4 and S, each plate 10 i5 mounted on a frame comprising two transvarse bars 16. Ons vertical sdge of each plats is provided with two L-shaped brackets 1~, the top one of which fits ovsr top bar 16 and the lower one of which is rsmovably sscured to lowor bar 16 by a p.in 20. ~ars 16 are pivotally mDuntud on the cornsr of khe vehicle body ~y hingss 22, The oppos:ltr~ ndgo of each plate is provided with two C-shaped brackets 2~ which are permanently secured to the other end of the bars by pins 26, A flexible link 28 consisting of a pair of rubber straps 29 secursd to metal end membars 29~ and 29" is pivotally attachsd to each bar 16 by means of end member 29~ and pin 26. End member 29" of each link 28 is attached to a ..
vertical post 30 which is provided at a proper end with a hook 22 engaging a catch 24 fixed to the top edge of the back of vehicle body 12. Ths lowsr end oF the post 30 is removably locked in position on the back of the vehicls body by catch 36 and pin 3~.
- As illustrater~ in Figurs 3, oach plate 10 may bs moved to the
~CI 7977z a pusiti.0n alorlg the side of thr~ vcehiclQ bo(Jy;
Figure 4 illustrates an ~mbod rnnnt for p:ivotally mounting tile ~flector in accordance with the invention;
Fi.~Jurc 5 illustrates a Vi~!W takerl along line 5-5 of Fi~u~e 3;
and Figure 6 is a brokHn section taken alung line 6-6 of Figure 1.
~eferring to ths drawings~ th~re i.s shown an cmbodl!nent w~
the invention including a profilr.~ plat~ 10 gPnr~rally in the ~ape of an "5~ in transver~e cross-section moLmtsd ono on each side at the rear oF a vehicle body 12~ Each plate 10 cxtends the full height of the vehicls body and has a width approxirnat01y equal to ons~third o~ the width of the vehicle body. The plate 10 las inwardly curved top and bottom edg~ portions 13 and 13~ OirectslJ towartls the back of th~ vehicle borly 12 as hown in figuro 6. Plate 10 is preFora~Jly m~de of ~heet metal reinforcr3d with transvers~ msrnbers 14 but could alsa be mad~ of moulded plastic material.
Referring to Figures 4 and S, each plate 10 i5 mounted on a frame comprising two transvarse bars 16. Ons vertical sdge of each plats is provided with two L-shaped brackets 1~, the top one of which fits ovsr top bar 16 and the lower one of which is rsmovably sscured to lowor bar 16 by a p.in 20. ~ars 16 are pivotally mDuntud on the cornsr of khe vehicle body ~y hingss 22, The oppos:ltr~ ndgo of each plate is provided with two C-shaped brackets 2~ which are permanently secured to the other end of the bars by pins 26, A flexible link 28 consisting of a pair of rubber straps 29 secursd to metal end membars 29~ and 29" is pivotally attachsd to each bar 16 by means of end member 29~ and pin 26. End member 29" of each link 28 is attached to a ..
vertical post 30 which is provided at a proper end with a hook 22 engaging a catch 24 fixed to the top edge of the back of vehicle body 12. Ths lowsr end oF the post 30 is removably locked in position on the back of the vehicls body by catch 36 and pin 3~.
- As illustrater~ in Figurs 3, oach plate 10 may bs moved to the
- 3 ~ ..
'~ ,~' ' ', , ; ' ''' sida of tha uahicle body in the diraction indicatad by arrow A to cl~ar the back of the behicle body for full opening of the raar doors of the vehicle~ For so doing, locking pin 3a and locking pin 20 are removed and po~t 30 is lift~d slightly ~o disengage llook ~2 from catch 34. This i9 pos~ible due to rubber straps 29 which, while bsing rigid enough to hold the deflactor in position, ha~e enough flexibility ,, .. .,, " . .
to allow su~ficisnt vsrtical movem0nt of the pos-t to disengaga tha hook 32 ~rom catch 340 ~y leaving pin 20 in position, it is possible to open the plates 10 about hingss 22 to clear the raar doors of the vHhiole body.
Straps 29 serve alqo to prevent transmission of vibrations between plates 10 and vehicle body 12.
Figure 2 illu~trates schematically ths dirsction of ths air flow at tlle rear o~ a moving vHhicle sguippotl with th~ air de~lectur~
in sccordanc~ with the invention. Due to the S-shaped p~ofile of ths deflsctor and its curved top and bottom edges, the air Flow along th~
sides and top and bottom surfaces of the vahicls body 12 and passing ` `~
outside cf the dsflector is deflected in the direction ~. The air flow passing between the deflector and the back of the vehicle body flows out in the direction C in bstwsen the two deflectors. The two air flows merge and flow outwardly in the direction D to substantially ellmina~e all turbulence. Applicant ha~ found that his air d~flectors ;~
can reduce Fuel consumption ~or a hsavy vehicle by about 10~ at 60 m.p.h.
Although the invention has been disclossd with reference to a preferred embodiment~ it iq to be underqtood that it is not limited to such smbodlment and that othsr alternativss are also envisaged. For sxample~ othsr means may be providsd for mounting the deflectors at the rear of the vehicle body.
' :"`''~
'~ ,' . ,
'~ ,~' ' ', , ; ' ''' sida of tha uahicle body in the diraction indicatad by arrow A to cl~ar the back of the behicle body for full opening of the raar doors of the vehicle~ For so doing, locking pin 3a and locking pin 20 are removed and po~t 30 is lift~d slightly ~o disengage llook ~2 from catch 34. This i9 pos~ible due to rubber straps 29 which, while bsing rigid enough to hold the deflactor in position, ha~e enough flexibility ,, .. .,, " . .
to allow su~ficisnt vsrtical movem0nt of the pos-t to disengaga tha hook 32 ~rom catch 340 ~y leaving pin 20 in position, it is possible to open the plates 10 about hingss 22 to clear the raar doors of the vHhiole body.
Straps 29 serve alqo to prevent transmission of vibrations between plates 10 and vehicle body 12.
Figure 2 illu~trates schematically ths dirsction of ths air flow at tlle rear o~ a moving vHhicle sguippotl with th~ air de~lectur~
in sccordanc~ with the invention. Due to the S-shaped p~ofile of ths deflsctor and its curved top and bottom edges, the air Flow along th~
sides and top and bottom surfaces of the vahicls body 12 and passing ` `~
outside cf the dsflector is deflected in the direction ~. The air flow passing between the deflector and the back of the vehicle body flows out in the direction C in bstwsen the two deflectors. The two air flows merge and flow outwardly in the direction D to substantially ellmina~e all turbulence. Applicant ha~ found that his air d~flectors ;~
can reduce Fuel consumption ~or a hsavy vehicle by about 10~ at 60 m.p.h.
Although the invention has been disclossd with reference to a preferred embodiment~ it iq to be underqtood that it is not limited to such smbodlment and that othsr alternativss are also envisaged. For sxample~ othsr means may be providsd for mounting the deflectors at the rear of the vehicle body.
' :"`''~
'~ ,' . ,
-4-'' ,'.
Claims (6)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An air flow deflector for reducing air turbulence at the rear of heavy vehicles provided with a box-shaped body having a substantially vertical rectangular rear surface defining upright corner edges, comprising a pair of profiled, rectangular imperforate plates each having a length substantially equal to the height of said rear surface and a width substantially equal to one-third the width of said rear surface, each plate having an inner and an outer surface, means for mounting each plate upright on said body with the inner surface of said plate facing the rear surface of said body, with one longitudinal edge portion of each plate substantially coincident with a corner edge of said rear surface and with said plate extending in spaced substantially parallel relationship with and partially covering said rear surface, each plate, when mounted on said body, having its other longitudinal edge portion substantially parallel to the other longitudinal edge portion of the other plate and spaced from said last named other longitudinal portion transversely of said rear surface, each plate having a transverse cross-section in the shape of a 5 with said one longitudinal edge portion, when said plate is mounted on said body, directed towards but spaced from said rear surface and said other longitudinal edge portion directed away from said rear surface, whereby, when said plates are mounted on said body of a forwardly moving vehicle, air will flow from said corner edges towards the center of said rear surface, some of said air passing between said rear surface and the inner surface of said plates to emerge between said other longitudinal edge portions of said plates and other of said air passing along said outer surface of said plates to be deflected rearwardly of said body by said other longitudinal edge portions of said plates.
2. An air flow deflector as defined in claim 1, wherein each plate has top and bottom edge portions which are inwardly curved and extending towards but spaced from the rear surface of the vehicle body when said plate is mounted on said body.
3. An air flow deflector as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for mounting each plate on said body includes hinge means to permit pivotal movement of the plate to a position along the side of the vehicle body uncovering said rear surface.
4. An air flow deflector as defined in claim 3, wherein said mounting means include two transverse bars secured to and located one adjacent the top and the other adjacent the bottom of the plate, two hinges located at the corner edges of the vehicle body and upon which each bar is pivotally mounted et one end, and means for removably securing the other end of said bars to the rear surface of the vehicle body.
5. An air flow deflector as defined in claim 4, wherein said means for removably securing the other end of said bars to the back of the vehicle body includes a rubber strap having one end secured to each other end of said bars; a vertical secured secured to the other end of said rubber straps and means for removably attaching said vertical post to the rear surface of the vehicle body.
6. An air flow deflector as defined in claim 5, wherein said other end of said bars is pivotally secured to said plate adjacent its other longitudinal edge portion and said one end of said bars is removably secured to the plate adjacent its one longitudinal portion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA320,928A CA1079772A (en) | 1979-02-06 | 1979-02-06 | Air flow deflector for use at the rear of heavy vehicles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA320,928A CA1079772A (en) | 1979-02-06 | 1979-02-06 | Air flow deflector for use at the rear of heavy vehicles |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1079772A true CA1079772A (en) | 1980-06-17 |
Family
ID=4113472
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA320,928A Expired CA1079772A (en) | 1979-02-06 | 1979-02-06 | Air flow deflector for use at the rear of heavy vehicles |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1079772A (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4682808A (en) * | 1985-07-24 | 1987-07-28 | Bilanin Alan J | Vehicle drag reducer |
| US5348366A (en) * | 1993-08-25 | 1994-09-20 | Baker Myles L | Drag reducing device for land vehicles |
| US5375903A (en) * | 1990-07-04 | 1994-12-27 | Lechner; Anton | Device for reducing the aerodynamic resistance of a commercial vehicle |
| US5498059A (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 1996-03-12 | Switlik; Stanley | Apparatus for reducing drag |
| US7641262B2 (en) * | 2006-10-19 | 2010-01-05 | Nusbaum Howard G | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US8579357B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2013-11-12 | Howard G. Nusbaum | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US20160251040A1 (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2016-09-01 | Wabco Europe Bvba | Drag reducing device |
-
1979
- 1979-02-06 CA CA320,928A patent/CA1079772A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4682808A (en) * | 1985-07-24 | 1987-07-28 | Bilanin Alan J | Vehicle drag reducer |
| US5375903A (en) * | 1990-07-04 | 1994-12-27 | Lechner; Anton | Device for reducing the aerodynamic resistance of a commercial vehicle |
| US5348366A (en) * | 1993-08-25 | 1994-09-20 | Baker Myles L | Drag reducing device for land vehicles |
| US5498059A (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 1996-03-12 | Switlik; Stanley | Apparatus for reducing drag |
| US8136868B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2012-03-20 | Nusbaum Howard G | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US8033594B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2011-10-11 | Nusbaum Howard G | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US7641262B2 (en) * | 2006-10-19 | 2010-01-05 | Nusbaum Howard G | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US8235456B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2012-08-07 | Nusbaum Howard G | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US8579357B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2013-11-12 | Howard G. Nusbaum | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US8696047B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2014-04-15 | Howard G. Nusbaum | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US8911000B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2014-12-16 | Howard G. Nusbaum | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US9162716B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2015-10-20 | Howard G. Nusbaum | Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag |
| US20160251040A1 (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2016-09-01 | Wabco Europe Bvba | Drag reducing device |
| US9896138B2 (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2018-02-20 | Wabco Europe Bvba | Drag reducing device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |