CA2905518A1 - Aerodynamic tractor-trailer gap reducer and trailer interface thereof - Google Patents
Aerodynamic tractor-trailer gap reducer and trailer interface thereof Download PDFInfo
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- CA2905518A1 CA2905518A1 CA2905518A CA2905518A CA2905518A1 CA 2905518 A1 CA2905518 A1 CA 2905518A1 CA 2905518 A CA2905518 A CA 2905518A CA 2905518 A CA2905518 A CA 2905518A CA 2905518 A1 CA2905518 A1 CA 2905518A1
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- reducer
- trailer
- gap
- aerodynamic
- corner
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
- Y02T10/82—Elements for improving aerodynamics
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Abstract
This invention relates to a gap-reducer for reducing a gap between a road tractor and a trailer attached thereto, the gap-reducer comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a flange sized and designed to match and secure an uneven front trailer surface. The gap-reducer can also be equipped of matching corners adapted to match corresponding corners of the trailer.
Description
2 TRAILER INTERFACE THEREOF
3 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
4 [0001] This invention relates to an aerodynamic gap reducer adapted to be mounted on a trailer to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of a vehicle by reducing a 6 gap between a road tractor and its associated trailer.
9 [0002] Road tractors are generally used to pull trailers on roads to transport cargo. Aerodynamic apparatuses can be installed on the road tractor and/or on the 11 trailer in order to reduce the aerodynamic air drag and improve fuel efficiency.
12 [0003] Trailer gap-reducers are generally installed on the front portion of the 13 trailer in order to reduce the gap between the road tractor pulling the trailer and the 14 trailer in order to reduce the aerodynamic air drag and improve fuel efficiency.
[0004] The shape of the aerodynamic gap-reducer has an effect on the 16 aerodynamic efficiency of the gap-reducer and on its interaction with the road tractor 17 operatively and movably connected to the trailer. The shape of the aerodynamic gap-18 reducer has an effect on the mechanical strength and the sturdiness of the gap-reducer 19 and also has an effect on the method that is used to secure the gap-reducer to the trailer.
21 [0005] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an improved aerodynamic 22 gap-reducer assembly over the existing art. There is a need in the art for such an 23 aerodynamic gap-reducer that improves the fuel economy of a vehicle.
There is also a 24 need for an aerodynamic gap-reducer that is light and rigid. There is a need for an aerodynamic gap-reducer that can be easily mounted on a front portion of a trailer.
1 Moreover, there is also a need for an aerodynamic gap-reducer that can be mounted on 2 trailers of different shapes.
[0006] It is one aspect of the present invention to alleviate one or more of the 6 drawbacks of the background art by addressing one or more of the existing needs in the 7 art.
8 [0007] Accordingly, an aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one 9 embodiment thereof, provides an improved aerodynamic gap-reducer over the prior art.
[0008] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 11 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer adapted to be installed on a trailer to 12 reduce the aerodynamic drag produced by the movement of the trailer when pulled by a 13 road tractor.
14 [0009] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that is adapted to fill a gap 16 between a road tractor and a trailer and minimize the gap therebetween while allowing 17 free relative movements thereof.
18 [0010] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 19 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that can be easily installed and economically manufactured.
21 [0011] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 22 thereof, provides a gap reducer that laterally covers a trailer front face completely from 23 one side to another leaving no space for air to impact trailer front face and create 24 pressure drag while still giving access to glad hands and power hoses on the trailer front face.
1 [0012] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 2 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that has a more efficient 3 aerodynamic shape than prior art aerodynamic gap-reducer.
4 [0013] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that includes ribs and/or reinforcements 6 therein, visible and/or invisible from the outside of the aerodynamic gap-reducer, to 7 increase stiffness with a thin wall construction.
8 [0014] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 9 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer configured to be efficiently and easily secured to a trailer.
11 [0015] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 12 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that is sized and designed to 13 prevent reducing the cargo space of the trailer.
14 [0016] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that is secured to the exterior 16 walls of a trailer to prevent reducing the cargo space inside the trailer.
17 [0017] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 18 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that allows receiving therein 19 two cargo pallets within the aerodynamic gap-reducer interior width.
[0018] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 21 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that has a front axial lower portion 22 extending forward of the front axial upper portion to improve the aerodynamics of the 23 vehicle.
24 [0019] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that has low sensitivity to lateral winds.
1 [0020] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 2 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer including a lower flange designed to be 3 secured on an uneven front face of a trailer.
4 [0021] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer including a lower flange having various 6 thicknesses for easily matching the exterior shape of a trailer.
7 [0022] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 8 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer including matching corners thereof that 9 can be adapted to specific shapes of trailers' corners. The matching corners of the aerodynamic gap-reducer can be, inter alia, pre-cut, modular, replaceable, marked for 11 design reference.
12 [0023] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 13 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer made of composite materials offering a 14 significant range of elastic deformation.
[0024] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 16 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer made of non-metallic material.
17 [0025] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 18 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly configured to allow a 19 temporary elastic deflection upon contact of a foreign object and recovering its original shape when not in contact with the foreign object.
21 [0026] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 22 thereof, provides a fastening system for easily securing the aerodynamic gap-reducer to 23 the trailer; the fastening system uses a limited number of parts to reduce the assembly 24 time and the weight added to the trailer.
[0027] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 26 thereof, provides a gap-reducer for reducing a gap between a road tractor and a trailer 27 attached thereto, the gap-reducer comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, a forward 1 portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and a pair of side portions 2 interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner 3 configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the gap-reducer is 4 installed on the trailer.
[0028] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 6 thereof, provides a trailer including a gap-reducer for reducing a gap between a road 7 tractor and the trailer attached thereto, the gap-reducer comprising a top portion, a 8 bottom portion, a forward portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and a 9 pair of side portions interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the 11 gap-reducer is installed on the trailer.
12 [0029] Other embodiments and further scope of applicability of the present 13 invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
14 However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration 16 only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the 17 invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
18 [0030] Additional and/or alternative advantages and salient features of the 19 invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose preferred embodiments of the 21 invention.
24 [0031] Referring now to the drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
[0032] Figure 1 is a left side elevation view of a tractor and a trailer in accordance 26 with at least one embodiment of the invention;
9 [0002] Road tractors are generally used to pull trailers on roads to transport cargo. Aerodynamic apparatuses can be installed on the road tractor and/or on the 11 trailer in order to reduce the aerodynamic air drag and improve fuel efficiency.
12 [0003] Trailer gap-reducers are generally installed on the front portion of the 13 trailer in order to reduce the gap between the road tractor pulling the trailer and the 14 trailer in order to reduce the aerodynamic air drag and improve fuel efficiency.
[0004] The shape of the aerodynamic gap-reducer has an effect on the 16 aerodynamic efficiency of the gap-reducer and on its interaction with the road tractor 17 operatively and movably connected to the trailer. The shape of the aerodynamic gap-18 reducer has an effect on the mechanical strength and the sturdiness of the gap-reducer 19 and also has an effect on the method that is used to secure the gap-reducer to the trailer.
21 [0005] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an improved aerodynamic 22 gap-reducer assembly over the existing art. There is a need in the art for such an 23 aerodynamic gap-reducer that improves the fuel economy of a vehicle.
There is also a 24 need for an aerodynamic gap-reducer that is light and rigid. There is a need for an aerodynamic gap-reducer that can be easily mounted on a front portion of a trailer.
1 Moreover, there is also a need for an aerodynamic gap-reducer that can be mounted on 2 trailers of different shapes.
[0006] It is one aspect of the present invention to alleviate one or more of the 6 drawbacks of the background art by addressing one or more of the existing needs in the 7 art.
8 [0007] Accordingly, an aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one 9 embodiment thereof, provides an improved aerodynamic gap-reducer over the prior art.
[0008] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 11 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer adapted to be installed on a trailer to 12 reduce the aerodynamic drag produced by the movement of the trailer when pulled by a 13 road tractor.
14 [0009] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that is adapted to fill a gap 16 between a road tractor and a trailer and minimize the gap therebetween while allowing 17 free relative movements thereof.
18 [0010] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 19 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that can be easily installed and economically manufactured.
21 [0011] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 22 thereof, provides a gap reducer that laterally covers a trailer front face completely from 23 one side to another leaving no space for air to impact trailer front face and create 24 pressure drag while still giving access to glad hands and power hoses on the trailer front face.
1 [0012] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 2 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that has a more efficient 3 aerodynamic shape than prior art aerodynamic gap-reducer.
4 [0013] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that includes ribs and/or reinforcements 6 therein, visible and/or invisible from the outside of the aerodynamic gap-reducer, to 7 increase stiffness with a thin wall construction.
8 [0014] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 9 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer configured to be efficiently and easily secured to a trailer.
11 [0015] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 12 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that is sized and designed to 13 prevent reducing the cargo space of the trailer.
14 [0016] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that is secured to the exterior 16 walls of a trailer to prevent reducing the cargo space inside the trailer.
17 [0017] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 18 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly that allows receiving therein 19 two cargo pallets within the aerodynamic gap-reducer interior width.
[0018] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 21 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that has a front axial lower portion 22 extending forward of the front axial upper portion to improve the aerodynamics of the 23 vehicle.
24 [0019] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer that has low sensitivity to lateral winds.
1 [0020] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 2 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer including a lower flange designed to be 3 secured on an uneven front face of a trailer.
4 [0021] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer including a lower flange having various 6 thicknesses for easily matching the exterior shape of a trailer.
7 [0022] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 8 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer including matching corners thereof that 9 can be adapted to specific shapes of trailers' corners. The matching corners of the aerodynamic gap-reducer can be, inter alia, pre-cut, modular, replaceable, marked for 11 design reference.
12 [0023] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 13 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer made of composite materials offering a 14 significant range of elastic deformation.
[0024] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 16 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer made of non-metallic material.
17 [0025] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 18 thereof, provides an aerodynamic gap-reducer assembly configured to allow a 19 temporary elastic deflection upon contact of a foreign object and recovering its original shape when not in contact with the foreign object.
21 [0026] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 22 thereof, provides a fastening system for easily securing the aerodynamic gap-reducer to 23 the trailer; the fastening system uses a limited number of parts to reduce the assembly 24 time and the weight added to the trailer.
[0027] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 26 thereof, provides a gap-reducer for reducing a gap between a road tractor and a trailer 27 attached thereto, the gap-reducer comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, a forward 1 portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and a pair of side portions 2 interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner 3 configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the gap-reducer is 4 installed on the trailer.
[0028] An aspect of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment 6 thereof, provides a trailer including a gap-reducer for reducing a gap between a road 7 tractor and the trailer attached thereto, the gap-reducer comprising a top portion, a 8 bottom portion, a forward portion between the top portion and the bottom portion and a 9 pair of side portions interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the 11 gap-reducer is installed on the trailer.
12 [0029] Other embodiments and further scope of applicability of the present 13 invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
14 However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration 16 only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the 17 invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
18 [0030] Additional and/or alternative advantages and salient features of the 19 invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose preferred embodiments of the 21 invention.
24 [0031] Referring now to the drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
[0032] Figure 1 is a left side elevation view of a tractor and a trailer in accordance 26 with at least one embodiment of the invention;
5 1 [0033] Figure 2 is a front-left perspective view of a tractor and a traiier in 2 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
3 [0034] Figure 3 is a front-left perspective view of a trailer in accordance with at 4 least one embodiment of the invention;
[0035] Figure 4 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in
3 [0034] Figure 3 is a front-left perspective view of a trailer in accordance with at 4 least one embodiment of the invention;
[0035] Figure 4 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in
6 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
7 [0036] Figure 5 is a front-left perspective view of a tractor and a trailer in
8 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
9 [0037] Figure 6 is a rear-left perspective view of a tractor and a trailer in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
11 [0038] Figure 7 is a left elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 12 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 13 invention;
14 [0039] Figure 8 is a rear-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 16 invention;
17 [0040] Figure 9 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in 18 an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 19 invention;
[0041] Figure 10 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 21 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
22 [0042] Figure 11 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 23 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
24 [0043] Figure 12 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0044] Figure 13 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 2 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
3 [0045] Figure 14 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 4 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0046] Figure 15 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 6 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
7 [0047] Figure 16 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 8 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
9 [0048] Figure 17 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
11 [0049] Figure 18 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 12 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
13 [0050] Figure 19 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 14 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0051] Figure 20 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 16 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
17 [0052] Figure 21 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 18 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
19 [0053] Figure 22 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
21 [0054] Figure 23 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 22 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
23 [0055] Figure 24 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 24 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0056] Figure 25 is a rear-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 2 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
3 [0057] Figure 26 a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 4 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0058] Figure 27 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 6 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
7 [0059] Figure 28 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 8 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
9 [0060] Figure 29 is a rear-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
11 [0061] Figure 30 a) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 12 trailer;
13 [0062] Figure 30 b) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 14 trailer;
[0063] Figure 31 is a rear-left perspective view of the lower portion of an 16 aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
17 [0064] Figure 32 is a front-bottom perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-18 reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
19 [0065] Figure 33 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 21 invention;
22 [0066] Figure 34 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 23 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 24 invention;
1 [0067] Figure 35 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 2 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 3 invention;
4 [0068] Figure 36 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 6 invention;
7 [0069] Figure 37 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in 8 an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 9 invention;
[0070] Figure 38 a) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 11 trailer;
12 [0071] Figure 38 b) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 13 trailer;
14 [0072] Figure 39 is a front-left perspective view of a corner of a trailer;
[0073] Figure 40 is a front-left perspective view of a corner of a trailer;
16 [0074] Figure 41 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 17 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
18 [0075] Figure 42 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 19 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0076] Figure 43 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 21 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
22 [0077] Figure 44 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 23 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
24 [0078] Figure 45 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0079] Figure 46 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 2 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
3 [0080] Figure 47 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 4 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0081] Figure 48 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 6 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 7 invention;
8 [0082] Figure 49 is a right side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in 9 an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
11 [0083] Figure 50 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 12 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 13 invention;
14 [0084] Figure 51 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 16 invention;
17 [0085] Figure 52 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 18 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 19 invention;
[0086] Figure 53 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 21 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 22 invention;
23 [0087] Figure 54 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 24 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0088] Figure 55 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 2 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 3 invention;
4 [0089] Figure 56 is a top plan view of a prior art aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer;
6 [0090] Figure 57 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 7 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 8 invention;
9 [0091] Figure 58 is a front-left side perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention; and 11 [0092] Figure 59 is a front-left side perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-12 reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0093] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described bellow with 16 reference to the drawings.
17 [0094] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 comprising a road tractor 14 operatively 18 connected to a trailer 18. The road tractor 14 includes a cab 22 accessible through a 19 door 26. The cab 22 includes a rear wall 30 facing the trailer 18. The road tractor 14 is equipped with a set of wheels 34 adapted to steer and propel the vehicle 10.
The trailer 21 18 also includes a set of wheels 38 generally disposed near the rear portion 42 thereof.
22 The trailer 18 includes a front portion 46 thereof and opposed lateral sides 50 thereof.
23 [0095] The trailer 18 includes an aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 on its front portion 24 46. The aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 can be embodied in various configurations. For instance, in an OEM configuration, the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is built with the 26 trailer 18 in an operating position. In contrast, in an add-on configuration, the 1 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is added to the trailer 18 and secured to its outside 2 surface in the operating position. The illustrative embodiment that is going to be 3 discussed is an aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 in the add-on configuration.
The 4 illustrative embodiment is not intended to be limitative thereof and no disclaimer is made in regard of other possible alternate configurations. As it can be appreciated, the 6 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is located between the road tractor 14 and the trailer 18 to 7 reduce the gap therebetween. Reducing the gap between the road tractor 14 and the 8 trailer 18 helps channel the air around the vehicle 10 and provides a smoother ride that 9 reduce the drag of the vehicle 10 hence reducing the fuel consumption of the vehicle
11 [0038] Figure 7 is a left elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 12 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 13 invention;
14 [0039] Figure 8 is a rear-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 16 invention;
17 [0040] Figure 9 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in 18 an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 19 invention;
[0041] Figure 10 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 21 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
22 [0042] Figure 11 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 23 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
24 [0043] Figure 12 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0044] Figure 13 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 2 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
3 [0045] Figure 14 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 4 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0046] Figure 15 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 6 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
7 [0047] Figure 16 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 8 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
9 [0048] Figure 17 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
11 [0049] Figure 18 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 12 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
13 [0050] Figure 19 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 14 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0051] Figure 20 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 16 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
17 [0052] Figure 21 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 18 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
19 [0053] Figure 22 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
21 [0054] Figure 23 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 22 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
23 [0055] Figure 24 is a front-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 24 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0056] Figure 25 is a rear-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 2 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
3 [0057] Figure 26 a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 4 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0058] Figure 27 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 6 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
7 [0059] Figure 28 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in 8 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
9 [0060] Figure 29 is a rear-left isometric view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
11 [0061] Figure 30 a) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 12 trailer;
13 [0062] Figure 30 b) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 14 trailer;
[0063] Figure 31 is a rear-left perspective view of the lower portion of an 16 aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
17 [0064] Figure 32 is a front-bottom perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-18 reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
19 [0065] Figure 33 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 21 invention;
22 [0066] Figure 34 is a front elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 23 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 24 invention;
1 [0067] Figure 35 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 2 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 3 invention;
4 [0068] Figure 36 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 6 invention;
7 [0069] Figure 37 is a front-left perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in 8 an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 9 invention;
[0070] Figure 38 a) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 11 trailer;
12 [0071] Figure 38 b) is a schematic top plan illustration of a forward portion of a 13 trailer;
14 [0072] Figure 39 is a front-left perspective view of a corner of a trailer;
[0073] Figure 40 is a front-left perspective view of a corner of a trailer;
16 [0074] Figure 41 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 17 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
18 [0075] Figure 42 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 19 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0076] Figure 43 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 21 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
22 [0077] Figure 44 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 23 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
24 [0078] Figure 45 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0079] Figure 46 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 2 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
3 [0080] Figure 47 is a rear-left perspective view of a portion of an aerodynamic 4 gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0081] Figure 48 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 6 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 7 invention;
8 [0082] Figure 49 is a right side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in 9 an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
11 [0083] Figure 50 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 12 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 13 invention;
14 [0084] Figure 51 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 16 invention;
17 [0085] Figure 52 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 18 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 19 invention;
[0086] Figure 53 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 21 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 22 invention;
23 [0087] Figure 54 is a left side elevation view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 24 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
1 [0088] Figure 55 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 2 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 3 invention;
4 [0089] Figure 56 is a top plan view of a prior art aerodynamic gap-reducer in an operating condition on the trailer;
6 [0090] Figure 57 is a top plan view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer in an 7 operating condition on the trailer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the 8 invention;
9 [0091] Figure 58 is a front-left side perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention; and 11 [0092] Figure 59 is a front-left side perspective view of an aerodynamic gap-12 reducer, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
[0093] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described bellow with 16 reference to the drawings.
17 [0094] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 comprising a road tractor 14 operatively 18 connected to a trailer 18. The road tractor 14 includes a cab 22 accessible through a 19 door 26. The cab 22 includes a rear wall 30 facing the trailer 18. The road tractor 14 is equipped with a set of wheels 34 adapted to steer and propel the vehicle 10.
The trailer 21 18 also includes a set of wheels 38 generally disposed near the rear portion 42 thereof.
22 The trailer 18 includes a front portion 46 thereof and opposed lateral sides 50 thereof.
23 [0095] The trailer 18 includes an aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 on its front portion 24 46. The aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 can be embodied in various configurations. For instance, in an OEM configuration, the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is built with the 26 trailer 18 in an operating position. In contrast, in an add-on configuration, the 1 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is added to the trailer 18 and secured to its outside 2 surface in the operating position. The illustrative embodiment that is going to be 3 discussed is an aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 in the add-on configuration.
The 4 illustrative embodiment is not intended to be limitative thereof and no disclaimer is made in regard of other possible alternate configurations. As it can be appreciated, the 6 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is located between the road tractor 14 and the trailer 18 to 7 reduce the gap therebetween. Reducing the gap between the road tractor 14 and the 8 trailer 18 helps channel the air around the vehicle 10 and provides a smoother ride that 9 reduce the drag of the vehicle 10 hence reducing the fuel consumption of the vehicle
10.
11 [0096] Figure 2, with the tractor 14, and Figure 3, without the tractor 14, illustrate
12 the front portion 46 of the trailer 18 in greater details. It is shown the gap reducer 54
13 covers completely the front portion of the trailer 18 leaving no flat surfaces of the trailer
14 18 over the width of the front face of the trailer 18. This allows smoother routing of air by preventing the flow of air to impact the front face of the trailer 18 and create pressure 16 drag. The gap reducer 54 includes a pair of substantially opposed side flanges 84 17 rearwardly extending from respective sides of the gap reducer 54 to superpose the 18 sides of the trailer 18. In an embodiment, the side flanges 84 are extending parallely 19 from the sides of the trailer 18.
[0097] As illustrated in Figure 4, the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 includes a top 21 portion 58, a bottom portion 62, a first side portion 66, a second side portion 70 and a 22 front portion 74. The aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 further includes a top flange 78, side 23 flanges 84 and a center bulge 88. A series of reinforcement ribs 92 is also part of the 24 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to increase its rigidity while minimizing its weight.
[0098] Figure 5 throughout Figure 8 are depicting an aerodynamic gap-reducer 26 54 in the operating position installed on a trailer 18 between a road tractor 14 and the 27 trailer 18. One can appreciate the road tractor 14 is equipped with a sleeper extension 28 96 including side wind fairings 100. It can be appreciated that the aerodynamic gap-29 reducer 54 is secured to the sides of the trailer 18 with a series of fasteners 104 that 1 could be embodied as rivets, bolts, glue, welding, Velcro, among others.
The series of 2 reinforcement ribs 92 is shown on the sides of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 3 protruding from the exterior surface of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to increase 4 rigidity of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and also to help direct the flow of air.
[0099] A trailer 18 without the tractor 14 is illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10.
.6 One can appreciate the aerOdynamic gap-reducer 54 disposed on the front portion 46 of 7 the trailer 18, covering the entire width of the trailer 18. It is possible to see a flange 108 8 near the lower portion of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to offer a substantially flat 9 surface offering a reasonable portion to receive the fasteners and secure the lowest portion of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to the trailer 18. The flange 108 is sized and 11 designed to facilitate securing the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 on the front portion 46 12 of the trailer 18 and to allow some bending properties to match the shape of the front 13 face wall 120 of the trailer 18.
14 [00100] Figure 11 throughout Figure 14 are additional views of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 including a top projection 90 and bottom projection 90 as well identified 16 in Figure 6 throughout Figure 10. The top projection 90 and bottom projection 90 allow 17 to collect air toward the middle of the bulge 88 of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and 18 channel the flow of air toward the top and the bottom of the trailer 18.
The top projection 19 90 and bottom projection 90 are allowing high and complete side portions 66, 70 to collect air on the entire sides of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54. The bottom portion 62 21 of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is longitudinally longer than the upper portion 58 to 22 provide an angle a from a profile 94 of the bulge 88 that is better seen in Figure 19 23 below. The edge 112, designed at angle a from the profile 94 of the bulge 88 of the 24 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54, is going to be generally vertical when mounted on the trailer 18 and the angle a is going to locate the bottom portion 62 more forwardly than 26 the top portion 58. The angle a is between a two degree angle (2 ) and a ten degree 27 angle (10 ). Preferably about a five degree angle (50) and ideally about four point nine 28 degree angle (4.90). More precisely, Figures 15 throughout Figure 17 are illustrating the 29 same gap reducer 54 as in Figure 11 throughout Figure 18 with exemplary dimensions.
1 A= about 259 cm (about 102 inches), B= about 81,3 cm (about 32 inches), C= about 2 30,5 cm (about 12 inches), and D= about 30,5 cm (about 12 inches).
3 [00101] Figure 20 is illustrating another possible embodiment of the aerodynamic 4 gap-reducer 54 that was previously shown in Figure 4. This embodiment has no angular projection 90 like the previous embodiment and includes a plurality of external 6 reinforcement ribs 92 extending across the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54.
The external 7 ribs 92 can be visible for aerodynamic purposes as much as for aesthetic purposes but 8 could alternatively be located inside the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and not be visible 9 without departing from the scope of the present application. This embodiment of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is more precisely depicted in Figure 21 throughout Figure 11 24 that are illustrating the same aerodynamic gap reducer 54 as shown in Figure 19 and 12 Figure 20 with exemplary approximated dimensions. A= about 259 cm (about 13 inches), E= about 40,6 cm (about 16 inches), F= about 218,4 cm (about 86 inches), G=
14 about 50,8 cm (about 20 inches), H= about 29,2 cm (about 11.5 inches), I= about 30,5 cm (about 12 inches) and J= about 16,5 cm (about 6.5 inches). Exemplary radiuses:
16 R1= about cm (about 14 inches), R2= about 14 cm (about 5.5 inches), R3=
about 330,2 17 cm (about 130 inches), R4= about 25,4 cm (about 10 inches), R5= about 38,1 cm 18 (about 15 inches) and R6= about 24,5 cm (about 10 inches).
19 [00102] Moving now to Figure 25 illustrating an embodiment with a plurality of internal ribs 116. The internal ribs 116 are located inside the aerodynamic gap-reducer 21 54 and are generally not visible from the outside. The smooth exterior design of the 22 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 allow a free flow of air over the aerodynamic gap-reducer 23 54 and other graphical applications using the smooth surface as base for printing a logo 24 or another design on the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54. The internal ribs 116 can be accompanied with external ribs 92, independent or not from each other, and can be 26 used individually or collectively without departing from the scope of the present 27 application. Figures 26 throughout Figure 29 are illustrating the same gap reducer 54 as 28 shown in Figure 25, with the ribs 116 not visible from the outside, with exemplary 29 approximated dimensions.
1 [00103] The front portion 46 of a trailer 18 can be damaged and the front face wall 2 120 thereof can be crooked as illustrated in Figure 30 a) and 30 b). The flange 108 3 located at the bottom portion 62 of the gap-reducer 54 is disposed parallel with the front 4 face wall 120 and is configured to be secured thereto. The flange 108 can be thinner and optionally include varying thickness portions 124 to further help follow the contour 6 of the front face wall 120 of the trailer 18. The varying thickness portions 124 can 7 alternatively be embodied as thinner portions, slotted portions, flexible portions or local 8 modifications in the material, among other possible variations. The varying thickness 9 portions 124 are visible in Figure 31 and Figure 32. The varying thickness portions 124 can alternate with portions adapted to receive fasteners 104.
11 [00104] Figure 33 throughout Figure 36 are exemplifying the gap-reducer 54 12 typically installed on a trailer 18. The fasteners 104 securing the side portions 66, 70 of 13 the gap-reducer 54 are secured in a strong corner channel 126 of the trailer 18 for 14 added stiffness and preventing weakening the trailer 18. The, for example, aluminum corner channel 126 can be a simple angle or a radius or a chamfer-like corner 16 depending of the trailer's 18 design.
17 [00105] Moving now to Figure 37 illustrating an aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 with 18 sizes and radiuses design. In a possible embodiment, upper radius 128 is about 10 19 inches, lower radius 134 is about 25,4 cm (about 10 inches), side radiuses 132 about 38,1 cm (about 15 inches) and central radius 136 of about 330,2 cm (about 130 inches).
21 [00106] The trailer 18 corners' can have various shapes. Two non-limitative 22 examples are illustrated in Figure 38 a) and 38 b), respectively curved corner 142 and 23 wedged corners 146. Figure 39 illustrates a curved corner 142 on a trailer 18 and Figure 24 40 illustrates a wedged/chamfered corner 146 on a trailer 18.
[00107] Figure 41 depicts an embodiment where the matching corners 150 are 26 pre-cut to smallest radius of the curved edge 142 of the trailer. In the present situation a 27 curved matching corner 150 has an edge corresponding to the shape of the trailer 18.
28 The corresponding edge 142' is shaped in the gap-reducer 54 and is ready to match 29 corresponding curved corner 142 of the trailer 18. Alternatively, Figure 42 depicts an 1 embodiment where the matching removable modular corner 150 is added on and 2 secured to the aerodynamic gap reducer 54 and the edge 142' of the modular matching 3 corner 150 is ready to match the shape of the corresponding corner 142 of the trailer.
4 [00108] Figure 43 depicts an embodiment where the matching corners 150 are pre-cut to smallest shape of the edge 146 of the trailer. In the present situation a curved 6 corner 146' is shaped in the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and is ready to match 7 corresponding corner 146 of the trailer 18. Figure 44 depicts an embodiment where the 8 matching removable modular matching corner 150 is shaped with wedge 146', is added 9 onto the aerodynamic gap reducer 54 and is ready to match corresponding wedged corner 146 of the trailer 18. Alternatively, modular replaceable matching corners 150 or 11 different designs are sold as separate parts, or as a "matching kit"
offering to adapt a 12 generic aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to a plurality of trailer 18 shapes.
13 [00109] Figures 44 depict an embodiment where the matching corner 150 is pre-14 cut to a particular design. In the present situation a wedged corner 146' is shaped in the gap-reducer 54 and is ready to match corresponding wedged corner 146 of the trailer 16 18.
17 [00110] Figure 45 and Figure 46 depict an embodiment where the matching 18 corners 150 are pre-marked, or partially cut, with one or a plurality of particular shapes 19 to match a variety of trailer 18 designs. In the present situation a wedged corner 146' and two different curved corners 142' are pre-marked or pre-cut in the gap-reducer 54.
21 The corners 150 just have to be adjusted to the desired shape in order to match the 22 trailer's 18 corners 142, 146 shape. An additional embodiment of the matching corners 23 150 is depicted in Figure 47. The matching corner 150 includes a pre-cut pattern 154 24 embodied with a series of cavities 158 facilitating the removal of portions of the matching corners 150 by simply cutting the extending portions 162 to the right 26 dimensions. Each extending portions 162 can be sectioned with a tool such as a small 27 reciprocating saw or the like.
28 [00111] Figure 48 throughout Figure 53 are illustrating the cooperation between a 29 road tractor 14 and attached trailer 18 equipped with a gap-reducer 54.
These Figures 1 are illustrating a progressive vehicle 10 turn to appreciate the relative movement 2 between the road tractor 14, the sleeper 96, the wind fairing 100, the trailer 18 and the 3 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54. It can also be noted how the gap-reducer 54 gets forward 4 inside the sleeper 96 and the wind fairing 100 to effectively catch and manage the airflow around the vehicle 10 without interfering with the movements of the trailer 18 and 6 the road tractor 14. Seen from the side, the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 extends 7 further in front than the rear part of the sleeper 96 and/or the wind fairing 100 and still 8 allow tight turns.
9 [00112] A vehicle 10 is illustrated in Figure 54 and in Figure 55 with a typical cross wind. The cross wind effecting the vehicle 10 with wind directed to the vehicle 10 at an 11 angle different of zero (0 ) degree in respect with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10.
12 Figure 56 illustrate a prior art front aerodynamic fairing 166 including an opened central 13 portion 170 in which cross wind entering between the tractor 14 (not illustrated) is 14 getting trapped in the opened central portion 170 and creates additional turbulences likely to increase the drag of the vehicle 10. This phenomenon is illustrated in Figure 41 16 with a cross wind coming from the left. The same phenomenon can occur with a cross 17 wind coming from the right. In contrast, the gap reducer 54 of the present invention 18 includes a closed volume and the central portion 174 of the gap reducer 54 channels 19 more efficiently and in a more laminar fashion cross winds toward the side of the trailer 18 thus creating less drag and increasing the fuel economy of the vehicle 10.
21 [00113] Finally, Figure 58 and Figure 59 are illustrating an additional embodiment 22 of the gap reducer 54. The gap reducer 54 has a significant size, can be cumbersome 23 to handle and expensive to ship. The embodied gap reducer 54 is separated in a 24 plurality of parts 54.1, 54.2 sized and designed to be assembled together via a connecting portion 178. The connecting portion 178 is embodied with superposed 26 sections, external section 182 and internal section 186, adapted to be secured with 27 fasteners and result in a smooth and even exterior surface of the gap reducer 54, hence 28 preventing causing turbulences of air flowing about the surface of the gap reducer 54.
29 The connecting portion 178 can be shaped directly in the gap reducer 54 or made with additional parts without departing from the scope of the present application.
1 [00114] While the invention has been described in connection with what is 2 presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be 3 understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments and 4 elements, but, to the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications, combinations of features, equivalent arrangements, and equivalent elements included within the spirit 6 and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the dimensions of features of various 7 components that may appear on the drawings are not meant to be limiting, and the size 8 of the components therein can vary from the size that may be portrayed in the figures = 9 herein. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of the invention, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims 11 and their equivalents.
[0097] As illustrated in Figure 4, the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 includes a top 21 portion 58, a bottom portion 62, a first side portion 66, a second side portion 70 and a 22 front portion 74. The aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 further includes a top flange 78, side 23 flanges 84 and a center bulge 88. A series of reinforcement ribs 92 is also part of the 24 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to increase its rigidity while minimizing its weight.
[0098] Figure 5 throughout Figure 8 are depicting an aerodynamic gap-reducer 26 54 in the operating position installed on a trailer 18 between a road tractor 14 and the 27 trailer 18. One can appreciate the road tractor 14 is equipped with a sleeper extension 28 96 including side wind fairings 100. It can be appreciated that the aerodynamic gap-29 reducer 54 is secured to the sides of the trailer 18 with a series of fasteners 104 that 1 could be embodied as rivets, bolts, glue, welding, Velcro, among others.
The series of 2 reinforcement ribs 92 is shown on the sides of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 3 protruding from the exterior surface of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to increase 4 rigidity of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and also to help direct the flow of air.
[0099] A trailer 18 without the tractor 14 is illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10.
.6 One can appreciate the aerOdynamic gap-reducer 54 disposed on the front portion 46 of 7 the trailer 18, covering the entire width of the trailer 18. It is possible to see a flange 108 8 near the lower portion of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to offer a substantially flat 9 surface offering a reasonable portion to receive the fasteners and secure the lowest portion of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to the trailer 18. The flange 108 is sized and 11 designed to facilitate securing the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 on the front portion 46 12 of the trailer 18 and to allow some bending properties to match the shape of the front 13 face wall 120 of the trailer 18.
14 [00100] Figure 11 throughout Figure 14 are additional views of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 including a top projection 90 and bottom projection 90 as well identified 16 in Figure 6 throughout Figure 10. The top projection 90 and bottom projection 90 allow 17 to collect air toward the middle of the bulge 88 of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and 18 channel the flow of air toward the top and the bottom of the trailer 18.
The top projection 19 90 and bottom projection 90 are allowing high and complete side portions 66, 70 to collect air on the entire sides of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54. The bottom portion 62 21 of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is longitudinally longer than the upper portion 58 to 22 provide an angle a from a profile 94 of the bulge 88 that is better seen in Figure 19 23 below. The edge 112, designed at angle a from the profile 94 of the bulge 88 of the 24 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54, is going to be generally vertical when mounted on the trailer 18 and the angle a is going to locate the bottom portion 62 more forwardly than 26 the top portion 58. The angle a is between a two degree angle (2 ) and a ten degree 27 angle (10 ). Preferably about a five degree angle (50) and ideally about four point nine 28 degree angle (4.90). More precisely, Figures 15 throughout Figure 17 are illustrating the 29 same gap reducer 54 as in Figure 11 throughout Figure 18 with exemplary dimensions.
1 A= about 259 cm (about 102 inches), B= about 81,3 cm (about 32 inches), C= about 2 30,5 cm (about 12 inches), and D= about 30,5 cm (about 12 inches).
3 [00101] Figure 20 is illustrating another possible embodiment of the aerodynamic 4 gap-reducer 54 that was previously shown in Figure 4. This embodiment has no angular projection 90 like the previous embodiment and includes a plurality of external 6 reinforcement ribs 92 extending across the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54.
The external 7 ribs 92 can be visible for aerodynamic purposes as much as for aesthetic purposes but 8 could alternatively be located inside the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and not be visible 9 without departing from the scope of the present application. This embodiment of the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 is more precisely depicted in Figure 21 throughout Figure 11 24 that are illustrating the same aerodynamic gap reducer 54 as shown in Figure 19 and 12 Figure 20 with exemplary approximated dimensions. A= about 259 cm (about 13 inches), E= about 40,6 cm (about 16 inches), F= about 218,4 cm (about 86 inches), G=
14 about 50,8 cm (about 20 inches), H= about 29,2 cm (about 11.5 inches), I= about 30,5 cm (about 12 inches) and J= about 16,5 cm (about 6.5 inches). Exemplary radiuses:
16 R1= about cm (about 14 inches), R2= about 14 cm (about 5.5 inches), R3=
about 330,2 17 cm (about 130 inches), R4= about 25,4 cm (about 10 inches), R5= about 38,1 cm 18 (about 15 inches) and R6= about 24,5 cm (about 10 inches).
19 [00102] Moving now to Figure 25 illustrating an embodiment with a plurality of internal ribs 116. The internal ribs 116 are located inside the aerodynamic gap-reducer 21 54 and are generally not visible from the outside. The smooth exterior design of the 22 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 allow a free flow of air over the aerodynamic gap-reducer 23 54 and other graphical applications using the smooth surface as base for printing a logo 24 or another design on the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54. The internal ribs 116 can be accompanied with external ribs 92, independent or not from each other, and can be 26 used individually or collectively without departing from the scope of the present 27 application. Figures 26 throughout Figure 29 are illustrating the same gap reducer 54 as 28 shown in Figure 25, with the ribs 116 not visible from the outside, with exemplary 29 approximated dimensions.
1 [00103] The front portion 46 of a trailer 18 can be damaged and the front face wall 2 120 thereof can be crooked as illustrated in Figure 30 a) and 30 b). The flange 108 3 located at the bottom portion 62 of the gap-reducer 54 is disposed parallel with the front 4 face wall 120 and is configured to be secured thereto. The flange 108 can be thinner and optionally include varying thickness portions 124 to further help follow the contour 6 of the front face wall 120 of the trailer 18. The varying thickness portions 124 can 7 alternatively be embodied as thinner portions, slotted portions, flexible portions or local 8 modifications in the material, among other possible variations. The varying thickness 9 portions 124 are visible in Figure 31 and Figure 32. The varying thickness portions 124 can alternate with portions adapted to receive fasteners 104.
11 [00104] Figure 33 throughout Figure 36 are exemplifying the gap-reducer 54 12 typically installed on a trailer 18. The fasteners 104 securing the side portions 66, 70 of 13 the gap-reducer 54 are secured in a strong corner channel 126 of the trailer 18 for 14 added stiffness and preventing weakening the trailer 18. The, for example, aluminum corner channel 126 can be a simple angle or a radius or a chamfer-like corner 16 depending of the trailer's 18 design.
17 [00105] Moving now to Figure 37 illustrating an aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 with 18 sizes and radiuses design. In a possible embodiment, upper radius 128 is about 10 19 inches, lower radius 134 is about 25,4 cm (about 10 inches), side radiuses 132 about 38,1 cm (about 15 inches) and central radius 136 of about 330,2 cm (about 130 inches).
21 [00106] The trailer 18 corners' can have various shapes. Two non-limitative 22 examples are illustrated in Figure 38 a) and 38 b), respectively curved corner 142 and 23 wedged corners 146. Figure 39 illustrates a curved corner 142 on a trailer 18 and Figure 24 40 illustrates a wedged/chamfered corner 146 on a trailer 18.
[00107] Figure 41 depicts an embodiment where the matching corners 150 are 26 pre-cut to smallest radius of the curved edge 142 of the trailer. In the present situation a 27 curved matching corner 150 has an edge corresponding to the shape of the trailer 18.
28 The corresponding edge 142' is shaped in the gap-reducer 54 and is ready to match 29 corresponding curved corner 142 of the trailer 18. Alternatively, Figure 42 depicts an 1 embodiment where the matching removable modular corner 150 is added on and 2 secured to the aerodynamic gap reducer 54 and the edge 142' of the modular matching 3 corner 150 is ready to match the shape of the corresponding corner 142 of the trailer.
4 [00108] Figure 43 depicts an embodiment where the matching corners 150 are pre-cut to smallest shape of the edge 146 of the trailer. In the present situation a curved 6 corner 146' is shaped in the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 and is ready to match 7 corresponding corner 146 of the trailer 18. Figure 44 depicts an embodiment where the 8 matching removable modular matching corner 150 is shaped with wedge 146', is added 9 onto the aerodynamic gap reducer 54 and is ready to match corresponding wedged corner 146 of the trailer 18. Alternatively, modular replaceable matching corners 150 or 11 different designs are sold as separate parts, or as a "matching kit"
offering to adapt a 12 generic aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 to a plurality of trailer 18 shapes.
13 [00109] Figures 44 depict an embodiment where the matching corner 150 is pre-14 cut to a particular design. In the present situation a wedged corner 146' is shaped in the gap-reducer 54 and is ready to match corresponding wedged corner 146 of the trailer 16 18.
17 [00110] Figure 45 and Figure 46 depict an embodiment where the matching 18 corners 150 are pre-marked, or partially cut, with one or a plurality of particular shapes 19 to match a variety of trailer 18 designs. In the present situation a wedged corner 146' and two different curved corners 142' are pre-marked or pre-cut in the gap-reducer 54.
21 The corners 150 just have to be adjusted to the desired shape in order to match the 22 trailer's 18 corners 142, 146 shape. An additional embodiment of the matching corners 23 150 is depicted in Figure 47. The matching corner 150 includes a pre-cut pattern 154 24 embodied with a series of cavities 158 facilitating the removal of portions of the matching corners 150 by simply cutting the extending portions 162 to the right 26 dimensions. Each extending portions 162 can be sectioned with a tool such as a small 27 reciprocating saw or the like.
28 [00111] Figure 48 throughout Figure 53 are illustrating the cooperation between a 29 road tractor 14 and attached trailer 18 equipped with a gap-reducer 54.
These Figures 1 are illustrating a progressive vehicle 10 turn to appreciate the relative movement 2 between the road tractor 14, the sleeper 96, the wind fairing 100, the trailer 18 and the 3 aerodynamic gap-reducer 54. It can also be noted how the gap-reducer 54 gets forward 4 inside the sleeper 96 and the wind fairing 100 to effectively catch and manage the airflow around the vehicle 10 without interfering with the movements of the trailer 18 and 6 the road tractor 14. Seen from the side, the aerodynamic gap-reducer 54 extends 7 further in front than the rear part of the sleeper 96 and/or the wind fairing 100 and still 8 allow tight turns.
9 [00112] A vehicle 10 is illustrated in Figure 54 and in Figure 55 with a typical cross wind. The cross wind effecting the vehicle 10 with wind directed to the vehicle 10 at an 11 angle different of zero (0 ) degree in respect with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10.
12 Figure 56 illustrate a prior art front aerodynamic fairing 166 including an opened central 13 portion 170 in which cross wind entering between the tractor 14 (not illustrated) is 14 getting trapped in the opened central portion 170 and creates additional turbulences likely to increase the drag of the vehicle 10. This phenomenon is illustrated in Figure 41 16 with a cross wind coming from the left. The same phenomenon can occur with a cross 17 wind coming from the right. In contrast, the gap reducer 54 of the present invention 18 includes a closed volume and the central portion 174 of the gap reducer 54 channels 19 more efficiently and in a more laminar fashion cross winds toward the side of the trailer 18 thus creating less drag and increasing the fuel economy of the vehicle 10.
21 [00113] Finally, Figure 58 and Figure 59 are illustrating an additional embodiment 22 of the gap reducer 54. The gap reducer 54 has a significant size, can be cumbersome 23 to handle and expensive to ship. The embodied gap reducer 54 is separated in a 24 plurality of parts 54.1, 54.2 sized and designed to be assembled together via a connecting portion 178. The connecting portion 178 is embodied with superposed 26 sections, external section 182 and internal section 186, adapted to be secured with 27 fasteners and result in a smooth and even exterior surface of the gap reducer 54, hence 28 preventing causing turbulences of air flowing about the surface of the gap reducer 54.
29 The connecting portion 178 can be shaped directly in the gap reducer 54 or made with additional parts without departing from the scope of the present application.
1 [00114] While the invention has been described in connection with what is 2 presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be 3 understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments and 4 elements, but, to the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications, combinations of features, equivalent arrangements, and equivalent elements included within the spirit 6 and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the dimensions of features of various 7 components that may appear on the drawings are not meant to be limiting, and the size 8 of the components therein can vary from the size that may be portrayed in the figures = 9 herein. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of the invention, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims 11 and their equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. A gap-reducer for reducing a gap between a road tractor and a trailer attached thereto, the gap-reducer comprising a top portion;
a bottom portion;
a forward portion between the top portion and the bottom portion; and a pair of side portions interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the gap-reducer is installed on the trailer.
a bottom portion;
a forward portion between the top portion and the bottom portion; and a pair of side portions interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the gap-reducer is installed on the trailer.
2. The gap-reducer of claim 1, wherein the matching corner interconnects the bottom portion the corresponding side portion.
3. The gap-reducer of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the matching corner is modular.
4. The gap-reducer of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the matching corner can be selected from a plurality of matching corner shapes.
5. The gap-reducer of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the matching corner includes a series of extending portions.
6. The gap-reducer of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the matching corner includes a pre-cut pattern.
7. The gap-reducer of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the matching corner includes a curved corner.
8. The gap-reducer of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the matching corner includes a wedged corner.
9. The gap-reducer of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bottom portion further includes a flange sized and designed to match and secure an uneven front trailer surface.
10. The gap-reducer of claim 9, wherein the flange includes a varying thickness.
11. A trailer comprising a gap-reducer for reducing a gap between a road tractor and the trailer attached thereto, the gap-reducer comprising a top portion;
a bottom portion;
a forward portion between the top portion and the bottom portion; and a pair of side portions interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the gap-reducer is installed on the trailer.
a bottom portion;
a forward portion between the top portion and the bottom portion; and a pair of side portions interconnected by the forward portion, the bottom portion including a matching corner configured to match a corresponding corner of the trailer when the gap-reducer is installed on the trailer.
12. The trailer of claim 11, wherein the matching corner interconnects the bottom portion the corresponding side portion.
13. The trailer of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the matching corner is modular.
14. The trailer of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the matching corner can be selected from a plurality of matching corner shapes.
15. The trailer of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the matching corner includes a series of extending portions.
16. The trailer of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the matching corner includes a pre-cut pattern.
17. The trailer of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the matching corner includes a curved corner.
18. The trailer of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the matching corner includes a wedged corner.
19. The trailer of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the bottom portion further includes a flange sized and designed to match and secure an uneven front trailer surface.
20. The trailer of claim 19, wherein the flange includes a varying thickness.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201462059125P | 2014-10-02 | 2014-10-02 | |
| US62/059,125 | 2014-10-02 | ||
| US201462094546P | 2014-12-19 | 2014-12-19 | |
| US62/094,546 | 2014-12-19 | ||
| US14/870,818 | 2015-09-30 | ||
| US14/870,818 US20160096556A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 | 2015-09-30 | Aerodynamic tractor-trailer gap reducer and assembly thereof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2905518A1 true CA2905518A1 (en) | 2016-04-02 |
Family
ID=55590229
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2905518A Abandoned CA2905518A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 | 2015-09-30 | Aerodynamic tractor-trailer gap reducer and trailer interface thereof |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2905518A1 (en) |
-
2015
- 2015-09-30 CA CA2905518A patent/CA2905518A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20191001 |